Inspiration ...

When I started graduate school I did not know anyone at the school and felt a little lost. I had decided to go back to school and get my MBA to (hopefully) boost my struggling career. I was "starting over". I knew that I was signing up for a mountain of student loans but, for some reason, the study of business just "felt right" to me.

Shortly after I moved into my dorm room on campus, I picked up the local campus newspaper and stumbled upon a full page advertisement (if you could call it that) by Apple. There was no reference to computers or any of their products. In fact, the only way I knew it was (probably) paid for by Apple was the small black logo in the upper left corner.

The words had a big impact on me at the time. They made me think about what I wanted to accomplish during my two years at the school ... and beyond.

I still have the advertisement. The paper has yellowed a little over the years but the words still ring true. I've referred to them many times and found that they always provide inspiration...

Dream Big !

If there were ever a time to dare,
to make a difference,
to embark on something worth doing,
it is now.
Not for any grand causes, necessarily -
but for something that tugs at your heart,
something that's your aspiration,
something that is your dream.

You owe it to yourself
to make your days here count.
Have Fun.
Dig deep.
Stretch.

Dream big.

Know, though, that things worth doing
seldom come easy.
There will be good days.
And there will be bad days.
There will be times when you want to turn around,
pack it up,
and call it quits.
Those times tell you
that you are pushing yourself,
that you are not afraid to learn by trying.

Persist.

Because with an idea,
determination,
and the right tools,
you can do great things.
Let your instincts,
your intellect,
and your heart
guide you.

Trust.

Believe in the incredible power of the human mind.
Of doing something that makes a difference.
Of working hard.
Of laughing and hoping.
Of lazy afternoons.
Of lasting friends.
Of all the things that will cross your path this year.

The start of something new
brings the hope of something great.
Anything is possible.
There is only one you.
And you will pass this way only once.
Do it right.

My World...

Have you ever been asked, "What color is the sky in your world?"

A fellow Toastmaster tweated her recommendation of the video "The Climb" and it got me thinking about what "the world of Miley Cyrus" (or other similar celebrity) is like... and how it compares to the rest of us.

First off, I don't think I'm "spilling the beans" to say that Miley Cyrus is young, talented and has an incredibly bright future ahead of her. She probably has more money than she could ever spend ... assuming she learns to manage her finances responsibly and avoids the pitfalls of fame... drugs, alcohol and other "distractions".

Her future could be spectacular and, at least from the personality portrayed publicly, she seems to have a happy, positive attitude which makes her fun to be around. It would seem that this starts to describe "her world" (or at least what the public can see of her world).

What is your world like?

Do people like to be around you? Do you have an attitude that people like to associate with?

Is someone's world a result of their actions or strictly luck? I'm sure many people would say that Miley was lucky to have Billy Ray Cyrus (singer/actor) as a father and he opened many doors for her. On the other hand, if she could not sing or had a lousy attitude I'm sure she would not be the star she is today.

As My World Turns...

This got me thinking about "my world" and how I am influencing the outcomes that I want. For instance, do I make a special effort to be the type of person that others want to be around? I think so ... although I also feel that it is important to challenge people sometimes so that they have an opportunity to grow. As long as they feel supported (also another area that I am working on) then they will eventually be amazed by what they can accomplish.

What about Physical Qualities?

It isn't talked about alot but I think we all know that physical attractiveness affects how people perceive and react to you. If Miley Cyrus was as big as the contestants on "The Biggest Loser" TV show, would she be as popular? It is a shame but I don't think so.

I have been working out regularly since the start of this blog (Aug.09) and have been making slow progress to "shrink" my weight (hence the name of the blog). I have also been paying attention to my hair (what's left) and keeping it trimmed more often. I've also updated my wardrobe (slightly) so that the clothes I have are at least "clean and fit well". I'm no "James Bond" (yet) but I am making progress. (Next... shoes!)

What about the intangibles?

While physical appearance matters (and can be influenced substantially), attitude and communication skills matter even more... remember John Belushi? He was not known for his physical beauty or grooming habits but he was amazingly funny. Miley Cyrus has a similar quality in that she seems to "light up the room" when she is "on screen".

What kind of impression do you make when you enter a room?

Is your default expression a smile? Ask your friends or check yourself out in a mirror. There is a simple trick that I learned years ago when I was in telephone sales (don't ask) and it is to have a mirror available when you dial your telephone. The mirror allows you to check to make sure you are smiling when you dial and that smile will come across in the tone of your voice when the other person answers your call. Talk about a great way to practice your "first impression" power!

Are you using your "First Impression Power" to shape your world?

Take back your power and shape your world so that people will ask you....
What color is the sky in your world?

Make it whatever you want !

Good Luck on your Climb !

d.Mark "Dave" Wheeler

A friend's progress...

I had dinner on Saturday evening with an old friend from high school and his family. We ate lots of barbecued (unhealthy, but very tasty) food and caught up on old times.

The difference from the last time we got together is that this friend has lost almost 30 pounds over the past Summer !

How?

He started on Weight Watchers and showed me all the latest tools that they have including online resources so you can figure out how many "points" each meal contains. He was given "40 points per day" and he typically could only use about 20 or so. His biggest dietary switches were the reduction (or elimination) of bread, more vegetables (on the grill too) and, it seemed, a better plan for his meals throughout the day. He would take a handful of almonds for an afternoon snack and an apple for his drive home from work (it is about an hour).

He also started going to the local high school track and walking about 2 miles every day. I think this gave him time to unwind and reduce the stress of a busy job, 3 kids (with lots of activities) and the current economic situation. Sort of like meditation ... with sneakers.

The best news?

His father died much younger than he should have (from a heart attack, I believe) and for a while my friend had been making comments that seemed to indicate that he felt he shared the same fate. "When I'm gone..." or "I need to get things in order in case..." and at dinner there was no such comments. In fact, it appeared that the rest of his family were behind his efforts 100%. His wife had a salad (while he and I had barbecue) and his kids seemed to know what foods were good and which were "special occasion foods". All their kids are into athletics so they don't have any problems with weight... but this type of food knowledge will be invaluable to them when they get older. (Ask me how I know!)

Show, don't Tell !

He is also setting an excellent example for his kids and demonstrating how much he cares for his family by the way he takes care of himself. I am very proud to be his friend and I hope that I'm able to inspire others in a similar way !

I'm sure he would agree that he is not "done" and that a healthy lifestyle is an ongoing effort. I am confident that he will be around for a good many years ... which is great to see since it means my friend will be there for his family, other friends ... and me!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Leave a comment below.