Personal Growth

Share our time and talents

 Have you ever heard that quote by George Carlin? Paraphrasing somewhat, he once said, “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting…‘holy [cow]…what a ride!’” Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s how I want to live my life! It worries me to see folks these days who are afraid to try new things, share their opinions, and rock the boat a little. It seems that society has taught us to fly beneath the radar and go unnoticed because it’s safer to not take risks. But what kind of life is that?

 I go by the philosophy that we should be open and honest with everyone and share our ideas; that we harness the greatest creative power when we all work together. And being a Servant Leader sometimes means we need to step outside our comfort zone in order to serve others and contribute to the greater good. We need to share our time and talents in as many ways as possible, even if that means being slightly uncomfortable from time to time when trying new things.

 That’s why I started sharing my thoughts through the Prophit Marketing Road Show years back. I knew I had some fresh new ideas that were worth sharing with others so I jumped out onto the stage and shared them. If I hadn’t, I might really regret missing that opportunity.

 Personally, when I slide into the grave I want to know that I’ve enriched the lives of others and loved deeply those in my care.

 Joe Kiedinger

Action Plan: What risks are you willing to take?

Education is the food for success!

I just finished reading Rascal: Being a Person of Unique Character. The book describes “a rascal” as a trend setter, movement starter and decision maker who makes decisions based on the big picture and all available information, not public opinion. Near the end of the book, there is a Rascal Quiz. The quiz asks something like 135 questions. With each question, you rate yourself from “Never me” to “Always me” to “Discover your Rascal Score.” Through these questions, you are led to experiencing self-education.

Are you thirsty for knowledge? Do you crave it? Having an open and courageous mind can free you from life’s troubles that come your way. Self-taught people have the amazing ability to create, because they take the best and discard the worst of everything they read. It’s OK to begin a book, skim a few chapters and discard it if its contents are not relevant to you right now. We can’t learn unless we are ready, and sometimes we are seeking certain types of information. In these instances, it’s OK to set books aside while in search of specific content you are needing right now. Never throw a book away because you may need it later as your journey grows.

If you are on a journey of wanting to better understand your co-workers, boss or teenagers, keep reading. If this is not your journey at this time, my wisdom ends here. Bottom line is this: You are in control of your own destiny and the quickest way to grow is the old-fashioned way—slowly and deliberately through self-education and focus.

Joe

ACTION PLAN: Next week we have openings on March 21st (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) for Teen Bootcamp! Adults only. Get to know your teen all over again. The mind of a teenager is revealed and how to tap into it. March 24th – an Introduction to the About Me Card System for Business (7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.). These are short, free seminars on 21st century communications based on Servant Leadership. Click here to hold your spot!  Click here!

How Do You Make Your Money?

Danica and I went out for dinner the other night and at the restaurant we met a gentleman who cleans company parking lots. He explained that the waste that is generated from people parking in the lots goes straight to the rivers through the storm sewers. His company cleans parking lots every day to make sure all waste is disposed of properly. Furthermore, he explained that the parking lot is your first impression of a business. I agreed it certainly was!

I am simply amazed at how people make a living. Danica and I started looking at other items we use and take for granted: shoe laces, awnings, street lamps, concrete sales, or how about golf tees! I heard that there are only three golf tee manufacturers in the world. One is located in Florence County. Hey, someone’s got to do it! I take nothing for granted. Thank you to all of you whose jobs may be overlooked or misunderstood. Thank you for showing up and serving our needs—whether we realize those needs or just take them for granted!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Take nobody for granted today!

Stress-free Parents of Teens!

Do you believe it’s possible to be stress-free while living with teenagers? The title of this Wisdom seems a little like an oxymoron. I don’t know about you, but don’t you get a little frustrated when you come across a family filled with teens and everyone seems to be getting along just fine?! It’s through my journey with my own teenager as well as the self-education I’ve done along the way that I’ve discovered something. You see, teens take a secret oath when they turn 13: “What I say I don’t mean, and what I mean I won’t say.”

Want to understand your teenager? I am holding a small group huddle-up here at my office on Broadway. We are taking the first 12 people who respond. We are looking at having a Stress-free Parents of Teens Bootcamp. Don’t bother bringing your teen. They probably won’t want to come. We are looking for stories of how our About Me Teen program brings parents and teens together to create understanding and harmony.

The New Age of communication has arrived and I will share it with you. The session will be in March and those who respond to this Wisdom on Wednesday will be notified first.

Yes, there is hope! I’m realizing it with my teen and you can do the same with yours.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Respond back today to joek@prophitmarketing.com . Information to follow!

Not All People Are Created Equal!

This great Wisdom on Wednesday comes from Vince Lombardi, who once said, “Not all people are created equal. Some have abundant talents and some have few. It’s not about the talents you were born with. It’s what you do with the talents you’ve been given that matters.” Have you ever heard of someone who has a beautiful voice but has no desire to sing? Or someone who is great at math but has no desire to be a mathematician? There is no mystery as to why these people are often frustrated: They can’t find their purpose in life.

Your purpose in life is directly tied to your God-given talents along with a current and relevant need. That need usually has a little pain inside you that you use to comfort those in need. We all have a purpose inside us. Find that purpose and learn what it is to be free!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Take the time to reflect on your life talents and purpose!

The Heart of a Champion!

I don’t know how I could allow this Wisdom to go out without writing about my World Champion Green Bay Packers! Wow, Super Bowl championships don’t happen very often—it’s been some 14 years since our last one. After all, we had the world’s greatest quarterback in NFL history who was only able to come away with one Super Bowl victory. But hey, we’ll take it! The difference with this win is back in ‘97 we had dominating players who were strong and healthy. The Packers this year were hit with one injury after another.

But as you know, our team rose above them. What they showed the world was one thing: belief! They believed in the rookies. They believed in the practice squad players starting their first NFL games. It’s amazing how believing in people can raise their game. I know I need to work harder to show my kids and work family that I believe in them. I need to take a personal assessment of how I show or don’t show my pride and adoration for their unique abilities. I invite you to do the same with the people in your life.

I have an idea and would love some feedback. I would like to hold an event where parents, teens and business leaders can come together and learn how to support each other using an About Me Card. It would start by creating an About Me Card, and then I would hold a free event where people can come to learn how to use this card to support the unique and precious people in their care. Would you be interested? If so, please e-mail me at joek@prophitmarketing.com  We have created a new way of communicating and I want to share it with you. I guarantee it will enrich your relationships at home and at work.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Please show me your interest in this important mission of enriching your relationships.

Are you appreciating your kids?

I had a powerful conversation with my 14-year-old teenager last night. He was clearly frustrated with mom and I, so I asked him, “What are three things we can do to be better parents?” He had a few more than three. Danica and I feel we always encourage our kids to be their best. We feel like we recognize each of our unique children’s achievements and help raise them up. Using our words and our optimistic style, we do encourage. However, Alex doesn’t like the way we praise him. He feels it’s insincere and not honest. Using his About Me Card, he was able to express how he interprets our praise in the manner that we choose to express it. He prefers us not to be overly enthusiastic when he’s having a bad day. It shuts him down and gets him upset.

While the details of this conversation are between our teenager and us, the lesson is clear. Many times you think you are showing appreciation when in fact you are doing the opposite. We all interpret words and actions differently. It’s important to have a sit down with your kids and at least ask the question: What are three things I can do differently to be a better parent? If they‘re not ready to provide that answer right away, ask them to think about it and get back to you.

Communication is never easy. However, by understanding what motivates your children, you can learn how to build them up and coach them to be better citizens in the future. How would you like to understand your teenager in 60 seconds for less than $15? Contact me and I’ll show you how!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Ask the question!

Why Did He Do That?!

Ah, motivations make the world go around! Understand a person’s motivations and you can create permanent change. Have you ever worked with someone who did something that truly puzzled you? You saw it as weird, inconsistent or untrustworthy? The truth is we have a bundle of nerves in our brains that we inherited from our parents. With our most intimate relationships, these nerves can sometimes kick into gear when we are stressed out or tired. Have you ever seen your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse freak out at times? Do something that just isn’t them? Creepy!

Don’t fear … we all have our quirks. That’s the name society has given to explain these odd and unexpected behaviors. I call our key motivations “our kids.” We carry them with us wherever we go. We take them on vacation, to work and out to eat with friends. They never leave us. When others support these kids of ours, we like them. When someone violates or upsets one of our kids, we push away. I’ve discovered a way for all of us to show each other our kids. After all, just like you’re proud to show off your real children, wouldn’t it be cool to share with someone your motivational kids? That’s the About Me Card! I discovered it quite accidentally. Usually it takes several years to understand what motivates a person—now you can find out in 60 seconds! Check it out at www.aboutmecard.com

Are you a motivator? Do you want to be?

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Download our About Me Card white paper at www.aboutmecard.com! Chat soon.

Right Place at the Right Time

I get a kick out of the saying, “I was at the right place at the right time!” It’s spot on accurate, but I find that the people who make this claim tend to be at all places all the time. They are always making an effort to be in the right place at the right time. You see, 90% of success is just showing up. Do you realize only a small percentage of people have the guts to show up in the first place? Why the intimidation? Don’t get me wrong … I’ve had my moments of being intimidated by being in the presence of potential clients.

Are you tired of being intimidated? We are all human. Be yourself and make the call. Reach out to those people who could change your life forever and just be yourself. Share your beliefs and your product with them. Give them a chance to say no! The time is now to make new friends. Stop lollygagging!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Pick up that 100-pound phone and call your next best friend!

You ARE in control!

I’ve realized that when you surrender to events and situations that are not necessarily in your control it actually puts you in control. The feeling of control is simply a control of your emotions. When you get frustrated, you feel out of control. When you feel relaxed and focused, you feel in control. It is strange that by surrendering to situations you actually feel more in control about them.

Let’s try something. Find a sheet of paper. On the left side, write five disappointments that you had in 2010. Then write down some of the achievements that you experienced on the right side. Take a look at each group and draw a line or connect the disappointments to the achievements. You should see direct correlations. For example, you may have noted something like “I’m disappointed that I was ignored for that home mortgage.” However, a positive was finding a gain in the market with the money you were going to use as a down payment for the home.

Write these down and see how your disappointments actually are a part of the journey for your successes.

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Pull out the paper!