Random Thoughts @trevordrinen: 2013

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Do Tell: What inspired you in 2013?

In order for me to ask you, "Who / What inspired you most in 2013?" I think it only fair that I would reply first.

Who / What inspired me most in 2013?

(1) My wife

Why? Over the past years she has dealt with various severe degrees of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after killing a high school classmate in a car accident. During 2013 she overcame: med issues, thought patterns, and now is starting to write! Not only has she become an amazing writer (soulremedies.net) , she developed a island wide recognition for her hand crafted pottery (raineorshinepottery); while, caring for myself or the needs of our three kids!

(2) My kids

Why? Each of them have been one of my greatest teachers over this past year. They have each reminded me how to play, have fun, and DEEPLY enjoy the moment I am in. They have also reminded me the need to remain teachable, ask more questions, seek to understand vs to be understood, and to never quit despite the odds.

(3) My dad

Why? At 73 he is willing to pull up his roots, take a chance, and roll the dice of life by pursuing dreams and relocating.

(4) My brother

Why? He has transformed himself from a strong round man into a triathlete that is Ironman bound! How? Through daily mental, emotional, and physical choices / training. His actions have inspired me to the degree I've often said, "If he can do it so can I " and now find myself saying, "if one man can do it so can I."

(5) Nelson Mandela

Why? In a society that often define leadership through successes and results Nelson Mandela's words have penetrated the core of who I am as I daily try to live them out. "It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership." - Nelson Mandela Does leadership have to be one individual or point person? Can leadership be defined as a team? Is leadership defined by western cultural successes? Questions, questions, questions....

(6) Fizzle & Corbett Barr

Why? The team at Fizzle and Corbett Barr are down to earth and passionate about creating a place for creative entrepreneurs, writers, makers, coders and artists, to be able to support themselves independently on the Internet - they openly share failures, struggles, and wisdom.

(7) Team Hoyt

Why? Inspiration! Team Hoyt is an inspirational story of Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick, who compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country. They strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community.

(8) Movies: A Warrior's Heart, Anger Managment, Blue Like Jazz, Drift, Freedom Writers, Forever Strong, Into the Wild, King's Speech, The Way, The Hammer, Radio, Rudy, The 5th Quarter, Warrior,

Why? Inspirational true stories: fighting to survive despite the challenges life tosses at them.

Now it's your turn! Weather it one or a list, "Who / What inspired me most in 2013?"

Monday, October 7, 2013

In the midst of chaos.... believe... in YOURSELF!

In the midst of chaotic times, seasons, or moments.... breathe... and believe in YOURSELF

There are those days when you get up in the morning and things aren’t the way you

had hoped they would be.

That’s when you have to lift your chin up slightly and tell yourself that things will get better.

There are times when people disappoint you and let you down.

But those are the times when you must,

remind yourself to trust your own judgments

and opinions,

to keep believing in yourself and chasing your

dreams.

There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it is up to you to accept them. For, you are responsible for your action & reactions.

Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you by asking good questions.

Do you love your business as much as your family?

You always have to love and provide for your family. However, there are times--especially in today's environment of hand-to-hand combat--when many of your normal family experiences have to be put on hold in order to tend to your business. You have to maximize profits in your business so your family life can continue on a reasonable basis.

Do you work on weekends?
If not, why not? You can use the time to meet with employees, order priorities, and attend to financial details you've neglected for the last few weeks (and fantasize what you'll deal with next week). Weekends are also a good time to meet prospective employees because you'll find out what they're made of.

Do your workers respect you?
I didn't say like you. I said respect you. Whether or not they like you is irrelevant. What's important is that you are making money and they will share in that directly or indirectly. Serious profits get everyone's respect.

(The above questions are taken from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/205206#ixzz2Zu4xxc72)

Are you satisfied?
You should and shouldn't be. There's always some way to make things better, but watch out as unsatisfied individuals often deal with more anxiety and additional stress. It's true that the little extra that makes the difference between just another struggling business and a resounding success and failure isn't a defining moment - only a teacher showing you what did not work.

Do you work the majority of evenings and on weekends?

What drains you?

What do you enjoy doing?

What good experiences has life given you along the way?

What bad experiences have been your greatest teachers along the way?

What have you done well the past few months?

What were your biggest challenges you face?

What would you do if anything was possible in this next season of life?

It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle or success through asking questions you will find a stronger sense of who you are.

So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be.

Because the challenges and changes just may help you see that which is truly most important and find those goals which are closest to your heart.