“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” – John Wooden

One of the greatest lies we can tell ourselves is that we don’t have time to do what we want.

We can convince ourselves that since we don’t have time, less than 100% effort is ok.

We can explain away not having time to exercise, spend time with our families, etc.

But this quote is a reminder that if we don’t make time for the important stuff now, when will we have time to do it over?

The answer is that we won’t.

And some areas of life don’t get a chance for a do-over.

When it comes to our important relationships (as an example), we only have the time we have. We can’t make more time later.

What do you need to make time for today?

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/PEAIJV6CmtA

This is an Irish tune that gets played a lot at our house.

Each time I hear it I am reminded of just how lucky I am (and believe all of us to be).

For some reason that I can’t completely fathom, God is working this wonderful plan for the world that He wants us to be a part of.

He has a special place in that plan for each and every one of us.

He wants us all to be a part of this wonderful dance. To lean into it and live it to our fullest.

St. Patrick’s Day not only celebrates Ireland and Irish culture, it also celebrates St. Patrick himself and the work he did to share God’s love.

Make it a great day.

Jake

After yesterday’s daily attitude email Meaghan reminded me of another part of the Irish-American story.

St. Patrick’s Day is a reminder that most of us were at one time immigrants.

Our ancestors travelled to a new place to start a new adventure.

The Irish came to America looking for a better future.

And for the most part, they found it.

It isn’t perfect, and there were some bumps along the road, but it worked out pretty good.

We have a lot to be thankful for, whether we are Irish or not.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Oddly enough, St. Patrick’s Day is a reminder of why America is pretty cool.

In America on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone can be Irish.

We can celebrate the culture of another country in a (mostly) positive way without fear.

We can all be Irish for the day and smile and laugh as one.

Despite our politics and differences we can get along.

I’m not naïve enough to think that all of us get into this spirit on St. Patrick’s Day (or any other holiday for that matter).

But I am almost always surprised by how much of a difference it makes.

Embrace your inner Irishman (or lass) this week.

Make it a great day.

Jake

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I went in search of Irish quotes and proverbs.

This one in particular struck at the heart of what I believe to be one of the most endearing of the Irish idiosyncrasies, hospitality.

The Irish are well known for their hospitality and welcoming nature.

I have come to think this is part of what leads to their general cheeriness. Life is best lived through service and hospitality towards others.

When we put others first our best shines through.

Make it a great day filled with happy hospitality.

Jake

Here are some of the other great Irish sayings I found:

It’s easier to halve the potato when there’s love.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours that stay with you all the year long.

Lose an hour in the morning and you’ll be looking for it all day.

If you buy what you don’t need you might have to sell what you do.

Better good manners than good looks.

You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind.

Pity him who makes an opinion a certainty.

Nothing surely is as potent as a law that may not be disobeyed. It has the force of the water drop that hollows the stone. A small dainty task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules. – Anthony Trollope

Small, simple disciplines, repeated every day.

Like the consistent drip of water against stone.

The force is undeniable and unstoppable.

And we have in our power the ability to create these small habits and disciplines in our life.

Grab the opportunity to use this power in your life.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/EErSKhC0CZs

You make my dreams come true…

This one came on the radio and I was reminded of all the people in my life that have made my dreams come true.

Send a note or call someone in your life that has helped make your dreams come true.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://www.facebook.com/ImpactTheoryShow/videos/1980325092219400/

I’ve been watching a lot of these interviews lately, they are all pretty good.

This one includes the great story of an NFL player that stopped playing football to teach his 4 year old daughter how to fight cancer.

The story is inspiring, but past that it’s interesting because he had to dumb down the goal achievement process to the point where a 4 year old could understand it.

It’s a great story about priorities and focus on what’s most important.

Take the time to watch/listen to the story and see where it might inspire you.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Reminder morning….

How are those 2018 goals going?

Any adjustments need to be made?

Whether you are on track or off track, write it down and share it with someone today.

Let a trusted friend/adviser know how you are doing.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it. – Dumbledore

Our words do have some magic in them.

In Harry Potter words have literal magic and create explosions, transformations and other impactful changes.

In our world their magic isn’t quite so obvious and immediate most of the time, but the effects are just as powerful.

Watch what words you choose. Both with yourself and with others.

Pay attention to the results you are creating through the words you choose.

If you want to see different results, begin choosing different words.

Make it a great day.

Jake