Just My Advice

Experience everything. Ask questions; ask for the truth and the reality that comes with it, through honesty is the only way you will get to know a person and be able to step past the boundaries that we all put up.

Learn from peoples mistakes, but more importantly know when it is ok to make your own, because no one will do everything right. Never hold back, even if you think you are wasting your time, there will always be something to learn from any experience, it just depends on the way you look at things.

Prepare and expect the drama and uncertainty that comes with doing something different. Be ready for it, plan, and think of it as a personal challenge of your skills. If you can diffuse a problem or cope with a situation that might seem out of control to others, then you may have already won a battle.

Keep a positive attitude. Do not wallow in your own frustrations and poor luck. People do not want to be with losers; by always portraying your own self-pity you will push away the people that will really be able to help you.

Do not lead people on if you think you are in a situation that is over your head. Be honest. Stop and get out. In the long run you will be better off.

Be a role model, inspire, push and motivate people. Through other's fortunes you will be repaid in some form or another even if it does not happen immediately, it will. If someone else becomes a better person due to your influence than you have both gained respect and gratitude from the situation.

Above all be a good friend. Friendship is the one thing that you will miss the most if it is taken away or lost. Always become friends first, this applies to every relationship you make. Always try to build that bridge of friendship between people; without it, you are just going through the motions. Never, never burn bridges.

Hope is...

Hope is...

Having Faith
believing
in enough
in the face of a child
the sigh after a kiss
sunrises
sunsets
another season, another reason
morning, afternoon and night
beginning, after an end
"hello" after "goodbye"
"yes" after "no"
"no" because there's something better
plans made and followed
dreams
a handshake
a smile
an up after down
birth
death and its promise
being "born again"
a reach down
a look up
a meeting
a vote
a phone call
email
a clock alarm and wake up
setting the alarm
setting a goal
the sound of your name
first Robin
coming in first
finishing a race in any place
doing your best
trying
quiet
noise
and you...especially, you!

-- Shared by Bob Perks

I Loved You Enough

By Wayne Walters

Some day when my players are old enough to understand the logic that motivates coaches, I will tell them:

I loved you enough to worry where you were going after late practice, and with whom and how much sleep and study time I left you.

I loved you enough to insist that you take personal responsibility for your actions instead of letting you make excuses.

I loved you enough to be silent and let teammates workout the differences between themselves and discover how much we really needed each other.

I loved you enough to tell you what we needed from you to be successful and to be disappointed when you did not deliver.

I loved you enough to pick you up and emotionally carry you when the times were toughest and bring you back to reality when you though that you were a little better than what you were.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Players must learn that coaches are human and not perfect.

But, most of all, I loved you enough to do what needed to be done to build your character and the character of your teammates even though I knew you would curse me for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all. I am glad we won them, because in the end those are the most cherished victories.

THE POWER OF A LEADER

True Leaders are not those who strive to be first, but those who are first to strive and who give their all for the success of the team. True Leaders are first to see the need, envision the plan, and empower the team for action. By the strength of the leader’s commitment, the power of the team is unleashed.

Three Rules for Turning Stress Into Success

by Denis Waitley

1. Accept the Unchangeable - Everything that has happened in your life to this minute is unchangeable. It’s history. The greatest waste of energy is in looking back at missed opportunities, lamenting past events, grudge collecting, getting even, harboring ill will, and any vengeful thinking. Success is the only acceptable form of revenge. By forgiving your trespassers, you become free to concentrate on going forward with your life and succeeding in spite of your detractors. You will live a rewarding and fulfilling life. Your enemies, on the other hand, will forever wonder how you went on to become so successful without them and in the shadow of their doubts.

Action Idea: Write down on a sheet of paper things that happened in the past that bother you. Now crumple the paper into a ball and throw it at the person teaching this program at the front of the room. This symbolizes letting go of past misfortunes.

2. Change the Changeable - What you can change is your reaction to what others say and do. And you can control your own thoughts and actions by dwelling on desired results instead of the penalties of failure. The only real control you have in life is that of your immediate thoughts and actions. Since most of what we do is a reflex, subconscious habit, it is wise not to act on emotional impulse. In personal relations, it is better to wait a moment until reason has the opportunity to compete with your emotions.

Action Idea: Write down in your diary one thing you will do tomorrow to help you relax more during and after a stressful day.

3. Avoid the Unacceptable - Go out of your way to get out of the way of potentially dangerous behaviors and environments. When people tailgate you on the freeway, change lanes. If they follow you at night, drive to a well-lighted public place.
When there are loud, obnoxious people next to you at a restaurant or club, change tables or locations. Also, be cautious of personal relationships developed via the Internet. With the massive number of individuals surfing the net, the number of predators increases in like proportion. Always be on the alert for potentially dangerous situations involving your health, personal safety, financial speculation and emotional relationships.

Action Idea: What is one unacceptable behavior you have or allow others to do to you that you will avoid starting tomorrow? Example: The way you drive, being around negative people, walking down dark streets alone late at night, etc.

Don Yaeger's 16 Consistent Characteristics of Winners

1. It's Personal

They hate to lose more than they love to win.

2. Rubbing Elbows

They understand the value of association.

3. Believe

They have faith in a higher power.

4. Contagious Enthusiasm

They are positive thinkers... They are enthusiastic... and that enthusiasm rubs off.

How They Prepare

5. Hope For the Best, But...

They prepare for all possibilities before they step on the field.

6. What Off-Season?

They are always working towards the next game... The goal is what's ahead, and there's always something ahead.

7. Visualize Victory

They see victory before the game begins.

8. Inner Fire

They use adversity as fuel.

How They Work

9. Ice In Their Veins

They are risk-takers and don't fear making a mistake.

10. When All Else Fails

They know how - and when - to adjust their game plan.

11. Ultimate Teammate

They will assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win.

12. Not Just About the Benjamins

They don't play just for the money.

How They Live

13. Do Unto Others

They know character is defined by how they treat those who cannot help them.

14. When No One Is Watching

They are comfortable in the mirror... they live their life with integrity.

15. When Everyone Is Watching

They embrace the idea of being a role model.

16. Records Are Made to Be Broken

They know their legacy isn't what they did on the field. They are well-rounded.

Success

Success can be defined in three simple words: And then some. The top people did what was expected of them, and then some. They were considerate and kind, and then some. They were good friends and helpful neighbors, and then some.

—Darnell Johnson, School Superintendent, Greenwood, South Carolina