Unexpected Wisdom

If you have ever traveled across country by train, you know that meals are served with community seating. That means you can meet new people with every meal.

In late March I took the train home (to Southern California) from an engagement in Massachusetts. One evening my meal companions consisted of a very nice couple and a teenager. At first, the teenager had little to say. (Parents, does this sound familiar?) But through my questions he told us that he was 16, wanted to be an attorney, and could bench press 325 pounds.

Then I asked him, "What three recommendations would you give to someone in 8th grade about high school?" Without hesitation he gave an answer that all of us can use. Here are his recommendations, with my comments on how they apply to leaders:

1) Watch who you hang out with.

Certainly, your friends define who you are.

Leaders know this and thus build organizations that consist of people who reinforce productive work, discourage destructive behavior, and provide a variety of complementary skills.

A wise leader will direct a person's development by placing the person with colleagues who have beneficial characteristics. Similarly, this explains why some leaders work with a coach who provides a contrast to their preferred style.

You can also manage your personal growth by associating with people who have achieved what you aspire to have. For example, one entrepreneur left a mastermind group of millionaires to join a group of multimillionaires.

2) The next four years are very important.

Actually, every "next four years" will have a significant impact on you. Your actions and decisions during that time will determine everything that follows. And the key to making the most of time is having a vision, setting goals, and making plans.

Most leaders work with a business plan. And some have a business plan for their career and other important aspects of their life.

3) It can be a lot of fun.

Yes, the next four years and the rest of your life can be a lot of fun. If you choose to make it so.

My train ride serves as an excellent example of this.

When I bought my train ticket I decided that I was going to enjoy the ride. And I can report that I had a ball. In fact, I told everyone that I met on the train that I was the happiest guy on the train.

Now, let's be realistic about this. A train offers some challenges. For example, the train rocks from side to side as it rattles along over old track, switches, and rail crossings. The train blows a whistle, which you can hear all day (and night) long. The train provides limited space. I spent the first night in coach, curled up on my seat and the suitcases that I stacked on the floor between my seat and the one in front. My sleeper (for the next two nights) consisted of a 3.25 feet wide, 7 ft. long, 6.5 ft high space.

And yet I was the happiest guy on the train. Because I decided to enjoy the ride.

Similarly, we can enjoy our ride through life if we decide to enjoy it.

IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and author Steve Kaye works with leaders who want to hold effective meeting. His innovative workshops have informed and inspired people nationwide. His facilitation produces results that people will support. Call 714-528-1300 or visit his web site for over 100 pages of valuable ideas. Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.stevekaye.com

---

How to Increase Your Income Significantly

I would like you to give your full attention to... Read More

Are You a Wildflower?

Wildflowers grow from mere dust to reach their full potential.Wildflowers... Read More

Do You Want Raspberry, Chocolate Or Vanilla?

Descartes once wrote, "I think, therefore I am!" and 'hidden'... Read More

The Good Luck Recipe!

Good luck was not part of my life for many... Read More

The Winning Combo!

What do we all strive for in life? Success! Success... Read More

Getting the Universe to Work for You

Wouldn't it be great to know that you have something... Read More

Attract Your Ideal Relationship Using the Law of Attraction

First, I'll need to explain what Law of Attraction is... Read More

What is the Life Your Were Born To Live?

In my private practice for the past 15 years I... Read More

Are You Irresistibly Attractive?

If you've done any reading on the subject of marketing,... Read More

The Powerful Mastermind Team

Your Access to AchievementA few years ago I read the... Read More

Hearts Made Strong

The heart seems to be one of the most vulnerable... Read More

Is There Something Called Free Will

The statement ""The concept of free will is a fallacy""... Read More

Create a Climate for Success by Mastering Your Total Image - Part 1

Your Total Image is made up of several essential components:?... Read More

Mental, Emotional and Physical Prosperity

To create true, lasting prosperity, almost any guru can tell... Read More

Buying the Myth

So much life conditioning inhibits the brilliance that is in... Read More

Success -- There Are No Secrets

There Are No Secrets To SuccessAs you strive toward accomplishing... Read More

A Lesson in Letting Go

Do you hear yourself saying? When I have enough money,... Read More

The Mirror Man

Lady Twilight felt angry. It was one of those days... Read More

Feng Shui with Style! Working with Your Element Type

When you begin to study feng shui, you quickly realize... Read More

Successful Living: 9 Universal Laws

1. The Law of BalanceI got an email from a... Read More

Social Skills Training Can Positively Impact Your Life

Millions of people become anxious and insecure when speaking in... Read More

How to Be Irresistible to Women

You don't need a guitar, rock-hard abs, or even a... Read More

No Ifs, Ands Or Buts

If we could choose right now, this moment, how we... Read More

Doing Your Lifes Work

Most people want to do their life's work. Some people... Read More

Do You Have the Skills to be a Secret Service Agent?

Do you have the necessary attributes to be a successful... Read More

A Sweep of Vanity: How To Burst Your Own Bubble

"Hoy-day! What a sweep of vanity comes this way!" --William... Read More

How to Develop the Awesome Power of Getting Other People to Cooperate With You

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if... Read More

Paradigm Shift

Good Morning! It's the Island outlaw here again. You know... Read More

Are You The Driver Or The Passenger?

In your journey through life are you the "driver" or... Read More

Affirm Actions: Stop Lying to Your Soul and Make It Real!

I hear of so many people using affirmations as the... Read More

It Doesnt Take Long To Become An Expert in The Law of Attraction

One of our Faculty, Christine Edick, has been the keynote... Read More

The Mechanic

(Channelled)Roy? What value comes of a mechanic that fills his... Read More

How Are You Inventing Your Life Today?

"Organisms do not experience environments, they create them." -- From... Read More