Whatever

Intellectual
Goal: Read twelve books

Recently, I read The Founders' Almanac: A Practical Guide to the Notable Events, Greatest Leaders & Most Eloquent Words of the American Founding.  I decided that I would read this when Independence Day was just about around the corner.  The title might suggest a boring read, but let me tell you, with every turn of the page my pride in our country swelled as I realize all that went before us.

I have to admit, however, that I'm becoming increasingly alarmed about our great country.  It seems that we have lost our moorings - our national character. In essence, we have become America - the Apathetic.

Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, in 1787 had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:

"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government.’A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.’

The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years.

During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:

1. from bondage to spiritual faith;
2. from spiritual faith to great courage;
3. from courage to liberty;
4. from liberty to abundance;
5. from abundance to complacency;
6. from complacency to apathy;
7. from apathy to dependence;
8. from dependence back into bondage."

In one chapter the author has quotations from the Founders on a variety of subjects.  In the Character section he has two quotes that made me stop and think.  The are:

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt."

Samuel Adams, from an essay in The Public Advertiser, 1749

"It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor.  A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution."

Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XIX, 1787

Our country's demise is almost certain and our standing in the world is waning. I would say that we are at step #7 and leaning to #8.  I think this is because we have forgotten who we are and what we stand for as a nation.  Reread the quotes from Adams and Jefferson.  Our Founding Fathers recognized that for a country to be strong, it needed to be a nation of laws and virtuous citizens.

Furthermore, without a strong moral compass and understanding that there is an absolute truth, we don't need to fear the Chinese or another standing army.  No, we need to fear our own neighbor; whether he/she is next door, our own home, the lectern at college, or in our government.

Oh well, whatever.  I think there is something waiting to entertain me.

*Disclaimer - I do not watch this show.  For illustration purposes only.

Baking Bread

The Faith
Goal: Study the Gospel of Matthew / daily study of the Word

Recently I had a conversation about faith with an acquaintance of mine.  We were discussing his background as a pastor for 12 years many, many years ago.  He expressed some sentiment about his former denomination and profession and how people believe they are having a spiritual rebirth when in all actuality, he believes, they are just part of a "group think" that is enhanced by the music, the powerful speaking etc.

I added my two cents to his comments saying that I believed the same to a certain extent.  I went on to say that we should not trust our emotions or hang our salvation on our perceived "decision" to ask Jesus into our heart. I told my friend that we rely on our Baptism and the Word of God.  At this point, the conversation went in a completely different direction.

To my comments he said, "I don't want to hurt your faith, but that is what you have been told by another person."  I almost replied, "Well, what I just heard, is it true? Because, you see,  I just heard it from another person as well."  However, he is much older than me and I wanted to be respectful - he is a client as well.

One of my goals is to be in the Word daily for self enrichment (not self-help) and to be able to always give an answer for the hope that I have within.  Previous to my conversation, I studied the following in my daily study of the Gospel of Matthew:

Mark 8:14-21

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod

¹⁴ Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. ¹⁵ And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”^[a] 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. ¹⁷ And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸  Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?”They said to him, “Twelve.” ²⁰ “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” ²¹ And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

There is always "yeast" flying around in the air. This was especially true that day in my office. I'm reminded that Jews have an annual purging of their homes of yeast. Like them, we too must be ready to identify and throw out the yeast the doesn't lead to Life. Hopefully my friend ate the Bread that I gave him.

What a Nice Guy

Career
Goal: Be a nice guy

A Facebook status from one of my friends:  


Best line I've heard in a while from an attorney in my office discussing an out of town Judge who shall remain nameless: "I could deal with him if he was a competent a**hole. I could even deal if he was a incompetent nice guy. I cannot, however, deal with an incompetent a**hole. . ."




"He's a great guy."  "Yea, he's nice guy."  "I know her, she's really nice."  The other day I heard a variation of this phrase two times then I read my friend's Facebook status.  I stood there after reading this and remembered what I just heard that morning then it dawned on me, being nice really will take you far in this life. I believe this so much in fact, that  I am convinced that being nice with average to a little above average smarts will take you to the top in your career.

In my own career, I think there have been many times that being a nice guy has made up for a mistake or two.  I'm sure you can think of times in your own life where a simple "Awe shucks" alleviated any misdemeanor.

Maybe it's not so much being nice, but humble.  Well, isn't that nice....

It Keeps you Runnin'

Health
Goal: Run 10 miles before the end of July and August

I've been trying to figure out a way to incorporate more objective goals into my workout.  Last year I tried setting a goal of running the mile under a certain time.  I saw no success in this and quickly abandoned the goal.

Tonight I was reading a blog by an author that I just came across.  One of his goals was "Miles Ran."  I thought to myself that this is a very objective way to challenge me to work out.  I have to admit, working out this year has been very difficult.  I have every excuse when I wake up to stay in bed.  The fact of the matter is, I don't care at times.  That concerns me because I need to stay in shape as I'm not getting any younger.  Additionally, I have a little one that is full of energy.

This goal and the ease of tracking excites me.  Granted, ten miles in a month is not that much.  However, I'm probably doing around three, and that is on a good month. It is also my goal that by the end of October, I will be running twenty miles a month.

Here's to my first ten.  Goodbye excuses.

It's a Family Thing

The Faith
Goal: Finish reading/studying the Book of Genesis

A couple of months ago I finished reading The People's Bible Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Studying this book of the Bible was like reading a family history.  Well, I guess it really IS reading a family history - my spiritual family's history.

What I find most intriguing is this book shows not only the good side of our forefathers in the faith, but the bad as well.  Believe me, there was plenty of bad.  For example, there was; a husband blaming God for giving him a wife, an envious son killing his brother, God's people  trying to build a tower to Him, and brothers selling their very own brother into slavery.  Yes, the bark of the family tree is much diseased.

However, there was plenty of good.  There was a Promise given to woman that would provide peace to anyone who believes her in her Seed, there was a promise from God to a man that He will save his family if he does what He says no matter how ridiculous, there was a promise of a child and many decedents to a man late in life, and a promise made from one man on behalf of God that would save a country from famine.

As you can see, man messes up and God is faithful and provides.  This same God does the same thing for us today.  We sin much, He forgives much.  We are unfaithful yet He remains faithful. We ask for our daily bread and He not only gives that, but Breyers Crackle ice cream as well.

It's good to be part of this family no matter how dysfunctional it may seem. For we have His promise  through our Baptism.

Tick tock, Tick Tock

All Goals


It is such a cliche' that even the mere discussion of time is a cliche' in of its' self.  Rich or poor, black or white, we all are given the same 24 hours in a day.  Time and death are the great equalizers.  Maybe that is why we hold time in such high esteem, or do we?  Many times we just let it waste away like it's water flowing between our fingers.  We think, "Oh well, there's always more and besides, it doesn't cost anything." However, it costs everything.

One of my goals for this year was not in what I wanted to accomplish, but what I didn't want to do anymore - "wasting time on the Internet."  Not wasting time is always on my mind when I'm surfing.  Most of the time I look for something that I'm researching and that's it.  Then, there are other times.  You know the ones, "I'll just click on this interesting article."  Then it happens, you are swallowed up in a vortex of endless information that is more fascinating than the last piece.  On and on and on it goes - "What was I searching for?" Alright, I admit it, these times happen more often than I care to admit.

The Internet is a great tool.  I remember the other day telling my wife that I could not imagine not having this at my disposal.   I'm glad that we have it, but with everything, there are good and bad uses.

Hey wait a minute, that looks interesting.....click.

Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day | Fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way | Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town | Waiting for someone or something to show you the way

Pink Floyd

The Lab

Intellectual/Self Improvement
Goal: Deliver three speeches by year end


Trying and failing is not something that we strive for these days.  It's thought that if you make a mistake while trying to learn something, well, it's bad, wrong, you are stupid, and what were you thinking?  It is for this reason that we very seldom step out of our comfort zone and become someone that we never imagined. I have a "lab" for this kind of activity - a place to fail, make mistakes, and to fall down.  This place is called Toastmasters.

 I joined Toastmasters three years ago.  It has been a great place for me to improve my public speaking skills.  I especially need these skills in my career as I'm continuously making presentations and meeting with clients to explain how we can help them.  However, even if I didn't need these skills for my work, they would still be very valuable.  Being able to speak before people is considered one of the most scary things you can do.  However, the power of the spoken word is enough to liberate countries, move people to action, and to be a voice against evil.  Yes, it is that important.

There are times when we need to stand up and speak the truth.  There will be times when we will be called upon to lead. What then?  You going to let someone else do the talking?   No! Stop it! You have a voice, all you need is to improve it.  Go and visit a local Toastmasters club and fail. Yes, come and fail often. It is only by trying, messing up, and then doing it again will we get better.  Like someone posted on the attached link, "Courage doesn't mean that you aren't scared. It means you do it anyway."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAm7gRXFiRo

skip the ad to watch

Second

Spouse/Father


During an interview, Joseph Hodges Choate, former U.S. ambassador to Great Britain, was asked whom he would like to be if he could come back to earth again after he died. Without hesitating, the man who enjoyed a spectacular career as a trial lawyer and diplomat responded, “Mrs. Choate’s second husband.”

This was from an article in the Lutheran Witness titled "10 Ways to say, "I Love You."  I was impressed with Ambassador Choate's answer and I'm sure he received many "brownie points" when he returned home.  However, I got to wondering about Mrs. Choate, my spouse, or anyone elses' spouse.  It dawned on me that they may not want their deceased husband/wife to come back as their next spouse.  I say this tongue in cheek, but it makes you stop and think.

Trying to love our spouse as "Christ so loved the church" is a noteworthy goal and one that I have failed miserably in achieving.  There are times that I can't believe how absent-minded I can be.  There are times when I really think I should get my hearing checked.  There are times when I'm convinced that I smoked a ton of pot because my short-term memory is terrible - for the record, I tried it (pot), but did not like it and thought it was stupid and went and played sports instead.  There are times when I can't believe she puts up with me.   

With her forgiveness, I will continue on.  Some days I will get it right and other days, well,  I am sure that I will frustrate the heck out of her.  However, I will keep on trying to love her better each day because she is worth it, deserves it, and is "bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh." She would be my second.  I need to make sure I would be hers. 

Shut up Already!

Intellectual / Self improvement
Goal: Read 12 books

After a recent Rotary meeting, I met with a fellow member that is also a current business prospect.  He wanted to tell me that he was not happy with his current financial advisor and wanted to meet with the money manager that I introduced him to last October.

The conversation started out with why he didn't like what his current advisor was doing, and it kept going.  He explained to me that he could do better than him, the advisor lost money, the fees he was being charged were too high, and other reasons why he should be fired.  Then it happened, I butted in and tried to explain what we could do for him.

I just finished the book SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham.  I enjoyed reading this short book about sales.  In some ways it's counter intuitive to what I have learned in my many years of selling - the method where I do most the talking and convincing - and is what I was trying to do with the prospect I just mentioned.  With Mr. Rackman's method, you listen first, find the problems, have the prospect explain the consequences of the problem, offer your solution, and then explain the payoff.

Fortunately, I remembered what I learned from the book and stopped myself from bestowing upon him how great we are and how well we will take care of him.  I have to remember, if someone is talking himself out of a current provider, shut up!

Pax Domini

The Faith
Goal: Friday morning Bible Study and daily study

One of the my goals in studying the faith is to be able to "be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."  When I think about "everyone" I usually think of the atheist that wants to talk to me about the faith or the Jehovah's Witness or Mormon that shows up on my door step that believes their beliefs are the correct ones. What I didn't realize was that I am preparing for the mission field in my own house.

A couple of years ago during dinner our little two year old took her bread and lifted it up and said, "Always."  It kind of took me back and I had to think about what she was doing.  Then it dawned on me.  She was imitating the pastor during the Communion portion of the service when he elevates the Host and later says, "The peace of the Lord be with you always."  At that moment we had our payoff for sitting in the front of the nave during the Devine Service.  Although we were worried that she would cry or disrupt the service as it turned out,  at this young age she was able to take in the service and pay attention to what was going on.  If you are the parent of a young child, I would highly encourage you to sit with your children as close as possible to the pulpit.

I was recently surprised again.  Like the last time, it was during dinner.  This time she asked for bread, which I gave to her.  She said, "Dad, look it's bread. Can I have five pieces like Jesus?"  Once again, I stopped and had to scratch my head as to what she was talking about.  Then I remembered.  We had been reading her baby Bible before she goes to bed.  In it, the story of how Christ multiplied the loaves and fishes is included.

Granted, right now little people like her are "sponges" and they pick up the most interesting and strange things. However, I believe it's never too early to start teaching our children the faith. If they are going to be "sponges" then why not give them good water to soak up?  Lord have mercy on us for I know that the world is just waiting to fill her mind with bad alternatives.

The peace of the Lord be with us all......

The Commoner's Speech

Intellectual/ Self Improvement
Goal: Deliver three speeches by year end

I delivered my first speech of the year today.  I had some good moments and I had some that showed me where I need to work harder.  As with every speech, I learn a lit bit more about public speaking and my confidence is strengthened.

In Toastmasters when a speech is given, there is always an evaluator.  My evaluator today was a seasoned Toastmaster as well as a professional story teller - I always listen closely to what he has to say.  Here is what he concluded about my delivery:

Strengths:

• Projected sincerity and conviction
• I was a credible source for what I was talking about
• I had the willingness to "stretch" in terms of a topic and to show my convictions
• He was persuaded to accept my viewpoint
• Good organization

Weaknesses and areas of improvement:

• My hands were too fidgety
• Needed more emotion
• Needed more of an emotional conviction in the conclusion
• Talk a little bit slower (this was because my speech was too long for the allotted time, my mistake)

Here is a copy of the speech.  I didn't deliver it exactly like this, but fairly close.  I'm probably going to edit it and give it one more time for practice.  I was happy with the over feel of it, but there are portions that needed cutting out and spots that need to flow better.

Speech Title	He that Looketh
Manual	The Competent Communicator Manual
Speech project	Project #9 – Persuade with Power
Time	5-7 Minutes
Project Objectives	§  Persuade listeners to adopt your viewpoint or ideas or to take some action. §  Appeal to the audiences’ interests §  Use logic and emotion to support your position §  Avoid using notes

Introduction – State the problem/solution

Have you ever been asked a question that you weren’t anticipating?

Mr. /Mrs. Toastmaster, my fellow toastmasters, and welcome guests. A couple of years ago I was asked to be a substitute teacher for the high school Bible study at my church. Most of the time that I taught it went off with out the kids asking me any questions that I couldn’t answer, however, there was one class that really challenged me.

I prepared my lesson plan by reading the appointed Bible passages, looked up a couple of theological positions, and was ready. When I walked into the room I noticed something kind of odd; it was all girls. There wasn’t a boy in site. “Ok, no big deal.” I thought to myself. “Maybe I will get through the entire lesson since there weren’t boys trying to impress the young ladies or disrupting the class.

I said the opening prayer and started into the lesson. Before I could get out one sentence, one of the girls wanted to ask me a question. I said, “Sure, what’s on your mind?” She said they didn’t want to talk about theology, but wanted to ask me questions. Sensing that there was something on her mind, I told her to proceed. She asked, “How far is too far with a boy?” I didn’t lose my composure, but I can tell you, I was completely knocked out of my comfort zone.

What was I going to tell them? Here I was, a single man in his thirties; basically in the same position because I was out dating like them. With all these female eyes on me, I started down that difficult path.
This was a difficult conversation. However, it is the one class that I still remember to this day. I don’t necessarily remember it because of the provocative question that was posed to me. You see, every time I think about that day I am reminded of one thing - listen to me closely my fellow Toastmasters and guests; our daughters, wives, sisters, and mothers are under assault!

Yes, you heard me correctly; they are being assaulted daily by men, marketing agencies, and other women trying to push forward their idea of beauty. How might you ask? Just walk through any mall past a Victoria’s Secret store with their window displays. Look at the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog. For a catalog that sells clothes, their models seem to be not wearing any. Now the latest, they are marketing a push up bra to girls as young as eight. Also, just look at any show on TV or the movies where they are pushing the limits. Think a trip to the grocery store is safe for them? Think again. There are magazine covers that would give Playboy a run for it’s money. It seems no place is safe.

Most people just turn a “blind eye” to these exploitations without even considering the many ramifications that follow. Some counter and say, “What are you talking about? What’s the problem? Abortion and teen pregnancies are down over the last twenty years. ” While that is true, these are just two aspects of teen sexuality. In 2007 the American Psychological Association Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls issued a report linking early sexualization with three of the most common mental-health problems of girls and women: eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression. As women, teens, and young girls become more and more objectified, there are emotional costs as well as other physical risks that will result.

According to Dr. Meg Meeker’s book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters:

11.9% of females will experience forced intercourse

 46.7% of students will be sexually active before high school ends
Engaging in sex puts girls at a higher risk for depression


We have a problem. Society has become signalized to the point that women are seen too often as sexual objects. The sexual revolution that was supposed to free women has actually enslaved them to a devastating view of what it means to be feminine.

What’s the answer? Many years ago it was in vogue to say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” While there may be a little truth to that, in reality, the “village” is sick and rotten to the core. Therefore, it really starts with the family. It starts with mothers and fathers standing up against society by demanding a higher standard that says modesty, humility, proper self-confidence and dignity still matter. You can do something, we can do something, I can do something about the filth in our society.

Body – Present solutions
The return to modesty and humility

One person that stood up to society is Nicole Weider. Ms. Weider was tired of seeing Cosmopolitan magazine at eye level of children with headlines such as “75 Sex Moves” and “His Best Sex Ever.” As a former reader she was appalled at what she was reading in the magazine with its’ pornographic content. In August 2011 she had enough and decided to do something about it.

To take the culture back, Ms. Weider started a petition to have the magazine sold in a non-transparent wrapper and not to anyone under 18. Additionally, she contacted the Chairman of the FTC to lodge a formal complaint.

To date she has received many letters and emails of support from young women. In these letters they explain that they had tried some of the things listed in the magazine and received STDs, broken hearts, became pregnant, and had their self-esteem severely damaged.

Ms. Weider understands that young women need to be taught that beauty is not what Cosmo prescribes. No, that magazine and the world teach self-centeredness and love of self. Ms. Weider knew that someone needed to protect some of the most vulnerable among us and wanted to do something. It started with one woman standing up for other women and saying, “This is not what it means to be beautiful, feminine, and valued.”

Their bodies are sacred
In returning to modesty and humility, young women and girls will understand that their bodies are sacred and that they are not a means to an end. In a recent study, it was discovered that only 15 percent of teens report remaining virgins until the age of 21. Is it any wonder that according to the Center for Disease Control, 16.2% of people 14 to 49 years of age have genital HSV-2 infection?

Our bodies are sacred. Remember that Bible study I mentioned earlier? To answer the young ladies question I was able to direct them to a passage from 1 Corinthians. This passage explains that their bodies are of value and something to be protected and cherished.

1 Corinthians 6:19-21 (English Standard Version)
19Or(A) do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?(B) You are not your own, 20(C) for you were bought with a price.(D) So glorify God in your body.

A pastor I know explains it this way and I used his example with the girls, “When we receive Holy Communion we use a special cup. This cup is set aside for special-holy use. We don’t drink beer from it or carelessly handle it. Likewise, your body is sacred and something that you don’t cheapen by sleeping around.” ( I left this paragraph out when I delivered the speech)

Even if you don’t come from a faith background, you have to agree that the body is not meant for casual sexual encounters. There are too many dangers associated with these activities; unwanted pregnancies, diseases, and emotional scars to name a few.

The Importance of Fathers
Fathers, I don’t want to leave you out. First of all, fathers, we have an obligation to help protect your daughters from themselves.

Have you seen the new Quik Trip commercial? It’s the one where the father is waiting for his teen age daughter to finish dressing in order for them to leave for the day. As he stands at the bottom of the stairs his daughter comes down from her room in a revealing outfit. This happens about three times and with every incident, the father looks at her with a disapproving look and sends her back to her room to change. However, the last time she comes down she has on sweat pants and baggy shirt. He gives her an approving glance and then she walks past him. As she does, he notices something written on the seat of her sweat pants, “Kapow.” Ladies and gentlemen, this is a funny example; however, it illustrates a simple teachable moment - the father stood up for his daughter by protecting her from herself.

Additionally, fathers, we have a great responsibility daughters in the way we model appropriate love with women. In my copy of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, given to me by my mother in law, she wrote the following to me, “You are the first man your daughter will love. This relationship will be the foundation of all other relationships she has with the men in her life.” How true.

If you want your daughter to find the right man to marry, be the right man for her mother. A girl witnessing her mother being loved and elevated by her father will naturally want and seek out the same for herself.

Conclusion
Maybe things will swing back to a more modest culture as people become so desensitized; probably not. I think things will only get worse. As people become less able to be shocked, they will seek out and will find more shocking ways to degrade and objectify women.

Should we just give into the culture? By all means no. It takes simple teachable moments to protect our children from themselves. It takes someone like Ms. Weider standing up for young women and the current standard by challenging stores and the FTC. It takes you and me to battle against a perverse society and demand better. It has been said many times, “In order for evil to triumph, all that has to happen is for good people to do nothing.” So good people, what do you plan on doing?

I'm no Rocky

Health
Goal: Workout Monday - Thursday at 6:00


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhkdLHSKo9s

The year has started off very poorly in regards to working out in the morning.  I don't think I have worked out once since the first of January.  I really need to find the discipline again, as it has been very difficult to get up at 6 to workout.  Maybe I'm going to bed too late or it could the time of the year.  It doesn't matter, these are excuses.

I will tell you this, when I do start getting up again, I won't be practicing Rocky's workout regimen.

Green Shoots

All Goals
I had to call a client the other day to ask him/her a question.  As usual, it went to voice mail.   My client went through the normal voice mail message, "I'm not available to take your call...blah, blah, blah."  Then he ended it with, "Please listen carefully, What you focus on, grows."  I thought that it was kind of hokey, but I considered the source - my client is in sales and motivation.

What we focus on does grow, there is no doubt about it.  Take for example the article attached.  The author cites our country's debt in the 1800's and what Andrew Jackson did to eliminate it.  President Jackson focused on reducing the national debt because he saw it as a problem for our country.  The author explained it well,

"The elimination of the national debt did not happen simply because the country was prosperous and expanding. It happened because Andrew Jackson was determined to make it happen, and he did everything within his constitutional power to bring it about."

President Jackson was very passionate about achieving this national goal.  He was incredibly determined to eliminate the national debt because of something deep down inside him. As a result, he was able to motivate others to believe in the payoff.

This example is true for us today while we work to achieve our goals. Just remember,  a goal without discipline is just a dream. However, to develop discipline, we have to be able to see a payoff first.  Let's say you want to be debt free.  If just left at that, great goal.  However, that alone is not much to motivate you in the day to day pursuit of completing it.  What it comes down to is you have to see why it's important to achieve this.  You must be convinced of this to the point that it gets deep in your soul.  After it becomes part of your core convictions, discipline is established.  Then and only then will you have the fuel necessary to achieve the goal.

http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2011/0606/opinions-paul-johnson-current-events-debt-moral-issue.html

The Plan for 2012

All Goals
I learned much in 2011 as I blogged about my goals.  In 2012 I would like to focus my blogging more on achieving each individual goal and not so much about what I have learned along the way.  Don't get me wrong, I will still blog about something I find interesting in my readings or something that happened at my work.  However, I want to discuss each goal a little more in depth.

Also this year, I have simplified my goals by reducing them and by making them more achievable.  As I said, "I learned much from 2011."  What I learned was that I don't have enough time to achieve everything.    If I focus on one goal, it's usually at the expense of another.  That's alright, however, I have to be careful at what I'm neglecting in that moment.

This year should be a good one.  It has already started out very interesting especially in the areas of the family, career, and our finances.  I'm positive that I can achieve all that I set out for. How does your year look?

If you want to see what I have on tap for 2012, please look at the tabs for my goals.  Also, hey, please leave a message if you want. I was able to open it up for ANYONE to leave a message. Oh yea, in order to do this, you have to click on the blog entry. From there, you will see a place to post a comment.
  

I found this and thought it was great. Calvin as a teenager.

Looking back at 2011

All Goals
It was an eventful 2011 and I learned much from blogging. I didn't hit all of my goals, but, I have a suspicion that I hit more than I would have if I never wrote them down. One thing that I continue to understand is that one goal will usually affect another. For example, my goal to read ten books has benefited my career as I read about management practices. Exercise affects everything in my life as it has increased my energy.

I had some wins and I had some losses. Overall, It was a decent year. Here is what happened:



Family/Spouse 
Goal  #1                                                               Measured by                          
Dates with my wife                                 At least one per month
These are dates that I set up. I call the babysitter and ask out my wife.
Progress
We went on dates every month. We loved it so much that we decided to try at least TWO date nights per month. It has been fantastic taking time to be with my wife without interruption from our almost four year old. Setting up the dates has been made easy with the help of family members and a babysitter we found at our church. 

Goal #2                   
Prepare a question and answer book for fathers.
Measured byWork on a couple of times a week. I dont' plan to finish it by year end.
Progress
I'm about 1/3 the way through it. I've enjoyed visiting my past and thinking about my child(ten) reading this book one day. It's definitely a work of love. I've found out that a leaving a legacy is more than leaving money.

The Faith

Goal #1 - 

Personal Bible Study
Study the Gospel of Matthew
Progress

Finished this in April. It was a very good study and I learned much. In fact I have decided that I will always be learning a book of the Bible with this method. After the Gospel of Matthew I started on Genesis.

Goal #2 -
Men's Bible Study                                            Time frame                                       
Attend men's Bible study at my church           Every Friday morning at 6 am
ProgressAttended almost all classes. There were a few that I missed due to over sleeping. I honestly look forward to the class and it an incentive to getting up an hour earlier. Currently, we are studying Amos.


Financial            
This are changed many times in 2011. This is primarily due to the decision to start preparing our house to be sold in the next year. All extra money - to the exclusion of savings - has been used to fund home improvements. After the house has been updated, we will start saving for the down payment on our new home.

Goal #1          
Payoff all debt except the house

Progress
Paid off 3/15/11
This was one of the highlights of the year. I can't believe it!!!! WE ARE DEBT FREE!

Goal #2                                                     Time frame

Fund Emergency fund of 3-6 months          June 15
Progress
Completed 06/30/2011
Always keep reserves. I need to build this back - emergencies came up.

Goal #3                                                   Time frame
Prepare an investment policy statement       June 15
Progress
Printed off outline from a web site and have started working on it.
Had to back off of this. Our 401k is still with my employer as they have not spun it off. When they do, I will look into investing in single stocks and some mutual funds.


Career 
I didn't list my goals for work in this blog. They include deposit sales, investment sales, referrals, and loan production. I had a very successful year and hit most of my goals at work. My review reflected the good year.


Goal #1         
Research my career path                                                                           
ProgressI have concluded that I want to stay in Wealth Management. I'm considering management or more of a "hunter/killer" role. Recently, a couple of head hunters have called me and have me thinking more and more about my future. There is much to think about.


Goal #2    
Finish Reading Private Wealth Management
ProgressI didn't get even close. Actually, one of my colleagues has the book. I will however, be asking for it back as this will be a major focus in the new year.

Goal #3                                                                      Time frame
Read articles about wealth management issues              Daily
Progress
This goal has been very easy to achieve. There is always something to read about my industry. With
the Internet and a few bookmarked sites, I have no trouble finding information.

Goal #4                                                     Time frame
Meeting by myself                                   Every Friday
Progress
I don't miss this time for anything. I wish I had started this a long time ago. Always begin with the end in mind.


Health 
Goal #1                                                         Time frame
Work out                                                   Monday - Thursday at 6 am
Progress
There have been times that I'm up every morning killing it and other times, well, uh, I stay in bed. I still feel very healthy and my weight has been maintained.

Goal #2                                                              
Run the mile under eight minutes
In order to accomplish this I need to run at 7.5 mph for 8 minutes. 
ProgressIt was a stupid goal. I didn't even try. Remember, goals have to mean something to you and you have to see a vision in pursuing it. No vision here except to kill myself.

Goal #3                                                         Time frame
Get a physical                                                 6/30/2011
ProgressI didn't get a full physical. However, I did get blood drawn for an insurance exam and it came back to show that I'm very healthy. So healthy that they actually lowered my projected premium.


Intellectual / Self Improvement

Goal #1                                                               Time frame
Read ten books                                                   By year end
Progress/ Finished
I have really developed a love for reading and knowledge over the last couple of years. I honestly think reading has developed my mind and has benefited my career.

1. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
2. The Great Depression: A Diary by Benjamin Roth
3. Return to Prosperity by Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore
4. The Million Dollar Financial Advisor by David J. Mullen Jr.
5. The Million Dollar Financial Services Practice by David J. Mullen Jr.
6. Questions Great Financial Advisors Ask....and Investors Need to Know by Alan Parisse and David Richman
7. Selling to the Affluent by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley
8. Little Bets by Peter Sims
9. Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain
10. Great by Choice by Jim Collins
11. Practically Radical by William Taylor

Goal #2                                                      
Give four speeches in Toastmasters
ProgressI delivered one speech and worked on another one for nine months. This is one area that I truly believe in. I have to deliver more than one speech in 2012. Communication is essential in my vocation. I have to become better at it in order to be more effective.

Listen to your Father

Family/Spouse

One of my goals is to prepare a question and answer book for my child(ren).  I've been working on this throughout the year and I don't really have a deadline to finish it.  The questions are very good and address just about every stage of my life.  Here are a couple:

• What Childhood Experiences do you feel shaped you the most?
• Describe your childhood neighborhood
• What is your favorite way to spend a day of leisure?

In addition to the questions in the book I added another section.  This section addresses the most significant areas of our lives and my advice for each category.  The following is a list of the areas where I give advice and some things, but not all, that I want remembered:

Random things that I always want you to remember

My child, here is a list of things that I have learned over my years. Just because I have listed these things to remember, I do not want you to think that I mastered them.  Everything you do in your life can be placed in one these areas; The Faith, Relationships, Career, Health, Personal Finance, When looking for a spouse, Intellectual, miscellaneous.  

  The Faith

§              8but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

            Romans 5:8 English Standard Version (ESV) <This is the Gospel in a "nutshell."  When the understanding of the faith becomes difficult, return to this. 

• Try to study the Word every day.  Your study doesn’t need to be an hour long.  Our days are very hectic.  Therefore, try reading a chapter or two from the Bible daily if you are really short on time.  Maybe review the readings for the next Sunday. Always remember, this in an extremely important part of your day.
• Everyone goes about his or her faith life differently.  Focus on yours and be careful not to judge others, for you never know what is going on in their private life.
• It is 8.28.2011.  As I write this, your mother is getting ready for church and you are watching Thomas the Tank engine.  I look over at you and realize that you may walk away and even deny the faith in your teens and 20’s.  I did in my 20’s and I will always have regrets about my life away from the Lord.  However, I always remember His Presence during those times.  He never left me and He will never leave you.
• Beware of old philosophies that are disguised as new.  Your college professors and some of your friends want your mind and want to convince you that you are a simpleton for believing in your Christ.  Instead of getting mad at them, pray for them, for they are only doing what unbelievers do.

Your Country

• The United States of America is the greatest country ever.  We are not great because of our wealth, for it is only a result of what truly makes us great – it is our freedom.  When I say “freedom” I am saying that freedom means we have the ability and obligation to do what is right.  We however, never have the freedom to choose the wrong.
• If you see a soldier and have an opportunity, thank this person for their service to our great country. Don't' forget to thank their husband or wife as well.  They were supporting the soldier at home while  the soldier was off protecting our country. 
• Whenever you are in attendance at an event where the National Anthem is playing, put your right hand over your heart and be quiet.  Consider the blessings this county affords to you and all that went before us to win and secure them.  

Relationships / Your neighbor / Your parents/ 

• Your name and honor is worth more than any amount of money.  Protect it with all of your might. Just look at the last paragraph of the Declaration of Independence to see proof of the importance of your name. 
    And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
• At a certain age you will see your parents as they really are; imperfect people.  Love them anyway.  Don’t forget, you will probably be a parent one day yourself.
• If someone is serving you, treat them with the highest amount of dignity and respect. I don’t care if you become a celebrity or the President.  Everyone has value and nobody is beneath you. The Christ that died for your sins, died for theirs as well.
• Be humble but not a pushover.  
• Imitate Christ.

Your Career

• When you are facing a problem that requires your supervisor’s assistance, come to him or her with what you think is the solution. Your grandfather taught me this. 
• It has been said, “If you help people get what they want, they will give you what you want.”
• Never forget, in your career you are serving someone.  It’s a high calling to be in the service of another.  
• Currently, business people are considered the “bad guys.”  If you think about it, most business is done in an ethical manner.  
• Today we were watching trains - your favorite things at this moment - move freight.  I got to thinking about it and if you were older I would ask you this question, "What do you see here? Do you see trains, freight, and tracks only?"  I would tell you that I see "trust."  Someone first trusted before anything was started.  Therefore, you see, business in someways, is a spiritual exercise. Trust is paramount to doing good business.  

Health

• Try to work out a couple of times weekly.  Even if it’s a light work out, it’s good to get movin’.
• Don't ever do drugs, ever!  Contrary to what many believe, marijuana usually leads to other drug use.  I have seen this up close and personal with people I know.  

  Personal Finances

•  God owns it all. You are just a manager.  “Be diligent with the little things…..”
•  Stay away from all debt except in some ways a mortgage and if that mortgage is less than 25% of your monthly take home pay.
•  Consumer debt and not budgeting is one of the main reasons why the middle class is broke.  It took me well into my 30’s to understand this.  For validation of this, read The Millionaire Next Door. 
• These days, everyone wants to rely on the government to fix his or her life.  You are responsible for your life.  Yes, the government can help, but you have all the tools to make a life for yourself.  Don’t’ become a slave to the government with low expectations of yourself and your country.  This is the United States of America and you have the opportunity to become a success in your own way. 
• Be a cheerful giver.  That means all of yourself; time, talent, and treasure. 
• Cash is "king."
• Have an emergency fund of 3-6 months of monthly expenses.

When looking for a spouse and how to treat this person 

•  Look for character first, not a “character.”
• Remember, beauty on the outside is not the same as inner-beauty.  I remember a story about your beautiful mother that illustrates this - she has both.  On our wedding day your mother noticed that the photographer wasn't going to eat and that a place wasn't made for her to sit at a table.  Your mom found a table with some of our friends for her and asked the waiter to bring her a plate.  
• If faith is – and it better be – important to you, don’t marry someone from outside your denomination.  I know this is a hard lesson.  However, if you get involved with someone of a different faith or denomination, there will be many problems ahead. Don’t hope that this person will magically come around. Yes, there are times that it has worked, but it will be an enormous challenge.  Marriage is under assault today, don't add to it.  

Intellectual/Self Improvement

• Make goals; short term and long term.  Most people don’t, therefore, they know exactly where they are going.
• Become a reader.  It has been said that leaders are readers.  

Misc.

• If you want self esteem, do something. If you fail at it, good!  That is how we learn.  You earn self esteem, it is not given to you.
• Watch your passions - especially your appetites.  Make sure they don’t control you.  Stay disciplined in your thinking.
• When trying to make a decision or after you made a bad decision, always ask yourself, "What is the real reason why I did it like that?"  Know yourself......

This is just a start for me and I'm certain to add to it as the years go by.  If you have any suggestions, even funny ones, please feel free to send them to me.  I can still remember my dad saying, "Remember, only guppies eat their young."  How about this timeless one, "It's colder out there than a well digger's..."  Now my favorite, "Son remember the family motto; don't let the bastards grind you down." See, I still remember what my father said.