Archive for June, 2009
You are currently browsing the JEFF'S BIT OF EXCELLENCE blog archives for June, 2009.
29
Jun
2009
Mt. But overtakes Mt Everest as world’s highest mountain
There’s been so much talk of Michael Jackson’s untimely death lately that most of us didn’t notice an equally earth shattering piece of news – Mt But has overtaken Mt Everest as the world’s highest mountain!
So where exactly is Mt But? It’s really easy to find – it’s in your mind, and it’s your greatest obstacle to achieving anything in life, big or small, super important or really inconsequential.
And what is Mt But? It’s your inner voice that goes, “Yes, I’d like to do this in life, but ……..” or “I must start my diet now, but ………” or “I will start working on this really important project now, but ….. Every time you add a “but” to your inner voice in this context, your brain immediately goes to bed and does nothing to help you achieve your goals. In fact, almost 100% of the time after you utter “but” only negatives come out of your heart and mind and you have to climb a mountain higher than Mt. Everest to get things done.
The simple cure to overcome the Mt. But disease is to say, “I will start working on this project now because I like the recognition when I get it done right” or “I must start my diet immediately and I’ll do it because I want to live to see my kids grow up…” or “I’d like to achieve this in life and all I need is a strategy how”. What you’re doing is to put yourself in a better emotional state to handle any situation just by eliminating the word “but” under these circumstances, substitute it with “and” or “because” and complete the sentence with positives only. It’s really that simple and to those of you saying this is good advice but…. I suggest you say it again as “this is good advice and I’m going to use it now because I’m tied of climbing up Mt But!”
Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so – “Bill” Shakespeare
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
20
Jun
2009
Wisdom from the brave!
ouch!
Wisdom comes from anywhere – even the Shaolin master pictured here. This young man is resting his entire body on a few sharp spears (and trust me it’s sharp – I tested it myself!) Many of us are asking WHY? Why is he doing this? What’s the use of training just to perform this type of stunt? Why? Why? Why?
Perhaps the better question is WHY NOT? Doesn’t this mirror life? Instead of saying why when faced with different or unusual situations in life, isn’t it far better to ask why not, dream about the solution and then find ways to do it?
Next time you’re faced with a new and slightly frightening situation, playfully ask yourself why not, smile, have fun with the moment and watch your life change!
“Some men see things as they are and say why – I dream things that never were and say why not” - George Bernard Shaw
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
5
Jun
2009
Imagine some more ….
–Originally posted on 14.5.09–
More pictures from my recent trip to Shaolin. It looks like…. (gasp!) they’re playing basketball in their orange robes!
In between gongfu performances that displayed their amazing agility, and mental and physical prowess, these young men showed me yet another side to the very serious nature of martial arts. When it’s time to play, you play with passion, 100% passion. How often do you play your life with 100% passion? Start now!
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
5
Jun
2009
Imagine…….
–Originally posted on 7.5.09–
Visited Shaolin Temple in central China last week – it’s my fourth time in two years! Watching the performers and martial arts experts there always inspires and motivates me and this trip gave me more of the same wonderful experience. Here’s some pictures.
imagine standing on one leg for hours
imagine standing on one leg for hours with the other leg over your head
imagine doing push-ups with just your hands and with your legs folded in
imagine bending wooden poles with your throat pressed against the sharp points of the metal tips
To many, seeing this type of complete body control and flexibility is nothing more than watching a show. Yet, there are far greater lessons for all of us :
- how dedicated are we in perfecting our skills to achieve our goals?
- how determined are we to succeed?
- how flexible are we in dealing with life?
These young men answer all these questions by showing that mastery of human potential is possible - as long as you have desire, determination and dedication.
So instead of imaging how wonderfully different our life would be if only …… (fill in the blanks with your usual lame excuse that needs action from someone else to make your life better) take action today with just one small change in how you view the world and the situation around you, and then handle any stressful situation differently from how you normally would.
Imagine how great your day will be……..
- how dedicated are we in perfecting our skills to achieve our goals?
- how determined are we to succeed?
- how flexible are we in dealing with life?
These young men answer all these questions by showing that mastery of human potential is possible - as long as you have desire, determination and dedication.
So instead of imaging how wonderfully different our life would be if only …… (fill in the blanks with your usual lame excuse that needs action from someone else to make your life better) take action today with just one small change in how you view the world and the situation around you, and then handle any stressful situation differently from how you normally would.
Imagine how great your day will be……..
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
5
Jun
2009
Outstandingly Brilliant!
–Originally posted on 17.4.09–
Outstandingly Brilliant! That’s all I can say about the wise words from two outstandingly brilliant counter-culture philosophers.
Absorb what is useful. Discard what is not.
Add what is uniquely your own
- Bruce Lee -
The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20
has wasted 30 years of his life
- Muhammad Ali -
wOw!!
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
5
Jun
2009
Archery-Life-Kids!
–Originally posted on 5.4.09–
the focus (complete concentration)
the intensity (just look at her eyes!)
the joy of achievement (ah…. the beautiful smile)
This is another of life’s lessons from my 10 year old Hannah (who seems to be wiser than her 10 years!). I brought her for a session of archery the other day and her attitude towards this ancient sport was a timely reminder of how to live our lives. It’s interesting that Hannah’s telling us to:
- Focus Intensely on our targets and goals in life, and then,
- Enjoy the Moment when we hit the target!
We often forget to enjoy the moment and that’s a shame isn’t it? So take a moment now to reflect on all your recent achievements, and enjoy the experience and put a huge smile on your face. All this means is you shift your attitude and get in a better state to face the day – which is what we need everyday. Do it now!
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
5
Jun
2009
It just takes 5 minutes!
–Originally posted on 22.3.09–
I’ve met a few people lately who are a little overwhelmed by life’s little hiccups. They all wanted quick fix solutions to continue charging around at 100kmh everyday. Instead, what did I suggest they do? I gave them a slow fix solution! I shared with them the secrets from the best and most successful in the world who all take the first few minutes of the day to spend quality time with themselves. That’s right – it’s such a simple thing to do and it’s something we can all do isn’t it? Start the day right by spending quality time with ourselves!
Of course, most of us would say “I have no time”, “I’m always running late”, “too many things to do in the morning” …… But what if it took only 5 minutes? I’m sure we can all spare just 5 minutes each morning to do a little deep breathing, a little reading, a little reflection and journaling. 5 minutes – that’s all it takes and I know everyone can spare the first 5 minutes of the morning to get in touch with our best friend – ourself!
How does this work? It’s no different from warming up and stretching before vigorous exercise, or switching on the lights when entering a dark room, or making sure we have everything we need before we fly off on vacation. In other words – it’s all about preparation and your 5 minute ritual every morning will prepare you for the day to come.
Once we do this (for just 5 minutes by yourself each morning 365 days of the year), we’ll be so much more prepared for life’s little hiccups and curve balls and surprises, wouldn’t you agree?
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
5
Jun
2009
Let’s all shower outdoors!
–Originally posted on 4.3.09–
That’s my daughter, Hannah, in a photo from a few years ago enjoying a hose down in the garden. Her smile is one of sheer joy in the simple pleasures in life – like taking a shower in the garden!
Life’s too complicated isn’t it? So just for this week, let’s all enjoy what kids enjoy ok? And that’s to have absolute fun! And after this week enjoy another week of fun, and then the week after and the week after …… In other words, make having fun a habit.
Run through the rain, eat with your hands, step in a puddle of water, shout in the bus for no reason, smile at the person next to you……… Do something fun and enjoy it!
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
5
Jun
2009
5
Jun
2009
People Power!
–Originally posted on 17.2.09–
Had a really hectic day today. Met three people during the day, and then had two Skype meetings in the evening. That’s five people, and almost six hours of meetings. And at 10:40pm tonight as I write this, all these meetings have left me completely energized, utterly motivated and full of optimism. That’s what happens when you meet passionate, honest and congruent people – they recharge you and fill up your tank!
While I don’t suggest meeting five people in a day, it’s clear that spending time with just one great person a week is really just what the good doctor prescribes. Who have you planned to meet this week that will make a wonderful difference in your life? If you haven’t, do it now!!
Dream It . Live It
Jeff
Jeff
