A man of character finds a special attractiveness in difficulty, since it is only by coming to grips with difficulty that he can realize his potentialities. Charles de Gaulle Each year I serve on acommittee that works to promote a fun event targeted to reducing the suicide rate for adult men. They are, unfortunately, the largest demographic for suicide a sad fact that most people are surprised to learn. (If youre in Colorado and available the evening of June 12 th , please join me in this... Read More

Fame or integrity: which is more important? Money or happiness: which is more valuable? Success or failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. Lao-tzu Philosopher, poet or a compiler of other peoples wisdom? Lived in the 4 th or 5 th or 6 th ... Read More

We fail to realize that mastery is not about perfection. Its about a process, a journey. The master is the one who stays on the path day after day, year after year. The master is the one who is willing to try, and fail, and try again, for as long as he or she lives. George Leonard Ive previously shared that one of the most commented on references in my book is that Life is simple. This does not mean it is easy. This quote is consistent with that spirit. Master teacher and philosopher George Leonard was a source of... Read More

A person can make himself happy, or miserable, regardless of what is actually happening outside, just by changing the contents of consciousness. We all know individuals who can transform hopeless situations into challenges to be overcome, just through the force of their personalities. This ability to persevere despite obstacles and setbacks is the quality people most admire in others, and justly so; it is probably the most important trait not only for succeeding in life, but for enjoying it as well. To develop this trait, one must... Read More

One of my most successful postings online is my Extraordinary Minute that I send out weekly detailing a small quote from a successful individual from the past along with my own take and the inspirations I receive from it. So, with that in mind, I would like to introduce the rest of my readers who have yet to receive my Extraordinary Minute to a few powerful quotes and what Ive gleaned from them. I know you will enjoy them and hope you will take the opportunity to add your email to the Extraordinary Minute list here if you havent already. ... Read More

"The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leavingothers to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both." - James Michener Except for the inclusion of many masculine and no feminine pronouns, I really like the wisdom inherent in... Read More

Every positive changeevery jump to a higher level of energy and awarenessinvolves a rite of passage. Each time, to ascend to a higher rung on the ladder of personal evolution, we must go through a period of discomfort, of initiation. Dan Millman During so many occasions in my own personal journey, I so wish this was not true! Yet it seems a slap up side of the head is required for me to get the message from the universe that I need to take a new look and adjust my attitudes, habits and behaviors. How about you? What does... Read More

My friends, as Extraordinary People continues to grow and do more and more leadership training in Denver , I find myself continually reminding my pupils of a set of leadership principles that must be focused on. I explain that without these 5 things in their life, they will not have the ability to become unconditional leaders. These principles are Awareness, Responsibility, Communication, Unconditional Language and Engagement and Enrollment and are all briefly explained below. Awareness Awareness requires a leader to practice a... Read More

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools. Martin Luther King I attempt to avoid a preachy tone in these little missives, though Im aware Im not always successful in avoiding that irritating (to many) quality. Dr. King was, in fact, a Minister so it was appropriate for him to deliver his powerful messages without hesitation or obfuscation. It is Black History Month here in the USA and Im reminded of the many positive contributions MLK made to our history through that ability to speak directly and... Read More

The abundant life does not come to those who have had a lot of obstacles removed from their path by others. It develops from within and is rooted in strong mental and moral fiber. William Mather Lewis The 1950s comic Brother Dave Gardner was asked why he was referred to as Brother Dave yet he wasnt really a Preacher. His answer: I am a Preacher. The only difference is, Im preaching for it, not against it. I suppose that witty response could be interpreted many ways. For me, it speaks to the need to develop that strong... Read More