“That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you’ve understood all your life, but in a new way.” – Doris Lessing, 2007 Nobel Prize Winner

So, I didn’t know who Doris Lessing was until today. But, as soon as I read her quote, I had to look her up. Sounded very Rocky-esqe when he told his kid, “Let me tell you something you already know.”

Being told something you already know can be irritating. Ask my six year old. She’ll sigh real deep, lean her head back a bit, and say exasperatedly, “I knnnooowww.” Then she has to be reminded about her attitude and we move on.

Being told something you already know can also be energizing, comforting, and refreshing. It can increase your confidence through confirmation. It can remind you gently of important tidbits forgotten. It can renew your sense of direction with a fresh look at the map. Learning something you already know can be the highlight of your day.

Telling somebody what you already know they know can be the hardest job of all. Why? Because you already know how irritating that can be. But forgetfulness and complacency need reminding and redirecting. And it is up to us to provide it when needed and accept it when thoughtfully given. If we are friends, you would tell me if I had broccoli in my teeth. This is no different.

Don’t blow off an opportunity to learn something because you think it’s something you already know. Don’t pass up the opportunity to share because you think you have nothing new to add. Something may enter your brain in a new and exciting way. You may have an angle, an insight, a tone of voice that gives new meaning to an old topic.

One of the most special things about relationships is the sharing of information that inspires us to be better for ourselves and each other. What do you have to share today?

Taking a minute to put a call out to my Richmond Hill readers

I know that there are many of you that are faithful TAT readers and do not live anywhere near Richmond Hill. I am sorry, but I have to segregate us for just a second.

If you live, work, play, in Richmond Hill, I would like to profile you on

We can talk about whatever you want to talk about (as long as we all remember this is a family friendly site). Promote a cause, a business, a person – name it, let’s do it!

If you flip through the site you’ll see articles on local politics, business, and people. Soon, you’ll see what it looks like when I scale a big ol’ rock wall! Hopefully, we will also see you!

“It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.”
- James Thurber (1894-1961), Humorist

One thing anybody who has known me for any length of time can tell you – I am fairly open with my short comings. Here’s the one I’ll share with you today.

I talk a lot – especially when I am nervous or around new people. Worse, I can get loud and silly. I will pause a moment while my friends that love me at least pretend to be shocked.

I don’t mind talking. I am usually comfortable doing it. I typically present myself well, and I learn a lot about what I think when I hear what it sounds like out loud.

But talking is not the best way to learn. You and I both know that it is listening. Not hearing, not head nodding – real deal listening. There are few things that offer a greater opportunity for true growth and learning than being engaged with another person.

I had the opportunity to discuss the importance of relationship building with a friend today over lunch. A great thing happened. I talked and I listened. And, while we have a great relationship, I think it grew. We both realized we were on the same page with each other and our clients. It’s all about the relationship. It’s all about being a good listener.

Today’s encouragement is for myself (and you too if you need it). I can listen more and talk less. I can ask real questions and listen for the real answers. I can hear more words than I speak. I will not shy away for the things that need improvement. I embrace the opportunity to be better today than I was yesterday.

The challenge for you is to help me and each other. What techniques do you use to ensure you are a great listener?

Is this not your area of weakness? How do you learn where your opportunity for improvement rests and how to be better today. Don’t let these situations irritate you – let them inspire you to stretch and strive for greatness!

National Make a Difference Day is Saturday!

In case you’ve missed some of the last couple of blog posts, let me take a minute and let you all in on my biggest passion – children. They are the best hope for anything and they only thing I am an advocate for. Therefore, it is my pleasure to let you all know about AMBUCS and a wonderful opportunity to participate in Make a Difference Day.

AMBUCS, among other things, provides specially made bikes for children with disabilities. This Make a Difference Day, Savannah AMBUCS will be sponsoring the Exceptional Bowling League that enables adults with a variety of disabilities to participate in bowling at the Victory Lanes from 10am -12 noon. The bowlers range in age from 16 to over 60.

Go check out the website or contact me for more information.

*Photo credit to Kansir

“Now, when we fought, you had that eye of the tiger, man; the edge! And now you gotta get it back, and the way to get it back is to go back to the beginning. You know what I mean?”- Apollo Creed, Rocky III

It’s been a while since my favorite quote giver of all time, Rocky Balboa, has made an appearance. And honestly, Rocky III is my least favorite. Hulk Hogan is some guy named Thunderlips, Mr. T is an exaggeration (is that possible?) of himself, Mickey dies, and Rocky loses a fight. Ugh!

However, it is the Rocky movie that embodies the greatness of the legacy – heart. Through out Rocky I & II, you get the impression that Rocky is “just that kind of guy.” That person who is born with drive, endurance, motivation. In Rocky III, we find that is just not true.

Rocky get comfortable. He begins to slack on his training, neglect his follow through, take his success for granted. He begins to think that just being Rocky Balboa is enough. His championship, his previous accomplishment, his current position – these things are comfortable places to hang his hat. Until he loses.

He is fortunate that he has a friend who cares about him enough to get real with him. He has lost his edge. He has forgotten his dedication to excellence. He has forgotten where he came from and what it took to get to where he wanted to be. He also had a friend that was willing to help him get it all back.

There is no doubt that we all have missteps. There are times when our decisions aren’t the best and our outcomes are worse. But, the mistakes aren’t the point. Our reaction to them is. Have we prepared with relationships? Have we readied ourselves with strength? Have we earned the benefit of the doubt with those around us?

Losses are not terminal – they are situational. In fact, I dare say that it is in these moments when we are afforded the opportunity to appreciate our true friends and realize our fullest ability. Take the time to thank those who always offer a hand, to do your best for those that make your life successful, and remember why it is you do what you do. It only takes a moment to rediscover the traits that make life great.

You Guys are the Best!

I totally missed Turn Around Tuesday’s six month anniversary two weeks ago. It’s hard to believe that you all have allowed me to come into your inbox every week, every Tuesday, and share my thoughts. Then many of you decide to join me on the web and continue the conversation there.

Thank you.

I wanted to take a minute to tell you all how much I appreciate your encouragement and well wishes. I am glad you have enjoyed it and I do my best not to let you down.

*Photo credit to The Blog Film

“Ninety percent of this game is mental, and the other half is physical.”
- Yogi Berra, Baseball Hall of Famer

Yogi Berra is one of baseball’s legendary players. However, he may be just as well known for his funny misquotes. Remember the insurance commercial where the guy getting a hair cut says, “They give you cash which is just as good as money.” That’s him.

Some would say today’s quote is just another example of one of those times. Maybe so, but I choose to take it just the way it stands. If 90% is mental and the other half (90%) is physical – then we are giving 180%! Can you even begin to imagine?

Now, contrary to popular belief – I am not totally crazy. I do not believe that giving 180% all the time is a good idea. I have seen those people who have tried. It is not pretty or effective.

However, I am sure we can all agree that there is some point in time, some project, some person, some goal – that deserves 180%, even if just for a little while. And none could disagree that the situation would be better off for it.

Sound exhausting? Maybe – but I doubt it. I think many of us are yearning for an opportunity like this. The chance to go all out. I am willing to bet that the right focus coupled with a brief devotion of the 180% effort will feel better and more energizing than anything you’ve done in a long time.

Our motivation, while mental, gets exercise the same way our muscles do – by working it out. You can maintain your motivation by doing the things you typically do. However, getting that motivation highly effective and clearly defined takes a little more push. I encourage you to find that “push” today. I think you’ll like what you find.

Crosstown BNI Connections scheduled to Charter.

Many of you have heard me talk about the new chapter of BNI starting. Well, we have been working on it and the day is here.

Wednesday, October 10th, 11:30 A.M., at the Perkins on Hwy 204 and I-95, Crosstown BNI Connections will officially charter.

Never been to a BNI meeting? Looking for a BNI chapter to get involved in? Curious about the whole process? Stop on by or feel free to send me an email. I’ll be glad to answer all your questions.

*photo credit to philongames