Saying No.

I assume that at some point we have all struggled with this one in one way or another.

It’s never fun to tell someone or something no.

Most of us are nice people and like to say yes whenever possible.

We think we can do it all and squeeze it in, but then find ourselves stretched too thin.

The key is to make our no’s worth it.

Having meaningful goals and a powerful purpose makes saying no a lot easier and totally worth it.

It’s worth it to say no to ice cream when you are fired up about the new you.

It’s worth it to say no to that new committee when you are completely committed to the one you are on.

It’s worth it to say no to watching more TV when you are really excited about exercising.

Make your no’s worth it. Turn them into something meaningful.

Make it a great day.

Jake

JW: Why does God listen to us? – Zach Warmbir

JD – It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. – Winston Churchill

EB* – If you’re going through hell, keep going. – Winston Churchill

MS* – There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18

Is it a little weird that 1 John 4:18 reminded me of Star Wars?

I’m an amateur on all things Star Wars, but it seemed to me that one of the themes involved was just what is described in the Bible.

Somehow, we must create a loving heart that is not driven by fear.

In the movies, the characters are faced with their fears and those that are able to conquer them and replace them with love end up being Jedi and those that can’t end up on the “Dark Side” (by the way, seems to me that if your side is ever called the “Dark Side”, you might want to rethink things).

As we contemplate this verse and the lessons from Star Wars, we can think about our own fears.

What are we really afraid of?

What would love require of us in this scenario?

Make it a great day.

Jake

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. – Lewis B. Smedes

I’m sure we have all let some animosity or hurt feelings hold us back at some point.

We held it in and wouldn’t let ourselves forgive the person who had done us wrong.

But when we finally let go, it was like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders.

As we choose to move forward in our lives, one of the steps along the way is forgiving.

The setting free of those cares and concerns by forgiving the wrongs.

Is there someone in your life that need to be forgiven?

Do you need to be set free?

Make it a great day.

Jake

Pearls don’t lie on the seashore. If you want one, you must dive for it. – Chinese proverb

As I get older, this one seems more and more true.

Anything of value requires work.

The work of self-discipline.

The work of building good habits.

The work of stopping bad habits.

The work of putting others before yourself.

It isn’t easy, and that’s why it’s worth it.

Let’s get to work!

Make it a great day.

Jake

“The greatest form of maturity is at harvest time. That is when we must learn how to reap without complaint if the amounts are small and how to reap without apology if the amounts are big.” – Jim Rohn

Harvest time in Central IL. The farmers are working hard at it and the landscape is changing drastically.

Harvest time is such a good reminder of one of the natural processes of life.

You work hard at something and then you harvest the rewards.

Jim’s quote reminds us not to complain about those rewards.

We have earned them, no matter how big or how small.

As you look at your life, look at what you are harvesting (the results you are getting) and see if any changes need to be made.

Maybe you need to work a little harder at it in the spring and the summer.

Maybe you need to pour it on next year and do even better.

Maybe you need to not feel guilty about the awesome results you got.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/f97na9l8O-0

One of my questions I have been asking in interviews lately is “what is your favorite song and why?”

The question always elicits a positive response.

Songs bring back positive memories and can put us in a good mood.

It also allows us to share with others something that has affected us.

This song was mentioned recently when I asked someone this question.

So, what is your favorite song and why?

Either reply all to this email with it or just share it with a friend.

Make it a great day.

Jake

If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. – Yogi Berra

Yogi Berra passed away yesterday at the age of 90.

He was known for his unique and sometimes confusing use of the English language.

I have always like his quotes like the one above.

Quotes where it is so obvious that you almost overlook the fact that it might just apply to you.

If we don’t have goals and a plan for our lives we will probably end up somewhere we don’t want to.

What a great reminder of the importance of a plan.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Lots more Yogi quotes here:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/y/yogi_berra.html

https://youtu.be/r3kb9dkddX0

This is one my favorite short little excerpts from Jim Rohn.

4 simple questions to get you moving in a positive direction.

1. Why? What is your why? What gets you going?

2. Why not? Jim says “You going to be here until you die, might as well.” Are there any legitimate reasons for you to not move forward and take action?

3. Why not you? This one gets to the heart of it. You are capable of greatness. Never forget that. YOU can do it.

4. Why not now? No time like the present. Sure, the excuses can pile up pretty quick. But so can the results. Just get started.

Whether you are 5 or 85, I think these questions apply to you.

And I’m confident that a little bit of thoughtful introspection in answering these questions can drive you to do and be better.

Let’s go do it.

Make it a great day.

Jake

“When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is a great description of our fears.

A scary looking man with a fake beard that immediately becomes a farce when confronted.

Think about what is holding you back from reaching your goals.

What are you afraid of?

Afraid of failure?

Afraid someone might laugh at you?

Afraid someone won’t like you anymore?

Afraid of losing control?

Afraid that it might actually work?

Take the first step today. Take the step through your fears.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Today is the 5th anniversary of the day when I started sending these emails.

Some quick math put it at around 1500 emails that have been sent.

That number really sounds a bit ridiculous. Do I really have that much to say? Do people really want to hear from me that much?

Developing a daily habit of trying to put into words the positive thoughts and habits I would like to have has had a meaningful impact on my life.

The positive interactions that I have had with those that have read and responded have been awesome.

I would encourage you to think about one small discipline you can add to consistently add something positive into your life.

Even the smallest habit can add up after a while.

Make it a great day.

Jake