Archive for the 'Inspiration' Category

In this powerful book on self-improvement and self-discovery, Don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. It’s one of my all time favorites and one that I highly recommend if you’re serious about improving your life.

If you enjoyed Rudy, October Sky, Radio, or Mr. Holland’s Opus, you’ll love this book. I had the honor of meeting Mike Kersjes and he was kind enough to send me an autographed copy of this inspirational book. It’s about a teacher (Mike Kersjes), his class of SPECIAL education students, and their unforgettable journey. It is one of the most touching real-life stories that I have ever read. It is beautifully written and illustrates the unlimited power of the human spirit.

I pledge allegiance to the dollar of the United States of America and to the power for which it stands, one nation under Man, with greed and arrogance for all.

The above was originally written to honor the integrity of those courageous executives at Enron who had the vision to steal the hopes and dreams of their employees, all in the sake of greed and arrogance. In our “me” focused society, we too often forget the importance of compassion and focus on self far too often, forgetting our primary responsibility of serving mankind. Following are words that all Americans should read and contemplate:

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” – Thomas Paine

In closing, I would like to share some thoughts for you to reflect – and act – upon…

“Integrity is a choice. It is consistently choosing the purity of truth over popularity.”

“If we don’t stand for what’s right, we will be consumed by what’s wrong.”

“Success at the expense of faith and family is really failure.”

“What is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular.”

“The truth may sometimes hurt, but it will always help.”

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.

I know that many of you - like me - struggle (it’s ok to admit it!) to keep our priorities in order. We know that a balanced life is lived via the following order – faith, family, friends, work – but we find it very difficult to live such a disciplined life. The demands of work tend to crowd out the more nourishing aspects of our life, often leaving to discouragement and stress.

The single most important key is DISCIPLINE. To change our life from chaos and confusion to peace and harmony, we must first take personal responsibility to change the bad habits that are keeping us from living lives of meaning and purpose. One of my favorite quotes is, “Success at the expense of faith and family is really failure.” Where we spend our time and money (work, golf, hunting, church, family time, etc.) is a direct reflection of our priorities. Men, have you ever considered what is important to your wife? What about your children? I surprised my wife recently with a trip to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion perform. I like Celine’s music, but Jeanne loves her and her music. I will never forget the joy that my wife experienced after that night’s performance. The old Byrd Baggett would have considered this trip a real sacrifice, as I used to be totally wrapped up in self and work. Since I have made the conscious decision to get out of self and into others, my life has far more purpose and meaning.

Another critical need is that of solitude. Far too many are caught in the “hairball of life.” I have found that creativity is most often found in the silence of solitude and that precious few understand the power of these words – “Be still and listen.” Many find solitude difficult, as they don’t like whom they’re with when they are alone. This is an even more important reason to seek the balance that leads to personal peace. On a business trip to the Northwest several years ago, I took advantage of a long weekend to spend several days in a secluded cabin in British Columbia. There were no technological distractions - no phone, television, or computer - and I spent the days cleaning the cobwebs out of my soul. The product of this weekend of peace and solitude was the idea for my newest book, The Past Doesn’t Have a Future But You Do. Creativity and peace are found in the silence of solitude!

A few words for leaders…

Balance is critical to peak performance. It is imperative that your associates lead balanced lives to achieve your team’s full potential. When people are sacrificing on the home front, their performance at work will ultimately suffer. Are you creating an environment that encourages balance?

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.

“Who we associate with” and “what we think of” are keys to our direction in life. If you think negative thoughts, it’s nearly impossible to achieve positive results. Also, if you associate with turkeys, you most likely will never soar with the eagles.

The following poem is a great example of the results of both a positive and negative attitude…

The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

There was a man who lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs.
He was hard of hearing so he had no radio.
He had trouble with his eyes, so he read no newspapers.

BUT HE SOLD GOOD HOT DOGS.

He put up signs on the highway telling how good they were.
He stood on the side of the road and cried, “Buy a hot dog, mister?”

AND PEOPLE BOUGHT.

He increased his meat and bun orders.
He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade.
His son came to help him out.

BUT THEN SOMETHING HAPPENED.

His son said, “Father, haven’t you been listening to the radio?
Haven’t you been reading the newspapers?
There’s a big depression.
The European situation is terrible.
The domestic situation is worse.”
Whereupon his father thought, “Well, my son’s been to college, he reads the papers and he listens to the radio, and he ought to know.”
So the father cut down on his meat and bun orders, took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand out on the highway to sell his hot dogs.

AND HIS HOT DOG SALES FELL ALMOST OVERNIGHT.

“You’re right, son,” the father said to the boy. We certainly are in the middle of a great depression.”

Author Unknown

Following for your reflection…

• “Surround yourself with dream makers, not dream killers.”
• “Follow the trail to your dreams, not the path of others’ expectations.”

And remember, you are in charge of your attitude.

The most reliable predictor of success - successful marriages & families, friendships, careers, teams – is dependent on the perceived degree of belief. The degree of belief in all relationships (marriages, families, friendships, careers, teams) is a direct reflection in the amount of faith one has for the other (spouse, children, teammates, friends). Following are three questions to help in determining the health of your relationships and your potential for success:

1. When people understand you, you get their attention.
2. When people trust you, you earn their loyalty.
3. When people know you really care, you catch their hearts.

Our faith (priorities) is a direct reflection of where we spend our time and money. Where is your faith?

Faith
Always
Is
The
Healing

Doubt sees the obstacles, FAITH sees the way.
Doubt sees the dark of night, FAITH sees the day.
Doubt dreads to take a step, FAITH soars on high.
Doubt questions, “Who believes? FAITH answers, “I!”

“Surround yourself with the precious few who believe in you.”

“Surround yourself with dream makers, not dream killers.”

“Alone, hearts are one of life’s most fragile things, but together their passion can accomplish the impossible.”

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.