On Course

"Even though I focus on the priorities in life; God, Family and everything else, I drift. My humanity pulls me off course. Life will always have a way of doing this. Learn to recognize that you have drifted and then correct your course. Align yourself to what is important." -Dean Sweetman

It happens to all of us, we are cruising along the highway of our lives and we become distracted. We take a wrong turn or see something off to the right that looks interesting. The path we are taking goes off in a direction that pulls us from what we know is important for our own life.

Accept that each of us stray from our own path and that finding our way back is always possible. Learn from the experience and let it give you greater strength to keep on track.

As always, stay inspired my friends.

Look in the Mirror

“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. It is up to you to give [life] a meaning.”
-Jean Paul Sartre

There will be many with varying opinions regarding Mahatma Gandhi, but one of his self-effacing views was that the most important battle he had to fight was in overcoming his own demons, fears and insecurities. He thought it was all too easy to blame people, governing powers or enemies for his personal actions and well-being. Gandhi said that the solution to these types of problems can normally be found just by looking in the mirror.

Take note that the point being made is that it begins with you. Personal responsibility for ones own actions and attitudes is the first step in changing for the better.

Take a look in the mirror first and by all means, stay inspired my friends.

Three Things

"Energy is liberated matter, matter is energy waiting to happen." -Bill Bryson

There are three things required to create the universe according to scientists; matter, energy and space. And no, I'm not here to debate or discuss the question of God or creation here. What I find interesting is how these three things can be applied to success in life. So stay with me here is you please.

1. Matter

While matter is considered the substance of which all physical objects consist, you consist of matter. But something else to consider is that you also matter in everything that you are. You are not simply the combination of molecules and other little bits and pieces. You are someone that counts in life.

2. Energy

With all of those molecules and little bits and pieces, there is energy in the movements that we make. When we sit still, nothing is produced. But when we get up and take a step, energy is transfered in that movement. With each additional step, the energy produced increases and your life is energized immensely.

3. Space

There is space between you and your destination, but it is not insurmountable. You can travel vast distances from where you are now to where you want to be in life. That space is only as large as your doubt. That space also gives you a wide and vast array of choice. You must take that space, regardless of its size, and make it your own.

The three things in your universe are the three things that make up the broader universe. Achieve more and greater things in life, your best life. And keep yourself inspired my friends.

What Guides Your Decisions

"Virtues are lost in self-interest as rivers are lost in the sea." -Franklin D. Roosevelt

In his book Faith In The Game, Tom Osborne writes "it seems too few decisions are made in our culture out of a concern for the common good. Too often money and self-interest are the only factors given much weight. Loyalty has become an almost forgotten attribute."

Have you found yourself making decisions in this manner?

Having a positive and serving attitude in life means one has to give less attention to self and more to others. It does not mean giving up the idea that money is important. But to base your decisions solely on money or self-interest will not generate long term results. Do not get me wrong, both money and self have to be considered. Yet the common good also has to be factored into the process.

Your decisions in life effect others around you. Making decisions should also involve thought to what impact it will have beyond self. We must remember that many things should be considered in our decision making process. Just try not to let money and self-interest become the driving force.

“Self-interest is but the survival of the animal in us. Humanity only begins for man with self-surrender.” - Henri Frederic Amiel (Swiss writer)

On a side note, I wish to congratulate Dr. Tom Osborne on his retirement from the University of Nebraska. Tom has had an amazing career both in the academics, athletics and government that is too much to write in this article. What I can say about Tom is that he has always been a leader among leaders while staying grounded in life.

On Saturday night, March 9, Tom was honored by many of his fans and others. He will be missed in the day-to-day University of Nebraska Cornhusker athletics. Thank you Dr. Tom and to Nancy his wife for so many years of greatness.

Lastly, I would like to say Happy Birthday to my departed brother John. We miss you and love you.

Stay inspired my friends.