Come one, Come all...It's StoryTime!!

Story \'stOr-ee\ 1. an account of incidents or events

I believe stories can affect how we see ourselves AND how others see us. You might be asking, JP...what in the world does that mean?? C'mon, step inside...

Did you ever think stories could be the vehicle that provides structure and direction as we navigate life's challenges and opportunities? Consider this: Stories make sense of our chaos. The beautiful thing about this style of communication is its dual utility. Make your personal AND professional events come to life. Have you ever tried selling something by telling a story?? A great leader once told me, "it's through storytelling where you REALLY connect with your audience." Whether we are selling a product, an idea, or better yet OURSELVES...try telling a well-crafted story. Allow the listener to place themselves into your world. That's the type of connection you're looking for.

If you feel like the dots aren't connecting - with your family, clients, prospects or an audience; Master the art of storytelling. It can make life more interesting, engaging and perhaps more profitable.

Are your storytelling skills a little weak?? Meet Doug Stevenson. I leave you with the Quote of the Day...but until next time, may that fish you caught 10 years ago continue to get fertilized...

Bronwyn Fryer, the senior editor at Harvard Business Review states, “There are two ways to persuade people. The first is by using conventional rhetoric, which is what most executives are trained in. That’s not good enough, because people are not inspired to act by reason alone. The other way to persuade people – and ultimately a much more powerful way – is by uniting an idea with an emotion. The best way to do that is by telling a compelling story.”

Live Your Life

Last weekend, my wife's grandmother went on to receive her eternal reward. As our family went through each day, as just that - a family, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of unity. A unity glued together by a genuine love for one another. For that, I'm so grateful.

This week we saw the circle of life. Standing graveside, paying our last respects to a loved one, all the while having my three month old buddy/nephew (B-Squared) stare at me from his pumpkin seat - wide awake and without a sound. Truly amazing. As we said goodbye to a great-grandmother, grandmother and mother - I was reminded of just how precious life really is...for all of us. A reminder that we should plan as though we'll live to be 100, but yet live every moment of everyday like it's our last.

As we exited the burial ground, I noticed the last tomb on the right - it read, "Live Your Life". We ALL will leave a legacy. I just wonder, are you living your life with passion and purpose? Until next time...

Surprise...April Fool's!!

Admit it. You fell prey to one of the oldest tricks in the book today, didn't you?? If you did, you're in good company. My team plotted and executed one of the best pranks of All-Time today...All-Time (test drive it in your roughest Warner Wolf voice).

Ok, so you got played worse than a U.S. Open golf course today, don't fret. I'm beginning to wonder if being the beneficiary of a well-planned April Fool's joke means something. Something good, actually. My team left me high and dry at the office this AM - each person chronologically sending messages (starting at 7:10) with believable reasons to be absent. An hour and a half later, my worst nightmare had come true - flying solo in Suite 2 at 1215 S. Sam Houston Blvd! After 15 minutes of dampening the armpits of my shirt, I heard the backdoor open. Flying around the corner (thinking I didn't get the door shut while in distress) only to find four ladies laughing themselves into a sidestitch.

Emerging through the numerous emotions from the prank came my resolution; maybe if you're on the receiving end of an April Fool's joke, someone cares for you. That being said, come April 1st, 2010 - BEWARE. It's fair to say I'll be delivering a shock like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM. All in the name of love...

Have you considered a Goal, lately??

"Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways to get the most from our energy is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us: concentrate our energy." - Denis Waitley

What's important to you in life?? Have you considered setting a goal for what you want to achieve? Have you gone through a goal-setting exercise for what you want to accomplish in five years? How about this year? Heck, how about this month or even TODAY??

Yesterday I had the privilege of achieving a six month goal. Reaching this particular goal was a nice stretch for our team - making the accomplishment all the more satisfying. Today, as I reflect over the last six months I'm finding myself extremely proud of our team for their hard work, sacrifice and collective focus. Overstating my gratefulness is impossible.

I hope you get a regular feeling of accomplishment with your goals. Want to feel six feet tall and bulletproof?? Go accomplish a goal today. As for me, don't look or call this afternoon, I'm en route to whip the French Army with a wiffleball bat...

Online Shopaholic Anonymous

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday...someone please help...I can't quit hitting the Order Now button! While I bemoan the habit, I did order a few bare essentials over the net this weekend - ever heard of P90X?? I'm in the process of getting my mind right on the fitness front and after a lot of research; I hit the Order Now button on the P90X program yesterday.

But wait, there's more.

Those of you who know me, are well aware of my affinity for the written word. For MONTHS I've been dreaming of a digital eReader...the YTD debate...Amazon's Kindle2 vs Sony's PRS-700. My sweat glands have been in overdrive trying to make the right decision. If I've read one online review, I've read 200. After much deliberation (and the wife saying, would you just pick one already??), I hit the Order Now button this AM on the Sony PRS-700! A brother from a different mother informed me of a nice little Sony $50 rebate - talk about 86ing any buyers remorse...I'll keep you updated on the purchase.

Until then, have an Order Confirmation on me.