The Antidote

Laughter

I was working in the yard last night when I noticed laughter coming from our friend's back yard.  I smiled and thought how nice if we could just spread the infectious laughter of the girls just playing and having fun. The girls went on chuckling and chortling for thirty minutes it was tremendous. 

The laughter was beautiful music. 

During this time of non stop doom and gloom, it's time to turn off the news get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  One of the best ways we can strengthen our immune systems is to be optimistic. Our optimism is threatened by the constant stream of negativity. 

But we know better.  We have the choice to allow what we take into our minds and hearts.  And just like we can choose healthy foods, and exercise, we must choose our thoughts and attitudes. We don't want to be insensitive or callous, but we also don't want to be sick and despondent.  There is a saying that, "our feeling bad doesn't make someone else feel better". 

Let's spread some optimism, a smile, and some laughter. 

It may just be our best medicine. 

Coach K

Emotional Intelligence - EQ

Emotional Intelligence

We hear so much about IQ or Intelligence Quotient to let us know how smart or intelligent a person is, but perhaps a more important measure of effectiveness is Emotional Intelligence or EQ. 

Our intelligence supposedly stops developing around the age of  sixteen, while our EQ is always evolving. 

Emotional intelligence can be defined as how well we work with people, how we effectively deal with difficult and challenging situations, how do we handle adversity. How do we work with someone that is not like us. 

Those with high EQ's are leaders that inspire us to greater achievement.  They believe in us and our potential when we often doubt ourselves.  

What is this powerful force that drives high EQ's?

In a word, LOVE.  Do you love those you are responsible for, that you work for, that you lead, that rely on you.  Love does not mean we are not disciplined. They work in unison. 

How do we develop our EQ? 

We must start with ourselves. Do you love and honor the beautiful person that is uniquely YOU.  If not we must first start there.  We must remember we are created in the image of God.  We all have the divine spark that gives us life and is responsible for our existence.  We must honor ourselves.  The past is gone. Whatever our past deeds, they are gone, and must be left in the past.  The present moment is what matters. We must start loving ourselves today no matter what our self perceived limitations, I am here in this moment and I am alive. Today is a gift and we will go confidently, lovingly, and purposefully from here. 

 To develop our EQ we simply, we treat others as we would like to be treated.  More importantly, we honor the potential and divinity that resides in all of us. When we put those we are responsible for before our own needs we communicate that we care not only about our goals but the needs of those we are responsible to.  Most parents have high EQ's, but the challenge of raising children at times can convince us otherwise. We love our children even when discipline is called for at times. 

Our duty is to care for those that depend on us. When we put their needs first, they can produce tremendous results.  Many think these are competing goals, but in fact they are essential if we are to reach our potential as individuals, leaders, teams, and organizations. 

We were made for greatness, joy, and fulfillment.  

Let's us begin today.

With Love,

Coach K

Power Tools

Power Tools

One of my friends gave me some valuable advice a while back regarding tools -

Buy the best you can afford. 

Especially, those tools you often and want to last a long time. 

For example, I used to buy the homeowner type product sold at the big box retailers.  And then I purchase a commercial blower used by the landscapers.  A Stihl model.  The blower has served me well for many years.  The thinking goes if the professional who use them every day for several hours per day use the product it must be good for the homeowner with average use.  

A recent purchase of an Echo trimmer reaffirmed my belief.  After going through inferior less expensive models.  The higher investment in the Echo was well worth when held in your hands and used for the first time.  The higher price was a bargain. 

Come to think of it the advice to buy the best you can afford applies to any investment you are making. 

I often prefer to buy a better used model than a cheaper new model. 

Coach K

25 Years

25 Years

It's been 25 years

and I don't know why

but the time has passed

and I continue to try

to earn your love

the angel sent

 to me

from high above

I was searching for you

when I was

alone

when we met that day

and I found my

home

You were pretty

petite

A beautiful girl

full of life

love and joy

on top of the

world

We fell in love

and started to

date

I met your family

and arrived

late

At Colony Lane and

Maldon estate

we laughed and

loved

and of course

we ate

The children came

one two three

Alex  Eric

and Morgan

for Lisa Marie

Pinehurst Florida

New Hampshire

and more

wonderful times

at the Jersey shore

Now the kids are all

grown

and we're almost

alone

more time with my

girl

in our home

sweet home

All my Love Boo

Sugar Junkie

Poison

We have gone from consuming four pounds of sugar a year per person to eating 150 pounds of sugar per year!

150 pounds of sugar per year! Let that number sink in and reflect how our daily eating habits coincide with that figure.  From the sodas, fruit juices, to the high fructose laden foods we unknowingly consume we are poisoning ourselves every day. 

Our taste buds and palettes have been conditioned with the sugar response, it acts like a drug in our brains where our bodies are craving more like a Sugar Junkie. 

We must fight back. How?  

Knowledge.  Knowledge is Power.  But we must go a step further and turn that knowledge into Willpower! We know the right things to do and now we must start doing them.  Our very life, health, and happiness depend upon it. 

Do your own research on nutrition and health.  Just don't give away your health to anyone including your Dr.  You are responsible. You are in charge!

Start with replacing the poisonous soda and diet soda with water or green tea.  Move to a lower higher quality carb eating plan rich in good proteins and fats. Find one health food you enjoy and build on that whether it's spinach, broccoli, cucumbers, or kale. Start moving every day with a simple walk in the park. Get moving!

Your very life is worth the journey.  We have a responsibility to teach our children and give them the lifelong skills that will propel them to success and happiness.  They may not be listening to all of our bluster, but they are surely watching. 

And if not for yourself.  Do it for your loved ones.  They are counting on YOU!

Oh yes. Yes You Can. 

With Love,

Coach K

Hippocrates - Greek Doctor 450 BC

Food is Thy Medicine

The Greek Doctor Hippocrates said, "Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food" 450 years before Jesus walked the earth.  Another one of his great lessons is Walking is Medicine. 

Here we have the two ancient maxims for vibrant health and longevity that resonate today just as they did 2500 years ago.  Nutrition and exercise are the keys to Life. 

One of Greek doctor's advice to the medical profession and to all of us is to first and foremost, "Do Know Harm."  Yet with our sophisticated medical knowledge and apparatus, our expensive drugs and treatments, we must ask ourselves are we living our best healthy lives?

The chronic diseases of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis run rampant across our global community. And sadly we know what must be done.  

But are we willing?

Will we put down the doughnuts, bag of chips, glass of soda, or stop with the excessive alcohol. How many of us continue with the same habits despite the detriment to our well being. 

Is there anything more frustrating than a friend or loved one that won't kick the habit that has led to disease while they are completely aware of what they are doing and the impact it will have on their families. 

We must be mentally strong for the challenge is great and the outcome worth the journey.  As Dr. Hippocrates recommended many years ago we have the power to heal ourselves but we have to first get out of our own way. 

Yes, you can do it.  Visualize, affirm, and begin.  The time is now.  The hour is upon us and we will win!

Let us begin!

With Love,

Coach K

Dr. You!

Health

No one cares about your health more than you.  If that's not the case, well then that's a good place to start.  Your first step to better health and well being is to care for yourself. 

And while it's important to consult with our doctors and other health professionals.  The best prescription you will ever get is to eat well, exercise, don't smoke, and consume alcohol in moderation or not at all.  As the saying goes, we all know the right things to do we just have to do them!

We know that eating better and getting some exercise are some of the best things we can do for ourselves.  And while that may be intimidating for some of us, it's better than the alternative.  A lifetime of medicines, chronic heath problems, low energy and a pain filled half lived life. 

There is a better way.  And it begins with Dr. You! Your thirst for a better healthier life can propel you to learn how to better care for yourself.  By harnessing the power of the internet, reading an inspiring book, or watching a video on YouTube you can learn new ideas to significantly improve your life right now. 

How many excellent books and articles are written on nutrition, health, and wellness.  You can access them for free at the library. There are millions of experts that can help us on our journey, but it must begin with us. 

Take charge, take responsibility, your health is worth the journey. 

To Your Health!

Coach K

Jump Rope Your Way to Health

The Jump Rope

The jump rope can save your life! Yes, that's a bold, strong statement.  And yes it's true. 

I have jumped rope for 40 years and the health affects are profound.  

From helping me overcome asthma to maintaining my weight and fitness throughout my life. 

The rope is just for boxers or professional athletes, we can take our simple skipping in school jump rope days and apply to our everyday fitness regimen. 

The $2 vinyl jump rope will transform your health, wellness, and life. 

How?

First, let's get the excuses out in the open.  I'm out-of-shape, uncoordinated, lazy, sick, and the list goes on. We can all jump for 30 seconds or 1 minute.  We must begin.  Beginnings are powerful. 

Take the first step.  And I have a secret that will make the rope more enjoyable, less intimidating, and more accessible than you can imagine. 

Take that $2 rope and simply cut it in half.  Yes, just cut it in half.  Now you can get all the benefits of jumping rope without the hassle of fancy footwork or frustration in timing the jump.  By jumping in rhythm with the sound of the rope whooshing by you ears you will activate your biggest muscle, your HEART and soon feel the blood coursing through your veins. Your lungs will pulse with life, oxygen with fill your blood, and your every muscle of your body will flex in delight. 

The rope can be done anywhere and anytime.  indoors outdoors. No special clothes, shoes, or equipment.  If you can, jump outdoors in the soft sunshine. The fresh air filling your lungs is invigorating!

Just you and your rope on the way to a new you and a new life!

Godspeed!

To Your Heath,

Coach K

Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer is a champion golfer. But more importantly a Champion person.

Arnie was the early Tiger Woods.  His charisma was contagious.  He introduced golf to the general public when TV first came to the world of golf.  Arnie captured the public's imagination with his swagger, style, and swashbuckling go-for-it golf mentality.  His play and his personality endeared him to the public in a way that led fans to create Arnie's Army, a fan club that followed him on the course and cheered him onto victory.

While Arnie went on to win 6 major in the 60's and 70's he earned a pittance compared to today's modern golfer and athlete.  Today's golfers earn millions often while never winning a tournament in their careers.  Arnie, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, and Tiger Woods paved the way for today's golfer to enjoy fantastic paydays.

Despite Arnie's relatively modest golf earnings, he went on to become a multi-millionaire with his charismatic personality, personal connection with the fans, and his phenomenal ability to treat each individual with dignity and respect.

Arnie's connection with the people with each individual was what made him unique, special, transcendent. Arnie's popularity and success transcended sports, business, and culture.

But what was Arnie's secret? Why did he captivate us, why did we cheer for him and want him to succeed.  Surely, they were other more talented golfers, plenty of other golfers were friendly and connected with the fans. 

What was his IT factor?

It''s hard to know but we can guess.  He connected with the individual, the working man, the everyday man.  The common man.  For he was one himself.  He grew up in a working class family, and was raised by parents, and a father that showed him tough love when necessary.  His father worked in golf and Arnie was taught humility and respect for every individual from a very young age.

He never forgot his humble roots even when he became The King of Golf.  He always remembered where he came from when he was on top of the world.  He was true to himself and people wanted to see him succeed, cheered for him to succeed.

Arnie always appreciated his supporters, but not just his supporters every person.  He would respond to fan requests with hand written notes, and took the time to be kind and respectful of everyone he met.

Arnie was one of the founders of the Golf Channel.  Success seemed to follow him wherever he went, and he shared his success by founding the Palmer Children's hospital in Florida and many other philanthropic endeavors.  He shared his success and helped others on their own journey.

Arnie's claim to fame?

He was a lover of people.

With Love,

Coach K

You Are Loved

Acknowledgement

What a powerful and universal force we all have at our fingertips.  The ability to empower someone with a simple kind word, a smile, a compliment. 

We all have this innate ability as human beings and yet all too often we hold back as if we're afraid we'll run out of this wonderful universal energy, or we are sadly afraid to show our humanity, our kindness for fear of appear weak. 

Our culture promotes strength, courage, and achievement, all noble traits. But how to we develop, nurture, and encourage these traits in our children, youth, employees, leaders, and families.

How to we develop these essential character elements in each and more universally our society? In a word, genuine praise.  The simple act of acknowledging someone for a job well done, an act of kindness, or selflessness.  We see these acts happen in every moment of our daily lives, and too often we ignore them and let them blithely pass by.  

But they are oh so powerful! We just have to tune-in and pay attention.  The negativity promoted in our culture can be overwhelming, debilitating, and even devastating.  We have been conditioned to tune-in, watch, and absorb all the "bad news" that is going on around us and  think that we will be the next victim.  What nonsense and total rubbish!

You can Empower everyone around you, especially those in your family, work life, and circle of life-

friends by just showing a little kindness, a little encouragement, eye contact, a hug, a pat-on-the back, a THANK YOU! Of course, it's just as powerful on people you encounter in everyday life that you don't even know.  For we are all, 8 billion of us, connected by the divine energy that courses through life. 

When you Acknowledge someone, you empower them, you inspire them, you are letting them know that they are valuable, worthy, and deserving. 

And when we acknowledge, appreciate, and empower others we are really just

Empowering ourselves.

With Love,

Coach K

Rudyard Kipling - Keep Your Head

During these challenging times, we are continually inundated with bad news, negativity, and dire warnings.  We can take solace in how past generations have overcome similar challenges whether is was the Great Depression or World War II, it can be helpful to look back at history and find comfort in those that have survived tough time, displayed incredible resilience, and come out stronger and more committed to accomplishing their goals.

The great English poet, Rudyard Kipling who said, "that if you can keep your head when all those around you are losing theirs and blaming it on you. If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two impostors just the same; yours is the earth and everything that's in it".

And here now today we have such a moment. A historic defining moment in history. The whole world is threatened by a global health pandemic. Will we keep our head, stay calm, and weather the storm. Or will we succumb to fear, the doubt, and the uncertainty. 

Now is the time to show our resolve, to test our mettle, and to meet the challenge.  

We will overcome this impostor disaster with calm, perseverance, and equanimity. We will look out and care for our fellow man. 

We will carry on, we will persist. 

And with God's grace

We will thrive!

With Love,

Coach K

The Rower

I love how real life intersects with spirituality, and when we are tuned in it's surprising how often this happens.  That's why our attitudes, thoughts, and dreams our so important.

My bride has been asking for a rower for several years as that was her preferred mode of exercise, and being the frugal guy I was searching for just the right one! The new rowers go for around a $1000, and just like the other equipment after of few months of use it becomes a clothing rack.

So, my mission was clear. Find a good functional rower that represents good value, or to say it another way is Cheap.  Of course, I went to my favorite source Craigslist.  I know many folks have had mixed results with CL, but my experiences have been great.

So a week before Christmas, I zeroed in on a $500 (bristle) rower that was 5 miles from home.  Of course, as I headed out to see the rower it was already sold.  Oh well, the perfect Christmas gift will have to wait.

It was Thursday a few days before Christmas, and I decided to type rower in CL to see what was available, and to my astonishment THE rower came back four miles from our home and at giveaway price.  I contacted the owners and told them I would be there at 6:30pm that evening to pick it up.

And then the fun began. After coming home from a day of shopping, our daughter calls as says her ride home canceled and could I pick her up from school during rush hour. After making the round trip hair-raising one hour drive, I arrive home at 7:30pm and ask the boys to come with me to help get the rower in the car. They were well into their merry-making and couldn't be bothered, so off I went into the night to pick-up the rower.

I knew the town well but the house was located off the beaten path.  Traveling down a long driveway, I came upon a lighted garage and there she sat in the glowing darkness my special gift a 15 year old Concept rower in outstanding shape.  The monitor was not working but after a few rows I knew she was golden.

I hid the rower in the garage and slipped it under the tree on Christmas morning with the whole family watching I covered my bride's eyes and unveiled the vintage gift. She smiled and laughed thinking the gift was a trip to Italy!  And the rower has become a fine addition to the living room.  Very chic decor!  I changed the batteries in the monitor and she's good as new.

Another Christmas miracle courtesy of my friends from CL.

Infinite patience brings immediate results.


With Gratitude,


Coach K

EGOless Leadership

Effective leaders simply put the interest of others before themselves.  If you are responsible for others, or manage a group or team, you must have their best interests at heart if you are to achieve success. The team comes first.

My recent experience comes with managing a technical team responsible for maintaining operations at 24/7 manufacturing facility.  Prior to joining the group, the team suffered with low morale, poor performance, and high turnover.

We discussed our objectives and began tracking those objectives on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.  We would celebrate our incremental improvements, and continually communicate our progress.

The acknowledgement and gratitude of  team members or personal relations is of the utmost importance! We all have a human need to feel connected, recognized, and loved. When your team knows that you will do anything for them, they will produce results that will simply amaze you and everyone involved.

Our team went from consistent under-performance, to excelling on a regular basis.  Outstanding monthly performance is now the expected result.  The team has gone from never attaining the monthly metric to now exceeding the number for 24 consecutive months.  Simply tremendous performance!

But Why?

What is the difference in essentially the same personnel?  The answer of course is Leadership.  Leadership without the EGO is the key.  When the leader ensures the team that is doing the work receives the praise, acknowledgement, and rewards, the whole group and organization will flourish.

Let go of your ego.  Put your people first, champion them, celebrate them, and watch them
work wonders.

To your Success,

Coach K