In this issue...
• Point to
Ponder
• Success Library
• Prepare Yourself to
Win!
• Last minute notes and thoughts
• Thanks for reading this
issue...
|
 Point to Ponder
"When we build, let us think that
we are building forever. Let it be such work as our descendants will
thank us for. And let us think, as we lay stone upon stone, that a
time is to come when those stones will be sacred because our hands
have touched them." John Ruskin
Perhaps you have not previously considered your life
and your career as a legacy - something you choose to
leave behind. The legacy we build, stone-by-stone, act-by-act,
word-by-word, friendship-by-friendship, or client-by-client is our
gift to the world and to those who would follow us. That deliberate
legacy is our gift to generations yet unborn, who will
wonder who we were and how we boldly did such great
things... or not?
What legacy, what gift, do you choose to leave to those you love,
to those you lead, to those you serve, or to those who share your
passions and activities? Choose to build a positive, productive and
passionate legacy. As you begin your journey
into 2007 keep these thoughts in mind.
Why not think of that gift (legacy) as something
of lasting value? Why not think of it as something that will be
an inspiration to others who will encounter failures,
challenges, or obstacles? People, like you and me, can
dust ourselves off, refocus and redirect our energies to
successfully move ahead. We can truly lead by example!
- Is it ego to think that we can live our lives as
an inspiration to others?
- Is it ego to think that our lives can have an impact
that far survives us?
- Or, is this choice something that is worthy of our
lives?
- Can we expend and invest our
energies making sure we leverage our personal
leadership, talents, and skills for maximum impact and
effectiveness?
- Can we do this for the benefit of thousands who will hear of
us from those who actually knew us?
- Can we do this as an example they can emulate for their own
success?
I have chosen to follow the path of living a legacy
and actively encourage others to do the same. Part of this
is a challenge to pass it forward.
People frequently ask me how I find the inspiration to write
articles, points to ponder, and so many books. The simple
answer is being aware of what happens around me. I look for ideas
and concepts that will help me share a message of hope,
inspiration, and perhaps a few ideas that my readers and audiences
can use to build better careers, relationships, businesses, and
effective leadership roles. That is my on-going gift to them and to
myself.
For example, the quote used above came from a little
plaque discovered in a second hand shop in Red
Deer, AB. Finding items like this is a gift... one I am quick to
pass along to you, my friends and fellow adventurers.
I wish for each of you an amazing and productive
2007. A year full of satisfaction, stretching, and service
for your clients, colleagues, families, and community. A year of
shared laughter and love with those closest to you. Let me
share a secret with you... this year can be the
most amazing year when you see it as such and build solid
foundations beneath that visualization. Build wisely and build to
last.
*****
A friend sent this note along yesterday. I include it, in
closing, as my wish for you.
"May peace break into your house and
may thieves come to steal your
debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become
a magnet for $100
bills.
May love stick to your face like
Vaseline and may laughter assault your
lips!
May your clothes smell of success like
smoking tires.
May happiness slap you across the
face.
May your tears be that of
joy.
and... May the problems you had, forget
your home address!
In simple words ... May
2007 be the best year of your life!"
PS: This picture was taken last summer in the house my
grandfather built. It is where my mom grew up in Olds, Alberta.
He built it with pride and love and nearly 100 years later it still
stands and now houses a thriving legal firm. My grandfather, a
leading businessman of his day, would be pleased to see it full
of people engaged in the process of helping others.
|
 Success Library
Each month I recommend selections for your success
library. This month I am recommending two small books
from friends who have proven their ability to share wisdom we
can grow on.
- The Seven Rules of Success by Wayne
Cordeiro is the latest from a very successful musician, pastor,
church planter, and writer. I just visited his church in Honolulu
where, each weekend, he has 5 services and satellite download to
12 smaller locations to inspire and service his 12,000 strong
congregation. He has learned to apply the secrets of success in
his passion to share the gospel.
- You Don't Need A TITLE to Be A Leader
by my friend and encourager Mark Sanborn, author of the
national bestseller The Fred Factor should be on your
desk and that of every person you would see move into leadership.
I saw this new one from Mark in Hawaii, read it; and immediately
picked up additional copies for some of my executive clients.
|
Prepare Yourself to Win!
"I hated every minute of training, but I said,
'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a
champion.'" Muhammad Ali
Building a successful leadership, career, or business
takes hard work and applied energy. If it was easy, everyone would
be doing it. Sometimes you will reach the end of your strength or
run head-on into a roadblock or wall - stay the course and continue.
You can live the rest of your life as a champion.
-
A champion of your creativity.
-
A champion of your courage.
-
A champion of your causes and concerns.
-
A champion of your team and your
clients.
-
A champion of your successful career path.
-
A champion of your dreams (turning them into
reality).
This is something experienced first hand. I
remember overcoming serious challenges and difficulties to
prepare for the audition while working
towards the Accredited Speaker designation. There were times I
thought about throwing in the towel. When I spoke in San Diego (95)
and was not successful, I pulled myself up and worked harder for my
opportunity to speak the following year in Saint Louis (96). When I
again fell short, I was tempted to quit; frustrated, disappointed in
my performance, and inclined to move on; to forget my dream of
becoming a professional speaker. But, something would not let me
quit! My success team would not let me quit either. They believed
even when my belief wavered.
In 1998, when I walked across a Palm Desert,
California stage to become the 48th person in the world to earn this
coveted professional level Toastmasters Award, I felt like a champion who had
gone 10 rounds and emerged bloodied, but unbeaten. The applause and
cheers of 2000 plus fellow Toastmasters still echo in my ears. It
was a pinnacle point in my life as a speaker.
Was it the three speeches I prepared and presented on
the world stage that earned this award? Partially... Looking back,
I believe it was the hundreds of prepared
presentations given in various Toastmaster clubs and in
community events across the country, as well as for paying clients
that built the foundations for this eventual success on the
world stage.
You can succeed in whatever field you enter if you
are willing to prepare... to be the champion you were meant to be.
If I can do it, so can you!
The Indiana University Hoosiers basketball team were
winners. They remained undefeated throughout their 1976 season and
captured the NCAA National Championship under coach Bobby Knight.
The '60 Minutes' commentator asked him about this amazing feat and
why they were so successful. He asked, "Was it their will to
succeed?"
"The will to succeed is important," replied
Knight, "but I'll tell you what is more important - it's the will
to prepare. It's the will to go out there every day, training and
building those muscles and sharpening those skills."
- Want to be a champion sales person? - Prepare
- Want to be an effective leader? - Prepare
- Want to create a profitable and winning business? -
Prepare
- Want to be a powerful presenter or speaker? - Prepare
- Want to live an effective and meaningful life? -
Prepare
Bill Bradley (Scholar, basketball star, and former US Senator)
reminds us, "When you are not practicing, remember someone
somewhere is practicing; and when you meet him or her, they will
win."
Prepare, practice, and act decisively when the time is right!
Make 2007 your year to win!
© 2007 Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey, www.ideaman.net All rights reserved.
|
 Last minute notes and thoughts
December was really delightful
Our CAPS National Conference was so well done
(great work team!)and lots of fun... they even liked my
pj's and bathrobe on Friday morning. (Another story).
Reconnected with so many speaker friends. Several amazing
ladies from Halifax added to my exercise routine by keeping me
dancing on Sat night. Whew! Nice to meet some great new people as
well. Had the pleasure of introducing and showcasing the Quantum Success 3 volume series (print copy) so my
fellow speakers could see what we've created and start giving the
gift of Quantum Success. Hope you've got your copy.
The 9 Canadian Chapter Showcase speakers I had the privilege
to introduce on the national stage were amazing... simply amazing. I
have no doubt we will see some of them on stage again.
Had the chance to visit two former BC Toastmasters
Clubs for their annual Christmas gathering. So great to see people
who have played such important roles in my life.
Did get some time in the sun. Took a left turn
at the Vancouver airport (smile) and ended up in Honolulu for 10
days of relaxation, reflection, and recreation. Got out sailing a
couple of days and played tourist a bit. Even went to an
Elvis show... Picture above is Jon (Elvis), my friends
Rauna and Bob and myself. Jon was amazing! Even visited a
Toastmasters Club along the way. Then back to Alberta just in time
for Christmas with close friends.
January is jumping.
Looks like it will be a very productive January... with
an interesting focus on Teamwork or Team effectiveness (for
each client).
Jan 3rd: Minor surgery on my shoulder/back
scheduled for this morning. Hopefully it will turn out to be nothing
of major concern. Feeling positive about it.
Jan 6th: Have been invited to enjoy
a traditional or orthodox Ukrainian Christmas meal.
(I guess the diet starts next week... smile.)
Jan 9th: Presenting for the
Safety Leaders session with CN Management and H&S
co-chairs from the Western Region
Jan 12-13th: Leadership/Teambuilding
retreat with a Community Futures team of directors and
staff at a near-by Northern Alberta resort.
Jan 19th: Canmore, AB with the sales
team from Avenue Commercial from Calgary.
Jan 20th: CAPS Calgary
Jan 25: Canadian Blood Services (pm) with a
follow up on Jan 27th
Jan 27th: Canadian Blood Services (afternoon) as
well as a breakout spot at a Toastmasters Leadership Institute
(morning).
This in addition to work on new websites, tweaking and improving
existing ones, creating and loading some video clips, moving ahead
on plans to start pod casting and some ongoing writing projects.
Also follow up contacts about potential writing
projects with leaders a client and friend kindly
introduced me to in December. Should keep me relatively busy...
smile. I love being productively and creatively busy. I simply
love what I do... what a privilege.
See you next month.
|
 Thanks for reading this issue...
"Unless a person has trained themselves
for their chance, the chance will only make them ridiculous. A great
occassion is worth to a man or woman only what their preparation
enables them to make of it." J.B. Matthews
*****
PS: Picture was taken off Waikiki beach on Dec 21st, 2006...
a great day to be on the ocean. Any day on the ocean is a great day
(unless in a typhoon... smile).
Bob 'Idea Man' Hooey would be pleased to be a part
of your success team and to work with you for your conference,
meeting or training event. For more information about customized
keynotes, professional/personal leadership training and coaching,
seminars/retreats, please visitwww.ideaman.net or call our Creative Office at:
(780) 736-0009
Ask about a customized conference, coaching or training package
to suit your specific career, company or organizational needs.
*****
If you are new to our Ideas At Work! family, welcome aboard. We
publish this e-zine to share ideas and keep in touch with our
friends, readers and audience members who wanted to remain in
contact and share in the lessons we acquire along the way.
You are receiving this e-zine because someone (we
hope you) subscribed. If you want to continue getting
this on a monthly basis, simply do nothing. If you decide you do not
want to receive this publication, at any time, simply hit the
unsubscribe button to the right. Please pass
this issue along to anyone you think will gain some benefit from
reading it.
If you have gotten this copy as a forward from one of your
friends and want a copy of your own, simply hit the
subscribe button to the right and give us your
email address. Our service - Mymailout automatically does the
rest.
Follow link for Privacy, Copyright and Polices
>> Click
Here
|
Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Send this to a friend
This email was created and
delivered using MyMailout
"create, send and manage email
newsletters"
 | |
|
