Category: English

For better or worse our routines direct our destiny. Frequently, we think about routine as something monotonous and undesirable. Even so, we all have routines and not all of them are bad.

While there are certain routines and habits we would like to change, like smoking and eating too much, there are others which drive us to grow and improve. Recently, I had the opportunity to take an extended vacation. When I returned, I realized I had stopped doing exercise. Even though I know these routines are most beneficial, after neglecting them for several weeks, reestablishing them has been a difficult task.

There is a study which says it takes 21 days to establish a positive habit and only 3 days to lose it. While it may actually take more or less time, it’s a good rule of thumb. Knowing what we should do is easy; doing it is another story.

How can we find energy and willpower to establish routines which will empower us while eliminating those which do not benefit us? While I don’t claim to have the “final answer,” there is something we can all do to lead us to this utopia. When we integrate challenge as a part of a routine, we automatically add an element allowing us to derive more pleasure from the activity.

This idea is congruent with the studies of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Martin Seligman on happiness. Their studies include the investigation of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, from all walks of life and diverse age groups. They conclude we are happiest when we are working towards a worthy ideal. Resting and basking on a beach with nothing to do has its value. As strange as it may seem, though, this is not when we are happiest.

We can challenge routine in order to achieve more happiness and “flow” in our lives. Deciding to exercise more and to eat less is a decision we make quite often. Unfortunately, these wonderful desires are often left as nothing more than good ideas. Inaction is the result of the famous line, “I’ll start on Monday.”

One way to close this gap is to establish and achieve small realistic goals. Let’s look at an example. If someone hasn’t done any exercise in the past year, is it realistic they will start doing exercise every day starting next Monday? While anything is possible, it isn’t probable.

If we want to start doing more exercise we can start with simple things. For example, we can start the day with some stretching before we get out of bed. We can take the stairs, even if it’s for a couple of floors, instead of taking the elevator. We can pick things up instead of dragging them across the floor. In this case the challenge could be, “What can I do to get a little bit of exercise in everything I do?”

When we establish achievable objective, little by little we go far. Our current habits and routines are the result of many years of experience. While it is not realistic to think we can change all of our bad habits and convert them into empowering routines tomorrow, taking small steps to challenge routine utilizes our mind to our benefit instead of to our detriment.

We all know what we should do. It isn’t what we know but rather what we do which is most important. When we make a game of our routines and look for a way to make them more interesting we achieve two objectives. First, we enter into a state of “flow” which leads us to happiness; secondly, we establish routines which create power and energy. Challenge routine today to achieve much more tomorrow.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL II 8

Kids are by nature curious. They are fascinated by everything and all is of interest. They want to touch and taste everything in their path. It doesn’t matter the color or size; they want to know more about their world.

In our infinite intelligence, we teach youngsters limits to what they can, and cannot do. While in theory this makes sense and it is important to give direction to children, particularly when it comes to their safety, this learning process frequently inhibits the natural curiosity of a kid.

We tell them:

“Don’t do that!”

“Don’t touch that!”

“Don’t ask so many questions!”

Unconsciously, we limit one of the primary tools we all have to confront and overcome challenge. Life is not a problem to be resolved, rather a challenge to be enjoyed. One of the best ways to face what we commonly call problems is with curiosity of a kid which allows us to generate a wide range of solutions.

Our experience teaches us “the best way to do something.” Unless someone or something shows us a better way to do it, we will continue doing the same. Similar actions will always produce similar results. If these results are what we desire, we are on our way and no change is necessary! If not, we can change what we do to achieve different results.

This same curiosity, with which we are all born and frequently lose as adults, can be the key to achieve that which we most desire. Looking for new ways of doing things implies a degree of risk. The same way a child takes risk whenever they reach out to touch something, we also take risk whenever we try to do something new.

The fear of taking risk and failing tends to be bigger than the reward. We are taught as youngsters to be “perfect.” A “good kid” is one who does as he or she is told and who remains within the boundaries set by society. While this behavior is useful to maintain order, it is not the best for finding new solutions.

It is common at this time of year to evaluate what we did last year and contemplate what we would like to accomplish in the coming year. This assessment often indicates we should begin to do something different or concentrate on a project which has been left in limbo. Generally, we all know what we should do though it’s not what we know rather what we do with what we know which is most important!

Maintaining the curiosity of a kid allows us to see the world as if for the first time. Looking for new solutions to common challenges opens the door to new horizons. When we stop doing what we have always done out of convenience, we create new roads which lead to new destinations. While taking the road less traveled implies bumping into unexpected obstacles from time to time, it also results in a life full of emotion and adventure rather than drudgery and discomfort.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL II 7

We learn from everything. With our infinite wisdom we can learn from the simplest things. The earth provides a magnificent mechanism which propagates life. Though it doesn’t always provide an easy path, it does provide all we require for abundance.

Let’s take the example of a tree which begins with a seed, in itself the result of a “perfect” process of fertilization. The seed falls to form, or takes a ride on the wings of the wind. When it arrives to its destination it immediately encounters adversity. Fate frequently deals its fatal blow as it is devoured by a bird or other animal. In the best case scenario the wind and the rain provide what is necessary for it to become great and glorious.

The first days and weeks of life are crucial for its growth. An animal can destroy the seedling’s destiny by simply running over it while evading an enemy. A storm can wreak its wicked wrath wiping it out in an instant. As strange as it seems, this adversity strengthens the tree. If it does not experience adversity, it fails to form a support system of roots to support it through difficulty.

Throughout, the tree perseveres in the most difficult of circumstances and is, in fact, fortified with each new adversity. While it is true a tree does not think and is not tenacious by choice, it is so by nature. We can learn much from this tenacity to overcome difficulty in our own lives.

We frequently think of adversity which lurks around each corner as something negative to be endured. We flee discomfort and seek refuge in comfort. Nevertheless, it is adversity which molds our character. Those who have never faced adversity are often devoid of significance and emotion. While some would like to live with a little less significance and emotion, these very elements give us sustenance to carry on in the face of adversity.

Thousands of trees surround us, each special with its own history of survival. Similarly, each of us is also special, all products of a process of natural selection which carefully contemplates each adversity defining our being. Instead of fleeing from adversity we can look at it with The Tenacity of a Tree to garner inner strength on this fantastic voyage.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL II 6

We often look to comfort and convenience as a path to happiness and harmony. Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced “chick–sent–me–high-ee”), renowned for his investigation on well-being and happiness, has found we feel best when we are in a state he calls “Flow.”

We have all experienced Flow in some form or another. This has been the object of Csikszentmihalyi’s research for several decades. For some, Flow occurs several times a day; for others, it is more elusive. We achieve Flow when we are so involved in an activity, we become totally engaged and immersed in it. It’s common when we are in this state to lose track of time and of our basic necessities like hunger, sleep, and even sexual desire. Achieving this state, according to Csikszentmihalyi, is the surest road to well-being and happiness.

These findings go against what we often believe to be true regarding our perception of happiness. Let’s look at an example. Right now each of us has a list of “to do’s.” If your list is anything like mine, it seems endless.

We mistakenly believe if we could just finish or somehow get rid of each item on our list we would magically find happiness. This isn’t the case for several reasons. When we are about to finish the last item on our list, several more items magically appear. Even the day we die we will have a list of things to do. The list never ends; nor should we want it to end because that will truly be the day we meet our own end.

“Finishing” our list does not lead us to happiness because we are generally happier moving towards a goal or an objective. Facundo Cabral has a wonderful way of stating this idea:

“The journey is more exciting than the destination, if it’s possible to get anywhere at all…”

This journey implies overcoming challenge to guide us towards what we most desire. This truth coincides with Csikszentmihalyi’s work, indicating we are happiest when we strike a balance between the difficulty of a task and our ability to perform it. This is precisely when we enter Flow.

It’s common to think relaxing in front of the television in the comfort of our home will bring happiness. While it may bring temporary relief to help us recharge our batteries, Csikszentmihalyi’s research, which included hundreds of thousands of people, shows it is not in this state when we are happiest!

So then,

What can we do to be happier?

When we are directors of our own fate, we are more content. We can take action today to write words, sentences and pages which encompass our own book of life. We can reach beyond our grasp and establish goals and objectives which require we stretch beyond our comfort zone.

With few exceptions, what we all want in some way, shape or form is to be happy. All we do and all we say is directed to enhance our own happiness or to affect the happiness of another, though we may not always affect them in a positive way. I know of no one who wakes up in the morning and says, “I want to be a miserable good-for-nothing failure, full of anguish and pain.” I have, however, met many whose actions lead them to this end.

In his eloquent voice Dr. Martin Luther King said:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Flowing through challenge implies welcoming change as well as the trials and tribulations we face daily. Life is not a problem to be resolved; rather a challenge to be embraced. It is often difficult to see challenge as something outstanding, marvelous and splendid which drives us to our desire. Challenge should never be perceived as something horrendous, horrible and hateful hindering our progress.

As we mature and age, it is unlikely we will recall endless hours spent in front of the television relaxing. Nor is it likely we remember what we achieved with little or no effort. What will stand out as a magnificent monument to our life, and will likely become the stories we tell our children and grandchildren, are those challenging, uncomfortable situations we were able to overcome with courage and dignity.

Life is a collection of moments, intervals in time giving meaning and form to our existence in this wonderful world. It is the simple things which most often give sensational significance to our experience. When we flow through challenge, we take a flying leap towards directing a life full of moments which give sense, significance, and substance to each instant.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL II 5

How can we achieve Comfort in Discomfort?

How can we find peace in turbulence?

Things will not always occur as we wish. There will be situations which are depressing, sad and uncomfortable. Our interpretation of what happens, rather than what actually happens, is most important. Recently, I gained better understanding of achieving comfort in discomfort while attending a workshop with Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, and his son Don José Ruiz.

Let’s look at an example. Suppose there are two people working for the same company. They both lose their jobs at the same time because of circumstances beyond their control. One says, “Poor me, I’ll never find another job as good as this one! My life will never be the same and now it will be impossible to achieve what I desire.” The other says, “Though it was a good job, I now have the opportunity to find an even better one! I have confidence and faith in myself; I will find an excellent opportunity.”

Circumstances like divorce, unemployment and death can turn our lives upside down. When we look around us, we find some are better able to handle the situation than others.

Why is this?

Why do some people rapidly bounce back from adversity while others fall into depths of despair?

Resilience, a subject which has been my passion during the last several years, has much to do with the way we overcome challenge. Among the skills we can develop is our ability to find comfort in discomfort.

It was difficult for me at one time to understand how someone can remain in one position and meditate for an extended period of time. Now, I understand the Master finds comfort in discomfort because he knows how to manage discomfort. Another will struggle constantly to find a more “Comfortable” position. While they both feel discomfort, the difference is in how they manage it. Those who master their minds know discomfort is a physical state which can be affected by what we think, how we breathe and how we feel. Health, happiness and peace come naturally when we master our minds to find comfort in discomfort.

We generally discover an infinite number of interpretations for uncomfortable situations. The easiest thing to do is to fall into the pathetic role of the victim. The more empowering possibility is to use our magnificent minds to find better solutions.

Life is made up of moments. Our happiness and capacity to enjoy each instant is a function of our brain and how we interpret daily events. Finding Comfort in Discomfort gives us better answers to difficult situations. Leading the life we desire does not depend on being thrown into the lap of luxury rather on our ability to sweeten sour grapes.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL II 4

What is better something pretty or something practical?

Like many, I have thought I have the “correct” answer as to which is better.  I now see what is “correct” for one is “incorrect” for another.

Several days ago I was looking for a flashlight. As so often happens, those I found didn’t work. I asked my daughter if she had one and she said, “Sure, I have the one you fixed for me!” When she gave me the flashlight, I laughed because it was one I raised from the dead several years earlier.

We bought the flashlight in Parque de la Costa in Buenos Aires and it was more of a toy than anything else. Even so, the flashlight had been very useful and was always there when we needed it. Several years ago it fell and stopped working. I didn’t want to lose a “trusted friend” so I decided to fix it.

I took off the cover and placed a metal nut into a hole to turn it on. I then wrapped tape around it so the batteries wouldn’t fall out and tied the nut to a string attaching it to the case so it wouldn’t get lost. While it certainly isn’t Pretty, it is very functional!

I tell this story because on various occasions when someone sees my “Super-flashlight,” they laugh. There are some who, in a similar situation, would have simply tossed the flashlight in the trash and bought a new one instead.

I feel practical over pretty is better and it’s a model which works for me. If someone is more focused on aesthetics, it doesn’t matter how functional something is, they won’t use it if it’s not pretty. Those of us who are more practical and not interested in how pretty something is tend to believe we are right and others are wrong.

I now realize there is no right answer. For those who prefer practicality it is most important for something to work. For those who prefer the aesthetic, it’s appearance over function which matters most.

Life is more interesting because we are all different. We all have our own way of thinking and acting. Imagine how boring things would be if we were all alike!

Nevertheless, we are often intolerant of those who disagree with us. In his book, The Four Agreements, Miguel Ruiz elaborates on a model which comes from the Mexican Toltecas. He explains we all have “Mitotes” or beliefs with which we have been ingrained since we were born. While some of these beliefs are valid, many are not. In fact, according to Mr. Ruiz, the great majority of our beliefs are designed to please others and not necessarily aligned with what is in our best interest.

Since we are all different and have a distinct way of thinking and acting, why do we believe we must always be right? My good friend, Francisco Novoa, frequently asks, “Do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?”

We can avoid an incredible energy drain and eliminate a lot of frustration by simply accepting others as they are with their unique way of thinking. We all act based upon our own “truths.” All we say and all we do is based on our belief that we are correct.

Instead of trying to convince others we are right and they are wrong, we can simply accept what they say, and then express our point of view without trying to convince them, “It’s my way or the highway!” Life is made up of moments and wasting time trying to convince others they are wrong is a terrible waste of our most valuable asset. When we are able to accept others as they are, we open the door to happiness!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL II 3

What is perfection?

Why do we seek it?

What is its attraction?

Doing a good job is noble.

“Doing something outstanding and making a difference is spectacular!”

Everyday we go out into the world in search of something.

Could it be happiness?

Perhaps it has something to do with:

Acknowledgment

Success

Money

Peace

We assume Perfection will somehow lead us to all these objectives. Nevertheless, perfection can be a double-edged sword. When we become obsessed with having everything “perfect” before taking action, we become stuck in the muck and the mud.

It is fine to want to do things well, yet “perfection” frequently leads us into a vicious cycle.

“If we never take action before something is ‘perfect,’ we will never have the opportunity to achieve that which we most desire.”

Let’s take a look at an example. I have an upcoming event where I want to make my second book available. Little by Little We Go Far is a compilation of my first 50 Lunar Letters. I’ll have a tremendous opportunity to offer my books in English and in Spanish to many people.

As I was working on converting the information from its original electronic format into a format suitable for publication, I realized each time I reviewed the information, there was always a way to “Perfect” it, a “better” way to express a thought or to reformat the text and pictures to enhance the book.

From this experience came the idea of imperfect perfection. While there is always a way to improve, there comes a time when we must accept things as they are and move forward!

The first edition is already available and, as I imagined, there are several little “horrors” which can be fixed. Not withstanding, I am extremely satisfied with the results.

Since it is the first edition, with a limited number of copies, of my first 50 Lunar Letters, it could very well become more valuable with time. My intention is to create at least 496 Lunar Letters. Possibly someday this first “special” edition, even with a few “horrors” could be worth millions! “Millions of what” I’m not certain, though I am confident it will have special value, albeit sentimental.

“Imperfect Perfection creates new roads which lead to new destinies.”

We can flow with the unknown and the imperfect the same way nature demonstrates imperfect perfection. A storm which causes destruction is a natural part of growth. Sometimes it’s necessary to destroy before we can create.

When we fail in an attempt to achieve something great, we learn one more way which doesn’t work and define further what needs to be done.

It is preferable to err while daring greatly than to achieve something ordinary.

Doing our very best, with what we have on hand, assures that regardless of occasional failure, we will be headed towards a worthy ideal. Happiness doesn’t come from doing something “perfect” rather from utilizing imperfect perfection to move steadily in the direction of our dreams.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL II 2

I’ve learned this moment is as it is and is as it should be. With all its trials and tribulations it is the only time we have for certain. What happened yesterday and what may happen tomorrow can never compare to the intensity of this instant.

As such, we can agonize about what we don’t have and don’t like or give thanks for what we do have and do like. We can be grateful for each breath we take, each sound we hear, each color we see, each caress we receive and each smile we share.

Life is lived in this precise instant, here and now. It is common to waste too much time feeling sorry for what could have been or longing for what might be. What we have in this instant right here and now is what it is and is as it should be.

I am proud to publish this 50th Lunar Letter, the result of a vision which began four years ago and which I feel is still in its infancy. Fifty full lunar cycles have inspired me to create and publish a new message with each new full moon.

Some of you have been with me from the beginning of my journey and many of you have joined along the way. I have learned much during these years and I have had the good fortune to share my thoughts with many of you in so many different ways. From all I have learned something. I have learned from those I have met on airplanes, from others in faraway lands and from the participants in my conferences, seminars and workshops. Today my editor told me, “We are all teachers and we are all disciples.” I am convinced this is true and I am delighted to have shared with each and every one of you.

On this journey I have learned there is always something else to learn. As Socrates so aptly stated, “I only know that I know nothing.” When we think about the knowledge and experience beyond our comprehension, we begin to realize how little we know regardless of our depth of understanding in any particular field. What is truly marvelous about this wonderful world in which we live is we can connect with the knowledge of the world by simply typing a few words into a computer.

While we live in an era where we can communicate with virtually anyone anywhere in the world in a heart beat, we often forget our ability to laugh, share and enjoy magical moments which arise most often from common everyday incidents rather than from isolated extraordinary events.

Finally, I have learned we have the ability and the power to embrace every minute knowing this is the most intense moment of our lives and it’s gone in an instant…

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 50

Ideas about motivation and inspiration change over time. During the 1970’s and 1980’s pundits advocated a positive mental attitude as the key to achieving goals and insuring happiness. The mere act of thinking positively, we were told, would cause what we wanted to magically appear.

Recently, “The Secret” has been revealed and has been spreading like wild fire. The latest greatest belief is in the “Law of Attraction.” In short, the theory tells us when we think positively and imagine we already have what we want, the powers of the universe will align to make it ours.

I have seen the importance of positive mental attitude and the Law of Attraction in my own life. Both have been fundamental in the publication of my book A Special Gift. Almost four years ago I wrote about the importance of soap operas in the Venezuelan culture. Specifically, I mentioned Juan José, the book’s principal character, was happiest while watching the soap opera at 9:00 PM. Just before my book was published, I met Guillermo Dávila who has been an actor on many soap operas and at that time was in the show at 9:00 PM. This manifestation of the Law of Attraction led me to ask him to baptize and be the Godfather of my book.

While a positive attitude and the Law of Attraction are powerful, we have the benefit of additional basic principles which can empower us to overcome our daily challenges. “Overcome Challenge?” you might ask. “Could it be Rob really wants to say overcome problems?” I firmly believe we should focus on the challenge in a situation rather than on the problem. I have yet to find a problem which cannot be seen as a challenge. Our mind is a marvelous machine which processes information exactly as it is presented. When we embrace challenge, we reject problems. When our mind sees a difficult situation as a challenge, it automatically begins to generate solutions.

In addition to a positive mental attitude and the conscious implementation of the Law of Attraction which provide a tremendous backdrop to Overcome Challenge, it is beneficial to employ:

A good sense of humor

A strong internal locus of control *

Something which drives us to take action

The talent to see the good in a bad situation

A healthy curiosity about the world in which we live

The capacity to see the reality of the moment, be it good or bad

Faith in general and specifically in our ability to resolve the most difficult of circumstance

We have all overcome difficulty. When we finally succeed, after muddling through dark thoughts of desperation and defeat, we cherish the moment forever. These instances become the stories we tell our children and grandchildren and, ultimately, are the experiences which give us the most satisfaction.

It’s not enough to simply think and imagine everything will be fine in the end. We must confidently move forward and take action knowing we have the power to change our direction, overcome challenge and determine our destiny.

*   Locus of control theory is a concept that extends between psychology and sociology, which distinguishes between two types of people – internals, who attribute events to their own control, and externals, who attribute events in their life to external circumstances.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 49

Though not always apparent, we always have a choice about the direction we take in life. We choose whether we will have a positive or negative attitude. We choose with whom we will spend time. We choose what we will do to make a living. Though we may not always be happy with our choices, we always have a choice.

Years ago my father did some work for Glen W. Turner, who designed and promoted a program called “Dare to be Great!” While there was much controversy about the program and the way it was marketed, I have always remembered the title because we can always test our comfort zone and dare to be great.

What is the alternative? We can go down the same road we have been traveling. If this road is taking us to where we want to go, there is no reason to change. On the other hand, if we aren’t getting the results we desire, we have the power to change course. It’s easy to sit and realize what we want in life; what is difficult is to stand up and take action to achieve it.

We may ask ourselves, “What if I fail?” As we face the difficulties involved in taking on a new endeavor, a series of fears, uncertainties, and doubts can impede our desire to go beyond our comfort zone. Our question should be, “How will I feel when I reflect upon my life if I don’t have the courage to attempt to achieve my dreams?”

We have all made a mistake or two as we journey through this wonderful winding road we call life. The fear we feel of making a mistake and perhaps even “sticking our foot in our mouth” tends to block our progress when we dare to be great. The difference between achieving “Greatness” and just existing is not a question of race, education or economic stability; rather, it is a function of our courage to pursue what we most desire, knowing the possibility of failure.

Those who achieve what they want in life are not always those who make the right decisions. Instead, they are those who make good decisions based on the information they have available knowing they can adjust their path when necessary. Dare to be great and the world shall be yours…

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 48

Si ha asistido a mis conferencias y talleres o que han recibido mis Lunar Letters, sabe que he tratado con diferentes formas de superar dificultades a través de mi lema, “Es el Rebote lo que nos Lleva al Tope.” Recientemente conocí a dos personas que se han dedicado durante muchos años a investigar las características de las personas que logran superar las situaciones más difíciles en la vida. Sus nombres son el Dr. Al Siebert de los EEUU, autor del libro The Resiliency Advantage y la Dra. Claudia Riecken del Brasil, autora del libro SobreViver: Instinto de Vencedor. Recientemente hicimos un intercambio de libros y quedé fascinado de haberles conocido por su dedicación en el tema que me ha apasionado durante muchos años.

Sus investigaciones y formas de abordar el tema han prendido luces en mi dando un nuevo significado a las ideas que he explorado y que no lograba expresar con la misma claridad y precisión. Por ejemplo, he intuido que no es posible ni saludable tener una actitud totalmente positiva 100% del tiempo. Para utilizar la analogía que he compartido con miles de personas, la vida es como una pelota que rebota. A veces estamos arriba y a veces estamos abajo.

A través de sus estudios y sus conversaciones con centenares de personas los Doctores Siebert y Riecken confirmaron que una de las mejores formas de superar dificultades no es tener una actitud positiva todo el tiempo. Mientras que esto contradice lo que muchos hemos aprendido, ellos encontraron que los que son más flexibles y superan situaciones de adversidad son los que logran ver la realidad de una situación adversa con todo lo que ella implica. El Dr. Siebert explica: es como tener dos llaves de agua, una caliente y otra fría. Aunque es sabroso sumergirse en un baño de agua caliente de positivismo y esto nos puede dirigir a conseguir excelentes soluciones, a veces es necesario tumbarse dentro de un baño de agua fría para enfrentar la realidad de la situación y proceder con cautela.

Con este nuevo conocimiento del trabajo de los Doctores Siebert y Riecken, tengo plena confianza y una multitud de ideas para llevar “El Rebote” a través de las Américas. He confirmado que lo más importante no es donde estemos en un momento determinado del ciclo de la vida, sino nuestra capacidad de rebotar por lo menos una vez más, porque…

¡ Es el Rebote lo que nos Lleva al Tope !

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 47

Those who have attended my conferences and workshops or who have received my Lunar Letters know I have explored different ways to overcome difficulty through my idea, “It’s the Bounce that Counts!”

Recently, I met two people who have dedicated many years determining the characteristics of those who are able to overcome life’s most difficult situations. Their names are Dr. Al Siebert from the United States, author of The Resiliency Advantage and Dr. Claudia Riecken of Brasil, author of the book SobreViver: Instinto de Vencedor.

On Dr. Siebert’s brilliant suggestion, we have all exchanged books. I am delighted to have made their acquaintance.  I am delighted by their dedication to a topic which has driven me with passion for many years.

Their investigation and means of approaching the subject of resiliency have shed new found light on ideas I have explored and had not quite been able to express with the same degree of clarity and precision. For example, I have sensed it is neither possible nor healthy to remain 100% positive all the time. To use the analogy I have shared with thousands of people, life is like a bouncing ball. Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down.

Through their study and conversations with hundreds of people, Drs Siebert and Riecken confirm one of the best ways to surpass difficulty is not by merely maintaining a positive mental attitude. While this contradicts much of what we have been taught regarding a positive mental attitude, they have found those who are most flexible and able to overcome adversity are those who are able to see the reality of a difficult situation and all it implies.  Dr. Siebert explains it is like having two faucets of water, one hot and one cold. While it is wonderful to bask in the warm water of a positive mental attitude and it can lead to empowering solutions, it is also necessary to take a “cold shower” every once in a while in the harsh reality of the situation, and then proceed with caution.

With the new found knowledge of Dr. Siebert’s and Dr. Riecken’s work, I have enhanced confidence and a plethora of new ideas to create a bounce across the Americas. I have confirmed it is not where we are at any given point in time in the cycle of life which matters most, rather our capacity to bounce back at least one more time because…

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 47

Have you ever had an excellent idea which went by the wayside?

How about a moment of inspiration, a solution to all your difficulties, which turned out to be nothing more than a dream?

It happens to me all the time!

I once read a story which has since served as a lesson in life. “What is the difference between simple and easy?” the author asked. He used the example of golf, which is a simple game though certainly not easy. All we need to do to become a great golfer is to put the ball in the hole in 3, 4 or 5 strokes depending on par for the hole. It’s quite simple. For those who play golf, or in my case have “tried” to play golf, it’s far from easy.

So it goes with many things in our lives. From being a Sunday afternoon quarterback in the comfort of our living room, to creating a plan to lose weight or write a book. Intention abounds in our quest to solve the world’s challenges. Where we frequently fail is to take immediate action necessary to reach our objective.
We have countless answers and alternatives. What is most difficult is “putting the pedal to the metal” in order to achieve what we desire. When we perceive our destination as fraught with peril, danger and uncertainty, it’s common to feel overwhelmed with the amount of energy we need to expend to achieve our intention. Taking action, regardless of how small, is frequently the difference between “What if…?” and “I did it!”

Any worthy destination requires a first step. Losing weight is a function of eating less, eating healthier and exercising. Writing a book requires a first word, sentence, paragraph and page. Without a first page, there will never be a book. Any project can be cut into tiny pieces and tackled one at a time.

When is the best time to start?

Next Monday, next month, next year, or right now?

Intention is the first step to our desire. We must then take action to give direction because it’s not what we know, rather what we do with what we know which is most important!

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 46

Life is like a game and each morning we cast the die. Sometimes we hit double sixes; other days, it is snake eyes. What is important is not what luck throws our way, rather our reaction, response and reflection.

Let’s suppose in a moment of distraction, someone rear-ends our car while we are waiting for traffic to move. Undoubtedly, it’s an unfortunate and bothersome situation. It may unleash a series of troublesome events which influence the rhythm and timing of our day. Simply said, we hit “craps” to start the day.

What is marvelous about being human beings is we can choose how the day will develop based on what we think and do with what we are given. We have been taught as humans it’s only natural to be disgusted and perhaps even become aggressive. “Why did you have to be so careless?” we may ask. “Now you’ve ruined my entire day!”

Recently this same situation happened to me. Fortunately, I had just read an article by Stephen Covey regarding the 90/10 principle based on Charles Swindoll’s quote:

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”

Instantly, I thought about the alternatives and chose one which would produce the best results. After my initial disgust, I accepted the situation as an opportunity to meet people I did not know. It was entirely possible my life and perhaps theirs could be enriched by this experience. While I would love to say I always act in this manner, the truth is sometimes the emotion of the moment leads me to react in a way which inhibits my progress and produces rage.

We have all gotten up in the morning with a swift kick to the bedpost which by some miraculous means got in our way. This simple occurrence can inflict physical pain and unleash a chain of events leading to a day of frustration and fury.

We never know what number we will roll each morning. What we can do is take what we have been given and use our personal power to look at the situation from a positive perspective. In the game of life we take the circumstances presented and do the best we can, always aware that our reaction, response and reaction are directing our destiny.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 45

As we observe the world and all living things, we see plants survive with water and sun. Only when we fertilize and care for them will they flourish and radiate their phenomenal potential. Similarly, we can survive with food and water. Only when we fertilize and nourish our brain, body and spirit will we flourish and radiate our own phenomenal potential.

Our minds, bodies and spirits require little to survive from day to day. Our challenge is not to survive, rather to thrive and employ what we need to enjoy this magical journey we call life. The most valuable gift we possess is this instant, and it is up to each of us to savor each and every moment.

Fertilizer for plants smells bad and can be disgusting. Nevertheless, its effects are extremely beneficial. Similarly, fertilizer for the mind, body and spirit can be unpleasant. For example, eating properly and exercising regularly may seem distasteful; however, the effects are extraordinary.

Reading and learning fertilizes our mind and strengthens our ability to meet life’s challenges. Exercising our body provides energy increasing vigor and vitality. Resolving our purpose in life and coming to terms with our own spirituality illuminates and provides inner peace enabling us to manage even the most difficult situations.

If we feel satisfied with where we are and what we are doing, we have probably already provided the nutrients we require to realize our potential. If this is the case, we are on our way,  Contrarily, if we are unsatisfied with where we are and what we are doing, our best option is to take action today to create change tomorrow.

Monumental changes are seldom the source of a vibrant and passionate life. It’s the small things we do on a consistent basis which make a tremendous difference in our well being and happiness. Merely surviving from day to day can lead to a free fall into our worst nightmare. Conversely, taking the time to nourish our mind, body and spirit will propel us to live our dreams and reach our phenomenal potential.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 44

Each of us has something unique, a special gift which makes us extraordinary. This gift is often quite elusive and there is no single road to find it. Many go their entire lives without finding it while others find it when they least expect it.

What is your special gift?

How can you find it?

If you have already found your special gift which will allow you to live a full and productive life, you’re all set.  The only thing you need to do is put it into practice to enjoy and empower each moment.

If, on the other hand, you are yet to find your special gift, or if you know what it is and don’t know how to use it, this message can be valuable to you. Our mind creates our reality. Our attitude towards life determines our results and our happiness. Sowing seeds of success with an excellent attitude brings forth excellent results. Sowing seeds with a terrible attitude will more often than not bring forth terrible results. When we sow corn, we can’t expect to get wheat.

We can use the following “stairs” to get to the heaven of our Special Gift.

A ction: Take action to conquer fear

T enacity: Persevere in the face of difficulty

T olerance: Change what we can, tolerate the rest

I nitiative: Take powerful steps to create our own destiny

T emperance: Use moderation to create balance and harmony

U sefullness: Be of utility and service to all who come our way

D esire: Have a burning desire which drives us to jump out of bed

E nergy: Create physical and emotional energy to meet daily challenges

It’s easy to sit and take notice; what is difficult is to stand up and take action to achieve our deepest desire. An optimal attitude is the first step to find and use our special gift. Take the Stairway to Heaven to your special gift to maintain an excellent attitude while creating your destiny in this wonderful journey we call life.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 43

Each and every day we have a choice. We can climb up to the top of the world and look down, or go down to the dungeon and do the deed. Frequently, our job becomes nothing more than a bore, a chore with which to bide our time until the dawn of another day. We can bathe in fresh dew of a new day or dwell in the drear which seems always near.

It is said, “Our attitude determines our altitude.” While an excellent attitude isn’t, by itself, enough to get what we want in life, it will help us to do everything better than we would do with a terrible attitude. Our current situation is a function of circumstance and decision. Even though our circumstance is often beyond our control, it is our decisions which drive our destiny and direction.

For some, economic activity is a function of direct thought; for others, it is a result of happenstance and fate. Regardless of our situation, we can decide to make the best of the cards we have been dealt. Each day brings forth a new opportunity to discard and draw or hold tight and wait. All too often we let chance determine our course as we hang on for the ride as best we can.

Even if we are currently engaged in an activity which isn’t our burning desire, we can choose to put our best foot forward and charge forth. Taking the first step is usually the most difficult. To gain momentum we must be willing to push beyond our comfort zone and reach beyond our grasp.

When we do more than we are paid to do, we will soon be paid more for what we do. It’s a law of physics. The only way to create new results is to take new action. Making the decision to create wealth, health and happiness here and now is a state of mind. We can decide daily to go down in the dungeon and do the deed or climb up on top of the world, look down and drive toward that which we most desire.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 41

We can reach beyond our grasp. To achieve objectives which are readily available does not require great effort. To be valiant we can take risk and go beyond the comfortable and convenient. When we require more of ourselves than anyone else, we begin to create our desired destiny.

Robert Browning wrote: “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”

When we reach for the stars, at least we won’t end up with a fist full of dirt. The challenge in life is not to exist from day to day, rather to create, forge and determine our direction and our destiny.

History has shown those who reach great heights are not those who have been given everything on a silver platter, rather it is those who take what they have been given and make the best of it. While it is quite easy to wallow in self pity each time a difficult situation arises, our challenge is to confront conflict and institute a plan of action to achieve a solution.

Instead of enduring, suffering, or simply tolerating times of trouble, we can rise to the occasion and become better as a result. When we stretch beyond comfort and convenience, we establish a foundation which allows our imagination and creativity to soar with the eagles rather than slither with the snakes.

More of the same always produces more of the same. Reaching for the stars will produce a different effect which, while not always desirable, will at least allow us to evaluate and adjust to a new reality which may lead to a new beginning.

It is not circumstance, rather our reaction to it, which creates our reality. When we reach Beyond our Grasp, we establish a powerful process to create our fate and fortune.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 40

A task we fail to do this moment may be left undone forever. There is no time like now to complete projects vital to our progress and development.

Task lists can be powerful to enhance effectiveness. When used incorrectly, however, they become a convenient excuse to leave what should be done now for a future date, which may never come.

Common ideas are prolific, while truly outstanding ideas may come only once in a lifetime. We can utilize specific techniques to empower the energy of the moment to give each idea an opportunity to flower into a spectacular proposal. Daily activities generate never-ending routines which hinder magical moments of profound inspiration.

One idea brilliantly developed can make us tremendously successful. To obtain one brilliant idea it is desirable to generate many ideas, one of which can make a positive impact on our lives.

An excellent way to concentrate on the most important task is to utilize the method Ivy Lee proposed to Charles Schwab, the owner of Bethlehem Steel at the beginning of the 20th Century. Schwab attributed this single idea to their outstanding success. Schwab’s desire to increase productivity led him to work with Ivy Lee, who gave him the following technique. Lee asked Schwab to write down the most important tasks he needed to accomplish the following day. After composing the list, Lee instructed Schwab to prioritize the list by placing the #1 beside the most important task, the #2 beside the second task and so forth.

Lee instructed Schwab to put the paper in his pocket until the following day. He told him to commence the following morning with #1 and to work only on that task until it was finished, unless something completely hindered its completion. Schwab expressed concern about the consequences of leaving all other tasks undone for sake of working on one single objective. Lee emphasized the importance of concentrating first on the single most important task of the day. This, he explained, was the way to be more effective. Achieving a substantial number of activities which are not crucial is not nearly as important as accomplishing a critical few objectives.

After experiencing the profound effects of enhanced productivity the idea created, purportedly Schwab paid Lee $25,000 for the idea, which at the beginning of the 20th Century was an extraordinary amount of money!

It is not the number of tasks we achieve in a day which is most important, rather the importance of the tasks we achieve. Utilizing Ivy Lee’s method daily assures we accomplish the most critical objectives which lead us to the destiny we desire. no time like now.

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 40

Tantalizing temptations tease and toy with our emotions every day on this incredible journey we call life. Our capacity to manage and control our reaction to temptations defines our success.

We should enjoy this one-time ride as much as possible. It is common to imagine satisfying our every whim and desire in the moment will bring true happiness and fulfillment. On the contrary, too much of a good thing can be toxic.

Let’s take the example of food. We are fortunate to live in a land of abundant delicacies which are the ingredients of so many spectacular meals. Eating the right things moderately, such as fruit and vegetables, is the life source for a healthy mind and body. Eating too much of even a good thing is a sure recipe to extreme discomfort.

Let’s look at several examples:

Drinking a glass of wine vs. drinking an entire bottle

Eating a scoop of ice cream vs. eating the whole carton

Working a productive 8 hour day vs. working 24 consecutive hours

Taking a weekend rest vs. two years of an unpaid “mental sabbatical”

Exercising a half hour several times a week vs. infrequent extreme physical activity resulting in a lot of pain

What can we do?

There is much more to a certain stimulus than just the immediate pleasure caused. By focusing on the events leading up to and following a particular event, we can extend the pleasure and maximize enjoyment. For example, curiously we frequently enjoy planning and looking forward to a trip almost as much, and sometimes even more, than the event itself. When we return from a trip our mood is typically much more pensive and serene.

When we enjoy the time thinking and planning for something in addition to the event itself, we can stretch each and every ounce of gratification from even the simplest pleasures in life.

The secret of achieving success does not depend on the number of hours we work, rather our effectiveness while we work. It’s not the amount, rather the quality which counts. Unfortunately, many relate instead only the number of hours worked as a measure of productivity.

Understanding this principle leads to temperance in all phases of our lives. When we work, let’s work intensely for a predetermined amount of time. When we rest, let’s relax fully and completely to regenerate. When we eat, let’s savor each and every bite and do so moderately.

Generally, it’s not the “things” which are dangerous, rather our abuse of them which creates unfortunate consequences. We can intensify pleasure and satisfaction by moderating our whims and desires with wit and wisdom.

Being temperate and moderate leads us to continued fulfillment with life’s simplest pleasures. A life overloaded with work or dominated with leisure frequently leads to imbalances causing pain and agony. When we live each instant as if it were our last and plan as if we were to live an eternity; we establish a base and foundation to bounce back in even the most difficult circumstance.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 39

Imagine a space designed to:

Grow and improve personally
Create and establish goals and objectives
Review and consider direction and destiny
Go with the ebb and flow of life’s ever changing way
Hold and cherish magical moments with friends and family

Individually, we have the power to create this space. At defined intervals we can meet with people with whom we are in harmony and who share similar goals and objectives. We can take time for ourselves to share and dream with others.

Set aside one weekend a month to empower creative thought

We can utilize the weekend closest to each full moon for a retreat which is replete with energy and enthusiasm to achieve what others only dream about. We can find a place full of magic and wonder – a park, a mountain, a beach or, simply someplace convenient to invest time in ourselves and in our future. With this simple action, we become masters of our fate, never leaving our lives to wander aimlessly with the wind of time.

In his book Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill tells us, “No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind.” He explains the importance of combining forces with others through the power of the “Master Mind” to achieve our goals and objectives. Dr. Bob Smith defines the importance of relating with others to achieve better solutions in his book Discover your Blind Spots. Our capacity to create and innovate is limited by our own experience. When we leverage our knowledge with that of others, we find “new” solutions which were always there and just beyond our reach.

Knowledge is in reality universal. Our creativity and power to innovate as well as our ideas, are the direct result of seeds which have been planted at different moments in our lives. It’s impossible for the experience and knowledge of any two people to be the same. Each person regardless of education, social status or position can add value to our base of knowledge.

The Master Mind Moon Meeting can be of any duration and held at any place or time. I suggest the weekend around the full moon because it is easy to remember. All we need do is look to the sky to see when the time is coming. Establishing the time and place for a Master Mind Moon Meeting once per month helps create focus and continuity and does not impose on the “hustle and bustle” of our lives.

Participants in the Master Mind Moon Meeting can be friends, family or acquaintances, though it’s preferable they be people we trust and respect. We can learn from all, though we may not necessarily open up and share with everyone. It’s important to establish specific times during the meeting when the participants can communicate and share with each other.

We take time to improve the profitability and productivity of the companies where we work. Investing time in ourselves and in our own “company” through a Master Mind Moon Meeting allows us to firmly grasp the rudder of life and thus determine our direction and destiny.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 38

Life can be compared to many different competitive games including soccer, football, boxing, basketball and baseball. While there are many similarities, the main difference is that instead of playing against another team or individual, we are in a constant battle with ourselves and with our emotions. In competition, as well as in life, our ability to control our thoughts and our actions determines our success.

Some of us live a life replete with joy and others with anguish. Life presents different challenges to all and there are no two lives which are exactly the same. Similarly, no two games in a season are exactly alike. During this incredible journey we call life, as in competitive sport, it’s not the circumstances which arise, rather our response to them which makes the difference.

Let’s take, for example, the World Cup of soccer which currently grips the world with fervor. Let’s imagine the four year road to the World Cup is our life, each year a game and each day a play. Each day we wake up, we have a new beginning, a new play. What happened yesterday influences and, yet, does not equal our future. The game doesn’t finish until referee blows his whistle for the last time.

It’s possible to be in a slump for several games. Even so, each morning we receive the ball and we have a new beginning. Achieving small successes today through successful passes and plays establishes a base for continued success tomorrow. While simple in theory, it is certainly not easy. As much as we want to forget yesterday’s trials and tribulations, they can play in our minds like a movie playing a bad dream which continually haunt us.

Coaches and motivational speakers promote positive thinking as the Holy Grail to success and happiness. While being a fundamental element, it’s not enough to reach our objectives. In addition to positive thinking, we must be in shape, and be prepared.

Even with an excellent attitude, excellent physical condition, and preparation, there will be times when we fail. Even superstars playing on the most renowned teams in the world fail. In fact, they fail more often than not. Those who are most successful achieve many small successes, one play at a time. For each successful goal they score, they have countless missed hits and shots off goal. In the end, it’s the small things which make a tremendous difference in soccer and in life.

The most famous soccer players are frequently those who score the most goals. The emotion of watching a player score a goal from outside the box is, without a doubt, one of the most sensational events in a game. Under most circumstances, coaches prefer to have a series of good plays which take them deep into their opponent’s territory than many low percentage shots taken from far away. A series of small successful plays rather than thrilling long shots tend to be the difference in winning or losing.

Soccer and life are better played by doing little things correctly on a consistent basis. For example, we can eat right, exercise, read, build and grow. These are all habits which, when done consistently, lead to long term success.

Hitting a long shot, in life as in soccer, is an incredible feeling. Attempting to score from far way every time we get the ball will likely lead to frequent “failures” causing us to give up when the going gets tough and when positive energy is critical to success.

Winning each and every play in life is not essential. The road to become champion of the world in the World Cup is made up of many games and many opportunities. Understanding this dynamic provides us with the patience and perseverance necessary to improve every day in every way. When we learn from our failures, errors and mistakes we can take the ball each day with renewed vigor facing the world with confidence to reach our goals and objectives one play at a time.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 37

Traveling through this marvelous journey we call life, we constantly seek happiness, success and meaning to affirm our existence on this planet.

Sometimes we find answers to our questions and frequently the replies lead us to yet more uncertainty. Life is a series of moments; some we consider “positive” and others we deem “negative.” We attempt to increase the “positive” moments while diminishing the “negative.”

If everything were so easy, we would get to the end of life and do the math. More “positive” than “negative” moments would indicate a plentiful life. Measuring life is not that easy. Life cannot be put into a box and be categorized as “good” or “bad” based simply on the sum of each of these experiences.

A life measured in “good” and “bad” assures frustration and fatigue. Is it realistic to believe that each moment which awaits us will be free of negativity? The answer is a resolute NO.

Deception and disgust will certainly cross our paths. We have loved ones who will leave the world we know and enter a reality yet unknown. There will be trials and tribulations with work, friends and people we have not yet met. This is not being negative; it is being realistic with our expectations.

If we wait for everything to be beautiful, bright and bountiful during our adventure, we will likely be disillusioned with our destiny. If we accept unfortunate events as a given, we can consider our reactions, responses and reflections rather than the significance of the events themselves.

Charles Swindoll proposes the following:

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”

Life is the sum of all experiences. Any moment, be it “good” or “bad” can be a magical moment. What matters most is our perspective of each situation and what we learn from it. A friend told me recently, “The times when I was in the greatest pain, tribulation, and fear… those were the times I learned the most, changed the most, and became more of who I am.”

Directing our thoughts toward learning in turbulent times as well as in marvelous moments of excitement and ecstasy allows us to reflect upon a plentiful and productive lifetime complete with endless magical moments.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 36

Experience and our thought process determine our degree of confidence. Thought drives personal power as well as our ability to achieve goals and objectives. Throughout the ages, men and women have contemplated ways to strengthen our personal power through thought.

Plato said:

“The human body is the carriage; the self is the driver; thoughts are the reins and feelings the horses.”

To take hold of “the reins of life” we must control our thinking.

Thoughts track the progress of our journey. Feelings test our hold on the reins of thought. In a moment of carelessness, we can inadvertently release the reins. Should we do so, our carriage wanders recklessly without direction or destiny. Taking control of the reins of thought once again is difficult; meanwhile, the horses run unhindered. Our emotions can be rebellious; to keep them under control, we must hold firmly to the reins of thought.

Montaigne said:

“Each man is as well or as badly off as he thinks he is.”

Keeping firm hold on the reins of thought in turbulent and challenging times is the difference between arriving at our destination or deviating to unknown and undesired locales.

When we release the reins of thought, our emotions take control of our course. We then become passengers instead of directors of our destiny. To take control of our direction, we can change the way we think about the circumstances which constantly cross our path. If we believe occurrences to be obstacles which block our path, we will mire in the muck and mud. If, on the other hand, we believe events to be a natural part of being, we will find elegant solutions to the challenges which cross our path.

Losing one’s job, for example, is certainly an event which creates chaos. We can lament the cruel cards we have been dealt or establish new roads and carry on. Life doesn’t care which direction we choose. It is the power of thought which determines our reaction and route.

Our thinking dictates the strength of our personal power. Taking control of the reins of thought determines our direction and destiny.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 35

 the heat of the moment which you later regretted?
How about reacting to what somebody said or did which later surprised even you?

These types of reactions can be regarded as blind spots in our ability to think. We can liken these blind spots to the blind spots which we cannot see as we drive an automobile. Traveling the highway of life without properly inspecting our blind spots is reckless driving and should be punished to the full extent of the law! Perhaps a bit drastic, nevertheless valuable as we consider our emotions and reactions to certain stimuli.

Is it necessary to always look to the blind spot before changing lanes in a car? Of course not; we can change lanes without incident by carefully checking our rear view mirrors perhaps 90% of the time. The problem is the other 10% which can result in tragedy when we don’t see the blind spots.

Dr. Bob Smith develops a model with specific tools to discover and eliminate our blind spots in his book Discover Your Blind Spots.

Dr. Smith describes six different areas of our brain which process information. Three determine how we see the world and the other three specify how we see ourselves. In addition, he explains the following four ways we utilize to process information:

Reacting: Use of one dominant area of thought which is driven by impulse and designed to protect us from danger.

Responding: Use of two or three areas of thought and triggered after we have had a moment to process different elements of a situation.

Reflecting: Ability to utilize four or five areas of thought, which we achieve when we are focused on solving problems.

Relating: Capacity to utilize all six areas of thought, which we attain when we relate with other individuals while in deep thought, searching for alternatives and solutions.

Eighty to ninety per cent of our time is spent in Reaction and Response where we utilize a small portion of our brain. Fortunately, these thought processes are frequently sufficient to achieve our objectives. At the same time, there are other situations which cannot be solved effectively because our blind spots hinder our ability to utilize every part of our brain. In short, we React and/or Respond inadequately. When we make a decision without seeing these blind spots we often make poor decisions.

To be more efficient and effective in our lives it is imperative we become aware of blind spots and how they affect our thought process. By taking time to Reflect deeply and Relate with others in search of solutions, we can discover our blind spots and diminish their devastating effect while determining our destiny and direction.

It’s the Bounce that Counts!

∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 34