Nutrition - A Healthier Way

Sugar has found it's way into our food stream in a myriad of ways, and many times without our knowing.  The natural product grown from the good earth sugar cane is fine, but when we begin the processing we need to be mindful. We need to know the various names for sugar these days fructose, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, added juices, and the list goes on.

The cheap man made ingredient HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP permeates all of our food products, from crackers, bread, beverages, to soups.  Now as the health dangers of HFCS have come to light the manufacturers simply rename the product and use the label Corn Syrup.

Our processed foods are laced with these products. Stick with a balanced diet concentrated in natural products and loaded with vegetables and fruits.  Read the label and if you can't pronounce the ingredient move on.  I know this is challenging for many of us that have been raised on these products, but our very health and well being is at stake.

We can use good nutrition to energize and heal ourselves with our food and eliminate the need for  prescription drugs. Try limiting the sugar and processed foods for a week, see how you feel. See how your mood and energy levels elevate.  See how you begin to lose the extra pounds.

To our health!


With Love,


Coach K

Where Else Will You Live?

The Most Beautiful Home

I came across a great quote today, "Take care of your body where else will you live?"

The food that we eat today in many ways is close to poison.  The sugar, the high fat, processed, fast food nutrient devoid food is slowly poisoning us and creating sickness and disease.  To think that we consume sugary battery acid on a regular basis and to know that this is a staple of our children's diets has to cause us to rethink how we feed ourselves.

As the food we eat creates sickness, we look to the latest pill to help alleviate the symptoms realizing that these same pills are wreaking havoc on our bodies with their side affects. It becomes a vicious circle. Some simple changes can lead a to a life of health, wellness, and robust vitality.

Give the gift of life to yourself and family. Feed your body with fruits and vegetables and fresh water.  Treat your body with the love, respect, and dignity that it deserves.

Begin caring for yourself and body, it's the most beautiful home you will ever live in.

With Love,


Coach K

Dirty Laundry - Turn Down The Noise

TURN DOWN THE NOISE
It seems that everywhere you turn we are bombarded with the latest news.  The TV, newspapers, movies, and internet continue to inform us of the latest crisis, war, and natural disaster.  We all know that bad news sells.

BAD NEWS SELLS
We know that this bad news sells but do we know how it impacts us.  The United States is one of the most accomplished and wealthiest countries in the history of mankind, but we have high levels of disease, sickness, depression, and anxiety.  Every channel markets non stop that latest medication for the latest illness all in the name of health.  Our continuous exposure to this endless negativity is like being exposed to continual darkness without feeling the warmth of the sun.

A SIMPLE SOLUTION
We can make a conscious shift to limit or end this constant exposure to the news.  Do we wonder why sleeping pills are so popular when we watch the news for the crisis before we go to bed.  We can take back control by simply using the off button.  We need to limit the media exposure especially with our children that are so influenced by all the negativity.  Our reality is what we make it, yes there are bad things that happen but how about the many good things that happen in our daily lives that get totally ignored.

We should try an experiment. For a week, let's limit our exposure to negativity and focus on the goodness in our lives.  From simply waking up in the morning, enjoying a sunrise, having family and friends, or the simple joy of experiencing our senses.  The positive list is endless.  The simple joy of life and being part of nature can go a long way to restoring our health and balance in our lives.

SILENCE
When we eliminate all the dirty laundry or negative news, we open space for light, peace, and joy to fill our lives.  We can begin by turning down the noise and immerse ourselves in silence.  Silence is golden, and the quiet will help bring harmony back into our lives.

With Love

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
CoachKaufmann.com

An Orange

BE LIKE AN ORANGE

I once heard the expression be like an orange from Wayne Dyer.  Dr. Dyer goes on to explain that an orange remains constant no matter what.  When you squeeze an orange you get orange juice. While many of us for the most part are caring or kind, we often react differently when we are squeezed.   

 
When we are in a good mood and life is treating us well, we can be friendly and generous with family, friends, even strangers.  But when life squeezes us, when we are stressed or frustrated when often are rude, mean, and ill tempered.  Especially, with the ones we love.  The family members that mean the most to us and do the most for us.

Always kindness. This concept of treating everyone including yourself with kindness at all times is a terrific idea although not always easy to do.  When you have children you are always balancing teaching them right from wrong, disciplining them, and encouraging them.  When we or someone else screws up it's hard to respond with kindness, but like anything else we can improve with practice. When my child's grades were not what I thought they should be I reacted with anger. Once a day or two passed, the frustration subsided and I was able to turn the experience into a teaching moment.  They say children are the best teachers.

Our reactions of anger and frustration instead of kindness are just the universe's way to telling us we have more to learn.

I like the idea of being like an orange and when I'm squeezed instead of pouring out sour grapes,  I can just let the pure sweet orange juice flow.

With Love,


Coach K

There is Nothing More Powerful Than An Idea Whose Time Has Come

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come" is a quote attributed to the great French poet and author Victor Hugo who wrote Les Miserables.

Simply translated when the time is right nothing can stop a great idea. Money, power, armies, or force will not keep an idea from coming to fruition, from having the idea become a physical reality.  The time for America to be born as a country was ripe and the power and force of the mighty English military, the most powerful nation in the world at the time, could not defeat the fledgling, ragtag colonial militia.  Henry Ford and the automobile eliminated the horse and buggy and helped usher in American industrial excellence. Nothing could stop the physical manifestation once the idea was unleashed.

Sometimes the most important thing to do is to put the idea out there.  Once it is unleashed it becomes a force of its own.  A man on the moon, the airplane, electricity, the light bulb, the computer, the internet, universal communications via a cell phone. 25 years ago cell phones virtually did not exist.  Something as simple as Facebook, the electronic campfire that many of us gather around.

What are the next ideas whose time has come.  From a universal perspective how about peace on earth, the end of world hunger, or a car that gets a 100 miles to the gallon, or even better runs on water. On a more personal level, what ideas can we implement that will empower us.

Make a list of ideas that empower you, put them out there in the universe. Make the statement, declare your own powerful ideas whose time has come.

It all begins with asking the question and unleashing your power.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K

Love and Kindness

Two of the most powerful forces to counteract the cynicism and negativity we encounter in our world today are love and kindness.  When you finish rolling your eyes, hear me out.  We just finished the presidential election and we all were bombarded with the negative ads.  This low energy washes over us and depletes us.  The antidote is love and kindness.

When we start from a place of love and kindness towards ourselves and others, we keep ourselves upbeat, expectant, and positive.  We move from being reactionary, which is responding to anything that we encounter in a negative manner, and we live from the higher energy of proactivity.  We can respond with kindness when life hands us a challenging moment.

Instead of responding and reacting to every event that we encounter in our daily lives, we can choose to be proactive. We communicate that we expect good things in our lives and will overcome any obstacles or challenges that come our way.  We when treat others both friends and strangers with the love and kindness that they deserve, we exhibit that divine energy that we all possess.

Start by trying to be more proactive with yourself, limit the negative self talk and stop beating yourself up.  Limit your exposure to negativity whether it is the television, radio, or from your circle of family and friends. Next, start praising yourself and expressing gratitude for every little thing that shows up in your life. Surround yourself with people that empower you, that encourage you, that build you up.

Choose to live in the light. Fill your life with sunshine. Let this sunshine wash over you and embrace you, bask in the light. And shine this light on everyone you encounter.

With Love and Kindness,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K

Create Your Reality

You create your reality.  Think about anything that you ever wanted or have ever done has been because you wanted it to happen.  And it all begins with a thought.

So many times, we take where we are today as the reality for the rest of our lives.  When we simply take a break from our daily lives and the challenges we may be facing from our careers, health, love life, or finances, we must start to envision the life that we desire.  Allow yourself to dream, imagine all the good things you want in your life.  Many of us have difficulty believing that we can have or even deserve the finer things in life.  But I ask, why not?  If someone else can do it, then so can you.

For many of us life has beaten us down so much, that we have a challenge mustering the energy to believe we can achieve our dreams, even the easy ones!

Remember,  your existing circumstances today do not define you.  When you start to think things can be better, you begin to attract that into you life.  Keep an eye for the better things showing up in you life and be sure to express gratitude when they do.  Believe in a better tomorrow.

Think and envision a better future, and then begin to take action. Simple steps can produce incredible results.  The simple act of writing it down is a very powerful first step, but how many have a challenge even doing that.  When I suggest that people write down their ideal weight, before doing anything else, many find that difficult to do.  Now, keep in mind I didn't say give up pizza or run 10 miles, I asked to simply write down your ideal, healthy weight.  If you find yourself not being able to do this simple task.  Stop! No more!  Take the simple yet powerful action step and write it down, "I happily weigh a healthy 160 pounds"

Our todays and yesterdays do not limit our tomorrows. You deserve all the wonderful things life has to offer. Begin today by simply writing it down.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K

A New You - Video

At a recent talk, we discussed tapping into your undiscovered talents.  Also, how life sometimes beats us down, we need to remember that we are not alone that people care for us , and that we are are all connected by the divine human spirit.

Enjoy the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=PKqyNukqcUE


With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Brandt Snedeker Wins $10 Million Fedex Cup

Back in 2009 pro golfer Brandt Snedeker needed a two putt to qualify for the Tour Championship and a chance for the $10 million Fedex Cup.  Brandt went onto to 4 putt the hole and missed out on the Tour Championship and his shot at the $10M.  When you watch the video, you see how crushed he is, here is one of the best putters on the pro tour and it seems the ball will just not go in the hole.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMQnhSbF6EI

Life is funny sometimes.  Fast forward 3 years later to 2012, and Brandt qualifies for the Tour Championship and is tied for the lead going into the final round.  And after hitting the ball in the water on the tough par 3 for double bogey,  Brandt keeps his composure and goes on to win the tournament.

Wow.  From a tough low back in 2009,  Brandt perseveres and goes on to win $10M in a fairytale story.

So many of us get knocked down, where life seems so unfair but if we remember to simply get up and keep going things will go our way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuY6CeS4_U4


All the Best,


Coach K

A Little Faith

Mama K raised her four boys on her own after Pop had enough and pulled the rip cord leaving her with the four of us ages 9 thru 3 all at the age of tender age of 28.  How did she raise her four boys.  Well, I'm not sure exactly but she had tremendous faith that everything would be OK.

One thing we know for sure time passes quickly. We four boys are grown and have families of our own now.  Mama K has 13 grandchildren that are as old as seventeen.  Where have the days gone!

When we are going through our own little storms in life, it is important to stay calm, stay at peace, persevere, time is passing quickly and things will be OK.  Have faith that you will flourish that those you love and care for will thrive.

Just a little bit of faith can move mountains.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Stepping Outside Ourselves

We are all so immersed in our own lives, in our planning and rightfully so but when we take time to look outside ourselves what do we see.

We often tell ourselves that things will be better when I have this or get that, but is that really the case. I'm often amazed at friends that have tremendous wealth, beautiful houses, and nice cars yet have tremendous challenges with their marriages, health, or families.

And there are so many others in the world that are challenged for the basic necessities, when we step outside ourselves for just a moment we have so many things to be grateful for to be thankful for and we easily lose sight of these things.

Yes, it's ok to want more and to enjoy the finer things in life, but we must start at the beginning.  And that is to express gratitude for this gift of life and all of the wonderful things we enjoy today.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

The Universe is a Friendly Place

The Universe is a friendly place.  Yes, I said it.  In today's world of mega media headlines it's easy to think of the world as a dangerous, unfriendly place just waiting to knock us down. But does that empower us or instill us with confidence to do the things we want to do or become the person of our dreams.

The Universe has given us life and the beauty of today.  We are surrounded by beautiful sunrises, blue sky, trees, mountains, rivers, and oceans, and we get to enjoy the show for free every day.  Yes, we have challenges but we need to keep those in perspective. When we realize that the universe will give us everything we ask of it and will conspire with us to help live our dreams, we can shrug off the little setbacks and disappointments and continue on our path.

Try thinking of the world as a friendly place with the resources and people you need to accomplish anything you set out to do. We all have the divine spark that can burn through any of life's intermittent fog.

And remember when the fog lifts there is sunshine.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Change Your Language Change Your Life

We all know people that are rain clouds, we may even be one ourselves. You know the type. Ask them how things are going and you'll get a long list of all that is wrong in the world.  Don't blame them, it's not their fault. We are continually inundated on a daily basis, we all the trials and tribulations of life from the economy to the job market, to the weather, to our health.

Turn down the noise, better yet turn it off!

Pay attention to the language you use on a daily basis, is it hopeful, kind, loving, joyful, expectant.  Or is it something else.

Try an experiment.  Look to eliminate words like hate and can't.  Try to catch yourself every time you go to put yourself or someone else down. Try to limit any use of profanity.  For a week keep a journal of the words you use, try and interrupt yourself when you slip into old habits.  When we take the simple step of using high energy words, our attitudes improve, our mood elevates, and vitality increases.

Our overall health and well being can be dramatically improved by simply changing the language we use with ourselves and others.

Give it a try

With Love,


Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Jack Fleck Ben Hogan 1955 US Golf Open at Olympic

 The 2012 US Golf Open has begun at Olympic club just outside San Francisco.  The US Open has been played at Olympic five times.  Back in 1955, the great Ben Hogan was in a playoff with unknown Jack Fleck.  At the time Ben Hogan already had 4 US Open championships and was going for his unprecedented fifth win.

Ben Hogan was similar in stature back in 1955 to Tiger Woods.  Ben had his own line of golf clubs, Hogan irons, that are still available today and played by pros.  The only pro that played Hogan clubs at the time was Ben himself, that is until Jack Fleck called before the tournament and ordered a set of clubs.

Ben personally delivered the clubs to Jack Fleck before the tournament, and Jack started the tournament 9 strokes behind the leader Tommy Bolt.  But Jack Fleck persevered and wound up in a tie with Hogan at the end of four rounds at 7 over par, plus 7.

The tournament would have to be settled the following day with an 18 hole playoff.  As fate would have it, Jack Fleck would go on to win the playoff shooting 69 to Ben Hogan's 72.  Jack Fleck would go on to win two more tournaments in his career but nothing matched the US Open win.

And it was all done with Ben Hogan clubs made to Jack Fleck's exact specifications.

 Incredible.


With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

The F Word

We all know the F word, it holds so many of us back from life's wonderful adventures and from living our true potential.

The F word is Fear.

Fear of Failure
Fear of Poverty
Fear of Success
Fear of Ridicule
Fear of Not Fitting In
Fear of Death
Fear of Sickness
Fear of Fill in the Blank ...........

How do we overcome our fears.  We all have fears that we have surmounted. How have we done it?

Persistence, Perseverance, and Patience. I love alliteration.  The more we face our fears the smaller they become and their grip on us begins to fade. I  look to history to see the obstacles some of the great achievers have overcome and that helps me put my "mountains" in perspective, there goes another P word.

Fear keeps us from enjoying the beauty of everyday life, from savoring the flavor of each moment.  Things will work out, things will be ok.  Be confident, have faith, and talk to a friend. We are not alone. Any challenge that we are facing has been overcome by someone, and if they can do it so can we. When we turn the light on our fears, the darkness is dispelled.

Hold onto the belief that you will succeed no matter what and the F word will go from fear to

Freedom

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Vitamin "C"

Vitamin C.  Yes, vitamin C is important for our overall health, but even more important is Confidence. The Big C.  Yes, confidence. Be ye confident.

Every thing in life starts with an idea a thought, but we need a little belief in ourselves, a little confidence to turn that thought into reality.

Sometimes life beats us up, where we don't have any confidence left or perhaps it happened when we were younger and we did not have any at the start.

That's OK.

We know one of the biggest determining factors to achievement is self confidence, and somehow, some way we must find it.  Think of your past successes, think of the things you've accomplished however small you think it may be.  Don't wallow around in the past, or continually relive your setbacks, all we have is the present moment and today.

Continue to think of the wonderful person you are and the fantastic things you can do.  Oh, yes you can and will.  Find a friend that believes in you and encourages you. Read and watch things that inspire you.  Continually write the things that you want to achieve and bring into your world. Do what you love without any attachment to outcome.


I know you can do it.  I have all the confidence in the world.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

So What

Yes life can be unfair at times.

Yes our family life may not be ideal.

Yes there has been some dysfunction in our lives.

Yes we have made some boneheaded decisions.

Yes we may have less than perfect bodies

Yes we may have less than all the fame and fortune we want

So What

We are all born with greatness with potential. Some of us can bring it out of ourselves and some of us need help.  First and foremost know that you are special, we are all imbued with divine energy. We are all fortunate to be dancing here on the good earth.

At times life deals us challenges and it makes us forget our beauty, but we must work to remember every day is a gift, a chance to serve, a chance for love and kindness.

A chance for greatness

With Love,


Coach K

Learning to Fly - Rumi 2022

Rumi

 

You were born with potential

 

You were born with goodness and trust

 

You were born with ideals and dreams

 

You were born with greatness

 

You were born with wings

 

You are not meant for crawling, so don't

 

You have wings

 

Learn to use them and fly

Rumi

With Love,


Coach K

How May I Serve

We are all so busy these days running from one activity to another. I'm amazed when you see so many giving of themselves, their money or time so generously.

When we give freely of ourselves, we perform the simple act of giving or serving.  This idea of service get us outside  ourselves and opens up the flow of energy to come back into our lives. We tap into the universal principle of giving and receiving.

When we lift up others we in essence lift ourselves at the same time.  Keep on lifting me higher.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Pragmatism Being Pratical - The Great William James

William James was a great american and is known at the father of american psychology.  Pragmatism is a fancy word for being practical.  Taking excellent ideas and putting them into practice. Here are some of his great ideas and thoughts:

• Lives based on having are less free than lives based either on doing or being.
• Acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.
• If you believe that feeling bad or worrying long enough will change a past or future event, then you are residing on another planet with a different reality system.
• Great emergencies and crises show us how much greater our vital resources are than we had supposed.
• Compared with what we ought to be, we are half awake.
• Action may not bring happiness but there is no happiness without action.
• Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.
• Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
• Begin to be now what you will be hereafter

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann

Coach K

tkaufmanncoaching.com

Expectations - Your Best

What do you expect of yourself? What do you expect of others? I have set high expectations of myself and others but really they are just similar expectations that we all have.  To be loving, to be kind, to be peaceful, content, and sharing. Yes, some days and moments are easier than others, but when we try living from this higher part of ourselves we begin to exude a confidence a sense of well being. This is our simple collective greatness.

When you expect the best of yourself and others, you find for the most part that is what you get.  When we let go of the result or outcome, and simply enjoy the process and the doing all that matters is that we have given our best. In our culture today it seems we put a premium of criticizing, belittling, or judging.  Perhaps we should focus on the effort and the energy expended.

Give your best and forget the rest.

Joy

Joy To Me
Are the Faces I See
Young and Old
Timid and Bold

The Light in Your Eye
Gives You Away
Leave it Alone
Come Along and Play

Share all your gifts
You have many you know
Turn down the volume
And let the good flow

You know that I love you
You came from my heart
I will always be here
Like I have from the start


With Love


Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

If you want to accomplish something you must first expect it of yourself

If you want to accomplish something you must first expect it of yourself.  So many times in our lives, people have told us what we should expect, what we should do, what we will be, or what we will accomplish.

Many of us have been criticized, told we're not cool, and told that we were unworthy from strangers, the media, friends, and even loved ones. We must ignore the noise and close our ears.

When we think of ourselves as great, beautiful, and extraordinary, we live from that part of ourselves. We honor the beauty that is inside us all.  Instead of belittling your ideas or the ideas of others, think of the great things you have already accomplished and will accomplish in the future starting today.

There are many people out there that believe in you, that want to see you succeed, and will help you on your journey.  Seek them out, welcome them, and embrace them.

Yes you can do it. You can live the life you've imagined but you must first expect if from yourself.

And remember with God all things are possible. 

With Love,


Coach K

Today

The power of living in the moment is important for us to remember everyday.  Let go of yesterday and when you do look back remember the good things, the words and events that empower you and lift you up.

Yesterday is gone.  Let it go.  Today is here now and you have the gift of this moment.  Enjoy, embrace, and love it. You have great things in store for your life today.  Enjoy the moment.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Strong and Soft Like Water

Abraham Lincoln once said that nothing is more powerful than gentleness.  The earth is 70% water and our bodies are made upwards of 70% water.  The universal power of water can be a great metaphor in our lives.

Just like a soft rain nourishes everything, the grass, the flowers, the crops, and the trees. A torential downpour can wash away those same trees, flowers, and crops.  The important thing is how the power is harnessed.  When water is used properly it gives life nourishment and strength.  We can harness this same power by practicing kindness, supportiveness, and gentleness.  Turn off the critics and silence the noise.  Let the peace of water wash over you.

A simple drip of water can create rivers over time.  And so it is with us.  We can create rivers of happiness and abundance by adopting the principle of water.  Be soft, easy, and gentle with yourself, friends, and loved ones. Everyone you come in contact with.  Let the spirit of water rush over you and fill your bucket.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Unleash The Power of Your Imagination

Our imaginations can take us anywhere we want to go.  Albert Einstein said that imagination is more important than knowledge. We know that anything that we have accomplished in life started with a thought from our imaginations.

Let's start to put this powerful free tool that we all possess to good use.  Regardless, of where you are in your life start to imagine whatever it is you want to achieve.  Yes, just simply imagine being wealthy, being healthy, being fit, being in love, being in a career you enjoy. Whatever you want begin to imagine it being so. See yourself in that new home, new car, new relationship, or new career.

Visualize all the wonderful things in life coming into existence.  Everything you see in the world today has come from someone's imagination. Henry Ford and the automobile, the Wright Brothers and the airplane, Thomas Edison and the light bulb.

Begin to see yourself having everything you desire. Use your imagination to see all the things you want. We so often get bombarded with all types of information that we imagine negative outcomes and are victimized by fear.  Turn down the negativity and harness your imagination for all the wonderful joys you deserve in life.

Start with seeing yourself where you want to be and simply write it down, state it as a fact I am happy, I am content, I am wealthy, I am healthy.

Harness the incredible power of your imagination to achieve all that you desire.


With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Let The Kids Play....It's Not About You

I was enjoying my son's lacrosse game this past weekend on a beautiful sunny Saturday.  As so often happens when our kids our playing their games today, a questionable play occurred on the field and the parents from both teams joined in and started yelling back and forth, putting the focus on themselves and not the children or the game.

We all have similar experiences that seem to be happening more frequently in youth sports.  Whether it is the idea of winning being the only thing that matters or we parents have such boring lives that we insert ourselves and assume more of our children's lives.  We had our turn, it is their turn now.

When we were growing up playing sports our parents rarely came to the games let alone cheering at the practices.  Of course, we want to support them and be there for them but when our actions overshadow our child well perhaps there is a better way.

We have a responsibility as coaches and parents to teach the players the right way to play the game. The game is not about winning, but playing with passion and enjoyment. Simply playing your best.  If that results in winning great, if that results in losing that is fine too.

Some of the plays during the game result in an injury with emotions on both sides running high.  I always try to take the perspective that the children belong to all of us, and no one should want to see a child hurt. Yet, we hear comments about how this one is "a wimp" or that they are "faking it" from the adult parents.

Is this the example we want to set?  Do we hear the words coming out of our mouths?  Perhaps, we should think how we would want people to feel and talk if our child was injured.

When we are on the sidelines we have a responsibility to cheer all the children. You can root for your team or your child, but also be mindful and respectful of the other children and team.

After all, they are all our children.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Enthusiasm

The wonderful word Enthusiasm.  What does Enthusiasm mean? To do something with great spirit, great energy. Enthusiasm come from the greek word en theos or "in sprit or with God".  When we have enthusiasm for our work, our families, our world, and our lives, we tap into that powerful world of spirit.

We know that with that spirit or energy we can and will accomplish great things. When you feel good about what you are doing, when you enjoy what you are doing, when you love what you are doing, pay attention this in when you are in spirit when you have enthusiasm, when you have energy.

I always enjoy helping people solve a particular problem or giving them a perspective they may not thought of, this is when my energy runs high.  This is one of my joys and where I like to spend my time. We are different in that we have our unique talents that bring us and others joy. In our busy lives it is important to spend some of your time each day with this enthusiasm for life, for living.

Let you enthusiasm guide you to where you want to go, to what you should be doing.  When you are in spirit the work is not work at all but a love and a joy, it feels like play.

Play with enthusiasm!

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Coaching Youth Sports Today

Coaching like parenting carries enormous responsibilities. But what is the responsibility of the Coach?

We have this misperception that coaching youth sports today is about winning.  And as I like to say, winning has nothing to do with it!  Winning is a by product of doing things right.  Of having the players and team play with passion and play with joy.

When coaches, individuals and teams play with anger the results are negative.  Like what happened with Claude Giroux and Cole Hamels recently receiving suspensions for recent low energy events.  The player and team are harmed.

A coach has a tremendous opportunity to set the tone.  A tone of happiness, joy, energy, chemistry, and unity.  We are one. We lose as one and we win as one. Together.  There are no favorites. Yes, all players have different skills but the team is one. Team chemistry is one of the most misunderstood and overlooked component to achievement.

A sense of fairness of doing the right thing is set by the coach.  When the coach uses force and becomes a dictator they have lost the team.  When a player or team is motivated by fear instead of passion or joy the team underperforms.  When a coach treats each player as if that player is his/her son or daughter then the coach is on the right track.  And how do we treat our children, with love, tenderness, supportiveness, and patience!

Every player wants to simply feel the "love" from the coach, and each player deserves that distinction.  Not just the perceived superstars.  The stars usually get enough attention, as a coach you want to also lift up the other players. You want to make sure you are spreading your sunshine on those players that may not score the goals or make the shots but do all the essential things. That's where team harmony and chemistry are created.

When you create the feeling that we are all in this together that no one is better than anyone else, you lay the groundwork for accomplishment.  Celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of every player. Yes, it can be done and must be done.

Put winning aside. Winning will take care of itself.

Build them up, raise them up, they may surprise and become greater than you or they ever dreamed.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Human Beings or Human Doings

Our lives today seem to be so busy, so active.  We are in a constant state of movement.  We and the children wake up at 6am and are going with activities until 7pm in the evening.  I am amazed at the kids running from one event they must be exhausted.  Like many of their adult parents.

Why are we always running? Is this what life demands. When we played sports, we played the sport that was in season, football during football, baseball during baseball, and basketball in the fall.  Now the kids play all their sport year round.  Amazing we have 8 year olds and younger playing and training for soccer, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, golf, etc. as full time jobs.  No wonder everyone is exhausted by the time they are teenagers.

Is there another way.  Can we slow down. Everyone is afraid of being left behind.  Susie or Billy will be fine not be as good as the other children if he doesn't play.  Fiddlesticks!  The purpose of sports or life is not to win, win, win but to play, participate, learn, and to ENJOY.

When we as adults make sports or life about winning or a competition those things lose their luster, we remove the joy from the activities.

Make space in your life for joy.  Your career, activities, hobbies, and family life should be about experiencing the joy in everyday living.  We as adults, parents, teachers, and coaches have a fiduciary responsibility to spread and share the joy of life with our children and the youth that we interact on a daily basis.  We need to celebrate the talents and uniqueness of each individual and highlight everyone's capabilities and greatness.

Be yourself.  We are each endowed with wonderful talents and capabilities. Many of us, even the children, are unaware.  We owe it to ourselves and others to lift each other up.  You already are great.

We simply need to honor and remember that!

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Inspiring Books

Here is a partial list of books read that have helped broaden the perspective and make the road a little smoother.  Always looking for things that inspire, help make us better than we used to be. Many of these books have consistent themes of faith, hope, and belief.  We need to continually feed our minds and hearts, like we feed our bodies on a daily basis.

1. Think and Grow Rich. Napolean Hill

2. The Power of Positive Thinking.  Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

3. The Tao De Ching.  Lao Tzu

4. How to Win Friends and Influence People. Dale Carnegie

5. Tony Robbins. Unlimited Power

6. Manifesting Your Destiny. Dr. Wayne Dyer

7. Power vs Force.  Dr. Bruce Lipton

8. The Glass Castle.  Jeanette Walls

9. You Can Work Your Own Miracles.  Napolean Hill

10 Wishes Fulfilled. Dr. Wayne Dyer

11. Abundance; The Future Is Better Than You Think.  Dr. Peter Diamandis and Steve Kotler

12. Season of Life.  Jeffrey Marx

13. Inside Out Coaching, How Sports Can Transform Lives.  Joe Ehrmann

14. My Personal Best. John Wooden

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Judging And Giving Up Our Need To Be Right

How much of our time is spent judging others and ourselves.  What a waste of energy! When we spend our time being critical of ourselves and others, we sap our valuable time and energy that can be used for more productive means.

All we have is a result.  Who is to say whether it is good or bad? And from what perspective.  A C grade on a test may be terrific for the student that struggles with the subject and has invested time and energy in achieving the result. Meanwhile, an A may be a disappointment for another that cheated to obtain the result.

Giving up the need to judge or the need to be right is a very hard thing to do, especially since we have been doing it all our lives. And since we have been judged by our parents, teachers, coworkers, friends, and peers this seems like normal behavior. But when we let the urge to judge go, we become lighter, less defensive, less critical. In many ways, we have been born with an internal scoreboard and have this internal need to keep score. Nonsense. Instead of judging and having our way, perhaps we should try understanding, more compassion.

When we let go of having to win, we free up the space to simply be.

Think of it from your energy levels.  When we are judgmental and critical we lower both our energy level and the person we are criticizing. Why, when we can replace it with the higher level of understanding and compassion, and when we find those hard to apply at times we can simply just remain silent.

Giving up these limiting lower energies frees us up to move to higher energy states, creates space for us to live to our utmost potential.

Let it go and watch it grow.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

The Miracles of Every Day

We know miracles happen every day.  Whether it is a great last second shot, a chance meeting with someone, or the simple gift of life.  When we simply acknowledge these everyday gifts, we expand our vision of the possible, and allow more goodness to flow into our lives.

We had a recent experience with a stove burner of all things.  For a year, one of the gas burners stopped working. We called the repairman that fixed the other burned and he said that a new part was needed.  He later called to say the part was no longer available and that the burner could not be fixed. The range was only 9 years old, so in disbelief and refusing that the part was unavailable, I called the manufacturer Thermador and inquired whether this part was available.  Thermador informed me that the part was discontinued. I guess they want to sell you a new range!

The other day while turning on the burners the burner that had not worked miraculously started working.  I thought Wow are you kidding me! How does this burner work and why does it work?  There is no logical reason why the burner works and yet it works. I am amazed. Perhaps it was not really broken, perhaps it unstuck itself, perhaps there was a clog somewhere.  To me that is unimportant.  The important thing is to be grateful for all shows up.  

The burner is fixed and I am thankful and grateful.  When these little miracles show up in my life, I have learned not be too logical and ask how, how, how but just smile and accept the gift with gratitude. 

Another thing crossed off the to do list. 

Thank you Father!

Coach K

The Fountain of Youth

The quickest way to feel younger and  more vibrant is to adopt a positive attitude.  To be grateful for every day and every moment you have.

When we adopt this attitude of gratitude we elevate our divine spirit and it feeds our thinking and bodies. We are humbled by the blessings of God and honor him by sharing our love and kindness with the world. With the elevated feeling we feel more respectful of our family, friends, and ourselves. We look to nurture our bodies with good food, exercise, and rest.

We develop stronger relationships and emanate a consideration for all of life. The simple steps of

1.   Placing God first and having the the Faith that with God "All things are possible"A good attitude.  
2. An attitude of gratitude and a confidence that all is well
3.  Better nutrition. Think Fasting. Think fruits and veggies and good protein and fats
4. Exercise. Simple movement, a walk, a run. Weight training. A simple exercise band can help build and maintain lean muscle
5.  Rest. A good night's Sleep.
6. Love and Kindness.  Practice loving kindness in your daily living.
7.  Fresh Air and Sunshine.
8. Grounding or Earthing.  Get outside in your bare feet and plug-in to the grass. Ground can reduce inflammation by tapping into the earth's electromagnetic energy.
   
9. Deep Breathing. Practice deep breathing by holding  an inhale for a count of four and then exhaling for a count of four. Oxygenate the blood and reduce stress.
   

These simple acts will enhance your sense of well being and you will feel younger than you have in years.

Try it you will be amazed.

With Love,


Coach K

Alcohol

Let's call Alcohol what it truly is a POISON.  Look at the destruction and devastation that it has wrought. How many brilliant lives have been decimated. Look at the tens of billions in added health care costs and lost productivity, broken lives, DUI's, and marriages.  All for a little firewater.

What is the attraction?

Alcohol ruined my father's life and his marriage.  Why would you trade a drink for giving up your entire life and well being.  You must not think highly of yourself or your future is my guess. The biggest challenge we face is that when we as adults adopt the drinking lifestyle we of course pass this down to our children and the next generation. What a waste. Is this what we really want.

Very interesting how our social lives revolve around alcohol whether it is a sporting event at a bar, a wedding, or a golf outing. Why does everything center around the consumption of alcohol. It has negatively touched all of our lives in some way.

We see how the marketing of alcohol has focus on the younger crowd. How the booze has been sweetened to make it taste like soda.  A multi billion dollar industry separating us from our hard earned cash and our precious health and well being with our children directly in the cross hairs.

We know how over consumption wrecks our bodies and we know many of us have functioning addictions or worse.  Take the step to get help. Stop poisoning our bodies and our lives. People care about you and your well being even when you may not. If you have children, think of them. Is this drink worth it, do I really want my child to remember me as a drunk. Yes, we can change.

Peer pressure is for children and remember we are not in high school any more.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Fuel Your Ferrari

Our bodies are our temples.  Yes, we have our fancy cars and we put the best gas we can buy to keep them running at their best, and then we go to the drive thru at McDonald's and fill our bodies with well let just say the nutrition could be better.

Why?

Everything we hope to accomplish are done with our bodies. Why would we pollute it with food and drink that diminishes us.  Why would we treat our cars or other gadgets better than we treat the most wonderful of all machines the human body.

There is a reason we as a population are becoming obese and unhealthy. We feed ourselves junk.  There is a better way.  A way that will get us out of the doctor's office, off the pills, a way that we have us feeling healthy, vibrant, and vital.

A way that will energize, heal, and restore our youthful luster.  And it begins with our food.  When we choose foods that are nutritious and yes delicious, we nourish our  body and spirit. We fuel our  ferrari.  Our engines begin to rev, we get moving again, and restore the balance in our lives.

Start with simple nutrition and build from there.  A simple apple a day is an excellent place to begin.  Start on the road to a new healthier you one bite at a time. You can do it!

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Now That Is What I Call Strong!

My friend serves as a constant reminder and source of inspiration. She has a boat load of children and her husband was recently diagnosed with a debilitating illness.  Spending all of her time raising the children and caring for her husband is incredible.  Waking up one day and finding her whole world changed in an instant.

She spends the majority of each day driving back and forth to the office, which is normally just a 30 minute ride.  He is now in a wheel chair and requires her almost full attention.  Meanwhile, she is dealing with the needs of her family and deciding what's for dinner tonight. All the while she would like to just sit, cry, and wake up from this little trick that life is playing on her.  She is the very definition of selfless.

How does she do it?

I am amazed, humbled, and in awe.  Anyone that thinks that men are stronger than women are fools. Yes, we may be able to lift more weight, but how many of us have her kind of strength. Incredible.  I have no room to complain about my simple ordinary challenges.

Look around you.  Are your challenges really the big obstacles that we make them out to be, or have we blown them out of proportion as we focus on our own little worlds.  When we step outside ourselves, we gain a new perspective and help us realize that our own challenges are really just little hurdles that we can easily surmount.

Life provides us teachers or Masters on a daily basis.  We just need to be good students and look for the lesson. When the student is ready the teacher will appear.

Thank you Master.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Spring Cleaning: Today's Treasure Tomorrow's Trash

We were doing a little spring cleaning around the house the other day and gathering clothes to donate, old toys to get rid of, and throwing out old and obsolete items. And it got me thinking of how much time and energy we spent working for and acquiring many of those very same items that years ago we "needed" to have and just a few short years later we were throwing away.

The latest cell IPhone 4 has made the Iphone 3 that is only a year old a worthless piece of junk. The latest car models start to make last year's model look like a jalopy. The new fashions make our existing wardrobe old and outdated.  Is this right or true?

We know that all that was once new, today's treasure, becomes tomorrows trash.  When we focus on the things that last, the things that are eternal all the noise and the trinkets in our lives fade and the real things take on a brilliant shine.

Think of the things that really matter to you, the things you would take with you if the building was on fire.  Our loved ones, our health, our relationships, our passions.  Let that be our focus and the place we spend our time and treasure.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

How Do You Define Success

We all have different definitions of success and it is important to understand what drives you.  What are you looking to accomplish and achieve.  Success comes in many different forms and is very personal. 

We see all the rock stars with fame and fortune, we see big Wall streeters with the nice houses and fancy clothes and all the material goodies.  But as we know many of these same folks have broken lives, broken families, other issues that no amount of money will address. 

An important question we need to ask ourselves is how do I want to spend my time, what is my contribution, what do I enjoy doing on a daily basis.  My definition of success may not be the same as yours. My mother raised four boys be herself. I define her as a tremendous success. She doesn't have any degrees, or a great career, or a great net worth, or large retirement account. And I wonder if she would trade the struggle of raising the four of us for some of those other life comforts?

We all get thrown curveballs in life and they may get us off course, but we just keep moving forward, advancing confidently toward our goals, our dreams. 

Plenty of money, cars, and houses may also be how you define success and that is fine also. Wealth and abundance are great achievements, but they are only outputs. 

Success is a very individual and personal matter.  Make sure you decide on how and what you want to do with your life. 

Do you want to be a 

Artist

Painter

Musician

Businessman

Engineer

Film Maker

Dancer

Architect

Lawyer

Doctor

Scientist

Athlete

Teacher

Writer

Environmentalist

Parent

There are a thousand choices but somewhere in that individual choice, you have an inkling, a clue as to what you enjoy doing and it is also something that you are probably naturally good at also. 

We all get caught up in the trappings of wealth and the goodies of life but let us first start we doing doing what we love, spending our time creating our world, designing the life we want, the life we were meant to lead. 

Yes, there is still time.  Begin today, head down a new path, and live the life you deserve. 

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann

Coach K

tkaufmanncoaching.com

Feed Yourself

We all know the importance of good nutrition.  When we eat fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water we know we are doing right by our bodies.  When we eat junk food and drink too much our bodies become toxic, we become obese, we become listless.

But what do we feed our minds and our spirits.  What books are we reading, what news do we watch, what music do we listen to? Does this input inspire us, better us, advance us, educate or teach us.  If we want something to improve in our lives whether it is health, relationships, careers, business, or finances, it starts with us taking the first step.

I remember reading the classic "get rich book" Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill back in my 20's. We were raised in an environment without much money, so I wanted to learn all I could about how to become wealthy.  Thinking the book was going to tell about how to pick stocks or start a business, I found that the book really focused on a person's attitude toward wealth and success. That before you could become something, you first had to be someone.  That before I could experience wealth, I would have to think that it was possible.

From that first book, I have read and listened to many other classics all in effort to improve myself, to learn, to grow, to live a richer, fuller life. Yes, we need to spend time entertaining ourselves, but we also need to feed ourselves the good stuff, books, music, art, nature, activities, and friendships that inspire us, that bring us joy, that help us grow, that help us

Be Better Than We Used to Be

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

I Am and Your Imagination

The two words I am are important when we are asking for all the good things we desire. When we write our goals and the things we desire we should write as if the things we desire are on the way

I am healthy
I am vibrant
I am love
I am abundant
I am wealthy
I am kindness
I am at peace
I am content
I am inspired
I am fulfilled
I am happy
I am joyous
I am creatively enjoy helping others

Anything you desire begins with asking. Our goals, our dreams, our hopes, and desires begin with the simple task of asking. When we write it down, we take these ideas from our powerful imagination to our consciousness to our reality. We in essence make these ideas real.

Remember there are no limitations with our imagination.  Everything that exists today, the airplane, electricity, the internet, the telephone, the automobile sprung from our IMAGINATIONS.

Begin to imagine the life you desire and deserve, and start with writing it down. Yes it is possible and it starts with you asking, writing, and simply believing.

Albert Einstein said that "Imagination is more important than knowledge"

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

7 Steps To A Better You

Here a 7 simple steps to a better You. And a better you means living a life that you desire that attracts more of the things you desire in life.

1. Talk and think more in a more positive, hopeful, expectant manner.  Is our thinking and language  a good vibe. Turn down or turn off the news that leads with the bleeding edge. Turn down the negativity and turn up the good news. Yes, we all know there is plenty of good news out there.

2. Believe. All things are possible if we but believe.  The simple act of believing in ourselves is oh so powerful. Yes, we can do and accomplish great things.  If one person can do it, so can you and I.  We need to find supportive people, books, or mentors that believe in us.  And we must first believe in ourselves. Yes, we are worthy.

3. Focus. What we focus on expands. Focus on better health, better relationships, better wealth, better opportunities.

4.  Attitude. We all know that people with better attitudes get better results. When we have a more positive and hopeful outlook, better things seem to find us. When we expect good things, we more often get good results.

5.  Ask. The first step in getting anything you want is of course to ask for it. We learned this as little children to ask for what we want.  Put aside your doubts and fears, and just simply ask.  Stating and writing down what we want is magical. I am healthy, I am abundant, I am love, I am goodness, I am joyful, I am wonderful.

6. Do. Do more positive actions.  Exercise, love, help, care, and nurture. When we take more positive actions with ourselves and our friends we increase our happiness factor.  The simple things like a smile, a compliment, a glance that lets someone know that you care, that you have been there, that you understand. The power is in the doing.

7. Gratitude.  The simple act of saying and living from Thank You for this moment, this day.  Keeps us balanced with the present moment and the hope and expectation of even greater things to come.  Simply living in Thanks. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. We are blessed with the gift of life endowed by our Creator. With God we humbly believe that with God all things are possible. Amen.

More than we know there are people out there that care about us, love us, and want to see us succeed, be happy, and do great things.


With Love,


Coach K

"Do The Thing And It Will Give You Power"

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Do the thing and it will give you power". Yes, it is nice and important to talk and plan, but the power lies in doing.  Doing gives us experience and learning, it empowers and emboldens us.

So let us take the first step and begin.  Yes we can.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Time to Go Down A New Path

After 18 great years at AT&T, the endless conference calls, meetings, long commutes, it was time for me to go down a new path.  Many of us today in these uncertain economic times, are facing similar decisions. What am I going to do next? After having a large part of our lives tied up in the identity of a job or career, we feel lost without that role. The fear begins to rise and we ask ourselves

Now what?

We all face this question at various times in our lives, whether it's a change in a job, career, retirement, family situation, or relationship.  The answer is that we get up and move forward to the next wonderful chapter, the next fantastic adventure in our lives. Yes, there may be the need to balance finding a new job with financial obligations, but we deserve to live a life where we enjoy our daily work, where we get to share our talents. Aristotle said, "Where you talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation".  And we know that the word vocation is different than the word job or work.  A vocation is a calling that you are particularly suited to, that is a perfect fit, that you would do even if you did not get paid, something that you love to do.

Your hobbies, your talents, the things that you are good at, that you love to do, is where you will find the beginning of this new path.  Begin as a hobby if necessary, talk to supportive friends, talk to people that are now doing what you want to do.  Plant the seed and watch it grow.  Find a mentor. Read books that encourage, explain, and support your dreams.

We all deserve to live a life of joy, adventure, service, abundance and happiness.  Time for a fresh start.

Time for a new path.


With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Proactive Living

Many of us spend our days in reactive mode. Reacting to our friends, family, coworkers, bosses, the weather, even folks just passing us on our daily travels.  How often do we let the weather, or our energetic children, a grumpy spouse, or a angry traveler set us in a low energy mood.

I remember coming across an idea from my friend Wayne Dyer, stating that we should be like oranges.  An orange doesn't care when it is squeezed or how it is squeezed, you still get delicious orange juice.  Simply, the orange doesn't change based on the outside environment.  We humans on the other hand, when we are "squeezed" sometimes we get kindness, sometimes we get frustration, and sometimes we get anger.

I try to make it a point to not allow the outside environment influence my mood or change the person that I am.  Easier said than done I know. But just like anything else, we can get better we practice.  First, comes the awareness. Why would we let someone or something else have control over our state of mind or emotional well being.  I can choose to be happy, joyful, and loving.  If someone else is choosing another path or is having a low energy moment, that is fine but that has nothing do with us.  We, without judgement, continue enjoying our day.

The people that come into our lives whether it is our family or a person we meet in the store or on the road  are in a way teachers helping us learn the lessons we need to fully grow and mature.  When someone cuts us off on the road and signals us in a less than friendly way, even though they may be the person driving wildly, how do we react.  The driver is the one who is frustrated and angry over a person they don't even know. Certainly, a low energy mood that I want nothing to do with.  You'll never see that person again, and yet how do we react. Do we respond in kind gesturing and yelling at the person, matching their low energy, or do we just passively watch and think that person has other bigger issues than just being able to drive the car properly.

And our families really know how to push our buttons.  It is ironic how the ones closest to us, the ones we do the most for, and love the most can also hurt us the most.  We all know as parents how easy it is to holler at our children when after telling them for the 10th time to clean up their room the clothes are still sitting on the floor and the bed and those rascals just keep smiling at us. Of course, they are teaching us patience, patience, patience and we know how hard a lesson that is to learn.

I keep telling and reminding myself about unconditionally loving and understanding our little lovebirds but as we know it ain't always easy, but we can and will get better and we know another opportunity for teaching and learning is right around the corner.  Yes we can do it! Practice Practice Practice.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Hope Springs Eternal

You have to love the beauty of Spring.  After a long winter, we all come out of our caves and hibernation and look to enjoy the sunshine.  The days are longer the sun shines brighter and everything begins to bloom.  We seem to have a better attitude, a little more pep in our step, a little more hope in our lives.

Faith, Hope, Love
I love focusing on language and how we use words in our everyday lives.  We have all heard the expression Faith, Hope, and Love. Hope is the word that reminds us of Spring. We are filled with the the hope of renewal, of new beginnings, of new growth.  Just like the new blooms, flowers, and greening grass we to can use the Spring season for a time of new adventures, a fresh start, a time to turn the page.

I know many of us have been knocked down or out with this economy or maybe some other hardship in our lives.  We all experience those times is our lives, but Hope Springs eternal means just that, we keep moving forward, we lean on our family and friends to get us through challenging times. We ask for and receive help.  We know that we are valuable, that we are loved, and that there may be passing clouds but the shine will shine through.

Renewal 
Begin this new Spring season with a renewed energy and passion for Life.  We know everyday is a gift and when we remember this simple fact, our life can take on a new luster, a new joy. The mind body connection is part of the human experience. We can use this time of renewal to improve our bodies, our health, eat a little better, exercise a little more, and talk and think in a more Hopeful way. A little improvement in our physical health will make a dramatic improvement in our emotional well being.  Also, the simple act of praying, meditating, or however you connect to your spirit will help with our renewals. One of my favorite daily prayers or meditations is simply two words Thank You.

Here's Hoping for a little more Spring in all our lives!

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Life's 5 Universal Laws

We all learned these simple principles as children but along the way toward adulthood may have gotten caught up with life and forgotten that they still ring true today and are just as effective.

5 Universal Principles

1. Ask for what you want. Principle Ask and Receive. Just ask. Focus on the what, for now forget about the how. What do you want?

2. Give. Principle Give and Receive. Many of us think we have nothing or little to give, but giving has very little to do with money.  The giving of friendship, support, a compliment, kindness, or just a little TLC is far greater.

3. Love and Kindness. Principle Treat others how you want to be treated. When we treat ourselves and others with love, kindness, and respect, even those that may not deserve it, we become stronger. When we we become what we desire independent of how others think or act we are telling the world that I like myself and am happy with  myself just as I am. Now that is an empowering idea.

4. What you focus on expands. The Abundance or Expansion Principle is thinking and talking of all the good things in your life today and the things you want tomorrow. When we focus on the positive we get more good things and the reverse is also true. Take notice of the language you use and the thoughts you think on a daily basis. Is the language hopeful, expectant, good, and joyful.  Try the experiment for a day, week, or month talking and thinking in a more positive manner, brush aside any setbacks or down moments they are fleeting. Focus on the joy and watch it expand.

5. Be Thankful for all that you have, for the very gift of life today. The principle of gratitude helps us to focus on the important things in our lives for all the good that shows up in our lives on a daily basis.

With Love,


Coach K
Tom Kaufmann
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Your PhD For Free From The Library

Visa, Mastercard, Amex? Who needs 'em.

Did you know you can become an expert in any subject with ten years or 10,000 hours of study in a given area. That comes to about 1000 hours/year or 2.5 hours/day of focused study, practice, or research. You can in essence receive a PhD in the area of your choosing by focusing your attention on that subject be it athletics, music, art, literature, science, journalism, or any other endeavor.

And the beauty is that you can access most of this expertise at the library for free! I always think that the most valuable card in my wallet is my library card.  We have a tremendous local library that let us access books from all over the county not just at our local library.

Along with focused study, try and find a good teacher or mentor. The Japanese proverb say that a day with a good teacher is worth a 1000 hours of study, and with the right teacher that is true.  Of course studying and learning is enjoyable and fun when you do what you love.

A labor of love.

With Love,


Coach K
Tom Kaufmann
tkaufmanncoaching.com

How to Be a Dad?

Parenting is the greatest responsibility many of us will have in our lifetimes. We all know parenting is not always easy but the rewards far outweigh the tough spots.

When I reflect on my 16 years of fatherhood and in growing up for the most part without my own father being present, I think the most important thing for any parent and father to do is to be there. Yep, simple show up and be a Dad present and active in their everyday lives.  Sounds simple but how many us find it hard to be there for our children.

Being a Dad, means of course loving our children unconditionally, it means being there for them at all times, teaching them, listening to them, and learning from them. One of the key roles a Dad has is also saying NO to them, as a father/mother we are the heads of the family, we are the boss. We set the rules, guidelines, and examples for the family to follow.  I find it interesting how some families say we can't say no to Billy or Susy because we don't want to disappoint them or make them unhappy.

We were all kids once and if left to our own devices would have spent everyday eating candy for breakfast and watching TV all day.  One of the most important aspects of being Dad/Mom is to set limits and to say No.  Yes, it is tough being unpopular with your son or daughter when you don't think it's a good idea that they want to hang out at the mall on Saturday night or on Facebook for 3 hours straight, but that's parenting.

Came across a great quote by Howard Hunter, "the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother".

We know as parents that we say the same things over and over again hoping it sinks in and that they get the lesson.  I try to remember that they may not always hear or listen but they are ALWAYS watching.

Let's try and be there for our kids, to love them, to be a good example, and to love their mother.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

I Spent Half My Life Worrying About Things That Never Happened

Looking Forward

One of my favorite quotes is from Mark Twain, he said, "I spent half my life worrying about things that never happened."  How many of us spend our time regretting the past or worrying about the future when the present moment just slips by with a kind of subtle indifference.

Why do so many of us live in fear and worry when there is a better way. We have been given the gift of life to make our mark, to share our talents, to be of service, to leave a legacy, to simply enjoy our days.  Many of us, especially in the United States, have been given the gift of freedom, of choice to be what we want to be, to do want we want to do, how wonderful is that simple gift.

Billions of people would risk their very lives to come to the United States. Our immigrant forefathers did exactly that, and we see countless examples everyday of people looking to cross our borders to enjoy the very freedoms and opportunities we take for granted.

The simple shift away from worry and fear to one of gratitude and service will help take the focus off ourselves and onto others. Zig Ziglar said that to get what you want all you need to do is help enough other people get what they want.  How true. When we help others, we stop feeling sorry for ourselves and realize that our troubles or problems may not be so significant.  The simple shift off ourselves and onto others unlocks the universal principle of "giving and receiving",  for when we give we free up space for even more wonderful things to flow into our lives.

Next time we catch ourselves worrying and fretting about ourselves and our futures, take a moment and list all of the things we have to be grateful for and look for ways to help someone else for in that moment we realize that our challenges are not so great and we can then understand and experience the joy and abundance of life.

With Love,


Coach K

Catch Them Doing Something Right!

In our world of 24 hour media coverage and the continual feed of negative news, it is important to turn down the volume or better yet turn it off as we work on achieving our dreams. The continuous stream of low energy stories from the latest crime, corruption, scandal, and economic hardship leaves us gasping for air, throwing our hands up and thinking why bother?

When we find ourselves becoming cynical, critical, and finding fault in ourselves and others it is time to make a shift. Often times it happens slowly and builds up over time, the drip drip drip of negativity in our lives winds up creating a hole that we now find ourselves.

The good news is that we can easily climb out of the hole and get back on the path of positivity, of optimism, of enjoying the good life.  Just like we wouldn't continually eat fast food everyday without suffering the health consequences, we must also do the same for our emotional and spiritual well being. We need to seek out beauty, rekindle friendships, treat ourselves our friends and family with the love, nurturing, and caring they deserve.  For when we give these things away they must be returned to us.

And so it is with our children, spouses, partners, friends, and coworkers in our society with are so quick to find fault, to criticize, to diss, and to put someone else down perhaps with the intention of building up our own shaky egos.  But resist the temptation to judge others and to tell them how wrong they are, most of us know when we make a mistake when we are in the wrong we don't need someone pointing it out. And many times it is just a matter of opinion any way.

Next time replace the criticism with a compliment, even if you have to look hard to find one.  Especially, with our children and families lavish them with praise, congratulations, and "job well dones".  Instead of always pointing out how their rooms are messy and nagging them, congratulate them on excellent grades, helping their sibling, or for simply giving their best effort.  Nothing is more dispiriting than to continually get berated and criticized despite our best efforts.

Yes, there are teaching moments and times when we can agree to disagree but it can be done in a harmonious nurturing way. We all know and remember the people in our lives that taught us valuable lessons but did so without putting us down or criticizing, instead they pointed out our shortcoming showed us a better way and patted us on the back when we did it right the next time.

Next time we find ourselves ready to pounce when someone does something we don't agree with, let it pass and wait for the opportunity to praise and congratulate.

Catch Them Doing Something Right.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Families: A House Divided Cannot Stand

How many times do we hear of issues with work, finances, health, and family. Yes, we all experience these challenges from time to time, or even all the time it seems! But we can overcome these obstacles. Yes, but it starts with our relationship with ourself and our spouse or partner.

Parents
If you are a single parent get help from a family member, friend, school, or other resource. The resources are out there and remember millions of other single moms and dads have raised loving, productive, successful children and You Can Too! Nothing will bring a sense of satisfaction and achievement in your life than helping your children succeed.

For the married couples, partners, and other couples it is important to be of one voice when it comes to raising your children. Yes, you will have differing opinions, you may argue, and you will disagree but that should be done respectfully and with love. You must agree that you first love one another, that you are working on the same goal when raising children to nurture, care, and love them so they can become loving, caring, productive citizens.

Children and Family
 First and foremost, we must agree that our love for the children is unconditional and that we are there for them no matter what. You will catch them when they fall and pick them up if necessary. For it is at these times,  when we truly learn what it is to be a parent, or a lover of children.  We know it is easy to love the straight A student, the child that does everything right, that listens, wins awards, and makes us feel good about ourselves. But the real work and joy is in helping the child that has lost their way, that needs our guidance, that needs our help even though we may think it is not deserved.

A United Strong House
So many times we see the relationship of the parents come between the well being of the children and the family.  We can agree to be more loving and kind to one another as parents, couples, and lovers. We can agree to love, nurture, and care for the children and family unconditionally.

When we don't agree on these principles, the house is divided. And a divided house cannot will not stand.  For your well being, our well being have a heart-to-heart talk and agree on some common goals for the marriage, the children, the family.  You will not on agree on everything but we can come to a some basic understandings that we love each other, care for each other, respect/civil to each other, and care for the children, and for our families.  Now we are United, and we know that a United house is strong and can withstand the winds and rain that enters all our lives from time to time.

Take Care of Your Own
Mama K was a single mom that would repeatedly tell her four boys, "Boys you stick together and take care of your own!" And when we didn't, she just broke a broom over our heads...funny! How true it is. When the family sticks together and takes care of its own you have a solid foundation for a strong house.

With Love,

Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Friendship for Life

I was recently visiting and talking with friends that i've known for a long time. My one buddy Keith I've known since the kindergarten, over 40 years! That's longer than I've known my wife, children, and most other family members. We talk occasionally and see each other less, but when we do get together you just get that great comfortable feeling that all is well. We share our family stories, and reminisce but mostly we just laugh, laugh, laugh.

I find it amazing that when you haven't talked it 2 years, you just pick up where you left off and the love, warmth, and friendship bond is still so strong.  I know that Keith and a few other pals would do anything for me, and I for them. And I mean anything.  How powerful is that.

He is the most honest guy I know.  He's not fancy, pretentious, or full of himself, he's real, simple, the GENUINE article. That's refreshing in today's society. Keith is the same guy that when the customer did not like the sidewalk he installed after 3 weeks work and refused to pay because of the shade of the cement.  Keith decided to spend the next 6 hours chopping up his sidewalk and loading it in the truck.

The story still amazes me.

When we have challenges in life, it is comforting knowing that we have the love, support, joy and power of friendship to share in our wonderful journey. To understand and know that we all have similar challenging times and that together we shall overcome.  And most importantly that WE are not alone.

With Love,

I will be holding a live Positive Thinking seminar on Wed Arpil 11th 7pm at the Blue Bell library, please come out and join us for a fun lively discussion. Thank you.

Tom Kaufmann
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Simple Keys to The Good Life

Some simple observations to health in my 35 plus year of playing and coaching sports

1.  Treat your body like the beautiful temple that it is

2. Try and get some fresh air every day

3. Try and soak up some sunshine every day

4. Get in some movement or exercise every day. a walk, stretch, yoga, jog,  or run

5. Meditate, Pray, Be Still. Find some quiet time every day

6. Nutrition. Eat things that are directly connected to the earth. Veggies, fruit, nuts, etc. If you can't pronounce it stay a way from it. Ask if it can be grown or picked. Can you pick high fructose corn syrup. Think the colors of the rainbow when choosing and eating green, red, yellow, orange, blue. We all indulge from time to time but let us start with more of the good stuff before adding the treats

7. Music is food for the soul. Listen to music that inspires, relaxes, and rejuvenates

8. Love, Kindness, Friendship. We all know how great we feel after meeting and talking with a good friend. Sharing a little love and kindness with our family, friends, and people we come in contact with goes a long way to our overall health. These higher emotions promote well being

9. Service. When we take time to step outside ourselves and help someone along their journey, we take the focus off ourselves, and realize that our issues are not so big, that when we help others we are in essence helping ourselves A simple compliment, eye contact, or smile is all that is required

10. Optimism.  Studies show and we know that when we feel good life is good.  So start with smiling more, look for ways to be happy, enjoy the simple yet important things that are available to each of us.

The gift of life, a new day, a sunrise, nature, friendship, love, good health, a song, a dance, a laugh, a smile, a chance to care and a chance to share.

The good life is inexpensive, easy to do, and ultimately priceless.

With Love,

Coach K
Tom Kaufmann
tkaufmanncoaching.com

Into Each Life A Little Rain Must Fall

Going through a little family event got me to thinking about how each of us handles life's challenges and adversities. I remember reading that it's not what happens to us that is important, but how we react to what happens. What is helpful is to do all you can to make the situation better, to be proactive.

Should I sit around and feel sorry for myself, pout, exclaim poor me! Or is there a better way, a better response.  Instead of just focusing on me, myself, and I,  how about putting the focus on being of service, on others that may have a greater need than my little molehill.

Came across a wonderful verse by the exquisite American Maine poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow titled 

Rainy Day

Be still, sad heart, and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall

We need the rain for the crops, for nourishment, for growth. Without rain life ceases. And we know the sun does shine again it always does. Just like the April showers bring the beautiful May flowers.

Let it rain blue sky is on the horizon.

With Love

Coach K

Tom Kaufmann

tkaufmanncoaching.com

Reasonableness

We all have our own thoughts, ideas, beliefs, attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes that have been taught and learned as we have grown.  One of the tenets of growing into adulthood is keeping an open mind, educating yourself to the wonderful possibilities of life.

Life today has a way of dividing us, compartmentalizing us, and labeling us. Our society seems to want someone to be wrong and someone to be right, winners and losers. We often see things through our own limited perspectives and prisms, judging others to be misguided, stubborn, and just plain wrong. But is this really true and does it matter.

We all have choices to make with our time and energy. Many of us spend lifetimes arguing and fighting for a cause we believe is worthy. My thinking is to move away from judging people, my thinking and viewpoints have been shaped by my parents, education, environment, the books I've read, my friends, and experiences. Just like everyone else. When we move away from trying to judge and divide and move towards understanding, openness, and reasonableness we move forward we make progress as individuals and as a society.

This concept of reasonableness championed by the great Marcus Aurelius and many others has to do with understanding, trying to see the other person's viewpoint, and listening without judging. When common ground is elusive, we can simply part as friends. We can respect someone with another viewpoint that differs from our own. The truth has a way of coming out, of liberating, and like sunshine disinfecting.

When we give up judging ourselves and others, we open ourselves to new ideas and expansion. We become flexible and tolerant. When we become reasonable of ourselves and the actions of others we become soft, gentle, and easy. We are filled with a sense of calm, peacefulness, and grace.

And when this peace and grace wash over us life begins to open up to us like the budding flowers and trees in spring time. Time to shine

With Love,

Coach K
Tom Kaufmann
tkaufmanncoaching.com