Monday, February 28, 2011

The Man In The Mirror

1.  Fantastic song with a fantastic message!
There are so many things in the world that could use some change but we have to start with ourselves.  The principle of this song can impact marriages, organizations, schools, governments, etc...


2.  In case you forgot how HUGE Michael Jackson really was, the size of the crowd and their actions will remind you.

Is there an entertainer that draws this big of crowd and has this affect today?

 

 

Friday, February 25, 2011

Laughing Is Contagious

There is something about laughter that is contagious.  Take this video for example.  I have no idea what is being said or why this guy is laughing but I cannot help but laugh with him.

I bet you a nickel that you can't watch this without laughing!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Chivalry or Equality?

There are many controversial issues in the world today.  I usually avoid such issues at all costs but I found this particular one interesting.  Its been around for a while but I've never heard it this way.

Scenario:  A wrestler made it to the state tournament and his first round opponent was a girl.  The boy respectfully forfeit because he was raised not to physically harm a girl and would not feel comfortable in some of the holds.

Since his decision, the male wrestler has been called chauvinistic, sexist, and chivalrous.

To be honest, I would probably have done the same thing.  Obviously this girl is a good wrestler because she made it to state but in my opinion that does not give me the right to wrestler her.  However, I understand the Women's Rights Movement was intended to make women equal to men.  Therefore, it would be disrespectful to treat this female wrestler differently by choosing not to wrestle her.

If this is the case, what is the balance between Chivalry and the equality fought for during Women's Rights?

As a man, I view it as choosing the lesser of the two evils and I will choose the one that does not involve potential physical harm every time.

What do you think ladies?
Is it more respectful to treat a girl as an equal and wrestle her as an opponent or to respectfully decline the match?
What would you want your son to do?
What would you want someone to do to you?


Please leave a comment below or on the facebook post.  I am curious to hear your perspective.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Music Monday

This is one of my latest favorite songs.  It is by the band The City Harmonic and it is called Manefesto.  The video is a little on the cheesy side but the song is great and has a little bittersweet symphony sound to it.  Share it with someone if you like it. 

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Education Reform

Interesting thoughts on Education in the 21st Century.


What do you think about it?

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Decisions, Decisions

As a young leader I definitely have a lot to learn.  There is one thing that I am realizing every leader deals with.  Among other responsibilities, it is the leader's job to make decisions and making those decisions is always harder than it looks.  Some decisions require a lot of thought while others have to be made in a split second.  Either way, you take all the information you have and make the best decision you can and move on.  Some people question you.  Some people support you.  You wish you could explain everything to everyone but you don't always have time.  Not to mention, it is difficult for people to understand if they are not in your position.  No one likes to hear that but often times its true.


Every leader deals with this.  Parents make decisions that kids will never understand.  You could take the time to explain it but most of the time kids won't understand until they are parents themselves.  Teachers make decisions that students don't understand, and they never will until they become teachers.  Principals make decisions that teachers don't understand, superintendents make decisions that principals don't understand, etc...  The same could be said for any employee and supervisor combination.

Decisions rarely make everyone happy and sometimes you have to agree to disagree.  The important thing is to keep that line of communication open to prevent assumptions from being made.  This way people will have the opportunity to see where you're coming from and at the very least be upset for the right reasons.  :) 

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Explore!

There is something in human nature about being first.  I realized this as I went outside to explore in the snow in attempt to help tame my cabin fever.  I only wanted to walk in the snow that people had yet to walk in.  I wanted to be the first one to explore in a particular patch of snow.  For a moment I pretended to be Lewis and Clark as I walked around the block in the untouched snow.

The same is true for most other areas of life.  It feels cool to be the first to eat at the new restaurant in town.  There is an odd sense of pride about being the first to discover the latest hot musician.  It feels cool to be the first to ___________.

In all of these cases being first is not about winning.  Being first is simply about being the first to experience something and for a moment being the only person to have that experience.  Or you can stay at home and watch the latest sitcoms and get sucked into the latest TV drama while you watch and read stories about other people exploring and discovering.


Get off the couch!  You were created to explore!

Dress For Productivity

As I've been snowed in my house for over 36 hours it has been difficult to be motivated to accomplish anything.  Then again, it is difficult to accomplish anything considering the fact I haven't gotten dressed in 2 days.

If you want to be productive and get things accomplished it is probably wise to get dressed for the day as if you are going out, even though you are snowed in.  Ask people that are home schooled or work from home and I think they would agree.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

While You're Snowed In...

If you live in Oklahoma or anywhere in the Midwest you are deathly aware of the "blizzard" that is keeping most people home.  While this could frustrate people and cause some cabin fever there is one question that can change your perspective and keep you productive. 



Rather than watch the news of people driving around on the roads telling you to stay home ask yourself "What does this make possible?"
So I'm trapped in my home either alone or with my family,
What does this make possible?


Here is what this snow storm makes possible for me:
finish a book
write some blogs
do my taxes
watch a movie I've been wanting to see
create some new ringtones
organize my closet
spend some quality time with my wife


This snow storm can make possible for you:
write some thank you cards
write some encouraging notes
clean or organize your home
spend quality time with your family
get in touch with an old friend
put that photo album together
start a blog
finally create a Twitter account
exercise...there are plenty of exercise videos on iTunes and Youtube

What does being snowed in make possible for you?