If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say: "you got it so
easy because you have a faster metabolism than me." I would be retired
by now and writing this from a lounge chair on some island in the
Bahamas. Well, maybe not quite the Bahamas, but you get the hint. I
have heard that phrase A LOT over the years and I can tell you that
while yes, I do have a faster metabolism than most, it is only because
of a consistent exercise regime that my metabolism has accelerated.
While
God has certainly blessed a small percentage of people with a
metabolism that could heat a steam engine, for the rest of us,
increasing our metabolic output (the calories our body burns) requires
consistent, hard work aka EXERCISE!
It is not something that
happens overnight either. The key is the "Consistency" part of the
equation. Anyone can work out at 100% one day a few times a year, but
that does nothing in terms of turning us into metabolic machines.
The
rewards of a high metabolism are reserved for those who work out, aka
exercise, at 100% day in and day out, month after month, year after
year.
Our body burns off what it needs to use for every day
functions and what it uses in exercise. This "burning off" is called
the metabolism. What it does not use it stores as body fat.
The
more consistently you exercise, the more lean muscle tissue you are
going to build up. Lean muscle tissue is like logs being thrown on a
fire; the muscle tissue is what is going to use the most calories.
Sooooo, the more lean tissue you have, the higher metabolism you will
have, and the more calories you will burn.
This is why you hear
so often the comment, "women cannot burn as many calories as men." It
is not that they can't, but it is mainly because men are much more keen
to work on strength training routines that are designed to build lean
muscle tissue, while women, who fear "getting to big by using weights,"
opt for cardiovascular training routines instead.
If you want to
gain the gift of a high metabolism you are going to have to be willing
to put in hard, consistent work. If you do, you will be rewarded with a
more efficient body that burns calories at a higher rate than you ever
thought possible.
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
One of the only ways I know of to virtually guarantee your success at achieving a fitness related goal is to have accountability. Join my Exercise Accountability Group Today and take your fitness to a new level.
Click here for more info and to join.
I look forward to seeing you in the group!
Showing posts with label Carpe Diem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carpe Diem. Show all posts
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Friday, September 7, 2012
Lessons from my Dreams
I still dream about my Dad. Even though it has been over two years, every couple months I dream about him. Each dream ends virtually the same, with me becoming aware I am dreaming about him then waking myself with real tears and an out loud cry for him... I usually remember almost none of the dream.
As I type this I have a fresh set of tears from another dream about my Dad, but this one is different, the memory is still here. And I think I am supposed to share it with you all as the words I am typing began to fill my head before I ever started typing.
At first I thought I had forgotten the dream and continued sobbing, but then I did something different, I asked myself a question about the dream. Suddenly I remembered almost the entire dream.
In the dream, I was talking to some stranger, whose face I could not see. It was hidden in the shadows. Anyways I was explaining to this stranger what a great little league baseball player I was when in fact I wasn't.
It should be noted that My entire little league career I think I got a total of 2 base hits in the two years I played little league. It wasn't because of a lack of skill. It was because I had developed such a low self esteem and low confidence about myself that every time I stepped up to the plate, I was scared to swing at the ball and I was scared of getting made fun by the other players when I faltered.
As I am telling this mysterious figure about what a "superstar little leaguer" I was I am suddenly transported to one specific game I played in. I am watching the game, but not from the stands. And the field is reversed almost like looking in a mirror.
This game was significant because all my life I'd wanted to hit a home run, but never did. This game was the closest I'd ever come.
I was explaining this to the mysterious stranger in the dream. As I am doing so I see myself come up to bat and instantly I can remember how I felt during that at bat. All throughout little league I remember I felt like a failure every time I went to the plate. Every time I walked to the plate my head was hanging in anticipation for my next failure.
This at bat was a different one. In my dream I could remember that day. I could remember that day as being one of the only days I ever stepped up to the plate with confidence, knowing inside myself I could hit the ball.
I told the mysterious stranger in my dream this as I looked at my 11 year old self, standing at the plate.
All my life I'd always wanted to hit a home run...
The pitcher threw the 1st pitch and I connected. I had never hit a ball in the sweet spot before, I had never hit a pitch where it felt virtually effortless, and this one did.
As I am explaining all this to the mysterious figure, the dream slows down so I can tell and relive every detail of that moment.
Making contact with the ball
Feeling strong as it left my bat
Knowing it was a home-run
Watching it sail further towards the fence
Making my first step away from the plate
Watching the infielders look up and over their shoulders
The parents in the stands coming to their feet... I'd never had the stands come to their feet for me before.
Watching the ball, going, going, ...
"It wasn't to be," I told the mysterious stranger. As we watched the ball curve right for a foul ball at the last second.
As I watched all this vividly happen in super slow motion, I became choked up and told the mysterious stranger I could not continue my story. Tears began to flow.
"Why?" Asked the mysterious stranger?
"Because," I said
"Because, I figured out why I am seeing the baseball field at a different view than it really was.". "From this view, I can see my Dad's car parked in the field, he had come to watch me, and there it is." I began bawling uncontrollably in my dream as I pointed out my Dad's blue Ford Taurus to this mysterious stranger.
I was crying so hard. Suddenly the mysterious stranger rushed out of the darkness to console me - it was my Dad.
"Jess," my Dad asked, "why were you trying to make yourself sound like a better baseball player than you were?"
I don't recall what my answer was because at this point I realized my sobs were becoming more and more uncontrollable and I was starting to wake myself up. In addition I was becoming aware of a tension in my arms and a numbing in my hands.
As my conscious mind began to take over, my sub-conscious mind began to fade away and so did the image of my Dad. I squeezed my eyes tighter trying to hold the image, only to wake myself up with crying eyes, and my usual " DAD" shout trying to keep him from leaving.
As I became more aware I realized that the reason my arms were so tense and my hands were so numb was that I was hugging a pillow so tight that I was cutting off my own circulation. My pillow was my Mysterious Stranger, the hug was for my Dad.
So why am I sharing all of this with You.
Often, when I fall asleep, I think about specific things and how I can utilize those things/experiences to help people.
Last week I took a bunch of pictures of the sunrise. And as I was falling asleep last night, I asked myself, how can I use those sunrise/sunset pictures to help me help people?
And this is why I believe I remember as much of the dream as I do and why I am supposed to share.
Remember when I started writing this blog, I said "I usually don't remember my dreams, but this time I asked myself a question about the dream and suddenly I could remember."
Well as the dream came back to me the words "sunrise" and "sunset" kept flashing in my head. Then the words began to form sentences:
"Every sunrise is a
symbolic beginning
of a new day and
serves as a reminder
that this day is a gift.
So while you have it
make sure you live
your day doing, and
saying what is most
important."
And finally, the pillow... I cannot recall one time in my life when I ever hugged my Dad with such love and such intensity equal to the amount of love and intensity I was trying to squeeze through that pillow.
In this life, I am never going to get that opportunity to give my Dad a hug like that.
I took days, I took time, I took life for granted just like we all do.
Here's the thing: while I can't go back and change that with my Dad, what I can do is make a change going forward. And you can too!
My advice I am going to give myself and share with you is this:
When you hug someone today, tomorrow, and everyday for the rest of your life, think about hugging them as if that is your last chance you will ever have to hug them.
The sun will rise and the sun will set. Life will continue on, but there is no guarantee that you and I will continue on with it.
Thank you Dad for this lesson.
I love and miss you.
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Focus on the simple things
A couple quick announcements:
1.) Thank you everyone for all the feedback you have been giving me on my recent videos I have been posting on Youtube. I am going to continue to do this and ultimately what I my channel to become is a mix of motivating, inspiring, and funny videos that will help you live a richer and more fulfilling life. If you have not checked out my Youtube channel yet, do so by clicking here: and please subscribe while you are there. :)
2.) I have a photo up on the MSNBC "It's a Snap Travel Photo" section. It is a photo of Stonehenge, please check it out and if you feel so inclined vote for it:
Last week I posted a video about a guy who was dying of cancer. The video and his story were very powerful.
Check out the Video Here
I spoke a bit about his story in last weeks Ustream chat, but it is powerful enough and the message is important enough that spending a few extra minutes on it is certainly warranted.
Eric's story is essentially this:
Several years ago he was diagnosed with cancer and was declared terminal. But he beat the odds and survived. He began sharing his story via Youtube. Life continued on and eventually the cancer came back. Now at 28 years old, with a wife and family that loves him, Eric is going to die. He has tried every treatment and fought as hard as he could.
When I first watched this video, what amazed me about it was the simplicity of life. In the eight minute video life was summed up like this: Live or Die, and this guy clearly wants to live.
We complicate our lives so much. And in the process of complicating them we lose focus on the most important point of life, to live.
During Eric's final goodbye video, I did not hear him once mention some of the things that society has deemed to be so important: there was no mention of the car he drove, the style of the clothes he wore, how much money he made, or the latest he said she said celebrity gossip.
I can only conclude that someone on death's door is not going to miss the above? How can that be? We spend so much of life, so much of our precious time and energy worries about, stressed about, and ultimately pursuing these things, why? Why spend so much time on that which is ultimately not that important?
What Eric talked about in the end is the same story I have heard from so many others that have been close to or experienced death through a loved one... the things that are most important are friends, family, the people who love you just for you.
Life in its most simple form really boils down to this: live or die. And each and every day that we are still breathing we have a choice to make: Live and do something proactive that brings us fulfillment and happiness, or Die a little and wallow, pout, be-moan our circumstances in life.
Trust me I am not in any way trying to make small of some of the most painful experiences in life. What I am trying to say though is that even when the worst possible things happen in life we still have choice, to either become and ultimately be consumed by the pain, or acknowledge that the pain is a part of life and focus on those little every day things that make us smile that make us laugh.
After watching Eric's video I have been spending a lot of time reflecting on the little joys of life that make me happy: the sun, clean air, taking pictures of flowers, the sunset and sunrise, exercise, looking at the stars at night, rejoicing with friends for their successes etc...
The little things, no matter how small they may seem right now, in the end they really are the biggest things - the things that make up the substance of life.
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
1.) Thank you everyone for all the feedback you have been giving me on my recent videos I have been posting on Youtube. I am going to continue to do this and ultimately what I my channel to become is a mix of motivating, inspiring, and funny videos that will help you live a richer and more fulfilling life. If you have not checked out my Youtube channel yet, do so by clicking here: and please subscribe while you are there. :)
2.) I have a photo up on the MSNBC "It's a Snap Travel Photo" section. It is a photo of Stonehenge, please check it out and if you feel so inclined vote for it:
Last week I posted a video about a guy who was dying of cancer. The video and his story were very powerful.
Check out the Video Here
I spoke a bit about his story in last weeks Ustream chat, but it is powerful enough and the message is important enough that spending a few extra minutes on it is certainly warranted.
Eric's story is essentially this:
Several years ago he was diagnosed with cancer and was declared terminal. But he beat the odds and survived. He began sharing his story via Youtube. Life continued on and eventually the cancer came back. Now at 28 years old, with a wife and family that loves him, Eric is going to die. He has tried every treatment and fought as hard as he could.
When I first watched this video, what amazed me about it was the simplicity of life. In the eight minute video life was summed up like this: Live or Die, and this guy clearly wants to live.
We complicate our lives so much. And in the process of complicating them we lose focus on the most important point of life, to live.
During Eric's final goodbye video, I did not hear him once mention some of the things that society has deemed to be so important: there was no mention of the car he drove, the style of the clothes he wore, how much money he made, or the latest he said she said celebrity gossip.
I can only conclude that someone on death's door is not going to miss the above? How can that be? We spend so much of life, so much of our precious time and energy worries about, stressed about, and ultimately pursuing these things, why? Why spend so much time on that which is ultimately not that important?
What Eric talked about in the end is the same story I have heard from so many others that have been close to or experienced death through a loved one... the things that are most important are friends, family, the people who love you just for you.
Life in its most simple form really boils down to this: live or die. And each and every day that we are still breathing we have a choice to make: Live and do something proactive that brings us fulfillment and happiness, or Die a little and wallow, pout, be-moan our circumstances in life.
Trust me I am not in any way trying to make small of some of the most painful experiences in life. What I am trying to say though is that even when the worst possible things happen in life we still have choice, to either become and ultimately be consumed by the pain, or acknowledge that the pain is a part of life and focus on those little every day things that make us smile that make us laugh.
After watching Eric's video I have been spending a lot of time reflecting on the little joys of life that make me happy: the sun, clean air, taking pictures of flowers, the sunset and sunrise, exercise, looking at the stars at night, rejoicing with friends for their successes etc...
The little things, no matter how small they may seem right now, in the end they really are the biggest things - the things that make up the substance of life.
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
Thursday, August 16, 2012
When Protecting is Really Hindering
Hellllooooo everyone!
I hope this blog finds you in the midst of an exciting, action packed week! :)
A few announcements:
1st, it is FINALLY time for a Ustream chat. It has been a long time coming and I have definitely been slacking. I will post the exact time later today, but it will be sometime on Sunday. Plan on Sunday evening Europe time, Sunday morning PST time.
2nd, I am offering a promotion for the Exercise Accountability Group. If you are a current member and refer two or more people to the group, you and each of those two people will get a month's membership free. For more info about the Exercise Accountability Group, click here: http://www.jessebrisendine.com/fitness-training_exercise-accountability-group.php
3rd, Once you finish reading this, you have to promise me that you will smile and then smile at someone else. :) Deal? Ok cool, now that the formalities are done on to the blog...
Funny how life works. I had typed about two paragraphs for this blog and then deleted them because they were garbage! They really were! :) I started talking to a friend of mine and the topic of protecting came up. As we talked more and more I decided that it presented the perfect blog topic. :)
I don't know about you, but I have a history of trying to protect people. Ive skipped being straight forward and up front time and time again because I do not want to "hurt someone's feelings." Of course what inevitably happens is that the person's feelings are hurt more because you would not be straight up with them.
Why do we do this? Why is it that humans feel the need to try and protect one another? Is it a survival instinct and an instinct to be strong? Or is it the exact opposite, is it a weakness, a fear that we have, one that leaves us to scared, or not strong enough from the start?
I personally believe it is a weakness that we try to disguise as a strength. I do not know one person that would prefer to have a conversation, or live a life full of smoke and mirrors. Protecting someone is like pulling a band aide off slowly, it takes longer and hurts more. Versus just pulling it off quick, feeling the pain, the moving past it.
I hear parents talking about this all the time, about wanting to protect their kids from the cold cruel world. But by protecting them, are you really helping them to learn and grow? Is it not better to learn to fall down at an early age so that you can also learn how to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and carry on? What if you are guarded so much as a child that you never fall? What happens when you will inevitably fall as an adult? Will you be able to get back up? Will you even know how?
At the end of the day I think it is undeniable that the desire to protect is engrained into our DNA. However, what is also engrained into us is free will and when it comes to protecting, it is wise to exercise your free will first.
Stop and ask yourself, "are my actions really in the best interest of this person? If I do this, or approach the situation this way, will this person still be able to learn and grow?'
Be honest with yourself first before you decide on what is best for someone else.
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
I hope this blog finds you in the midst of an exciting, action packed week! :)
A few announcements:
1st, it is FINALLY time for a Ustream chat. It has been a long time coming and I have definitely been slacking. I will post the exact time later today, but it will be sometime on Sunday. Plan on Sunday evening Europe time, Sunday morning PST time.
2nd, I am offering a promotion for the Exercise Accountability Group. If you are a current member and refer two or more people to the group, you and each of those two people will get a month's membership free. For more info about the Exercise Accountability Group, click here: http://www.jessebrisendine.com/fitness-training_exercise-accountability-group.php
3rd, Once you finish reading this, you have to promise me that you will smile and then smile at someone else. :) Deal? Ok cool, now that the formalities are done on to the blog...
Funny how life works. I had typed about two paragraphs for this blog and then deleted them because they were garbage! They really were! :) I started talking to a friend of mine and the topic of protecting came up. As we talked more and more I decided that it presented the perfect blog topic. :)
I don't know about you, but I have a history of trying to protect people. Ive skipped being straight forward and up front time and time again because I do not want to "hurt someone's feelings." Of course what inevitably happens is that the person's feelings are hurt more because you would not be straight up with them.
Why do we do this? Why is it that humans feel the need to try and protect one another? Is it a survival instinct and an instinct to be strong? Or is it the exact opposite, is it a weakness, a fear that we have, one that leaves us to scared, or not strong enough from the start?
I personally believe it is a weakness that we try to disguise as a strength. I do not know one person that would prefer to have a conversation, or live a life full of smoke and mirrors. Protecting someone is like pulling a band aide off slowly, it takes longer and hurts more. Versus just pulling it off quick, feeling the pain, the moving past it.
I hear parents talking about this all the time, about wanting to protect their kids from the cold cruel world. But by protecting them, are you really helping them to learn and grow? Is it not better to learn to fall down at an early age so that you can also learn how to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and carry on? What if you are guarded so much as a child that you never fall? What happens when you will inevitably fall as an adult? Will you be able to get back up? Will you even know how?
At the end of the day I think it is undeniable that the desire to protect is engrained into our DNA. However, what is also engrained into us is free will and when it comes to protecting, it is wise to exercise your free will first.
Stop and ask yourself, "are my actions really in the best interest of this person? If I do this, or approach the situation this way, will this person still be able to learn and grow?'
Be honest with yourself first before you decide on what is best for someone else.
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Getting Back to the Basics
Hellllloooooo everyone!!
Yes I am back to slacking on the blogs. I apologize as I really do enjoy blogging. I think I am finally starting to create enough of a routine here in Europe that I should be able to blog more often than not, yea me! :)
Before I get to that a few things:
1.) We need to have a Ustream chat. It has been way to long. Look for an announced date and time on the 1 Year 1000 Challenge page within the next week
2.) I really appreciate everyone who took the time to provide me with feedback about my newsletter. I am always looking for ways to try to provide the best for you all. I will work at implementing some of the suggested changes. If you would like to sign up to receive my free monthly newsletter, click here: www.jessebrisendine.com
3.) One more thank you to pass along, thank you everyone who has taken the time to look at my photography page and provide me with feedback and suggestions. This is a new venture for me so any comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please check out my photography page here: http://www.jessebrisendine.com/photography.php
Well I am officially a Europe resident, specifically London, for the next few months!! And I got to share with you all, as excited as I am to have the opportunity to be here, it has been a little tough for me to adjust.
My thought process has not been one that has been conducive to helping me adjust either, which wherever my thoughts go, my actions will follow.
I really miss my friends and clients back home. They have all become such a part of my day to day life that it is really strange not seeing them everyday.
I miss the Ocean. I was able to go to the countryside this weekend and went as far as the Irish Sea. I realized as I stood there for an hour taking photos of the sunset, that I have never been away from the Ocean this long. Being born and raised in California, the Ocean has always been there. And as much as I talk about how much I love it and how fortunate I am to have it in my backyard, I don't think I ever really truly realized just HOW MUCH I love it and HOW FORTUNATE I really am to have it in my backyard.
I miss the Sun! See the Ocean above. I have to be honest, not to brag, but because it is the truth, Santa Barbara is paradise, and I live there. I have sun and perfect temperature more than 300days of the year. Again I can say until I am blue in the face how fortunate I am to call SB home, but I take a lot of it for granted in my day to day life.
And I miss the 100's of other everyday conveniences I take for granted: knowing where the store is, having a the ability to do laundry at my house vs. going to a laundry mat, etc...
Wow, I am sounding spoiled aren't I? The list could go on, and I have allowed it to because I have been choosing to dwell rather than rejoice. I have been choosing to turn my back on the everyday opportunities that are all over the place
Time for a change!
So when I finally decided to get over myself a few days ago, things, and most importantly, my Attitude started to change
I started focusing on how fun it will be to learn the layout of a new city. To make the foreign not feel so foreign. I began taking daily walks in different directions and enjoying, "getting lost" in the city.
Since I can't rely on the real Sun to show up, I sought out an artificial one. And as fate would have it, a tanning salon is literally right around the corner from where I am staying. 8 minutes later and the golden glow had not only returned to my skin, but to my overall attitude.
Rather than dwelling on not having my car so I can run to the grocery store. I walked to the grocery store and made an adventure out of it. And it was a blast. I took my camera, got to see some sights, got to exercise, and most importantly I had a lot of time to think. And I thought about how fortunate I am to even have a car to begin with. Then I took it a step further and thought how fortunate I am to have legs to walk to the store and money in my pocket to buy things with.
From my front door to the store it is less than a 15 minute walk. And by the time I got to the store I was almost floating after spending 15 minutes focusing on all the haves instead of the have nots.
As I made my less than 15 minute return trip from the store it got me thinking about how important it is to use our resources when we find ourselves in a funk. We all have resources to call on and there is no greater resource than your own mind. Your mind has the power to shape your thoughts, and your thoughts will influence your actions.
The positive changes you want to make, the momentum you want to build, the reality you want to create, will never happen if your mind is not thinking thoughts that will support, encourage, and inspire you.
My first two weeks here have served as such a great reminder to get back to the basics. To stop and smell the roses and enjoy the little things in life. I may not have the Ocean in my backyard right now, but what I do have is my mind and with that I can see any Ocean, anywhere in the world, at any time I want. All I have to do is close my eyes and focus my thoughts. And on that note, I think I am going to go and visit the Caribbean. :)
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
Yes I am back to slacking on the blogs. I apologize as I really do enjoy blogging. I think I am finally starting to create enough of a routine here in Europe that I should be able to blog more often than not, yea me! :)
Before I get to that a few things:
1.) We need to have a Ustream chat. It has been way to long. Look for an announced date and time on the 1 Year 1000 Challenge page within the next week
2.) I really appreciate everyone who took the time to provide me with feedback about my newsletter. I am always looking for ways to try to provide the best for you all. I will work at implementing some of the suggested changes. If you would like to sign up to receive my free monthly newsletter, click here: www.jessebrisendine.com
3.) One more thank you to pass along, thank you everyone who has taken the time to look at my photography page and provide me with feedback and suggestions. This is a new venture for me so any comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Please check out my photography page here: http://www.jessebrisendine.com/photography.php
Well I am officially a Europe resident, specifically London, for the next few months!! And I got to share with you all, as excited as I am to have the opportunity to be here, it has been a little tough for me to adjust.
My thought process has not been one that has been conducive to helping me adjust either, which wherever my thoughts go, my actions will follow.
I really miss my friends and clients back home. They have all become such a part of my day to day life that it is really strange not seeing them everyday.
I miss the Ocean. I was able to go to the countryside this weekend and went as far as the Irish Sea. I realized as I stood there for an hour taking photos of the sunset, that I have never been away from the Ocean this long. Being born and raised in California, the Ocean has always been there. And as much as I talk about how much I love it and how fortunate I am to have it in my backyard, I don't think I ever really truly realized just HOW MUCH I love it and HOW FORTUNATE I really am to have it in my backyard.
I miss the Sun! See the Ocean above. I have to be honest, not to brag, but because it is the truth, Santa Barbara is paradise, and I live there. I have sun and perfect temperature more than 300days of the year. Again I can say until I am blue in the face how fortunate I am to call SB home, but I take a lot of it for granted in my day to day life.
And I miss the 100's of other everyday conveniences I take for granted: knowing where the store is, having a the ability to do laundry at my house vs. going to a laundry mat, etc...
Wow, I am sounding spoiled aren't I? The list could go on, and I have allowed it to because I have been choosing to dwell rather than rejoice. I have been choosing to turn my back on the everyday opportunities that are all over the place
Time for a change!
So when I finally decided to get over myself a few days ago, things, and most importantly, my Attitude started to change
I started focusing on how fun it will be to learn the layout of a new city. To make the foreign not feel so foreign. I began taking daily walks in different directions and enjoying, "getting lost" in the city.
Since I can't rely on the real Sun to show up, I sought out an artificial one. And as fate would have it, a tanning salon is literally right around the corner from where I am staying. 8 minutes later and the golden glow had not only returned to my skin, but to my overall attitude.
Rather than dwelling on not having my car so I can run to the grocery store. I walked to the grocery store and made an adventure out of it. And it was a blast. I took my camera, got to see some sights, got to exercise, and most importantly I had a lot of time to think. And I thought about how fortunate I am to even have a car to begin with. Then I took it a step further and thought how fortunate I am to have legs to walk to the store and money in my pocket to buy things with.
From my front door to the store it is less than a 15 minute walk. And by the time I got to the store I was almost floating after spending 15 minutes focusing on all the haves instead of the have nots.
As I made my less than 15 minute return trip from the store it got me thinking about how important it is to use our resources when we find ourselves in a funk. We all have resources to call on and there is no greater resource than your own mind. Your mind has the power to shape your thoughts, and your thoughts will influence your actions.
The positive changes you want to make, the momentum you want to build, the reality you want to create, will never happen if your mind is not thinking thoughts that will support, encourage, and inspire you.
My first two weeks here have served as such a great reminder to get back to the basics. To stop and smell the roses and enjoy the little things in life. I may not have the Ocean in my backyard right now, but what I do have is my mind and with that I can see any Ocean, anywhere in the world, at any time I want. All I have to do is close my eyes and focus my thoughts. And on that note, I think I am going to go and visit the Caribbean. :)
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
Monday, July 2, 2012
Leadership
Happy Monday Everyone!
I have been spending a lot of time as of late mulling over the concept of leadership. What does it mean to me, what does it stand for in a global sense, and how is it being represented by "leaders" around the world.
I cannot pinpoint one exact reason as to why leadership has been on my mind so much as of late. The thoughts surrounding it have become so many that it definitely warrants this blog as well as a video I plan on posting on Wednesday.
Before I tackle the leadership subject, a few announcements:
A leader is one who: guides or directs a group. Some examples are: a CEO of a company, a General in the military, a Political head of state and a guy who creates a challenge to do 1000 things he has never done before.
Maybe it is just me, but as of late, I feel that the motivation in the 1000 Challenge Community isn't what it once was. The 1000 Challenge Community is growing at a rapid rate, but the rate of involvement, or people taking action is rapidly declining.
Last year, when global events like "Trash Clean Up Day," Ustream Chats, and "Sunrise/Sunset Day," were held we had a much larger participation with a far smaller community than we have had this year.
I have been asking myself, Why? I don't understand, I provide motivating material, I encourage, I give, I support, I happily play the role of cheerleader, what am I missing?
As first I made up a bunch of excuses for all 8,000+ members of the 1000 Challenge Community. Excuses about how life is to busy, it is low priority, etc... A good possibility, right? I don't really believe that though.
Then I made up excuses about how new members may perceive me, "Perhaps they just see me as an "IN" to get into the good graces of certain friends that I have that just happen to be famous. And so they will "humor" me in hopes that I make a connection or two for them?" It is definitely a possibility, right? But deep down, I do not think that is the sole motivation for the majority of our community members. A small few maybe, but the majority of the 1000 Challenge Community, I don't believe so.
So what is it then?
This is where many of my thoughts on leadership, I believe, are originating from.
A leader is someone who guides or directs a group. And what better way to guide or direct a group then by example... BINGO JESSE!!
I am the creator of the 1 Year 1000 Challenge and last year I lead you all by my example. Each and everyday you had pictures, blogs, videos, etc... chronicling not just me and my pursuit of doing 1000 things I had never done before; you had more than that. You were introduced to me and got to follow my journey on how to Carpe Diem... to Seize each and every day and make the absolute most of it.
Along that journey you got to see and experience the world through my eyes. You got to experience the highs and the lows of life with me. I was very candid in sharing the times I struggled as well as the times I triumphed.
This year - that has been lacking. I have taken the substance out of the experience of what it means to be a member of the 1 Year 1000 Challenge Community. Sure I have provided lots of delicious appetizers in the form of motivating quotes, videos, and pretty pictures, but have consistently forgot to serve the main course: the real, true to life, human component of it that we can all relate to. This has been a major lapse in leadership on my part and for that I deeply apologize.
After all, how am I, as a leader supposed to expect you all to jump up and Carpe Diem, if I am not providing an example to follow? One of my all time favorite expressions is: "You can give a man to fish and it will feed him for a day, but if you teach a man to fish he will be able to feed himself for life."
Last year my goal as a leader was to turn all of those who were willing, into master fisher-persons. This year I have not been doing my best as a leader. I realize that I have removed some of the tools that are necessary to be able to fish. How are you supposed to fish if the leader is not teaching you how to cast your line into the water?
You, me, and everyone else,, will never be as great as their full potential if they do not know how to fish. We will forever spend our lives at "average," if we merely sit around and wait for someone to give us a fish. Greatness is sought out and created, it is not given.
I have allowed myself to get so caught up in some of the various aspects of my life, that I have gotten away from the core of what got you all to look to me as a leader. Shoot, I have a goal to take 20,000 + photos this year and I am not even half way to that number!
The first half of the year I have:
While the injuries have been beyond shitty, I have also gained a sensitivity I did not have before to people who are injured. In addition I have also learned to appreciate what a privilege a life without physical pain is.
I have more clarity than ever with the various relationships.
All positives, but all are things that did not require me to sacrifice what made me an effective leader. However, again I am grateful for it has given me an awareness about leadership I did not have before. That awareness has been two fold, one the above actions, and two, the following qualities of leadership that I have become much, much more aware of.
One of the most important qualities of a good leader is consistency. Imagine how much kids in school would struggle if their teachers, their leaders, consistently told them 2+2 = 4, and then one day decided to start telling them 2+2 = 5.
Another important quality of leadership is honesty: How many of you are frustrated with appointed political leaders and their "fudging of the truth." I know I AM! Last year I honestly shared with you my journey, this year I have not. I did not want the journey to take away from your own potential to Carpe Diem. I now realize the error in my ways - that the journey provides an important spark. Without the spark there can be no fire and without a fire there can be no burning desire to Carpe Diem.
And finally, I will leave you this: one of the most important qualities of a good leader is the example he/she sets. We all have a good giggle at some of the comments that come up when I post a topless picture of myself, but think about this: Would you respect me as much as a Personal Trainer, as a leader of Fitness if I did not live the example of being fit? Would you respect me as much as a Life Coach, as a leader of Carpe Diem-ing, of living life, if I did not go out and embrace the experience of life and all the ups and downs that come with it?
We all have the potential inside of us to be a great leader. Leadership is not limited to CEO's, political heads of state, or a guy who challenged himself to do 1000 things he had never done before in 2011. Leadership is an attribute that exists within each and everyone of YOU. Whether it is leading as a parent, a teacher, a community member, a best friend, or a lover, each area provides an opportunity to lead.
I cannot speak for You, only for myself, when I say that I want to be best leader I can be.
I pledge to all of you to do a much better job this day forward as a leader than I have done so far this year. :)
And remember what I said earlier: "Greatness is sought out and created, it is not given."
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
I have been spending a lot of time as of late mulling over the concept of leadership. What does it mean to me, what does it stand for in a global sense, and how is it being represented by "leaders" around the world.
I cannot pinpoint one exact reason as to why leadership has been on my mind so much as of late. The thoughts surrounding it have become so many that it definitely warrants this blog as well as a video I plan on posting on Wednesday.
Before I tackle the leadership subject, a few announcements:
- There will be a Ustream chat in the next week or so. Stay tuned for more information.
- Pounds are being lost and inches are being shed in the exercise accountability group. Click here: for more information on how you can become a member of a motivating group that will help hold you accountable and motivate you to achieve the results you want.
- What does "being successful" mean to you? How does your definition of it impact the way you live your life? This is the topic of the week in the "Carpe Diem Insights" group. Carpe Diem Insights is my group coaching program that focuses on teaching YOU tools that will help YOU Empower YOUR life. For more information, click here: Carpe Diem Insights
A leader is one who: guides or directs a group. Some examples are: a CEO of a company, a General in the military, a Political head of state and a guy who creates a challenge to do 1000 things he has never done before.
Maybe it is just me, but as of late, I feel that the motivation in the 1000 Challenge Community isn't what it once was. The 1000 Challenge Community is growing at a rapid rate, but the rate of involvement, or people taking action is rapidly declining.
Last year, when global events like "Trash Clean Up Day," Ustream Chats, and "Sunrise/Sunset Day," were held we had a much larger participation with a far smaller community than we have had this year.
I have been asking myself, Why? I don't understand, I provide motivating material, I encourage, I give, I support, I happily play the role of cheerleader, what am I missing?
As first I made up a bunch of excuses for all 8,000+ members of the 1000 Challenge Community. Excuses about how life is to busy, it is low priority, etc... A good possibility, right? I don't really believe that though.
Then I made up excuses about how new members may perceive me, "Perhaps they just see me as an "IN" to get into the good graces of certain friends that I have that just happen to be famous. And so they will "humor" me in hopes that I make a connection or two for them?" It is definitely a possibility, right? But deep down, I do not think that is the sole motivation for the majority of our community members. A small few maybe, but the majority of the 1000 Challenge Community, I don't believe so.
So what is it then?
This is where many of my thoughts on leadership, I believe, are originating from.
A leader is someone who guides or directs a group. And what better way to guide or direct a group then by example... BINGO JESSE!!
I am the creator of the 1 Year 1000 Challenge and last year I lead you all by my example. Each and everyday you had pictures, blogs, videos, etc... chronicling not just me and my pursuit of doing 1000 things I had never done before; you had more than that. You were introduced to me and got to follow my journey on how to Carpe Diem... to Seize each and every day and make the absolute most of it.
Along that journey you got to see and experience the world through my eyes. You got to experience the highs and the lows of life with me. I was very candid in sharing the times I struggled as well as the times I triumphed.
This year - that has been lacking. I have taken the substance out of the experience of what it means to be a member of the 1 Year 1000 Challenge Community. Sure I have provided lots of delicious appetizers in the form of motivating quotes, videos, and pretty pictures, but have consistently forgot to serve the main course: the real, true to life, human component of it that we can all relate to. This has been a major lapse in leadership on my part and for that I deeply apologize.
After all, how am I, as a leader supposed to expect you all to jump up and Carpe Diem, if I am not providing an example to follow? One of my all time favorite expressions is: "You can give a man to fish and it will feed him for a day, but if you teach a man to fish he will be able to feed himself for life."
Last year my goal as a leader was to turn all of those who were willing, into master fisher-persons. This year I have not been doing my best as a leader. I realize that I have removed some of the tools that are necessary to be able to fish. How are you supposed to fish if the leader is not teaching you how to cast your line into the water?
You, me, and everyone else,, will never be as great as their full potential if they do not know how to fish. We will forever spend our lives at "average," if we merely sit around and wait for someone to give us a fish. Greatness is sought out and created, it is not given.
I have allowed myself to get so caught up in some of the various aspects of my life, that I have gotten away from the core of what got you all to look to me as a leader. Shoot, I have a goal to take 20,000 + photos this year and I am not even half way to that number!
The first half of the year I have:
- worked tirelessly to expand my business,
- allowed myself to be consistently bummed out over ongoing injuries and daily physical pain,
- overly analyzed and overly rationalized various relationships rather than just dealing with the core issues and move forward.
While the injuries have been beyond shitty, I have also gained a sensitivity I did not have before to people who are injured. In addition I have also learned to appreciate what a privilege a life without physical pain is.
I have more clarity than ever with the various relationships.
All positives, but all are things that did not require me to sacrifice what made me an effective leader. However, again I am grateful for it has given me an awareness about leadership I did not have before. That awareness has been two fold, one the above actions, and two, the following qualities of leadership that I have become much, much more aware of.
One of the most important qualities of a good leader is consistency. Imagine how much kids in school would struggle if their teachers, their leaders, consistently told them 2+2 = 4, and then one day decided to start telling them 2+2 = 5.
Another important quality of leadership is honesty: How many of you are frustrated with appointed political leaders and their "fudging of the truth." I know I AM! Last year I honestly shared with you my journey, this year I have not. I did not want the journey to take away from your own potential to Carpe Diem. I now realize the error in my ways - that the journey provides an important spark. Without the spark there can be no fire and without a fire there can be no burning desire to Carpe Diem.
And finally, I will leave you this: one of the most important qualities of a good leader is the example he/she sets. We all have a good giggle at some of the comments that come up when I post a topless picture of myself, but think about this: Would you respect me as much as a Personal Trainer, as a leader of Fitness if I did not live the example of being fit? Would you respect me as much as a Life Coach, as a leader of Carpe Diem-ing, of living life, if I did not go out and embrace the experience of life and all the ups and downs that come with it?
We all have the potential inside of us to be a great leader. Leadership is not limited to CEO's, political heads of state, or a guy who challenged himself to do 1000 things he had never done before in 2011. Leadership is an attribute that exists within each and everyone of YOU. Whether it is leading as a parent, a teacher, a community member, a best friend, or a lover, each area provides an opportunity to lead.
I cannot speak for You, only for myself, when I say that I want to be best leader I can be.
I pledge to all of you to do a much better job this day forward as a leader than I have done so far this year. :)
And remember what I said earlier: "Greatness is sought out and created, it is not given."
Enjoy the pics,
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
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