Don’t Give Up!

It’s Another Video!

There is no denying we are living in difficult times.  But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams and goals, does it?

Here’s a short video [1:10] from the archives of Enriching Your Life.com.

Enjoy the video.

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Never Give Up
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Is It Possible?

It’s Another Podcast!

Is it really possible for your dreams to come true?

This short podcast (6:29) is about how to get rid self pity, discouragement and apathy.  It is about how you can see your dreams become reality.

Enjoy the podcast!

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You Might Also Enjoy:

Are You Discouraged?
Don’t Quit
Are You Losing Hope?

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How Tall Are You?

I mentioned on Sunday that this week I am going to post a couple of articles that I published 3 or 4 years ago.  I hope you enjoy them, and thanks again for visiting my blog.

How Tall Are You?

It is my understanding that as of this writing the tallest players in the NBA, Shawn Bradley and Yao Ming, are both seven feet six inches tall.  That is really, really tall!  It is almost as tall as an eight-foot ceiling.  You’ve no doubt heard many times that to play in the NBA, you have to be tall, right?

What about the shortest player?  That would be Earl Boykins of the Milwaukee Bucks who stands five feet five inches.  He is the second shortest player in NBA history.

So, I can honestly and truthfully say that I am indeed taller than an NBA player.  Seven inches taller in fact!  But would I dare to play a little one on one with Earl Boykins?  Not hardly.

What’s It Like?

But have you ever thought about what it is like for Earl when he plays against Shawn and Yao?  They are a little over two feet taller than he is!  Now that’s not to say it would be any easier when Earl plays against the average NBA height of 6’7″!  But what would it be like playing a very competitive game against someone two feet taller than you are?

It could be reasonably assumed that if you were 5 feet 5 inches tall many people would tell you that you could never play in the NBA.  If by some wild circumstance you did make it into the NBA, being so short and playing against players so much bigger than yourself, it would be most difficult to perform, right?

Earl doesn’t let that stop him. He is the shortest player in NBA history to score thirty points in a game! He has done it on a number of occasions!  If you know anything about the NBA then you know that if any player scores thirty points in a game it has been a terrific night.  But for someone who is 5’5″ to score thirty points in a game on a number of occasions is remarkable!

He Didn’t Listen To Them

I’m sure there were plenty of people who told him, “Earl, basketball is for big people, and the NBA, well, that’s for professional giants, certainly not you.”

And, of course being five feet five inches tall Earl has heard all the derogatory “short people” remarks his whole life.

But there he stands, five feet five inches tall, playing successfully in the NBA. It’s not how much talent and natural ability you have, but rather what you do with what you have.  It’s what you choose to do with your life.

Are You Waiting For Their Approval?

You will never, ever get everyone’s “okay” and approval for the things you desire to do in your life.  In fact, those who have not succeeded are the first ones to tell you that you can’t succeed either.

Have you noticed that the world lacks people who constantly encourage others?  The sad reality is that people are quick to point out all your shortcomings and slow to give you any praise for your accomplishments.

But regardless of what any one else says, it is still up to you to decide to do with your life.  Do you think Earl had to work hard?  I would say that perhaps he had to work even harder than the taller players did.

And yet, so many times in life, those with lots of talent don’t need to push as hard.  It makes you wonder sometimes where they would be if they did.  But, many people with less natural ability and talent push and work harder, and as a result, develop their full potential.

Don’t let anyone talk you out of your dreams, goals and desires.  Don’t talk yourself out of them either.  Live life with excitement and push toward your full potential.

By the way, Earl Boykins is not the shortest person to ever play in the NBA.  That honor goes to Muggsy Bogues, who is five feet three inches tall. And Muggsy is also the shortest player in the NBA to dunk the basketball!

So, how tall are you?

Michael Verdicchio
2007

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Who Is Stopping You?
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Go For It!

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One Brick At A Time

Have you given up on your goals?  Have you abandoned your dreams?

Many people today feel like there is just no way to reach what they once hoped for.  In this short 4 minute video discover what “bricks” have to do with your goals and dreams.

Enjoy the video.

Leave A Comment! Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think.  Type your comment below.

Go For It!

It’s Another Podcast!

Football season is here and Veterans Day is right around the corner.  This short podcast (5:31) combines both.  It is about your dreams.

A number of years ago I emceed a business breakfast and Rocky Blier was our keynote speaker. Listen to his story.  Does this inspire you to recapture your dream and go for it?

Enjoy the podcast.

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You Might Also Enjoy:

Stop Making Excuses!
Where Is Your Life Going This Year?
Stop Looking Back!

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Dream Stealers

It’s Another Podcast!

Monday I posted a video about not giving up on your dreams.  Today I have a short podcast (5:01) about Dream Stealers.

Our environment does indeed affect us.  That includes people we are around.  They can be dream stealers – don’t let them!

Enjoy the podcast!

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You Might Also Enjoy:
Keeping Your Dreams Alive
What Happened To Your Dreams?
Choose Your Friends Wisely

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Never Give Up

It’s Another Video!

Many people have given up on their dreams for one reason or another.  Have you?

Here’s a short video (3:30) with a number of examples of name you will recognize.  These people did not give up on their dreams, and neither should you.

Enjoy the video.

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You Might Also Enjoy:
How Old Are You?
Stop Making Excuses
What Happened To Your Dreams?

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What Do You Expect?

compit-emailYou have probably received emails where the sender has a personal signature, maybe even complete with a quote of some kind.  I receive those from time to time.  There are a number of people who like to put a quote, phrase, or something similar to that under their name when they send out an email.

Some of those things are funny.  Others I have found inspiring.  But a couple of years ago my son told me about something he read on an email that he received.  What he read didn’t exactly inspire him.  And, even though it was probably intended to be funny, he didn’t see the humor in it at all!

statueThe line under the signature read, “Just accept it. Some days you’re a statue and other days you’re a pigeon.”  Wow!  How’s that for a mind picture?  Someone told me several months ago it is an expression that some New Yorkers use at times.

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

First of all, my son didn’t like the “accept it” part of the quote and I don’t blame him. I don’t believe that life is determined by fate. We do not just have to accept whatever happens to us.  We have the freedom of will to take charge of our own lives.

Secondly, my son took issue with being a pigeon.  He told me that he thought that the quote was basically saying that some days you have to be a statue and have crap dumped on you, but other days, you get to be a pigeon and dump crap on others.

I’m glad he had the maturity not to just laugh it off as another “funny” example about what to expect in life.  It is sad, but there are lots of people who have this kind of attitude about life in one form or another.  They get up each day with thoughts like, “Well, let’s see what today brings.”

Do You Really Want To Live That Way?

Now that’s an interesting outlook on life isn’t it?  Get up in the morning and yawn, and say, “Gee, I wonder if I’m going to be statue today, or a pigeon?  Oh well, whatever happens, I’m just going to accept it.”

Very few people realize that what you consistently accept is what you will consistently expect, and that is what you will consistently receive.

So who ever said that we just have to “accept” everything that comes our way?  No matter what situation or circumstance you are in today, you don’t have to accept the way things are in your life.  You can choose by your own freedom of will to change your life. You really can choose to have confidence in God.  It all starts with your thoughts.

What If Things Are Lousy Right Now?

42-15530351If lousy things are happening in your life right now, and you are dealing with unpleasant situations, and you feel just like a bombarded statue, the first thing I recommend is stop dwelling on all those things.  Stop talking about that mess.  Stop focusing on that. I didn’t say to pretend it doesn’t exist; just don’t accept it as the ways things have to be in your life.

Instead, use your God-given free will to think and focus on exactly what you desire for your life.  Find a helpful method to keep your mind attuned to your desires and goals, so that you can keep those thoughts in the forefront of your mind.

Some people like to write down their goals and read them throughout the day. Others carry written affirmations with them to read during the day.  There are those who review their goals and dreams before they go to sleep and especially when they wake up in the morning.  Personally, I like to review those kinds of things early in the morning while praying and talking to God.

Do You Really Need A Method?

So few realize what is most important is what you are consistently thinking.  The write-itdominant thoughts that you carry build your own personal belief system.  The things that you attract into your life are based on your own personal belief system.

Think about it logically.  If we are supposed to “accept whatever happens,” then why did God give each and every one of us free will to choose to think whatever thoughts we want to think?  And, why did He promise to answer prayers and give you the desires of your heart?

Accepting whatever life throws at you is certainly not living life with confidence and joy.   However, it doesn’t have to be the way you go through your life. You do have a choice.  Each morning you can choose the thoughts you will carry for that day, and continue to build a positive and successful belief system.

Mike Verdicchio
2010

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Related Posts:
What’s Your Fate?
Do Things Really Happen For A Reason?
Do You Rely On Luck Or Fate?
You Gotta Have Faith

Where Is Your Life Going This Year?

Many people have expectations and anticipations of this being a good year.  calendar-6-7Most of the people that I’ve talked to have packed ’09 away and are looking forward to 2010.  I know I am one who has great expectations and anticipations for this New Year.  How about you?

If you want to see your life grow and expand this year, then I have a little exercise for you to try.  It’s simple but it can change the course of your life.

Is your life all that you desire it to be right now?  Where do you want your life to go?  One of the biggest things that will hinder you from reaching your goals and dreams is to focus on your current situation. Part of having confidence in God is managing your own thoughts.

It Is What It Is

Have you ever stopped to consider that your current situation right now in your life is simply your current situation? And most people will think, act, react, and respond because of how they see themselves right now.

chioticSome who desire to bring their life to a new and better level many times simply go in circles never making any progress. One of the biggest problems is that they spend too much time and energy wondering why they are in their current state. Have you ever felt like that?  I think we all have at times.

People analyze everything around them and try to come up with valid reasons as to why things are not going the way that they really desire them to.  As they continue in this process, they blame other people and other things for their lack of success.

Others come to the conclusion that it is all just, “meant to be.”  Or, “there must be a reason for why things are the way they are.”  Some even blame God by saying, “He must have a purpose for all this.”

Are You Wasting Your Time?

Spending time and focusing on your current situation will never get you to where you want your life to be.  It is a waste of your precious time and energy!  Instead of asking yourself, “Why am I in this situation?” ask yourself, “What do I really desire?”

When you begin to shift your energy from where you are to where you desire to be, then things start to happen.  Why?  Because your brain will put its attention on what you tell it is important.  It is the way the Creator designed our grey matter to work!

Have you ever been on your computer and clicked to open your word processing program?  If your computer is working properly, then that program would open.  Our brains act in a similar fashion.

That’s why when all your time and energy is spent on your present situation, your brain will work hard to reinforce and keep your situation in tact, without change!  If your word processing program is open on the computer, but you really want to open your music program, then that is not going to happen until you open that program!  As long as you continue working on the word processing program, all the wishing and wanting the music program does not get it up on the screen!

And, sadly, too often, people just sit and feel sorry for themselves.  They do not like where their lives are right now, but that is all they think about and talk about.  All that does is reinforce to the computer in their head that this is where they must stay.

Here’s A Little Exercise

I want to challenge you.  Make a conscious effort to stop dwelling on your current situation and circumstances.  I didn’t say ignore your responsibilities.  I didn’t say bury your head in the sand and pretend that there are no problems.  What I mean is, stop putting all your focus, your mental energy, your thinking, and your speech on your current situation today.
planner
Instead, for the next three weeks, make a very concerted effort to put a lot of focus and attention on what you desire for your life.  Refuse to entertain any negative thoughts of where you are today.  Delete them just like you delete a “pop-up” on the computer!

Picture in your mind your ideal life in every detail.  Write it down on paper.  Read it; say it aloud; pray about it; think about all through the day.  Do whatever works for you to keep your mental focus and energy on what you desire for your life.  All throughout the day refuse to speak any negatives concerning your current situation. Instead, speak about your desires and what you fully expect for your life.

And when you pray, remind yourself that God has promised that He would give you the desires of your heart.  Ask Him to show you how you can get there.  Have confidence in Him, because He has promised it to you.

If you will do this diligently for three weeks, you will have initiated a major change of focus in your mind.  You will begin to believe that you can have your dreams and desires.  And as you continue to keep your focus on those dreams and desires, you are going to start seeing God open doors for you and finding opportunities made available to you.

And perhaps the most rewarding part of this exercise is that you will be aware that you are no longer just accepting your life the way it is.  You will become more aware that your desires and dreams can truly become a reality in your life.

Mike Verdicchio
2010

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Stop Making Excuses!

One of the dictionary definitions of an excuse is, “An explanation offered as a reason for release from an obligation or promise.  Some explanations are regarded as “good excuses,” while others are looked upon as “poor excuses.”  Either way, they both give explanations or reasons why.

“I forgot” is perhaps the most popular and even thought by some to be the worst excuse of all time.  Next in line comes, “I changed my mind.”

On the other hand, if you were snowed in for two days due to a blizzard, that would rank pretty high as a “good excuse” for not making it in to work, right?

What About Other Excuses?

But what about excuses people have concerning their goals and their dreams?   What about places you’d like to go in life, things you want to do, things you’d like to accomplish, but somewhere along the line you came up with some good explanations of why you can’t have those things? Are they really “good excuses?”

Suppose you had dreams and aspirations of running a marathon, climbing a mountain, or even jumping out of a plane?  Those are really exciting goals and dreams, but what if you were blind?  Being blind would be a pretty “good excuse,” wouldn’t it?

Have you ever heard of Erik Weihenmayer?  He went blind at age 13.  Erik has run in marathons, jumped out of planes, and climbed mountains, including Mt. Everest!  Here’s quote from Erik:

“When I went blind, it was tough to even find the bathroom.  Now that I’ve climbed Mount Everest, well, I guess I’ve come a long way.”

mt-everest

On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the first blind man in history to reach the summit of the world’s highest peak – Mount Everest. And on September 5, 2002, when he stood on top of Mt. Kosciusko in Australia, Erik had completed his 7-year goal to climb The Seven Summits – the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.

I read that only 100 mountaineers have ever accomplished that feat. Erik did it at the age 33, one of the youngest climbers to accomplish that feat!   You can read Erik’s book, called, Touch the Top of the World.

What About Your Dreams And Goals?

So, are your dreams, goals and desires too big?  I don’t think so.

There’s a promise in the Bible that God will give you the desires of your heart.  What are your desires?  God will give them to you!  Now, that doesn’t mean that you will just wake up some morning at the top of Mt. Everest, and wonder how you got there!

road-rainbowBut, in pursuing your desires and goals, God can help you. He can show you, lead you, direct you, and give you the desires of your heart.

So don’t be afraid to have big goals, and big dreams!  Ask God for help and direction and then start pursuing!

Is there someone you can talk to?  Do you need further education or training?  Are there places you need to go to see and learn?

In other words, start taking whatever action you can right now, today!  And continue to pursue after it day after day, refusing to quit.

It Really Is Your Choice

You can choose to consistently pursue after you goals or you can choose to just sit back and go through all the “good excuses” of why those goals just won’t happen for you.

It’s been said many times that the greatest reward is not in reaching your goal, but who you become along the way in reaching your goal.  Erik now gets to talk to thousands of people about what it’s like to work and reach your goals.

I read that when he was climbing Mt. Everest, that just minutes from being on the top of the world, Erik started to cry – but those tears were freezing on his face, so he had to stop crying for a few more minutes until he was indeed standing on the top of the world!

Your dreams and your desires are important because they are yours!  God wants to help you and give you the desires of your heart.

Stop making excuses and start pursuing your dreams!

Mike Verdicchio

Related Posts:
There Just Has To Be A Solution!
Fantasy
Stop Looking Back

Erik’s book:
Touch the Top of the World: A Blind Man’s Journey to Climb Farther than the Eye Can See: My Story

DVD Movie:
Farther Than The Eye Can See