Paradigm Shift

Stephen Covey is an amazing author and teacher and has written books such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. The main focus of his books is about changing the way we think, or changing our paradigm.

My sister recently started reading in the book for teens and when asked if she was enjoying the book she responded that she loved it. She then went on to ask, "what is a para-dig-m?" Pronounced just like that.

Changing your view of the world is huge to ones personal success. I have learned to view people and situations with much more patience and understanding after listening to Covey's books on tape. I would like to paraphrase one story that was particularly touching. Though this may not be 100% accurate one should still get the jist of the story.

Stephen Covey had been traveling the country doing seminars and teaching. As he waited in the airport for a flight after a long day all he wanted to do was rest. There was a father there who was responsible for 3 little children. The 3 kids were bouncing off the walls, being very loud, and straight up annoying the passengers. The father was almost oblivious to all that was happening around him. As time went on and Covey sat and observed this is started making him angrier and angrier.

Can't this father gain control of his children and teach them some discipline? Doesn't he realize that they are a nuisance to all around?

Before long he couldn't handle it any longer and, respectively, pointed out to the father that his children were causing a ruckus. The father, then, seeming to snap back into reality responded,

"oh, thank you. It's just that their mother just passed away suddenly and we are flying home from the funeral. They just don't know what to do without her. I just don't know what to do without her."

As you can imagine at that moment his paradigm was immediately shifted. He was no longer looking at this father as irresponsible but looking at the situation with the thought of what could he do to help.

You never can tell what is happening in the lives of those around you. All you can do is try and be a blessing in the lives of those that meet you!

Real Success!

John Wooden, not only one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time but may be the greatest coach of anything all time! Some of his achievements include but are not limited to the following:

-Inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame, both as a player and a coach(first one to ever receive this honor).

-10 NCAA National Championships in 12 years(closet in the National Championship race is Adolph Rupp with 4)

-Four perfect seasons(no other coach has more than one)

-88 game win streak

-98 home win streak

What, you may ask, is the reason for his success? Maybe it is his definition of success.

"Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming"

John Wooden, The Wizard of Westwood

Hopefully we can keep that quote in mind as we go throughout our daily tasks and chores today. Whether it is in basketball, a job, in church, or being home with the family, true success is something felt after doing our very best in this moment. John Wooden proves it with his incredible track record.

Thanks for the inspiration Coach Wooden!

Check out his website if you want to learn more about his philosophy for success

www.coachwooden.com

The new One Minute Motivators blog was inspired by the hundreds of free inspirational quotes that come to my inbox every morning. People need to be motivated! Whether it is from success stories, quotes, pictures, or whatever, it is the same. As long as it puts a little more passion inside you so you make the most of your day. One Minute Motivators will do just as the name says and give you your daily dose of motivation in one minute. I hope all enjoy!