I realize, that doing so, is not an option that will lead to success. If I want to become the person I am striving to become, I must be willing to press forward, even in these dark and confusing moments. If it were easy, it would not be worth it.

Not My Will

This realization is particularly poignant at this moment, due to my involvement in the Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak musical production of Godspell.

Opening Night is looming and there is much work to do. I sometimes wonder why I allowed myself to be involved in this extra-curricular activity. It is consuming a lot of my energy, and I would rather focus that energy on many different things. 

I understand, that this project is bigger than me, and that I was called to be a willing participant in this effort. The role is very humbling. Nearly every day, I ask myself how I can possibly pretend to be good enough to play the part of Jesus. I think we would all agree, whether we believe in His divinity or not, that He was one of the most influential historical figures, but to me, He is much more.

Last night, we rehearsed for the first time the scenes leading up to His crucifixion. I felt extremely hypocritical when I found myself, (caught up in my own tiny struggles and wondering how in the world I could make it all happen), uttering the words, "not my will, but thine be done".

What He so willing gave, suddenly became very clear. I don't mind putting aside any theological attributes for a moment and just considering the man. For whatever reason, this man set aside all of his own personal interest, and willingly chose to follow the will of the somebody else. I stand all amazed at that decision!

Seeking Higher Ground

I know, that all of the challenging experiences I face are given to me for my own good. They have a refining effect. They polish me and create the energy and space for real growth to occur.

It is easy, in the moment of these trials to feel like a victim. Sometimes, we may even feel abandoned, but these are the defining moments that shape us and carry us forward to higher ground. Feeling sad, or cursed by our present circumstances disqualifies us from reaching the next level.

Those who become their very best, learn how to set aside their own interests for the good of helping others soar to new levels. We cannot do that, until we learn to submit our will to something much greater than ourselves.

How often are you able to submit your will to the will of someone else without complaining?

Do the Christian references mentioned above make you feel uncomfortable?

How can you apply the basic principles in this post to your life?

There are many times during our lives when we need to follow someone else's agenda. Typically, if it does not conform with our own desires, we find ourselves murmuring and getting in the way. I dare you to examine the consequences of that type of behavior. I am certain that if you do, you will come to see what I have come to see. That is, that all of the noise will not change the fact that if we want to move forward, we must submit to that agenda. It is true, that we can choose to opt out – and I wish more people would make that choice instead of continuing to complain about thing, but if we want to move forward, we must put our own self interests aside. 

Let's see – I can move forward kicking and screaming, or I can move happily on. That doesn't sound like a tough choice to me.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Sounds of Silence

I love my quiet moments. They refresh and revitalize my energy. I regularly give myself the gift of being in silence. I presents me with the opportunity to reflect on what is going on around me. It helps me make sense of it all.

I travel quite a bit by both car and plane, and my preference is to listen to what is going on inside my head during those activities too. The world is a noisy place. We are constantly bombarded with sound bytes that are purposefully designed to confuse us and persuade us to follow someone else's agenda. I want to discover my own.

Rise and Shine

I especially love the early morning hours. The energy generated by the sunrise and the song of the birds is incredible. These moments are sacred to me, because they completely belong to me. I love to get up early. 

It is during this time that I make sure that what I do, is perfectly aligned with who I am. I love to examine the satisfaction I feel in my life and then consider how I can create more satisfying moments. When I see what turns me on, I am better able to focus my efforts in that direction. 

The peace that comes from purposefully rising each day is amazing. I feel prepared to meet the new day, instead of greeting it with a frantic and frenetic urgency to get going. Rising early is a critical and important part of any plan for success.

Silence Is Golden

If you really want to know who you are, then you must make the time to regularly sit in silence. It is the only the way you can discover the glory that is burning within you. Your voice is the most important voice for your life. You must make time to hear it. Don't say you are too busy – make time for personal meditative moments and you will discover your untapped resources that will create great meaning and harmony in your blurry and fast paced world.

When was the last time you made time to be silent and still?

What time do you get up in the morning? 

Are you regularly listening to your inner voice?

Just before Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood fame, passed away he was asked what message he would like all children to hear. He said, "Be still, and wonder". This is great advice for all of us. I dare you to get up a half hour earlier tomorrow so that you can sit in the silence and wonder about what is most important to you. I dare you to ride today without the radio on in your and listen to your own voice. Give yourself that gift. It is a beautiful thing!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Before we knew it, two hours had passed and we were in the middle of some serious plans for the future. The creative energy we were feeling filled us up with so many new ideas. A new vision was born and we began to discuss how we will make it happen. The combination of strengths made this project seem so fulfilling for both of us.

If You Want To Reach Your Dreams You Must Have Support

This was not a new experience for either one of us. During our 22 years of marriage, we have dreamed many things together. To be honest, we haven't just dreamed them, we have actually brought them into reality.

I love how we work so well together. There is no spirit of competition between us. We simply see the future together and then engage in making it happen. We are careful to utilize the best, that each of us has to offer. This means that we often take turns leading. 

The support we give each other is the secret to our success. There is a vetting process that we use to make sure that we are both willing to do what it will take to pursue the goal, but once we have decided, we stand together and support each other. I am so thankful to live this way. It is what makes life so good for me. 

Setting The Stage

To make sure we are aligned, we often conduct a cost / benefit analysis. This helps us make sure that we are both willing to support the dream. This process has nothing to do with money, and everything to do with the way we will be spending our time.

We want to see the potential pitfalls and risks. Once we see them, we seek to discover the worst possible scenarios. We want to know what can go wrong and if we would be ok if that actually happened. An amazing thing happens when we look at the worst possible scenario, we no longer fear it and we are able to move forward with out worrying about what could possibly go wrong. Since we know what the worst looks like we are able to avoid it. Rarely, if ever, has the worst actually happened to us.

This perspective frees our entire energy to focus on creating the results we want and living the dream we envisioned. I promise you, this really works, and it works every time.

Who breathes life into your dreams?

Are you willing to include them in all the facets of planning, even the process of imagining the worst?

What can you do today to free yourself of all negative energy and move forward?

Our aspirations are more easily attained when we align them with those who will support our efforts. To do this, we must be willing to clearly define what we want. We can't expect people to support us blindly. Shine the light on it today. You will be surprised how much light you receive back.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

As we looked out the window towards Paris Mountain, a magnificent hawk soared into our view. We marveled at its beauty and its ability to the ride the invisible air currents. It barely moved and yet it continued to rise in a tight spiral. When it floated out of the mini-jetstream, it gently flapped its massive wings and repositioned itself so that it could continue to float effortlessly upward. This image captured our attention and all we could do was stare out the window in wondrous awe.

The View Below

On the ground, far below this incredible display, is the city cemetery. It was a strange feeling to look down upon the graves of the men and women of Greenville past. I thought a lot about their lives. Of course, I know nothing about them, but I know they lived with the same types of passions and purposes that you and I embrace. Their life is over, but their tombstones mark their existence.

When I looked down, I was reminded that I am only a temporary resident of this planet. My opportunity to stand in that window was only given to me for a moment. Someday, I will be interred and somewhat forgotten.

This thought is enough to discourage some people into believing that there is no purpose to this life. We live and we die without much notice. I am sure that many people walk by that cemetery every day without even noticing it is there. I am also sure that the remains of some of the greatest people in Greenville are firmly planted in that city cemetery. Where are they now? Have they lost all influence?

Descend, Or Ascend – You Decide

In that magical moment the stunning contrast of life and death stared me directly in the face. Far below were images of death and despair – yet soaring in my level view was an image of life and graceful power. Up above, soared the hope of an even greater power.

I pondered the freedom we have to choose were we want to look. We can see life or death from almost any vista. Both, will always be present. We can choose to engage in the downward spirals of life, or we can choose to soar in its ascending spirals. I choose to look upward. That view brings so much happiness and joy. It fills my life and makes me whole.

Where do you choose to look?

Can you see the beauty of your current circumstances?

Do you casually flap your wings when you need to re-enter the jet streams of life? or Do you allow yourself to get lost in the free fall of despair?

You are empowered to choose. Today, a new you will be born. You can be whoever you want to be. Your journey begins with a plan. You are responsible for filing that plan. Please give yourself permission to soar in life's ascending spirals. The view up here is breath taking. Wake up! Look up! Now fly!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I woke up this morning feeling great, until I realized that I left my suit, the one that I plan on wearing tomorrow for my TEDx Greenville presentation, at my sister-in-law's house.

I immediately started calling around. I was hoping to find an early delivery that would get it here on time for tomorrow's 8:30 AM start, or a same day delivery service that could get it here today. Unfortunately, the next day delivery options will arrive too late, and the same day delivery options are very costly. 

There are now three viable options:

1. We can drive back to Wake Forest and pick up my suit.
2. We can go suit shopping – believe it or not, a new suit will cost less than the same day freight options. 
3. I can wear something else.

Life Is Full Of Options

None of these scenarios are particularly appealing to me. I planned on spending a peaceful and quiet day with Stacy. I don't feel like driving at a fevered pace or hunting for the perfect suit, nor do I feel like showing up in something less than a suit. But what else can I do.

Sometimes when we are stuck, we think the way out is to discover the answers, but that rarely, if ever produces the best solutions. If we want to be successful, we must learn to figure out the best questions, not the best answers. The questions guide us to the solutions that we need. They help us discover the things that we are unable to see. They push us to think to a new level.

Right now, my brain is moving at the speed of life. I am in the process of discovering what I have not thought of yet. It is a place where I love to be. The questions will lead me to success. 

Saving The World

The clock is ticking. I now have 24 hours to ask the right questions. There is no need to panic. If Jack Bauer can save the world in 24 hours or less, I can figure out how to manifest a suit.  

I learned a long time ago, that everything can be fixed. I am sure that I will figure this out. I have mad problem solving skills! Right now, it is time to think. I need to consider every option, even the ones that I have not thought of yet.

What do you do when you are pressed for an answer?

Do you use powerful questions to guide your efforts?

What strategies do you use to stay calm?

Success rarely comes to those who fall apart. Those who win in the game of life usually figure out a way to get what they need, even under the most challenging circumstances. Making it look easy is part of the package. I can't wait to figure this one out.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

There is a reason why some call me Dr. Dreamcoat. The fact is, I love to dream. I love it even more when one of my dreams come true. Speaking at a TED event is a dream come true. 

The Dreams of Youth

Most of us remember the dreams we had when we were children. It seems like dreams were much more vivid and much more frequent. At night, we dreamed about flying, going to school in our underwear, falling forever down an endless cliff, running faster than a cheetah, meeting famous people and growing super tall.

In the daytime, we dreamed about being a rock star, movie star, fire fighter, police officer, super hero and astronaut. We dreamed about who we were going to marry, how many kids we were going to have, what kind of house we would live in, what kind of car we would drive and where we would live. 

Our dreams were always big, we never dreamed small. We were certain that we had what it would take to be a professional athlete, a super model, or even the President of the United States. The most inspiring question we were ever asked was, "who do you want to be when you grow up?" As soon as we heard it, we began to dream.

High School Graduation

After we graduated from High School we were told, by nearly everyone we knew, that it was time to buckle down and get a job. The focus of our life became that of gaining suitable employment. We had to be willing to do whatever it took so we learned a new word – "sacrifice". We were told that for the time being we had to sacrifice our dreams so that we could invest in the career opportunities before us.

Everyone seemed to be saying that our dreams would have to wait. This became extremely evident by a new question that we were constantly asked – "What do you do?" We heard this question everywhere we went. No one asked us, "who do you want to be", they just asked, "what do you do?"

This question made us feel like we needed to be doing something and so many of us stopped dreaming and started doing. The most prevalent dream we had during this part of our life was that one day, after we got our career goals all settled, we would begin to dream again. Sadly, many discover that the sacrifice was not worth it.

Midlife Living

As people aged, we began to see many going through what is now known as a "midlife crisis". The realization that life was passing by and that the dreams of youth were sacrificed in the name of career, provoked this epidemic. Many began to realize that the trade off was not worth it. They felt lost in their achievements. They wanted something different and so they began to search.

I truly believe that it is the discovery of a new question that frees us from the potential, and even the grasp of the midlife crisis. The question – "who do you want to be when you grow whole?" I don't want to grow old, I want to grow whole. This question reignites the dreaming process and makes it possible for us to look into the future with hopeful hearts.

I am dreamer, are you?

What dreams are inspiring you right now?

Who do you want to be when you grow whole?

I love to ponder this question. It breathes life into my dreams. The biggest difference between the dreams of our youth and the dreams we have as adults is, that as adults, we have the power to turn them into reality. Don't waste it.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Ankle Breakers

While the tree is known for its beauty, it is also known for its spiked fruit. These "gumball" shaped droppings are very unpleasant to walk on, and they do not decompose. If left on the lawn, they turn it into an uneven surface full of lumpy pock marks. Here in North Carolina, they call the the fruit "ankle breakers" because both the fruit, and the holes they create in the lawn, are known to cause many ankle injuries.

As a newcomer, it was hard for me to understand why this tree was being removed. It looked like a beautiful tree. The decision to eliminate it, was not made in haste. Its removal had been considered for many year and it was finally time to create a new landscape plan. Its seasonal beauty and the shade it provided could no longer save it. The mess it regularly makes had finally sealed its doom.

Character Reveals Itself Over Time

As I watched the tree fall, I thought about the people I know who have faced a similar fate. They may possess many strengths, but for some reason, their weaknesses always seem to bring them down. In the beginning, their coworkers and leaders enjoy the immediate contributions they make, but in the end, the pollution they spew on their social environment is so toxic that they are asked to leave.

I find this especially sad because people are not trees. The "gumball" tree is what it is and cannot change its behavior, but people can. Some simply reject the idea of growing new behaviors. They believe that their strengths will always save them, so they refuse to deal with their fatal flaws. They are surprised when they are no longer wanted, but they shouldn't be.

I foster a "strength based approach" in all of the work that I do, but I also make sure we take enough time to identify and eliminate any critical behaviors that can potentially derail a career. These characteristics are usually seen by all, but rarely addressed until it is too late. It is my job to discuss these unspeakable blemishes in such away that the needed growth is understood, accepted and embraced.

No one can really expect to hide these types of behaviors for very long. They are always revealed in time. The only way to deal with these challenges is to grow beyond them. That requires constant effort. I like to help people learn what they can do, instead of what they must stop doing, but sometimes they just need to stop doing certain things or they will continue to face similar consequences.

Leveraging the Perspectives of Others

I realize that it is difficult to see our own "fatal flaws" and that is why we must encourage others to tell us the truth about our behavior. Sometimes those around us don't tell us the truth because they don't want to hurt us, but the only way the truth can hurt us is when it is withheld from us or covered up. Plain and simple, we need to know if there is a problem.

Other times, the truth is spoken and we refuse to hear it. We tell ourselves that the person that is speaking it does not really believe what they are saying, or we argue that their perspective is not valid. The person trying to tell us the truth eventually loses interest and leaves us alone until we self-destruct.

If we want to thrive, we must be willing to listen to the spoken and unspoken feedback we receive from others. If we fail to do that, we will be cut down. It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when.

Are you taking the time to hear and understand the feedback you are receiving?

Do you look for ways to uncover the unspeakable?

What are you doing to encourage others to tell you the truth?

We cannot ignore the truth for very long. If we do, we will find ourselves in undesirable circumstances. Growth is much easier to accomplish when we see it ourselves. Don't wait for somebody to tell you that you need to do it. Take care of your personal "ankle breakers" today.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Freeway Enterprises

This Friday, I will speak at TEDx Greenville. Stacy's sister lives in Wake Forest North Carolina, which is only a couple of hours away from Greenville, so we decided to come out early and visit her family.

We flew into Charlotte and rented a car. I had arranged the car through the agency I normally use for a weekly rate of $165.00. I thought I negotiated a pretty good rate.

When it came time to sign the paperwork, I noticed that the total cost for the week is actually going to be $244.00.00. When I asked what was going on, they rental car company produced a document that detailed the taxes that are associated with renting a car. I was stunned to discover that the local and general government agencies were levying the use of a rental car nearly 50% of what the rental car company is charging. That just doesn't sound right to me.

Little By Little

I realize that it wasn't just one agency that was collecting these taxes, and that is what is making it all possible. About seven different departments are collecting these taxes. Most were fairly small, There was a charge for 3.5%, one for 6.2%, one for 1.7%, the largest one was for 15.7%. I guess, that because the majority of them are so small, nobody is really paying attention, except of course the business traveller who comes to rent a car and gets hit with them all at once. When that happens, it is impposibe not to notice.

Why are we letting this happen. It seems like we are being taxed to death. What are we receiving in return? Can you name it? Neither can I. The government is running wild and we are being taxed on everything we make and everything we consume. There are many debates on the taxes on what we make, but rarely do we ever hear about the taxes we pay on what we are consuming.

I am afraid to do the calculations on what the total tax load per individual really is. I think we would all be stunned to discover a fairly large percentage. Little by little, we are being choked by the taxes we pay. The sad thing is that the agencies that are collecting our money, rarely if ever have to account for how they spend them. It would be one thing if we were receiving some defined value, but I don't think any of us know where the money is going and they never are forced to itemize how they are using the revenue that they collect like we are.

Taxation That Represents Our Interest

Don't get me wrong, I am more than willing to pay taxes. I just expect the agencies that collect them to use those funds wisely. I expect some value in return. I don't know how to fix it either.

Are you aware of the taxes you are paying?

Do you think we should receive a line item accounting from the agencies that collect our taxes?

Do you have any ideas on how we can fix this problem?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Somehow the people are going to have to get together and propose a solution. It is clear that our government is incapable of doing it. Where do we start?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I looked out the window, and there, far below I noticed a field where some youth were playing soccer. They looked so incredibly tiny. I could not really distinguish the ball. I am sure it was there, but it was too small for me to see. All I could make out were the colors of the uniforms moving on dark green grass.

I drifted for a moment and wondered about the emotion and noises that must have been occurring on the ground. I imagined that a great competition was occurring. I knew that there was a different feeling down there than what was being evoked from my vantage point.

Life At The Top

I suddenly realized that the view I was experiencing was very similar to what the senior leaders of large organizations see when they consider their business operations. They can see the big picture, but they are so far removed from it, that when they look at those who work so hard to make it all happen they generally only see a bunch of dots on a screen.

I do not wish to suggest that they are bad people. My clients work at the upper levels, and I know they are good people, but they are often so far removed from what happens on the front line that they do not see the energy and the daily struggles that are required to make it all happen. They just see the reports and declare that "people are their most valuable asset" without ever realizing that what their actions are really saying is that "people are their most important tool". 

Seeing Things As They Really Are

My job is to help them see what is really going on down there. I want them to realize the impact of the organization on the individual. I need them to begin seeing everybody involved as a person, and not just a tool. This objective drives the results that are seen from the work that I do.

The systems I facilitate become energized from the many opportunities we create to raise people up to their full potential. That is why I often refer to the work that I do as "raising human capital". The work we do together is focused on helping the senior leaders see that they are capable of offering so much more. It doesn't take long for them to see that their people are just as interested in creating a thriving organization as they are.

Their people don't want to be used and then disposed of when they are no longer needed. Instead, they are seeking opportunities to contribute and to be valued for their contributions.

Elevator, Going Up!

The work on the ground is just as important as the work at the top. Thriving organizations understand this and constantly look for ways to create opportunities for every individual to do what they do best every single day. Empowerment is not just a buzz word for them. Instead, they delegate both responsibility and power, which encourages and fosters independence of thought and action. They create cultures of accountability by constantly raising the bar on the way they value each individual. They encourage maximum communication.

Consider your organization:

What are you doing to help things get better?

Do you see and value the contributions from every level?

Are you modeling the way?

It all starts with you. No one else can do it for you. The choices you make will determine the direction of your organization. You may feel alone at times, but it only really takes one serious voice to create the conditions we need to thrive. Step into your potential.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

We always begin with confidence. When we leave the car, we know we are going to make it to the top. The first few miles fly by and the excitement of being on the trail keeps us going. Progress always means that the trail becomes more difficult. Soon we are either lost in endless switchbacks or steep ascents. Either way, our bodies and minds begin to feel the significance of the challenge ahead.

Reaching For The Top

No matter how prepared we are, the final trail to the peak is always a shock to our system. It is usually less traveled and more difficult to discern than the lower level trails. Its steepness reeks of danger and we always move a little more cautiously. The visual stimulus conjures uncertain thoughts, and there is always a point where the trail ahead looks too difficult and we wonder if we can make it, or if it is worth the risk to continue.

It is interesting to note that this point of uncertainty is usually just a few hundred yards from the top. The goal is in site, yet we still feel like turning back. 

The Summits of Life

I find myself in similar place on several projects right now. The finish lines are in sight, but I am tired. There are even moments when I find myself wondering if I have what it takes to go the distance. I am thankful for my experiences of climbing mountain peaks because I am using them to help me stay on target.

My successes on the mountain trails help me to believe that I will be equally successful on the trails of life. I have a plan and I can see where I am going. This keeps fear and doubt from discouraging me. I have been to the top of other summits and I will make it to the top of these ones.  

Only The Beginning

Rarely do we ever summit the highest peak. From the top we can always see another distant mountain worth climbing. Our summits become the base camps of our future climbs. It is there that we can see our next pursuit. It is there that a new vision is born.

The moments at the top are generally very brief. We capture it with a picture, enjoy the view, and then head out in search of the next adventure. We know that our time on the trail, and the lessons we learn are much more valuable than the moments we spend at the top, but standing on the top helps us to appreciate the trail and make meaning out of it.

What truths have you discovered at the top of the peaks you have climbed?

Where do you stand today? Can you see your peak of choice?

Are you reaching for the next level?

Reach for it. Don't stop until you get there. It is closer than you think and you can be whoever you want to be. The view at the top will help you see more clearly the successes of the previous and future you. My promise is always the same – "You ain't seen nothin yet!"

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Most people I know are very good at keeping the promises they make to others. It would be an abnormal occurrence for them to fail on these promises, but for some reason, many struggle in keeping the promises they make to themselves. They either run out of time or out of energy and they compromise their own agenda.

Say What You Mean

I suppose I am especially thinking about this today, because it is now late in the afternoon and I am just getting ready to publish my thoughts for the day.

If you are a regular reader, then you know that I made a commitment to post a daily article to this space. If you have checked to see if the post of the day is up, then you received that commitment as a promise between you and me. I value that promise and I have thought about you many times during the day, but that is not what is motivating me to collect my thoughts.

My commitment is as much to myself as it is to you. I write, so that I will develop my skills as an author. I write, so that I will stay focused on creating new content. I write, so that I will remain open enough to share with you what is going on inside of me.

I verbalized this promise to myself, so that I would have additional leverage, (you), to hold myself accountable. I want to be known as one who does what he says he is going to do, so I am willing to push aside the business of today and add to the record of the The Authentic Me.

Living Up To The Promise

Involving others in the promises we make to ourselves is one of the surest ways of keeping those promises. It helps us stay aware and on target.

What do you do to ensure that you keep the promises that you make to yourself?

Do you tell people that are willing to follow up with you?

What promises are you keeping?

Think about the people in your circle of influence who keep the promises they make to themselves. How do you view those individuals? Now think about the people who don't keep the promises they make to themselves. How do you view them? 

Now, consider your ability to keep the promises you make to yourself? Which side do you fall on? Are you willing grow?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

In almost every organization, I find myself discussing whether or not the vision should be held back at different levels. I am amazed at this thought and regularly argue for full disclosure. For some reason, there is a fear, that if everybody knows everything they will not want to do what the organization wants them to do. 

This fear is born out of the confusion that strategic details are the same at every level. They are not. But the vision is, and it is the leader's job to make sure that everybody fully and completely understands it. The debate should not be about how much of the vision should be disclosed, it should be about how to establish it in relative terms at every level.

Tuning The Message

Some believe that a well crafted, one sentence vision statement, pasted to the walls should be enough to motivate everyone in the organization. They post it, and then wonder why it is not embraced. 

A vision statement is essential, but we must never believe that a simple phrase can lead by itself. It can only become the beacon of light that we want it to be, when we open and expand it to every level of the organization. Each individual must see how it can be applied in their sphere of influence.

The whole vision must be communicated in relevant and individual terms. That is why we work so hard to frame the thought of the vision in one simple sentence. Our clarity in expression creates a guide to the activities we are called upon to do.

Near the top, it is applied broadly. At the front lines, it is applied specifically. The true test of the vision statement is whether or not it is powerful enough to keep all levels of the organization aligned with its priorities. 

The Leader's Role

The true test of the leader, is bringing the vision to life. This is where most leaders struggle. They want to express the vision, but instead find themselves getting involved with the details. The best leaders learn how to leave the details to others. They focus on connecting the vision to everything they do.

The vision answers the question why. When people understand why, they become free to support or reject the vision. It now becomes a matter of choice, and when they choose they are empowered. That empowerment comes because they are able to see the big picture and how they are connected to it. This it what distinguishes the engaged employee from the employee who is just working to get a paycheck. 

The "Leader" who expresses the vision in applicable terms is always leading a successful organization. The one that doesn't is always struggling.

How well do you understand the vision of your organization?

Can you apply it at every level?

What are some things you can do to gain a better understanding of how your vision statement guides your organization?

In reality, only a few people really want to be the "Leader". Most are happy to follow somebody who knows where they are going. A "Leader's" ability to express the vision is the difference maker. When the vision is clearly expressed, those following become free to contribute what they do best to the company. They become the "leaders" of their own processes. What more could a "Leader" want?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

When the couple broke up, the young man was angry and he decided to post the photos to some internet site. Naturally, the young lady was upset and so were her parents. Charges were filed and the young man was convicted of a sexual crime and he now will have on his record a sexual offense.

Guarding The Home

My friend was unaware that his son was in this kind of trouble. Because he is involved with his children, he really did not think something like this could happen. Of course he is devastated and is worried about his son's future. He never thought this could happen to him.

I know my friend well enough to know that he would never intentionally allow anything to happen to his family. He was concerned enough about the safety of his family to install a state of the art security system to protect them against the potential intrusion of thieves and robbers, but unfortunately, he failed to protect them against the current threats of  our society.

The world we live in today, is much more dangerous than the world we grew up in. You and I are most likely only minutely aware of the negative influences that threaten our youth. The world is continuously holding up immoral heroes and heroines as role models. Our youth are faced with dangerous invitations and enticing descriptions of evil in nearly every technological forum they enter. The reach of pornography is now felt in some subtle way in nearly every channel our children find. We cannot afford to be complacent.

Tiger Woods Is Not The Problem

I am watching the Tiger Woods story with a bit of amusement. He is being condemned by many who are guilty of some of the same offenses. He is taking responsibility for his actions, but he is refusing to discuss the details with the press or the public. I applaud him for taking this stance. It really is none of our business and like I said, many of his accusers are equally guilty. We do not need to know the details. 

Tiger has work to do with his family and I am hoping for the best. I am happy to see that he understands that his "real apology" to his wife, "will not come in the form of words." Instead, it will come as he modifies his behavior over time. 

This is a message that we all must endorse and take to heart. We must begin to modify our own behaviors. There is so much in the world today that is purposefully designed to take our money and lead us into experiences that will utterly destroy everything that is good in our lives. These industries will not be satisfied until they have expanded their control into every segment of our society. We must not let them catch us unaware. Guard your homes from these influences and protect your family.

This Critical Message

I know that some will consider this message, out dated and old fashioned. They will argue that there is no real danger. Near our home there is a sign that asks, "Do you have defensible space around your home?" The message is there to remind us to clear away the tumbleweeds and brush from our homes so that in the event of a fire we can defend our homes. It is in the spirit of that reminder that I am putting forth this message. Our families need us to create a safe zone so that they can be protected from the filth of the world.

Do you know what is being allowed in your home via cell phones and internet connections?

What are you doing to open the lines of communication with your family and establish safe guidelines?

Does every member of your family understand what to do when they are invited and enticed to participate in these harmful activities?

We must show them the way out. We must help them know what to do when they are approached with addictive substances, illegal drugs, pornography and other evils. If we do nothing, they see it as sign of permission to misbehave. Don't make that mistake.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

The Champion

This week, we witnessed a remarkable story in the world of Snow Boarding. America's Shaun White successfully defended his crown as the reigning Gold Medalist. The fact that he is a double Gold Medal winner, in and of itself, is a significant accomplishment, but Shaun showed us the difference between a winner and a champion.

Snow boarders are allowed two attempts on the course. The competition allows them to throw out the lower of the two scores. At the end of the first round, Shaun was comfortably leading the pack. He was the last to compete at the end of the second round. When his turn came around, he was still in first place. This meant, that he could literally forfeit his final turn and be the winner of the Gold Medal. 

But that is not how Champions do it. Not only did Shaun take his turn, but he chose to board even more aggressively than he did in his first round and introduced us to the future of his sport. He made massive meaning out of a meaningless second round. He chose to stretch himself to a new level, when all he had to do was slowly slide down the hill. For him, it was not enough to win, he wanted to show the world why he is a champion.

The Champion In Me

I must admit that I felt a lot of emotion as I watched this reach for greatness. I would have understood if he chose to avoid the risk of injuring himself. As he soared high above the half-pipe I look inside myself and saw myself soaring in my own pursuits. 

I knew as I watched, that if I want to be a champion, I must be willing to raise it up a notch, even after I have realized the victory. Winning, is simply a mark of previous accomplishments. The challenge to become demands that we set new marks every single day.

Are you a winner or a champion?

Are you resting on a success plateau or climbing a new peak?

Do your efforts inspire those around you to raise their own bar?

It is easy to be satisfied with the victories we achieve. Successful people understand that the successes of today are merely the benchmarks for the successes of tomorrow. They are willing to reach for more, even when the rest of the world is so far behind. Shaun White actually won the Gold and the Silver medal. Thank you Shaun for showing us what a champion snow boarder looks like.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I completely understand that I am aging and that 64 is not really that far away. I even have moments of concern when my own mortality stares me in the face, but for the most part, I fool myself into believing that I am going to be forever young and that death is something that happens to other people.

Today!

I actually believe that this self-deceptive thinking is both natural and healthy. The only real danger that I can see is that it causes us to forget to do the work of today. This happens, when we falsely believe that there will always be another tomorrow.

Our tomorrows will eventually run out. Some discover this in the Dr's office. I believe it is best, when we realize it on our own. Doing so, empowers us to make the most out of today. It shifts us from a short term thinking approach to a long term thinking approach.

I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but when we realize that today is the only day we have, we live much differently. We don't waste our time doing the things we normally do. Instead, we are extraordinarily focused on the things that matter most. We don't want to miss a single meaningful opportunity so we let go of any and all meaningless activities.

Being In The Moment

Some erroneously believe that living in the moment means that we take no thought for the future. They couldn't be further from the truth. Living in the moment, actually means that the "present me" is constantly creating the "future me". The process of becoming takes time. It doesn't magically happen over night for anyone.

Living on purpose only happens when we realize that our time on the planet is temporary. When I am awake, I cannot be lulled into monotony. Instead I live with passion. Every day becomes an opportunity to grow. Every day, a "new me" is born.

Today Is Your First and Last

Life, is amazing! I am constantly astonished by how much control we have in inventing our own reality. I am even more astounded by those who let things happen to them, instead of creating their own story. 

I invite you to live and love today with one thought in mind. Today will be your first and your last. It will be the first day you look more deeply into the mirror of life and see and reach for the real you. It will be the last day you spend the majority of your time on the things that matter least. Wake up!

What is important to you?

How are you spending your time?

Is the way you are spending your time aligned with what is important to you?

Don't be fooled. LIfe is an illusion and you can be whoever you want to be. The only rule is that your choices are followed by consequences. Think about it for a minute. You actually choose the consequences when you make your choices. Have fun!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Earlier in the day I had washed my car and it was pretty clean, so I politely told him "no thank you" and went about the business of filling up my car. I turned my back on him and I did not plan on giving him a second thought.

He did not go away. My answer only dissuaded him for a moment and his next statement was even more direct. He simply said, "I am out of work and I need gas in my car to get home to my family. I don't have any money. What can I do for you?"

Abundance

At that moment, I realized just how good life really is for me and my family. Things are tough for us too. We are constantly engaged in the struggle to make ends meet. It is a continual battle, but we are blessed with the opportunities we need to make it all happen.

Abundance, is a state of mind. None of us every really have enough, until we think we do. The resources that accumulate over a lifetime are wasted, if we do not learn to give them away. As we prosper, there will be many opportunities to help others. I truly believe that when we help those in need, we are really serving God. When we do that, the heavens open upon us and we receive even greater blessings from above.

Our Test

The test I faced last night was not that of figuring out how I was going to get gas in my car. My test, was figuring out if I would be willing to put gas in someone else's car. Those types of decisions are the ones the produce the most growth in our lives.

What would you have done?

Who do you know that needs your help today?

How can you meet their need?

It is my hallucination that most of the trials you and I face are mere inconveniences. If you are reading this, then you probably don't know what it is like to really suffer. You most likely don't know what it is like to beg for your existence, and if you do, you somehow found a way out of that significant challenge.

Because you and I have been given much, we must give to others. It is our opportunity to be the "way out". Sometimes, it will be a tank of gas. Other times it will be a listening heart. You will know what it is, in the moment it is requested of you. Please listen to your heart and give, even if it hurts a little. I promise you that if you give someone a piece of bread, you will get it back with peanut butter and jelly on it.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Since that time, I have been working on a couple of significant projects for my business. I am not interested in moving forward simply for the sake of moving forward. Especially if my movement creates hardships for my family. Still, I understand that only the venturous are able to gain during this economy, so I am willing to take some well thought out risks to increase my ability to deliver a quality experience for my current and future clients.

A Market Of Choice

About three years ago, I entered into a lease agreement in a beautiful new building very near our home. I was excited to create a new office space. It was our opportunity to build it to our liking and we did our best to take advantage of the mountain views. Rental rates were much higher than they are today, which translates now into a rental agreement that is about three times above market value. Fortunately, we only entered into a three year agreement.

Our term is nearly up and I recently began new negotiations with our landlord. It was my hope that we could lower the current rate and enter into a new three year lease. There are seven suites inside our building and four of them are empty. This reflects the occupancy rate in our town, and so I believed that this would be an easy project. I was surprised to discover that our landlord was only interested in raising our rent. This idea is simply not supported by what is going on in the commercial market in our town.

We had never entertained the thought of moving, but this position opened the door to our search for new space. There is plenty of inventory available, but we were finding it difficult to find something that fit our needs without investing more tenant improvement dollars. 

One Saturday morning, we were considering a few different opportunities. Along the way, we noticed that a landmark building in our community was for sale.  It is a structure that was built into the local rocks nearly 45 years ago. We were sure that it was out of our reach, but our curiosity got the best of us and we stopped to look around. As soon as we exited our vehicle, we knew that it would be the perfect place to take our business to the next level. It appears to have been specifically built for the Game of Life Table, which plays such a central role in the services we offer.

Dreaming Big

We decided to pursue this opportunity, and everything we needed to make it a reality began to fall in line. It was on the market for a price much higher than we could afford, we successfully negotiated a new price that is within our budget, and opened escrow last week. Our monthly payment will now be reduced to nearly half of what we are spending in our current rental agreement. We recognize that there are risks associated with this acquisition, but that is what makes it fun. We are excited to move forward. 

This historic building is the perfect retreat location. The views are stunning, the setup is perfect, and the fact that it is an old home, gives us the potential of renting it out for weekends to our clients who are looking to get away for some quality and solitary thinking time. 

Don't Just Sit There

There is a level of fear that I feel in moving forward, but I am not going to let that stop me. I know our economy could get even worse than it is right now, which would significantly effect my ability to find people who can afford my services. I willing to move forward, because now is a time of opportunity. I am certain that things will eventually turn around, but if I wait for that moment, it will be too late. In effect, waiting for the turn around would price us out of the market.

There are many similar opportunities before you right now. You must decide which ones you will seize. Your tolerance for risk must be evaluated, but you must not allow fear to prevent you from moving forward. Things will only get better if we make them better.

What great opportunities do you see before you?

How will going for them impact your professional and personal experiences?

What beliefs are preventing you from realizing the potential of this favorable economy?

Very soon, the market is going to turn. Those who are willing to take steps now, will be in position to reap the benefits of the future growth. Are you one of them?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

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Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our first Valentine's day together came nearly six months after we were married. I didn't create anything to celebrate the experience. No flowers, no dinner, not even a card. In my mind, I had already won the love of my beautiful wife, so I didn't think I needed any help from Cupid. 

Two Dozen Roses

I will never forget the sick feeling I had in my stomach when I realized how badly I had hurt my wife. I was innocently ignorant, but I had significantly neglected the woman I love and adore. She never said a thing about it. She didn't have to. I picked up on the cues. She was not angry, she was disappointed. Oh, how that stung to have been the cause of her sorrow.

Now, in addition to whatever else I might do for her on that magical day, I have been sure to bring home two dozen roses. One dozen is for the current year, and one for the year I forgot. I want her to know that I always remember her and that I always want her to be my Valentine.

Love Fulfills and Completes

Since that time, I have begun to understand that love, true love, the kind of love that never tires, is not sustained by the things we buy for the love of our life. We just can't go around buying anything and everything the heart and mind of the one we love desires. Even if we had enough money to do so, it would never truly be possible to completely satisfy our love in that way, because there would always be another need. Fulfillment would be impossible.

The intimate relationships that are formed by true love are meant to be completing relationships. They become full when we learn how to lift, inspire and support each other. The material gifts we give remind us of our love, but they can never be enough. The real gift, is the act of becoming one. In order to do so, we must be tuned in enough to know what the love our life needs. We must always be listening for the cues, both verbalized and unverbalized, that require our action.

I Treasure You!

If you truly want to treasure your love, then you must be willing to make loving the most important aspect of your life. You can only take love to the next level by putting it first every single day. Stacy and I will soon celebrate 22 years of marriage. I can honestly say that I love her now more than ever, that she is more beautiful right now than she has ever been, and that I respect her now more than ever before.

The amazing thing to me, is that I realize that tomorrow I will feel for her even more strongly and I will look back and consider my love of today immature. My love is going to keep on growing, because I am going to continue to treasure her and see her for all of her potential. I am aware that doing so takes work, but it is worth it.

Here are some questions that I use to help me stay on track:

Am I stopping to look at the one I love in the eyes when we are speaking to each other?

Do I hear and respond to the simple requests that are not necessarily directed at me? 

Do the words I use denote appreciation, adoration and admiration?

Let me assure you, there are many days when doing the dishes or taking out the trash is more meaningful than having a dozen roses delivered. A kind word,a smile, a tender embrace, a small act of service, a compliment, or grateful recognition of the many things done on my behalf, are gifts that I can give every day. They are the signs of my love. They give the words meaning and power. Happy Valentine's day Stacy – You Complete Me!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

There is another question that inspires me even more, because it allows me to look at the systems I work with, in a way that allows me to discover my own individual impact. This question allows me to generate solutions instead of assigning blame to others. This favorite question is one I have written about in this space before. It is – "what is my contribution to the problem?"

Seeing My Impact 

Knowing the impact of my own actions allows me to discover how I can make a difference. It immediately focuses my attention on what I can do to grow the behaviors I need to breathe life into what is going on around me. This question opens me up for growth, because it gets me out of problem solving and into the exploration and discovery of new possibilities, new directions and new understandings. 

When I look inward, I very rarely enjoy focusing on the negative. Naturally, I want to see the positive. When I see my contribution to the problem, I don't ask "how am I going to stop doing that?" Instead, I ask "what can I do to grow?" I realize that both of these questions may lead to the same outcome, but there is power in a positive tone. It helps me feel good about myself so that I can move forward and be productive.

Powerful Questions

The power of my favorite question really isn't in the question itself, it is in the questions the question generates. Any question that leads us toward truth will always generate additional questions. Those questions are the ones that plant the seeds of growth. 

When we are in a self-reflective mode, the answers do not satisfy us. Instead, we continue to look inward until we discover truth, which invariably requires a greater variety of questions. It also forces us to look deeper and deeper into our own behavior and how it is contributing to the outcomes we are experiencing. Self-inquiry never leads to easy answers. If it did, it would lead us to a dead end instead of learning and development. 

Discovering Truth

The real aim of this question is to stimulate your thinking so that you can move into a place of self-discovery. It is the wake-up call we all need to increase our awareness and accelerate our growth.

How are you contributing to the problems around you?

Are you moving forward in a positive light to accelerate your growth?

What truths about yourself do you need to discover?

Look deeply and be ready to act. That is what causes growth. Your desire to be your best must not be limited. Let it run wild.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Let me be clear, my experience as an actor is very limited and I wondered if I could really do this in a credible and authentic manner. But that was not the real issue. What worried me the most was the thought of playing the part of Jesus. For the first time in a long time, I feel like there is no way I can measure up. 

Just Be You

I expressed these thoughts to my director and friend Eddie Peterson. He took the time to understand my concerns and then said, "Andrew, I cast you in this role because I know you can do this. I don't want you to be any different than you are in real life. I just want you to be you." 

I must admit that this was a very reassuring thought. It gave me the confidence to accept the role and to move forward. As we progress through the rehearsal process, Eddie has had to remind me of this conversation more than once, but now I feel like I am becoming more and more comfortable in the role. 

What Was I Afraid Of?

My biggest fear was that somebody would look at me and say, "That is Andrew Thorn up there. Does he really think he is Jesus?" Or, "That is Andrew Thorn up there playing Jesus. I saw him just the other day behaving this way. Why did they cast him?"

I overcame this fear by realizing that all I really need to do is be my best and forget the rest. I can never be perfect in this role, but I can be me. Fortunately, that is something that I am comfortable being. I know that I am capable of putting the real me behind this role and that will lead to a successful run for the show.

The Authentic Me

Sometimes, I run into people who express themselves differently depending on the setting. They believe so much in situational ethics that they really think they can be one person in their business dealings and another in their personal life. I don't believe this is possible and I think behaving this way is the primary cause of feeling burned out and out of balance. 

Happiness comes from learning how to live consistently with our values and principles. Thankfully, we each are responsible for picking our own values. I have known people who live much differently than I do. Their values seem to be polar opposite, but because they are committed to living them, and consistent in doing so, they live a happy life.

Discontent comes from pretending to be something or somebody that we are not. When we have different acts for different situations, we are incapable of feeling aligned. Our inconsistent behavior creates an inner turmoil and eventually an identity crisis. 

There is nothing worse than running into somebody we know from one situation while we are involved in another and having them say, "I can't believe this is you – are you for real?"

Aligning Moments

Aligning with consistent values and principles is really much easier than we allow ourselves to believe. All it really takes is our willingness to define who we are and who we want to be. Ask yourself the following questions:

Who am I?

What values and principles are important to me?

How can I be the real me at all times and in all places?

The answers to these questions may scare you a bit at first. I want you to know that living in a consistent manner creates a harmony and balance that is difficult to describe. There is no pretending required and others recognize the difference and learn to accept us for and in spite of our beliefs and values. They feel fortunate to know someone who is so committed to being authentic and they never have to ask – "are you for real?"

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548