What Do you See?

I woke up this morning and was reminded of a quote that is used in a residential program that I’ve been a part of for several years.

The real act of discovery consists not in finding new lands but seeing with new eyes.

Marcel Proust

Everyday I’m trying to discover something new. I look for something that will impact the bottom line in my business that I haven’t done or seen before (new lands). This morning it dawned on me that maybe what I’m looking for is right in front of me but couldn’t see it.

What do you see? Are you looking for new lands or are you seeing with new eyes? What opportunities are right there in front of you but didn’t realize it?

Who Are You Listening To?

Over the years I’ve listened to a lot of people. Some have encouraged me while others have done the opposite. It took some time to see that I really don’t have accept what others say. I CAN choose. Some of you may think that this realization is not really profound. Why would it? We’re taught at an early age about choice, and walking to the beat of our own drum. Consider this question, do many of us as human beings really choose for ourselves, or are we under the constant influence of others?

5 Things I Learned from the ’07 – ’08 NY Giants

Hello everyone! Today I was gearing up to go to Atlantic City with my wife. While she was getting ready I decided to pop in my DVD about the NY Giant Superbowl season. As I’m watching, I realized that there were tons of lessons that I could use in my life. Keep in mind there isn’t a specific order to these lessons.

1. Just as Tom Caughlin had to change his ways, I also have to examine the way I do things and be willing to change. Everyone who knows Tom knows that he can be a hard-nosed disciplinarian. It used to work for him, until he became the head coach of the G-Men. If he had not been willing to change, The ’08 season would have the same results as ’07.
2. Be who you are and what you know you can become. Don’t conform to what the masses say you are. In the ’07 season Eli Manning was heavily criticized in the media, my friends, and me as well for not having that fiery attitude we all thought was required to win. And to some degree I think he may have listened to all the criticism. I say this because I remember the fiery attitude he tried to display in a game after all those things had been said. I believe it was 4th down and he was all fired up about going for it. In the end it made no difference. Eli is a quiet leader. His facial expressions are usually flat and emotionless. I do see him get pissed once in a while but even that is in a quiet and dopey manner. The same attitude he displayed in the dismal seasons which had all of us doubt Eli’s abilities is the same attitude that won a Superbowl and now gives me confidence in him.