by Tom Hinton
If you’re like most people, you probably spent a few minutes during the holidays thinking about the new year and making several resolutions. And, if you’re like most people, you’ve already broken most of your New Year’s resolutions. Although we’re well-intentioned, it’s very difficult to honor our words and promises. Why is that? After all, who doesn’t want to get healthy, quit smoking or drinking, lose weight, spend more time with family and friends, get out of debt, travel and enjoy life more fully?
You would think these types of resolutions would be easy to embrace and follow. But, the harsh reality is most New Year’s resolutions require more from us than just verbalizing a statement of intent. My experience has been that setting goals is a simple process, but staying on track and honoring our resolutions is anything but easy! Why? Well, for starters, most of us are poor planners. As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.” So, you need to have a plan.
Here’s a three-step plan to help you honor your words and promises and keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Step 1. Write down your goals. Someone once quipped that the difference between a wish and a goal is that goals are written while wishes remain a figment of our imagination. I am a firm believer that resolutions and goals need to be written down if we intend to achieve them. So, the first step, is to simply write down each resolution in the form of a SMART goal – that is, each goal must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time certain.
For example, let’s say you want to get in shape and start exercising. Your goal should be written as follows: I exercise 5 days each week for 30 minutes or longer by walking, bike riding, going to the gym or doing calisthenics. I mark my calendar each day after I complete my exercise routine to measure my success. Now, there’s a goal that meets the SMART test!
Step 2. Enlist someone to help you achieve your goals. There’s an old saying, “Two heads are better than one.” When it comes to goal-setting, one of the best techniques I have found is to enlist the help of a friend, spouse or family member who has a similar goal. Use the buddy system to support each other. This is particularly powerful when it comes to achieving goals like exercise, diets, work projects or finally writing your first novel!
Step 3. Get Results. Another quote that comes to mind is this one. “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me!” There will always be hurdles and challenges that block your path to success. But, remember, you alone are responsible for your success. You alone must remove those barriers if you want to go forward. You need to get results. John Lennon, the late Beatle, once quipped that “Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.” It’s true! You need to be alert to disruptions and guard your personal time so you can achieve your goals. This is how you get results. And, remember, it’s okay to tell friends you can’t join them after work for a beer because you have a prior commitment – the fitness center. It’s okay to order fruit for dessert when everyone else is gorging themselves on cheesecake! And, when your exercise partner can’t make it, don’t quit. Put on your sneakers and go for a long walk by yourself. Don’t make excuses and don’t ever give yourself permission to fail.
Most of us set New Year’s resolutions and goals because we want to improve our lives. We want to become the person we dream about. However, what we forget is that setting goals and resolutions requires us to change something – a behavior, a thought process, certain values or old beliefs – that keep us from becoming that person we dream about. So, change is also part of the equation for achieving your goals.
Here are three steps you can take to deal with change in your life.
First, you must prepare yourself -- mentally and emotionally, for change. You cannot just walk into a sea of change and expect to swim. Most change consists of whitewater and treacherous rapids. Seldom is the sea of change calm. Changing your beliefs, values and behavior requires some degree of mental and physical preparation if you really expect to achieve your goals.
Secondly, you must identify the barriers that keep you from changing your life and resolve to overcome those barriers. Make up your mind that you will change that part of you that heretofore has resisted lasting change or improvement. For example, you cannot quit smoking if you continue to buy cigarettes. You cannot stop drinking if you continue to buy booze and bring it home. These types of actions and behaviors must stop if you want to achieve your goals. You must resolve to give up those behaviors that undermine your success. Once you take positive action, the chances of achieving success will increase dramatically. Frankly, it’s not rocket science, It’s as simple as 1-2-3.
Finally, expect setbacks. No one is perfect. We all stumble from time to time. So, when you stumble, get back on your feet and move forward. If you miss a day of exercising, resolve to add a make-up day at the gym. If you sneak a cigarette, be aware that you are undermining your goal of quitting and don’t finish it. Throw it away after a few puffs. Reset the clock and start again. But, be sure to note what caused you to stumble so you can train your mind and emotions not to falter for the same reason the next time that temptation or excuse rears its ugly head. You have to resolve to be stronger than the excuse. Otherwise, you’ll never achieve your goals.
It’s tough starting off the new year with several well-intentioned resolutions but lacking the confidence to see them through to fruition. Hopefully, this plan for success will surprise you as spring approaches and you are well on your way to a healthier, happier you! Be Positive, Stay Focused and Get Results!
About the Author. Tom Hinton is a professional speaker and author of 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life. He can be reached at: www.tomhinton.com or via email at: tom@tomhinton.com
The Course of 10000 Days is based on Tom Hinton's book, "10,000 Days: The Rest of Your Life, the Best of Your Life!" This Blog will help you discover your higher purpose, reconnect with your Inner Spirit and guide you on a wonderful spiritual journey to help you achieve your dreams and goals. We look forward to helping you live The Course through our weekend retreats, local and online learning circles, and the book, 10,000 Days.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Monday, October 18, 2010
Discovering Your Life Purpose Before It’s Too Late
Several few months ago, I had an intriguing conversation with a good friend named Roger who confided he was tired of the rat race. He had worked for the same energy company for 24 years and decided his work was no longer fulfilling. He told me he was going to make some major changes in his life.
What struck me was Roger is a methodical planner and analytical thinker. He does not make irrational or snap decisions. He’s 56 years old, a former Army officer, unmarried and has an advanced degree in engineering. Given Roger’s management position with his company, I’m sure he earned $250,000 per year or more. I could tell something profound was stirring inside my friend.
Then, last week, Roger sent me another email announcing he had quit his job, sold his spacious home near Houston and moved to northern Colorado where works as a project manager for a non-profit organization that helps disabled veterans get their lives back on track. Despite the low-paying job, cold weather and one bedroom apartment, Roger couldn’t be happier.
In my email response to Roger, I had to ask, “What made you do it? Why did you toss everything aside and change direction in your life?” His answer was profound.
Roger told me he had attended a company-sponsored workshop on how to re-discover one’s passion for life and work. Roger attended the program as a way to get re-energized and motivated since his company was considering him for a major promotion since it was expanding its business. For several months prior to the workshop, Roger was bored at work and felt he was slipping into a velvet rut of contentment without any sense of personal satisfaction or growth.
But, during the workshop, the facilitator asked attendees to think about their legacy and how they would like to be remembered. “It was a haunting question,” Roger told me, “because I never really gave it much thought. I realized I was 55 years old and could spend the rest of my life leading a project team and having a nice retirement and a gold watch to show for it. Somehow, that just wasn’t enough. I knew if I had any doubts about how I would spend the next ten years, now was the time to make some changes. And, that’s what I did!”
Roger’s decision to quit his job and seek a new direction is not uncommon. In fact, every month -- at seminars and workshops I conduct on Finding Your Passion in the Workplace -- I am meeting dozens of people who tell me they are unfulfilled. They either hate their jobs or don’t think their lives have much significance. That’s not to suggest they’re unhappy or miserable. But, they are unfulfilled. They want something more out of life and they just need a good reason or hard shove to get off the dime and make the same changes that Roger made in his life.
Andrea DeBell, an author who writes on happiness and bliss in life, uses a beautiful analogy about footprints in the sand. She writes, “We all leave footprints in the sand; the question is, will we be a big heal, or a great soul?” It’s a powerful question because it captures the essence of our life purpose. And, sooner or later, it’s a question we must all answer. Even by ignoring the question, we answer it.
In my new book, 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life, I challenge readers to consider their legacy and how they want to be remembered? Frankly, it’s not that long a time when you consider that 10,000 days equals 27 years and 145 days. The average person only lives about 30,000 days or 82 years. So, the clock is ticking for all of us!
The Course of 10,000 Days suggests that our lives are divided into three segments -- our Discovery Years, our Fulfillment Years and our Legacy Years. Each portion lasts ten thousand days. As we transition from our Fulfillment Years into our Legacy Years -- our final 10,000 days -- we begin to ask ourselves those haunting questions about our life purpose and how will we be remembered? It’s a natural part of life. But, it can cause major problems if you don’t have good answers. This is what my friend, Roger, experienced. He didn’t have any satisfactory answers so he decided to revisit his goals and dreams. That’s what triggered his major changes. Now, according to his own definition of success, his life has meaning and purpose. He has found his bliss.
While this period of self-reflection and introspection can occur as early as your mid 40s, typically it hits us as we enter our 50s. Some of us might think we are experiencing a mid-life crisis when, in fact, it’s simply our Inner Spirit challenging us to do something meaningful and memorable with our life. But, because our ego controls most of our emotional responses, our Inner Spirit (that third dimension of our Being that guides us through life towards our higher purpose) does its job by repeatedly posing those haunting questions and demanding truthful answers.
And so, like Roger, we begin to think about our footprint on the sands of life. Are we leaving a profound imprint that will not be washed away by the sands of time, or will our footprint disappear quickly because our life lacks meaning and purpose?
By examining your life through the questions and exercises of The Course of 10,000 Days you can leave a lasting imprint on the people you love and the planet where you live. But, it requires you to take that all-important first step and answer the question: How do I live a life worth remembering?
About the Author: Tom Hinton is one of America’s most respected authors and speakers on Personal Development, Professional Growth and Human Potential. He is the author of four books including:10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life, which will be published in 2011. For information, email him at: tom@tomhinton.com
Several few months ago, I had an intriguing conversation with a good friend named Roger who confided he was tired of the rat race. He had worked for the same energy company for 24 years and decided his work was no longer fulfilling. He told me he was going to make some major changes in his life.
What struck me was Roger is a methodical planner and analytical thinker. He does not make irrational or snap decisions. He’s 56 years old, a former Army officer, unmarried and has an advanced degree in engineering. Given Roger’s management position with his company, I’m sure he earned $250,000 per year or more. I could tell something profound was stirring inside my friend.
Then, last week, Roger sent me another email announcing he had quit his job, sold his spacious home near Houston and moved to northern Colorado where works as a project manager for a non-profit organization that helps disabled veterans get their lives back on track. Despite the low-paying job, cold weather and one bedroom apartment, Roger couldn’t be happier.
In my email response to Roger, I had to ask, “What made you do it? Why did you toss everything aside and change direction in your life?” His answer was profound.
Roger told me he had attended a company-sponsored workshop on how to re-discover one’s passion for life and work. Roger attended the program as a way to get re-energized and motivated since his company was considering him for a major promotion since it was expanding its business. For several months prior to the workshop, Roger was bored at work and felt he was slipping into a velvet rut of contentment without any sense of personal satisfaction or growth.
But, during the workshop, the facilitator asked attendees to think about their legacy and how they would like to be remembered. “It was a haunting question,” Roger told me, “because I never really gave it much thought. I realized I was 55 years old and could spend the rest of my life leading a project team and having a nice retirement and a gold watch to show for it. Somehow, that just wasn’t enough. I knew if I had any doubts about how I would spend the next ten years, now was the time to make some changes. And, that’s what I did!”
Roger’s decision to quit his job and seek a new direction is not uncommon. In fact, every month -- at seminars and workshops I conduct on Finding Your Passion in the Workplace -- I am meeting dozens of people who tell me they are unfulfilled. They either hate their jobs or don’t think their lives have much significance. That’s not to suggest they’re unhappy or miserable. But, they are unfulfilled. They want something more out of life and they just need a good reason or hard shove to get off the dime and make the same changes that Roger made in his life.
Andrea DeBell, an author who writes on happiness and bliss in life, uses a beautiful analogy about footprints in the sand. She writes, “We all leave footprints in the sand; the question is, will we be a big heal, or a great soul?” It’s a powerful question because it captures the essence of our life purpose. And, sooner or later, it’s a question we must all answer. Even by ignoring the question, we answer it.
In my new book, 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life, I challenge readers to consider their legacy and how they want to be remembered? Frankly, it’s not that long a time when you consider that 10,000 days equals 27 years and 145 days. The average person only lives about 30,000 days or 82 years. So, the clock is ticking for all of us!
The Course of 10,000 Days suggests that our lives are divided into three segments -- our Discovery Years, our Fulfillment Years and our Legacy Years. Each portion lasts ten thousand days. As we transition from our Fulfillment Years into our Legacy Years -- our final 10,000 days -- we begin to ask ourselves those haunting questions about our life purpose and how will we be remembered? It’s a natural part of life. But, it can cause major problems if you don’t have good answers. This is what my friend, Roger, experienced. He didn’t have any satisfactory answers so he decided to revisit his goals and dreams. That’s what triggered his major changes. Now, according to his own definition of success, his life has meaning and purpose. He has found his bliss.
While this period of self-reflection and introspection can occur as early as your mid 40s, typically it hits us as we enter our 50s. Some of us might think we are experiencing a mid-life crisis when, in fact, it’s simply our Inner Spirit challenging us to do something meaningful and memorable with our life. But, because our ego controls most of our emotional responses, our Inner Spirit (that third dimension of our Being that guides us through life towards our higher purpose) does its job by repeatedly posing those haunting questions and demanding truthful answers.
And so, like Roger, we begin to think about our footprint on the sands of life. Are we leaving a profound imprint that will not be washed away by the sands of time, or will our footprint disappear quickly because our life lacks meaning and purpose?
By examining your life through the questions and exercises of The Course of 10,000 Days you can leave a lasting imprint on the people you love and the planet where you live. But, it requires you to take that all-important first step and answer the question: How do I live a life worth remembering?
About the Author: Tom Hinton is one of America’s most respected authors and speakers on Personal Development, Professional Growth and Human Potential. He is the author of four books including:10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life, which will be published in 2011. For information, email him at: tom@tomhinton.com
Sunday, January 31, 2010
How The Course of 10,000 Days Can Help You Reconnect with Your Inner Spirit
by Tom Hinton
Did you know that the average person lives about 30,000 days? But, thanks to the marvels of modern medicine we’re living longer! The Course of 10000 Days™ teaches us that our first 10000 days, which equates to a little more than 27 years, are known as our Discovery Years. These days span our infancy to early adulthood. We spend these days developing our personality and ego, learning values, shaping our character and behavior, and creating lifelong bonds with our family and friends. It is during our Discovery Years that we attempt to discover our gifts and talents and exercise creativity. We also learn how to assess risks, make mistakes and rebound, expand our minds, learn social graces, receive a formal education, plot our career path, forge our political beliefs and values, challenge the status quo, set goals and discover the power and pitfalls of money and romance.
Our second 10000 days are our Fulfillment Years. Most people spend their Fulfillment Years building their resume, acquiring wealth, searching for true love, starting a family, laying down roots, striving to achieve their goals, traveling and consuming all the world has to offer.
Ironically, as many people complete their Fulfillment Years they realize they are, in fact, unfulfilled because they have failed to live their dreams or achieve their vision and goals. They realize their Fulfillment Years have been reduced to climbing the corporate ladder, chasing success and keeping up with the Jones. It’s an awkward moment in our lives when we realize that we are completely ego-driven and have little connection with our Inner Spirit, nor any reasonable understanding about why we exist.
When this occurs, it represents the beginning of a major transformation in our life. It is the point when we come face-to-face with our third 10000 days, which The Course™ refers to as our Legacy Years. It is at this moment we realize something significant in our life is missing. We begin to ask ourselves such nagging questions as Who am I? How do I live a life worth remembering? and What is my higher purpose in life? This is the quiet, but steady voice of our Inner Spirit.
As we reach this turning point in our lives, we begin to ask our Inner Spirit to help us find meaningful answers to these difficult questions that will shape our next 10000 days. It is hard to get on with our lives until we have some rational explanation as to why we exist and what our higher purpose is on earth. It’s typical for people in their mid-40s and early 50s to start asking themselves such somber questions about life’s meaning and purpose as they experience the death of loved ones -- parents, a spouse, family members and friends. With each personal loss, the pressure to satisfactorily answer these unsettling questions intensifies and we hunger for meaningful answers. When loved ones pass away, a serious void is created in our life, and we realize our ego is incapable of answering these humbling questions.
This spiritual void is one reason why so many people enter their third 10000 days -- our Legacy Years -- anxious, unfulfilled and searching for answers. This is why so many 40 and 50-year olds undergo a mid-life crisis and walk away from their careers, marriages and families in search of something new. But, without clarity of direction, conviction of purpose and confidence in one’s self, these wandering souls are doomed to a life of ambiguity and unanswered questions.
During our Legacy Years, we struggle with two fundamental issues. The first deals with human vanity. We begin to show our age in unflattering ways. We also begin to show signs of mortality. Our body doesn’t work as well as it used to and we start sagging in certain places and expanding in others. The second issue relates to our personal legacy and how we will be remembered. We realize that there are so many dreams and goals we have yet to fulfill. Subtly, our Inner Spirit challenges us to not give up. And so, we begin anew to search for answers and this search rekindles our hope to salvage long forgotten dreams and goals. It is the beginning of our spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Some people seek answers by going to church or by reading the Bible, embracing the teachings of prophets like Jesus Christ. While prayer and faith are powerful tools to help people find temporary comfort, our ultimate salvation is not in heaven, but here on earth. By connecting with our Inner Spirit and discovering our higher purpose in life, we can experiences human divineness on earth.
The Course of 10000 Days™ is based on a simple life-balance philosophy that teaches us how to control our ego and emotions so that they can work in harmony with our Inner Spirit to fulfill our dreams and live our higher purpose. While The Course™ is not aligned with any particular church, religion or philosophy, it compliments the life lessons we have learned from the greatest teachers, saints and philosophers throughout the ages.
The purpose of The Course™ is to help you achieve your greatest potential as a human being. To accomplish this goal, you must experience a spiritual awakening and walk the path of enlightenment where you can discover your higher purpose in life. It all begins by responding truthfully and deeply to the Three Sacred Questions of The Course™.
According to The Course™, we all have the same higher purpose. However, how we manifest it varies considerably from one person to the next. This is because each person has a different interpretation of life and the legacy they want to leave behind.
The purpose of The Course™ is clear. It is not some New Age phenomena, but rather the first step in our spiritual development whereby we find harmony and peace within, and create an equal balance among our Ego, Emotions and Inner Spirit. The Course™ refers to these three elements of our Being as the Triangle of Being. Each of us possesses these three elements. It is the Triangle of Being that makes us think, feel, act, behave and react to every situation or encounter in life.
Much of what you will learn from The Course™ deals with self-awareness and self-improvement. It is a process that will lead you through the Three Sacred Questions, over the Bridge of Forgiveness, and, ultimately, into the Kingdom of Roses.
Those who have completed The Course™ will tell you without hesitation that this process works. However, it requires an investment of time and effort on your part. The Course™ embraces the core principle that is written in the Bible, the Koran and other great books of religion -- that in order for you to experience a benefit, you must invest in yourself. If you are seeking lasting fulfillment, then The Course™ is right for you.
Regrettably, some people only want a quick-fix to life. They wrongly believe that if they have the answers, they can solve their problems and skate by. But, as The Course™ teaches us, knowing the answers without understanding the equation of life -- and why we think, feel, act, behave and react to things the way we do, will not help us discover our higher purpose, find inner peace or help us live a passionate life!
This is why prayer alone cannot bring salvation. You must help yourself by taking the next step. While self-help books and self improvement courses are encouraged, ultimately, in order to overcome anxiety, depression, panic attacks and fear is to change how you think, feel, act, behave and react to life. The Course™ addresses these issues and challenges by helping you confront barriers in your life that prevent you from healing and achieving your greatest potential. Ironically, what The Course™ teaches us is one of the best kept secrets in the world. Simply stated, it all starts with your commitment to become the person you desire; to dream your dreams; and, realize that your potential as a human being is unlimited if you believe in yourself.
We invite you to enroll in The Course™ and experience its amazing powers for yourself!
For program information on The Course of 10,000 Days™, please visit The 10000 Days Foundation, a non-profit organization at: www.thecourseof10000days.org
About the Author: Tom Hinton is well known as a thought leader and spiritual development coach. He is the author of the best-selling book entitled 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life. Tom facilitates The Course™ weekend retreats in San Diego, California and frequently speaks at meetings and conferences on topics relating to human potential and spiritual development. He can be reached via email at: tom@tomhinton.com
Did you know that the average person lives about 30,000 days? But, thanks to the marvels of modern medicine we’re living longer! The Course of 10000 Days™ teaches us that our first 10000 days, which equates to a little more than 27 years, are known as our Discovery Years. These days span our infancy to early adulthood. We spend these days developing our personality and ego, learning values, shaping our character and behavior, and creating lifelong bonds with our family and friends. It is during our Discovery Years that we attempt to discover our gifts and talents and exercise creativity. We also learn how to assess risks, make mistakes and rebound, expand our minds, learn social graces, receive a formal education, plot our career path, forge our political beliefs and values, challenge the status quo, set goals and discover the power and pitfalls of money and romance.
Our second 10000 days are our Fulfillment Years. Most people spend their Fulfillment Years building their resume, acquiring wealth, searching for true love, starting a family, laying down roots, striving to achieve their goals, traveling and consuming all the world has to offer.
Ironically, as many people complete their Fulfillment Years they realize they are, in fact, unfulfilled because they have failed to live their dreams or achieve their vision and goals. They realize their Fulfillment Years have been reduced to climbing the corporate ladder, chasing success and keeping up with the Jones. It’s an awkward moment in our lives when we realize that we are completely ego-driven and have little connection with our Inner Spirit, nor any reasonable understanding about why we exist.
When this occurs, it represents the beginning of a major transformation in our life. It is the point when we come face-to-face with our third 10000 days, which The Course™ refers to as our Legacy Years. It is at this moment we realize something significant in our life is missing. We begin to ask ourselves such nagging questions as Who am I? How do I live a life worth remembering? and What is my higher purpose in life? This is the quiet, but steady voice of our Inner Spirit.
As we reach this turning point in our lives, we begin to ask our Inner Spirit to help us find meaningful answers to these difficult questions that will shape our next 10000 days. It is hard to get on with our lives until we have some rational explanation as to why we exist and what our higher purpose is on earth. It’s typical for people in their mid-40s and early 50s to start asking themselves such somber questions about life’s meaning and purpose as they experience the death of loved ones -- parents, a spouse, family members and friends. With each personal loss, the pressure to satisfactorily answer these unsettling questions intensifies and we hunger for meaningful answers. When loved ones pass away, a serious void is created in our life, and we realize our ego is incapable of answering these humbling questions.
This spiritual void is one reason why so many people enter their third 10000 days -- our Legacy Years -- anxious, unfulfilled and searching for answers. This is why so many 40 and 50-year olds undergo a mid-life crisis and walk away from their careers, marriages and families in search of something new. But, without clarity of direction, conviction of purpose and confidence in one’s self, these wandering souls are doomed to a life of ambiguity and unanswered questions.
During our Legacy Years, we struggle with two fundamental issues. The first deals with human vanity. We begin to show our age in unflattering ways. We also begin to show signs of mortality. Our body doesn’t work as well as it used to and we start sagging in certain places and expanding in others. The second issue relates to our personal legacy and how we will be remembered. We realize that there are so many dreams and goals we have yet to fulfill. Subtly, our Inner Spirit challenges us to not give up. And so, we begin anew to search for answers and this search rekindles our hope to salvage long forgotten dreams and goals. It is the beginning of our spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Some people seek answers by going to church or by reading the Bible, embracing the teachings of prophets like Jesus Christ. While prayer and faith are powerful tools to help people find temporary comfort, our ultimate salvation is not in heaven, but here on earth. By connecting with our Inner Spirit and discovering our higher purpose in life, we can experiences human divineness on earth.
The Course of 10000 Days™ is based on a simple life-balance philosophy that teaches us how to control our ego and emotions so that they can work in harmony with our Inner Spirit to fulfill our dreams and live our higher purpose. While The Course™ is not aligned with any particular church, religion or philosophy, it compliments the life lessons we have learned from the greatest teachers, saints and philosophers throughout the ages.
The purpose of The Course™ is to help you achieve your greatest potential as a human being. To accomplish this goal, you must experience a spiritual awakening and walk the path of enlightenment where you can discover your higher purpose in life. It all begins by responding truthfully and deeply to the Three Sacred Questions of The Course™.
According to The Course™, we all have the same higher purpose. However, how we manifest it varies considerably from one person to the next. This is because each person has a different interpretation of life and the legacy they want to leave behind.
The purpose of The Course™ is clear. It is not some New Age phenomena, but rather the first step in our spiritual development whereby we find harmony and peace within, and create an equal balance among our Ego, Emotions and Inner Spirit. The Course™ refers to these three elements of our Being as the Triangle of Being. Each of us possesses these three elements. It is the Triangle of Being that makes us think, feel, act, behave and react to every situation or encounter in life.
Much of what you will learn from The Course™ deals with self-awareness and self-improvement. It is a process that will lead you through the Three Sacred Questions, over the Bridge of Forgiveness, and, ultimately, into the Kingdom of Roses.
Those who have completed The Course™ will tell you without hesitation that this process works. However, it requires an investment of time and effort on your part. The Course™ embraces the core principle that is written in the Bible, the Koran and other great books of religion -- that in order for you to experience a benefit, you must invest in yourself. If you are seeking lasting fulfillment, then The Course™ is right for you.
Regrettably, some people only want a quick-fix to life. They wrongly believe that if they have the answers, they can solve their problems and skate by. But, as The Course™ teaches us, knowing the answers without understanding the equation of life -- and why we think, feel, act, behave and react to things the way we do, will not help us discover our higher purpose, find inner peace or help us live a passionate life!
This is why prayer alone cannot bring salvation. You must help yourself by taking the next step. While self-help books and self improvement courses are encouraged, ultimately, in order to overcome anxiety, depression, panic attacks and fear is to change how you think, feel, act, behave and react to life. The Course™ addresses these issues and challenges by helping you confront barriers in your life that prevent you from healing and achieving your greatest potential. Ironically, what The Course™ teaches us is one of the best kept secrets in the world. Simply stated, it all starts with your commitment to become the person you desire; to dream your dreams; and, realize that your potential as a human being is unlimited if you believe in yourself.
We invite you to enroll in The Course™ and experience its amazing powers for yourself!
For program information on The Course of 10,000 Days™, please visit The 10000 Days Foundation, a non-profit organization at: www.thecourseof10000days.org
About the Author: Tom Hinton is well known as a thought leader and spiritual development coach. He is the author of the best-selling book entitled 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life. Tom facilitates The Course™ weekend retreats in San Diego, California and frequently speaks at meetings and conferences on topics relating to human potential and spiritual development. He can be reached via email at: tom@tomhinton.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Common Sense is Not All That Common
by Tom Hinton
In his classic book, A World Waiting To Be Born: Civility Rediscovered, the late author Dr. M. Scott Peck, noted that today’s society suffers a serious and disruptive illness -- incivility. Dr. Peck believed our destructive patterns of self-absorption, callousness, manipulativeness, and materialism are so ingrained in our routine behavior that we cannot recognize them. Like Dr. Peck, I believe incivility is fatal to companies, government agencies and politicians who treat people with contempt or indifference.
During the past few weeks, there have been numerous cases of incivility that cause me to wonder how people in important positions can act so callously or dim-witted? Regrettably, the examples of incivility range from President Obama labeling the Cambridge Police Department as “acting stupidly” to sports and, not surprisingly, the whipping boy of consumer dissatisfaction -- the airlines industry.
Unfortunately, for President Obama, his choice of words was less than presidential. To label the Cambridge Police Department for “acting stupidly” before Mr. Obama had all the facts left him open to criticism and derailed his health care reform efforts while his critics crowded the airwaves dissecting his ill-chosen comments. It took a few beers and photos at the White House with Sgt. Crowley and Professor Gates, Jr. to clear the air and get the president out of the Cambridge dog house. It was a tough lesson for Mr. Obama on civility and choosing one’s words more carefully.
Next, consider the bonehead decision by the management of Continental Express to allow 47 passengers to sit for six hours on a deserted tarmac after flying from Houston to Minneapolis -- only to be diverted to Rochester some 90 miles away. After nine hours, the all-night camp-out on Continental Express Flight 2816 took on the smell of soiled baby diapers and a backed-up toilet that was over-used by the stranded passengers in the regional jet. You would think that after JetBlue committed a similar blunder two years ago -- stranding thousands of passengers on planes that sat within spitting distance of the JFK terminal -- that Continental Express would not make the same dumb mistake. What should have been a 2 1/2-hour trip from Houston to Minneapolis became a nightmare for those 47 passengers. It also provides us with a new definition for incivility. After all, what civil-minded person would confine 47 passengers in a foul-smelling airplane without ample food and water for nine hours? It borders on torture let alone stupidity.
But, common sense is not common in the airline industry. Just ask, United Airlines which continues to suffer stock losses and the disdain of consumers who watched guitarist Dave Carroll’s YouTube video saga entitled, United Breaks Guitars. Passengers sitting aboard a plane in Chicago witnessed UAL baggage handlers tossing Carroll’s guitar like a football. When Carroll retrieved his expensive Taylor guitar at his destination, he found it had been broken. Carroll’s efforts to have United Airlines fix his instrument fell on deaf ears for 9 months. So, Carroll wrote the widely popular song, United Breaks Guitars, which has been viewed by 4 million people. Is it simply a coincidence that many stock analysts believe the Mr. Carroll’s United Breaks Guitars sage has cost UAL millions in stock losses? If so, that’s an expensive lesson in civility and disdain for your customers!
Another example of incivility concerns Tiger Woods, who was fined by the PGA Tour for his public criticism of a rules official after winning last week’s Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio. In this example of incivility and a lack of common sense, Tiger is being unfairly punished by the PGA for criticizing the referee, John Paramour, who told Woods and Padraig Harrington they were being “put on the clock” for slow play at a critical time in the final round of the tournament. At the time, Harrington clung to a slim one-shot lead at the par-5 16th hole. The comment by Mr. Paramour rattled Harrington. Tiger Woods said afterwards said the intrusion by Paramour caused Harrington to rush three difficult shots that led to his devastating triple bogey on the 6th hole. Harrington never recovered and Woods went on to win the tournament by four shots. Woods said he told Harrington after it was over, “I’m sorry that John [Paramour] got in the way of a great battle.” This is why the PGA fined Woods.
While Woods and Harrington lagged behind the players in front of them, their pace seemed steady for a competitive two-man duel. While the PGA will argue that Paramour was within his right to put Woods and Harrington “on the clock,” his timing was terrible and, thus, lacked civility. Even well-intentioned people make bonehead plays that confound common sense.
Finally, I’m sure Dr. Peck would be troubled -- as I am -- by the recent incivility at the various congressional town hall meetings as the merits of a proposed health care reform plan are debated. Certainly, such a sweeping proposal will draw many different ideas, comments and opposing viewpoints. But, in watching the news coverage of these town hall meetings, it is both disgraceful and undignified how so many Americans are conducting themselves. Whatever happened to civil discourse and allowing one person to voice their opinion before an opposing thought is expressed? Instead, I see angry old men yelling and screaming at women and children. For what? If this is political theatre, shame of those who would defame America’s prized ritual of debate. Is this the image of American society we want to project to the world that is watching America discuss health care reform? This is how we earned the distasteful label, “Ugly American.”
It should come as no surprise that many of our children hold politics, politicians, and various television news commentary programs in contempt. In their minds, our generation is not a role model for civility. We are a generation that represents everything negative, spiteful and perverse in American society. We lack common sense, self-respect, and a sense of decency and fairness not only for ourselves but for other nations as well. We have, as Dr. Peck feared, become a discredited society that is self-absorbed, callous, manipulative, and completely consumed with material things.
Can it be that we have become a nation without feelings and emotions? As one college student remarked to me last week, “America has lost its soul. I’m disgusted with all of you.” Frankly, she’s right… I’m disgusted with all of you, too!
About the Author: Thomas Hinton is the author of 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life. He is a popular speaker at business and association conferences on the topics of Life Balance and Discovering Your Life Purpose. He can be reached at: tom@tomhinton.com
In his classic book, A World Waiting To Be Born: Civility Rediscovered, the late author Dr. M. Scott Peck, noted that today’s society suffers a serious and disruptive illness -- incivility. Dr. Peck believed our destructive patterns of self-absorption, callousness, manipulativeness, and materialism are so ingrained in our routine behavior that we cannot recognize them. Like Dr. Peck, I believe incivility is fatal to companies, government agencies and politicians who treat people with contempt or indifference.
During the past few weeks, there have been numerous cases of incivility that cause me to wonder how people in important positions can act so callously or dim-witted? Regrettably, the examples of incivility range from President Obama labeling the Cambridge Police Department as “acting stupidly” to sports and, not surprisingly, the whipping boy of consumer dissatisfaction -- the airlines industry.
Unfortunately, for President Obama, his choice of words was less than presidential. To label the Cambridge Police Department for “acting stupidly” before Mr. Obama had all the facts left him open to criticism and derailed his health care reform efforts while his critics crowded the airwaves dissecting his ill-chosen comments. It took a few beers and photos at the White House with Sgt. Crowley and Professor Gates, Jr. to clear the air and get the president out of the Cambridge dog house. It was a tough lesson for Mr. Obama on civility and choosing one’s words more carefully.
Next, consider the bonehead decision by the management of Continental Express to allow 47 passengers to sit for six hours on a deserted tarmac after flying from Houston to Minneapolis -- only to be diverted to Rochester some 90 miles away. After nine hours, the all-night camp-out on Continental Express Flight 2816 took on the smell of soiled baby diapers and a backed-up toilet that was over-used by the stranded passengers in the regional jet. You would think that after JetBlue committed a similar blunder two years ago -- stranding thousands of passengers on planes that sat within spitting distance of the JFK terminal -- that Continental Express would not make the same dumb mistake. What should have been a 2 1/2-hour trip from Houston to Minneapolis became a nightmare for those 47 passengers. It also provides us with a new definition for incivility. After all, what civil-minded person would confine 47 passengers in a foul-smelling airplane without ample food and water for nine hours? It borders on torture let alone stupidity.
But, common sense is not common in the airline industry. Just ask, United Airlines which continues to suffer stock losses and the disdain of consumers who watched guitarist Dave Carroll’s YouTube video saga entitled, United Breaks Guitars. Passengers sitting aboard a plane in Chicago witnessed UAL baggage handlers tossing Carroll’s guitar like a football. When Carroll retrieved his expensive Taylor guitar at his destination, he found it had been broken. Carroll’s efforts to have United Airlines fix his instrument fell on deaf ears for 9 months. So, Carroll wrote the widely popular song, United Breaks Guitars, which has been viewed by 4 million people. Is it simply a coincidence that many stock analysts believe the Mr. Carroll’s United Breaks Guitars sage has cost UAL millions in stock losses? If so, that’s an expensive lesson in civility and disdain for your customers!
Another example of incivility concerns Tiger Woods, who was fined by the PGA Tour for his public criticism of a rules official after winning last week’s Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio. In this example of incivility and a lack of common sense, Tiger is being unfairly punished by the PGA for criticizing the referee, John Paramour, who told Woods and Padraig Harrington they were being “put on the clock” for slow play at a critical time in the final round of the tournament. At the time, Harrington clung to a slim one-shot lead at the par-5 16th hole. The comment by Mr. Paramour rattled Harrington. Tiger Woods said afterwards said the intrusion by Paramour caused Harrington to rush three difficult shots that led to his devastating triple bogey on the 6th hole. Harrington never recovered and Woods went on to win the tournament by four shots. Woods said he told Harrington after it was over, “I’m sorry that John [Paramour] got in the way of a great battle.” This is why the PGA fined Woods.
While Woods and Harrington lagged behind the players in front of them, their pace seemed steady for a competitive two-man duel. While the PGA will argue that Paramour was within his right to put Woods and Harrington “on the clock,” his timing was terrible and, thus, lacked civility. Even well-intentioned people make bonehead plays that confound common sense.
Finally, I’m sure Dr. Peck would be troubled -- as I am -- by the recent incivility at the various congressional town hall meetings as the merits of a proposed health care reform plan are debated. Certainly, such a sweeping proposal will draw many different ideas, comments and opposing viewpoints. But, in watching the news coverage of these town hall meetings, it is both disgraceful and undignified how so many Americans are conducting themselves. Whatever happened to civil discourse and allowing one person to voice their opinion before an opposing thought is expressed? Instead, I see angry old men yelling and screaming at women and children. For what? If this is political theatre, shame of those who would defame America’s prized ritual of debate. Is this the image of American society we want to project to the world that is watching America discuss health care reform? This is how we earned the distasteful label, “Ugly American.”
It should come as no surprise that many of our children hold politics, politicians, and various television news commentary programs in contempt. In their minds, our generation is not a role model for civility. We are a generation that represents everything negative, spiteful and perverse in American society. We lack common sense, self-respect, and a sense of decency and fairness not only for ourselves but for other nations as well. We have, as Dr. Peck feared, become a discredited society that is self-absorbed, callous, manipulative, and completely consumed with material things.
Can it be that we have become a nation without feelings and emotions? As one college student remarked to me last week, “America has lost its soul. I’m disgusted with all of you.” Frankly, she’s right… I’m disgusted with all of you, too!
About the Author: Thomas Hinton is the author of 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace and Passion for the Rest of Your Life. He is a popular speaker at business and association conferences on the topics of Life Balance and Discovering Your Life Purpose. He can be reached at: tom@tomhinton.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Answering Life's Most Difficult Questions
by Tom Hinton
At a recent workshop I conducted on The Course of 10,000 Days™, one participant asked me, “What is life’s most difficult question?” This is a topic I’ve been studying and teaching for more than twenty years. As people reach their mid-forties, they begin to ask themselves serious questions about their higher purpose and what it takes to achieve their life goals. Certainly, these questions are more than just a passing phase for aging Baby Boomers.
I’ve concluded there are actually two questions that are the most difficult for people to answer. I say this because it’s important to understand that human beings have two dimensions -- a physical dimension and a spiritual dimension. Thus, there are two most difficult questions to answer -- one for each realm of our existence, physical and spiritual.
To answer the first of life’s most difficult questions, we should start in the physical realm because it is through our physical dimension that our spiritual essence is revealed. From a physical perspective, life’s most difficult question is this: How do I become the person I want to be?
In The Course of 10,000 Days™ we teach people that there are three steps to achieving our human potential and becoming the person we want to be. The first step is Acceptance of Self. In other words, embrace who I am. In the beginning, we were conceived in perfection and born into this world with unique attributes and talents. Our challenge is to discover those talents and develop them. Too many people trudge through life without ever discovering their greatness. Instead, they focus on their limitations and allow their weaknesses to hold them down. The principle of Acceptance of Self gets us out of the rut of self-pity and moves us into action by conducting a thorough self-assessment of our strengths and talents. I have found that once people begin to understand their strengths and explore their talents, they can climb out of the ruts and get on the path to achieving their life goals - one step at a time.
The second step is Life Focus. A good portion of The Course of 10,000 Days™ retreat is devoted to helping people identify their goals and dreams, and then developing a written plan of action to achieve them. During The Course™ retreat, attendees form groups of five-to-six people known as “B-HAGs” (an acronym for Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal-setters). This process includes setting written personal and professional goals as well as weekly conference calls lasting 45-minutes to review each participant’s goals and progress towards their goals. B-HAGs also use visual aids such as Dream Boards and complete a comprehensive 90-day review session with our instructors. In this way, people create a “no-excuse” environment and force themselves to stay focused on achieving their goals. Frankly, it’s hard work to change behavior and achieve our dreams. But, for those who follow the process, I can tell you it is very rewarding!
Also, you need to ACT! This is an acronym that translates as follows: “A” is for Accept Your Gifts. We are who we are. Each person has talents and gifts bestowed upon them at birth and developed knowingly or unknowingly over their lifetime. The secret is to discover your gifts and talents. Then, begin to use them to achieve your goals and live your dreams. Incidentally, all gifts and talents are positive and loving. In other words, being a jewel thief or a skilled liar are not gifts. These are abuses of one’s undeveloped talents.
The “C” represents Commit to Your Goals. We all know people who are talented, but for some strange reason they never seem to achieve their dreams or goals. Years ago, I recall meeting a gentleman who had a great idea for a software program to help accountants and others manage their bookkeeping chores. A few years went by and when we met again we revisited our earlier discussion about software programs. By this time, Quicken and other financial accounting software programs had been introduced to the marketplace. He reminded me that he had thought of this concept years ago, but never acted. In other words, he lacked commitment. He was a brilliant person, but he never put his ideas into a formal plan of action and committed himself to doing it. Eventually, that brilliant idea floated away and landed in the lap of another person who reaped the benefits because they were committed.
The “T” in our ACT Formula represents Take Decisive Action. Simply translated, this means that every day you must do something decisive that moves you closer to success. I’ve met dozens of people who tell me they have a great idea for a book. I always respond by saying, “That’s great. Tell me, what are you doing today to make your book idea a reality?” More often than not, the answer is nothing. It may be a great idea, but without decisive action that book will never get written -- at least by that aspiring author! You need to sit down and write a page a day in order to translate your idea into a book.
It’s hard to focus on our spiritual essence when our physical needs are not being met. This is why The Course of 10,000 Days™ emphasizes the importance of life balance in the three major areas of our physical dimension. They are: Self, Health, and Wealth. Once these needs are identified and your attention is focused on your intentions, you can begin to answer the second of life’s most important questions:
How do I achieve my higher purpose?
As The Course of 10,000 Days™ teaches us, we all have the same higher purpose in this lifetime. But, because we are uniquely different and possess special talents and the gift of free will, we pursue our higher purpose in many different ways. The end result is that some of us discover our higher purpose while others live a life of quiet desperation. Why is that?
The primary reason is analogous to the children’s story of the Three Little Pigs. You cannot build your life on straw principles and muddy routines and expect them to withstand the torrential threat of negativity, disappointment, and hardships. Life requires us to build our physical and spiritual temples of solid brick or stone so that we can overcome the periodic threats and storms that come our way. This means that our principles must be tried and tested. We must believe in ourselves so that we can overcome those moments of doubt when they come along. What The Course of 10,000 Days™ helped me discover was how to build a solid foundation so that I was strong enough to withstand the daily barrage of life’s challenges, negative news, and those unpleasant people who feel compelled to step on my sand castles. The Course™ also taught me how to discover purpose, peace, and passion in my life -- which are the keys to unlocking the gate of your spiritual dimension. Without discovering inner peace and your passion in life, it is impossible to find your higher purpose.
So, after much reflection and discussion, I believe these are life’s most difficult questions. The quest to discovering your higher purpose and then living it can be a rewarding one. But, it will require you to do all the things I’ve shared in this article.
If you’re looking for a positive resource to help you on your journey, I encourage you to consider The Course of 10,000 Days™ and the various programs offered by The 10,000 Days Foundation.
About the Author: Tom Hinton is president of The 10,000 Days Foundation. He is the author of four books including 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace, and Passion for the Rest of Your Life. Tom is also a popular speaker at various conferences and meetings. For more information, please email: tom@tomhinton.com
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Cheers and Jeers: Restoring Civility in the Bleepin’ Bleachers
by Tom Hinton
I hate to be the one who blows the whistle and calls for a time out on the fans, but there’s a growing problem at high school and college athletic events that needs to be nipped in the bud quickly. It’s a problem that parents and school administrators are responsible for creating because they have not stepped-in to control their sons and daughters, or put an end to certain, unacceptable sporting event practices that clearly cross the line.
I’m talking about the heightened irreverence and disrespect that student-fans are showing for the opposing team at sporting events. This is a problem that has gone far beyond the traditional rivalry cheers, barbs, and exchanges at football and basketball games. It’s now become a common occurrence at most high school and college sporting events I attend -- even girls’ sports have become infected.
It’s reached the point where an unsuspecting spectator attending his first game might think that the vulgarity, taunts, crude signs, and even offensive t-shirts are accepted practice among certain inept athletic directors and school administrators who should know better.
I recognize that students should be able to have fun; and, that sporting events offer a great opportunity to let off some steam and razz the other team. In fact, I think it’s an important element of school spirit and camaraderie to have a group of students form cheer squads, paint their bodies, and sit together to root on their team and goad the opponent. That behavior has been around since the gladiators fought in
But, civility is lost and good sportsmanship is trounced when raucous students and their parents engage in over-the-line behavior such as booing, name-calling, or using vulgar language to harass and taunt the opponent. These are unacceptable practices and every high school and college administrator, and sports commissioners should establish very clear game conduct guidelines, and enforce harsh penalties for any school that does not control its spectators.
The line has already moved in the wrong direction. For example, many universities and high schools think nothing of allowing fans to wave noodles and streamers, or shout “Miss! Miss! Miss!” while a basketball player attempts a free throw shot from the foul line. If that was your kid at the foul line, how would you feel? Sure, you want to do everything you can to psyche out the shooter before he attempts his/her shot. That’s why coaches call timeouts -- to freeze the field goal kicker, right? But, once the player takes aim and shoots the ball, civility and etiquette should be the rule.
Consider an ugly incident that was reported by San Diego Union Tribune reporter Steve Brand. At a recent high school girl’s basketball game between two upscale private schools, La Jolla Country Day (LJCD) and Bishops, a
Of course, you would think the administrators of La Jolla Country Day would have adequately addressed the incident? Apparently not, because when the same two teams met again a few weeks later, La Jolla Country Day’s parents and students replaced their vulgar taunting with hurtful, negative signs that were directed towards the young lady from Bishop. Again, how could a group of so-called upscale parents sit there and allow that to happen? It was a disgraceful repeat incident that offended not only the event attendees, but the entire community; and, it showed the LJCD parents and school administrators for what they really are -- classless egalitarians.
Someone needs to ask the obvious question. What are parents and school administrators doing to control their fans? We’re not talking about trying to control crazy, drunken Oakland Raider fans here. We’re talking about high school and college sporting events where parents, coaches, school administrators, and sports commissioners -- not to mention the game referees -- should have some modicum of control over the event and its environment. As one CIF official told reporter Steve Brand, “The gym needs to be viewed as an extension of the classroom. If a student was making a presentation in the classroom, would it be all right to boo? No, that’s disrespectful. Would you allow negative signs? No, that’s disrespectful, too!” I completely agree and applaud this approach to maintaining civility and decorum at high school and college athletic events.
So, why isn’t there more civility at these games? I think the obvious answer is that parents and administrators have lost perspective; or, they simply have no commons sense as was demonstrated by the La Jolla Country Day parents and students. Harsh, you say? Well, then you tell me why adults sit there passively in the stands and allow student-fans (and even other parents) to cross the line. Somebody needs to accept responsibility and call these idiots out.
Here’s a solution. Sporting Event Standards (similar to the 1999 program, “Pursuing Victory with Honor,” that was adopted by the California Inter-scholastic Federation) need to be approved, publicized, and enforced among parents, fans, and the student body. Security personnel at these games should be authorized to confiscate offensive signs and shirts as well as forewarn fans to refrain from vulgar outbursts and chants. Once this type of enforcement starts to happen, people will get the message that civility and decorum are expected and fans will begin to express their support and/or disgust during the game in appropriate ways.
There will always be booing of the referees and negative chants when a certain call goes against the home team. But, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know when bleacher behavior crosses the line. That’s when school administrators and sporting officials need to step in and control the fans in the bleachers.
It’s tougher to do in college sports, especially when cross-town rivals go at it. But, nevertheless, the same rules should apply here. My experience at college games has been that drunken fans are the root cause for most problems in the bleachers. I’m not sure eliminating beer sales is the answer because most of these fans, especially college students, are already drunk when they arrive in the bleachers and begin their offensive conduct and immature conduct. Short of removing them from the game, I don’t know what else can be done.
It’s not my intention to take the fun out watching the game by suppressing the spontaneity of sports fans. I love a good game and I certainly like to cheer on my favorite team. But, when you have to sit next to some-loud mouth jerk and listen to him repeatedly bellow out vulgarities or wave his offensive sign, well, now my rights to enjoy the game have been infringed upon. And, I don’t like it. Sometime, I’ll encourage him to sit down, but I don’t want to start a fight and I don’t want to get sued. So, it’s up to the school administrators, their security personnel, and other officials to calm him down or remove him from the bleachers.
It’s getting to the point where good fans like me are seriously considering staying home. Why bother? Who needs the hassle? And, that’s really too bad because when enough good fans capitulate and decide to stay home, well, now the idiots are running the asylum and ruining the game for the rest of us -- not to mention how it makes the players on both sides of the bench feel.
I just hope your son or daughter doesn’t come home some night after giving their best in a game feeling depressed and suicidal because of the unfair taunting and verbal insults directed their way from a few immature parents and students who should know better. That would be the ultimate tragedy, wouldn't it, sport fans? Let's remember, it's only a game!
About the Author: Tom Hinton is a popular author and professional speaker. His new book is entitled, 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace, and Passion for the Rest of Your Life. For more information visit www.tomhinton.com or email him at tom@tomhinton.com
Monday, February 11, 2008
Love Is In the Air
by Tom Hinton
As St. Valentine’s Day approaches, I thought I’d share with you an interesting practice that is being used by my high school -age daughter, Becca, and her one thousand most intimate friends. They conclude every telephone call with this heartfelt phrase, “Love you! Bye.”
About the Author. Tom Hinton is a popular speaker at corporate and association meetings. He is also the author of four books including 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace, and Passion in Your Life. For information please email him at tom@tomhinton.com
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