Everyone has different needs, if we all do the same thing, the beneficial level of each individual will vary (and often quite a big varience).

Maybe the above is not so well put, but I hope you get the gist of what I am saying. In the above I am not refering to anything in particular, but talking in very broad terms. Examples of these would be training for a particular sport, or practicing a particular skill/skillset.

Taking sport for example, we often train in groups, as this is a good way to motivate each other and there is a certain level of "competition" when people train together, which can be a big advantage as we push ourselves harder than usual. However I feel that sometimes I don't realize (or forget) that doing some particular exercise in a group does not maximize the use of time and benefit to me, as an individual.

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy helping other people out, and here I am just making my point that in a group situation, regardless of the group size (10 or 1000 people) it is almost impossible to cater for everyone. Sometimes the question is not deciding and agreeing on what everyone wants to do as an entity, but to do these things individually, so that we all get 100% beneficial level out of what we are doing. After all, every individual is unique, we all have our strong and weak points, so we shouldn't forget that sometimes the best solution is to understand that what we need depends on who we are and our individual personalities.

'Sometimes potential tricks you into thinking that you don't have to work hard'.

”for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Perhaps more than any other verse in the Bible are we all confronted with our need for a Savior on Judgment Day. No matter how hard we try, or how many good deeds that we do, we have all sinned in the eyes of God and do not deserve to be admitted into His Kingdom.

Unfortunately many people think that they will be able to successfully rationalize their behavior, or reason with God about why they broke His laws on that fateful day. My heart breaks at the horror, hopelessness and terror of the eternal death sentences that will be given to those souls.

God is Holy and Righteous and Just. A Just God cannot accept the excuses of a guilty sinner at the time of judgment and remain a just and honorable God. To do so would make Him lie and violate His own Word. God cannot lie.

Fortunately Jesus was sent to earth from heaven to fulfill God’s plan. (John 6:38) Every aspect of His life—from His birth as a little baby to His death on the cross—was part of God’s gift and plan for us.

God gave His Son Jesus because we urgently need to be rescued from the penalty of our sin. Without Jesus we face a life of wrath and divine condemnation- (Romans 5:18)

There is nothing that we can do ourselves to pay the penalty that God requires for our sin. We need a Savior; Jesus who has offered to pay our sin-penalty for us if we repent of our sin and make Him our Lord. (Romans 6:23) Jesus lived a sinless life, and only He is qualified and authorized by God to cleanse us and make us children of God. He became our Redeemer, and through Him is the only path to join the family of God. (Romans 5:10)

Jesus offered His own life willingly on the cross as a sacrifice to pay for the sins of those who make Him Lord. God’s fierce wrath, and an eternal death sentence are but a heartbeat away from those who reject this free and amazing gift from Jesus Christ. Do not delay, the price of sin is unimaginable…

Romans 3:23, Painting with Light, VerseVisions, 2008. Digital mixed media on canvas, 60x60 inches. Copyright © 2008 by Mark Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.

Painting With Light
This painting has been rendered with a unique new Painting with Light art technique that “paints” the picture using the selected Bible verse text as the paintbrush. You are seeing the verse above painted imperceptibly millions of times repeatedly across the canvas! God's inspiring Word is literally woven within the colors and composition of this one of a kind painting.

VerseVisions® Inspirational Art with a Promise from God!

”It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”; Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Perhaps God sent this art to you today so He could touch and encourage your heart with His very special word for you.  Large format Giclee reproductions and fine art prints of this modern Christian abstract art are available at VerseVisions.com

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."   Genesis 1:1

Genesis 1:1, Painting with Light, VerseVisions, 2008. Digital mixed media on canvas, 60x60 inches. Copyright © 2008 by Mark Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.

* Painting With Light
This painting has been rendered with a unique new Painting with Light art technique that “paints” the picture using the selected Bible verse text as the paintbrush. You are seeing the verse above painted imperceptibly millions of times repeatedly across the canvas! God's inspiring Word is literally woven within the colors and composition of this one of a kind painting.

VerseVisions® Inspirational Art with a Promise from God!

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Perhaps God sent this art to you today so He could touch and encourage your heart with His very special word for you.

Visit VerseVisions.com for more large format modern abstract paintings and fine art prints by Christian artist Mark Lawrence.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."   Genesis 1:1

Genesis 1:1, Painting with Light, VerseVisions, 2008. Digital mixed media on canvas, 60x60 inches. Copyright © 2008 by Mark Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.

* Painting With Light
This painting has been rendered with a unique new Painting with Light art technique that “paints” the picture using the selected Bible verse text as the paintbrush. You are seeing the verse above painted imperceptibly millions of times repeatedly across the canvas! God's inspiring Word is literally woven within the colors and composition of this one of a kind painting.

VerseVisions® Inspirational Art with a Promise from God!

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Perhaps God sent this art to you today so He could touch and encourage your heart with His very special word for you.

Visit VerseVisions.com for more large format modern abstract paintings and fine art prints by Christian artist Mark Lawrence.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"  Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)

Matthew 28:19, Painting with Light, VerseVisions, 2008. Digital mixed media on canvas, 60x60 inches. Copyright © 2008 by Mark Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.

* Painting With Light
This painting has been rendered with a unique new Painting with Light art technique that “paints” the picture using the selected Bible verse text as the paintbrush. You are seeing the verse above painted imperceptibly millions of times repeatedly across the canvas!  God's inspiring Word is literally woven within the colors and composition of this one of a kind painting.

VerseVisions® Inspirational Art with a Promise from God!
"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Perhaps God sent this art to you today so He could touch and encourage your heart with His very special word for you.

Visit VerseVisions.com for large contemporary paintings and fine art prints by modern Christian artist Mark Lawrence.

So, how can we create a bridge between the land of certainty and the land of uncertainty? On one side is the abysmal, goblin-lined drop of doubt, fear and anxiety and on the other the soft green fields of possibility and faith, love and hope. Which would you choose and do we have a choice? I think we do, and it takes a great deal of self-encouragement to understand that the forces of opposition we are up against when any change comes into our lives, are the universal forces for growth and birth as we evolve into who we are meant to be and come closer to our essential selves. At such times it feels as if the cosmos is in labor and we are being squeezed through the birth canal and it can be mighty scary and painful. What to do?

In my experience, the best thing is to stop whatever it is I am doing and take some slow, deep breaths to ease the stress of my mind and body, and to talk kindly to myself, like a benevolent parent or (birth/life) coach, and take in to my inner world the gentle vista of the positive and spacious side of the bridge, allowing it to unfold the unknown with images of beauty. I also recommend energy balancing techniques like EFT because it can be self-administered, or gentle exercise with conscious breathing.

This is the great school of life and some of the tests and challenges can be very difficult. We need good friends and teachers who not only understand the curriculum but have certainty about our potential, and compassion for the crossing of the bridge - the flickering dance as we balance between the poles of certainty and uncertainty, between faith and despair, between light and darkness. For in this discomfort zone, vitality is released, compelling us to move forward, to give of ourselves and reckon with our reason to be.

Someone that is consummate professional in their career and in their life is essentially a strong leader.  Years ago I was the drum major for my high school band (Yes, I know my geek quotient just went up but I wear it proudly).  In preparation for that role I was sent to a week-long camp to essentially learn how to be a drum major.  While there, I learned many valuable lessons during leadership training.  In fact, I kept the Leadership Seminar packet and will now offer its list of Quality Leadership Traits:

• A sense of humor
• A passionate interest in more than one thing
• High energy levels
• Tolerance of changing moods
• Knows how to listen
• Creative
• Realizes that touch is important in communication
• Enthusiastic
• Exudes self-confidence
• Appreciates successes and sympathetic to failures
• A keen sense of justice and injustice
• Sensitive to the needs of others
• Takes risks
• An air of mystery
• Optimistic
• Does not belittle or make fun of others
• Offers love and gives of themselves unselfishly
• Has a presence around which others find they like themselves more

The list may not be totally complete, but I think it offers some interesting tidbits.  There are a few things that I would like to add.  Some are directly related to the above and others are not, but they are all essential to succeeding in dance.

Positive Attitude

Someone that has a positive attitude does not complain (click the link for one instance of how complaining can affect others).  To complain, by definition, is to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief, both informally and formally.  When I say that someone who is a professional does not complain, I mean in the informal sense.  Professionals seek to be constructive not destructive and complaining (or whining, whinging, grumbling, if you will) is not constructive, particularly if it is out loud to anyone that has ears.

Everyone has moments when they complain.  It is human nature to want to get things off one's chest in that way.  "One time at band camp..."  Yes, another band geek story.  Band camp was always in early August which, even in Pennsylvania where I grew up, is HOT.  We were never allowed to utter the words "It's hot" (or any variation of this) without consequences.  Sounds like a stupid rule, so why?  Because everyone already knew it was hot!  Voicing it only reminded everyone in earshot how miserable they were feeling, too. Don't think so?  When your dance teacher says something like "Feet!" what happens?  Everyone immediately thinks about what they might be doing wrong with their feet.  In the same way, when it is 90-plus degrees (Fahrenheit) outside, it is almost impossible not to zero-in on how hot you are when someone else says they're hot.  The collective energy spent focusing on the complaint is just better spent on the task(s) at hand.

A positive attitude is also exhibited through optimism, generosity, kindness, enthusiasm, and humor (even in humorless situations).  Someone that is positive does not display negative feelings toward themselves or toward others.  Even when someone is simply not doing his best, and even if it is negatively impacting you or others, it is still not appropriate for a professional to publicly point this out to others.  It's not nice!  No one can truly walk in another person's shoes, therefore it is always best to remember the golden rule.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Suppose you've had a rough day, you are choreographing something that is just not working and you don't know how to fix it.  All of your dancers are standing before you and probably each one of them has their own ideas about what you should do.  You are beginning to feel you are wasting their time.  Then, a frustrated dancer in the back grumbles under her breath.  Soon her dissatisfaction spreads like a virus and you know the rest of the rehearsal will be a waste unless you come up with something quick.  No pressure!  Maybe the dancers in this situation have a right to feel annoyed at their director, but negativity is infectious and rots every situation.  Knowing this, professionals resist the urge to be negative, grumble, and complain.  They don't sweat the small stuff either.  Instead, if a problem has become serious or too often repeated, if someone is being hurt or an injustice is being done, they find an appropriate time to meet with those who have the power to improve the situation.  And true leaders use their energy to solve problems, not just identify them.  Therefore, it is a true leader that will, rather than just offer a formal complaint, approach someone with possible solutions to the issue at hand.

Work Ethic

A professional has a strong work ethic.  They anticipate the needs of others or what needs to be done and they do it.  They do it even before someone asks or they ask permission before going forward.  Anticipating a need sometimes means that you must humble yourself and do what is best for the group or someone else over what is best for you as an individual.  When something is asked of her, a professional does not question out loud.  Again, finding an appropriate time for questions is important.  Unless you truly do not understand the directions given or you are instructed to do something which is against your core beliefs, adhere to the request and later find a private moment to question if necessary.

Professionals are also prompt, or on time.  There is a saying that states, "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late."  In other words, starting "on time" means that you and others are ready to go the very moment the class, rehearsal, or meeting is supposed to start.  Being early ensures this.  Arriving at the start time will put you and everyone else behind because inevitably there is something that needs to be done just before beginning and it is unprofessional to waste another person's time if it can be avoided.  Dancers in particular require a warm-up before moving.  Every body is different and sometimes the warm-up in class does not meet the needs of all.  Professionals get there well ahead of time to do what they know they need to.

Professionals don't make excuses.  If they are offered ways in which they could improve or are reprimanded for inappropriate behavior, a professional accepts the correction (whether they agree or not), tries to apply the suggestion or do better next time, and then moves on.  They do not blame unfortunate circumstances or other people for their mistakes.  I am reminded of a segment I saw in, I believe it was, last season's So You Think You Can Dance during early eliminations.  A dancer, who had appeared before the judges in a prior season, completed her presentation and the judges complimented her improvement.  When they moved on to some areas that could still use work she began making excuses.  In my head I was thinking "Shut up, shut up!" but her mouth continued to get her in trouble as the judges became annoyed and wanted nothing more to do with her after that.  This is probably not someone who could have made it all the way but she may have at least made it another round.  And just think how much more she could accomplish if she could just learn to stop making excuses for herself!

As I write, I find there is more to say on this topic.  Stay tuned for Part II and consider the importance of a generous spirit in professionalism.

No...lately I have been thinking a lot about new beginnings in life and what they mean for us as human beings. 

I have a new laptop, I am moving into a new living space in less than a week, and I am going to be doing something new with my hair pretty soon. I am experiencing new depths in my relationships with my family and my loved ones. I am experiencing new positive changes in the workplace. I am embarking upon a course that just may help me focus on the right track since I have a feeling I may already be on it. All of these changes that are occurring, and these are just confined to my singular life, are amazing to me. It makes me stand back and pause to think about what all of these new beginnings mean.

Is something truly beautiful that I could never imagine about to manifest itself in my life? Are all of these new beginnings mere manifestations of the growth that has been occurring all of this time? Or are all of these new beginnings just coincidences? 

While talking with my Mommy about a week ago, I made a statement that has just now flashed across my mental eye. 

"When there is no struggle, it means you are headed in the right direction."

Looking at that statement, I once again understand its profundity. At the time, I said it because of my reflection upon lessons I have been learning and re-learning over the course of this year. But now looking at it again, I understand another level of it. It is not so much that there is no struggle or rather that there is no hard work involved when you are going in the right direction. In fact, there is a lot of hard work involved. But to not have struggle means to not be at odds with oneself, to feel torn about a decision, about a choice, about a path you are taking. When you feel torn, and not just indecisive, but torn about certain steps you are taking -- that is a sign you are headed in the wrong direction. It is when you continue to step forward in the wrong direction that you begin to experience your inner struggle manifest itself all around you. 

However, when you are heading in the right path and you are taking those steps, although you may be nervous, you do not feel uncertain. Your whole being is involved in the decision, involved in that step you are taking. And if your whole being is involved...how can you possibly feel struggle? No matter how others may feel about your step, it will not matter because you were wholly present for your decision, for your choice, for your step. 

All of this is crossing my mind because I see all of these things falling into place in my life in a manner that I have never really fully seen before...or never fully appreciated before. To see paths being cleared right before my very eyes is an amazing feeling...but moreso, it makes me wonder if maybe, just maybe, I might just be heading in the right direction.

But now I wonder...what about so many other people who are at odds within themselves? So many other people who do not feel as if they are heading in the right direction at all and instead feel immense struggle throughout life? In re-reading my own post, I realize that it is all good and well to write about my own reflections, lessons, and understandings (at least at this point in my life) -- but what about so many people who are still trying to figure out the seemingly ever elusive how????

HOW do people get themselves moving in the right direction? Hell, how do people even realize that they are in fact moving in the wrong direction? And once they figure it out, how do people get motivated enough to counteract the inertia they are feeling to continue moving in the wrong direction? HOW??

Amazing how three letters change the whole focus, huh?

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

Are you close to giving up because you feel like you’ve failed so many times? Does it seem like God has left you alone in this world? Do the promises in the Bible seem empty and broken to you?

These are the types of feelings, doubt and discouragement that Satan our enemy uses to defeat us from really exhibiting the life of Jesus in our mortal flesh. Ironically, it is in these times of adversity that we are able to shine the brightest for our Lord. Anybody can smile and be happy when things are going well!

The faith of the true Believer grows with every season of adversity encountered. As we mature and learn more about Jesus and His love through the trials of adversity, we can joyfully profess to others- “… my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”.

Philippians 4:19, Painting with Light, VerseVisions, 2008. Digital mixed media on canvas, 60x60 inches. Copyright © 2008 by Mark Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.

* Painting With Light
This painting has been rendered with an amazing new Painting with Light technique that “paints” the picture using the selected Bible verse text as the paintbrush. You are seeing the verse above painted imperceptibly millions of times repeatedly across the canvas!

VerseVisions® Inspirational Art with a Promise from God!

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Perhaps God sent this art to you today so He could touch and encourage your heart with His very special word for you.

Large contemporary giclee reproductions and framed prints are available at Versevisions.com

Are you a good enough to go to Heaven? Take a quick quiz and find out...

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus"   Philippians 4:19  (NKJV)

Are you close to giving up because you feel like you’ve failed so many times? Does it seem like God has left you alone in this world? Do the promises in the Bible seem empty and broken to you?

These are the types of feelings, doubt and discouragement that Satan our enemy uses to defeat us from really exhibiting the life of Jesus in our mortal flesh. Ironically, it is in these times of adversity that we are able to shine the brightest for our Lord. Anybody can smile and be happy when things are going well!

The faith of the true Believer grows with every season of adversity encountered. As we mature and learn more about Jesus and His love through the trials of adversity, we can joyfully profess to others- “… my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”.

Philippians 4:19, Painting with Light, VerseVisions, 2008. Digital mixed media on canvas, 60x60 inches. Copyright © 2008 by Mark Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.

* Painting With Light
This painting has been rendered with an amazing new Painting with Light technique that “paints” the picture using the selected Bible verse text as the paintbrush. You are seeing the verse above painted imperceptibly millions of times repeatedly across the canvas!

VerseVisions® Inspirational Art with a Promise from God!

"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."   Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Perhaps God sent this art to you today so He could touch and encourage your heart with His very special word for you.

Fine art giclee reproductions and large framed prints are available at Versevisions.com

Are you a good enough to go to Heaven? Take a quick quiz and find out...

ตอนแรกแฟนชวนตั้งหลายครั้ง  ผมก็ถามว่า "มันคืออะไร" แฟนก็ตอบว่า "มันเป็นการอบรมที่ Motivate ตัวเอง" ผู้ที่อบรมเป็นนักบัญชี ใส่แว่นอ้วน ๆ พอผมฟังแฟนพูดก็เฉย ๆ (ไม่อยากไป) แฟนก็ชวนอยู่หลายวัน แต่ก็ไม่ได้ตอบตกลงว่าจะไป...

วันศุกร์ที่ 19 ก.ย. 2551 พอดีน้องที่ทำงานเก่าแต่งงาน  ผมก็ไปงานวันนั้นก็ดื่มไปเยอะมาก ๆ จนทำให้ขาดสติสตัง (ว้า! แย่จัง) วันเสาร์ก็ แฮงค์ทั้งวัน นอนทั้งวันเลย...

พอถึงวันอาทิตย์ที่ 21 ก.ย. ก็ไม่ได้กะว่าจะไปเลยนะ กะว่าจะไปหาแม่ที่กิ่งเพชรสะหน่อย  แฟนชวนอีกแล้ว  บอกว่า ดี นัก ดีหนา อยากให้ไปเป็นเพื่อน ก็เลยนั่งคิดอยู่หลายตลบ ก็เลยตกลงว่า "เอาวะ ไป ก็ไป"

ก่อนถึงเวลาอบรมแฟนก็ต้องไปหาบัตรอีกใบให้ผม  ผมรู้สึกแปลกใจมา คิดอยู่ในใจว่า "โอ้โฮแฮะ ทำไม! คนถึงได้มากมายอะไรเช่นนี้" เมื่อได้ดูประวัติช่วงต้นก็รู้สึกแปลกใจเหมือนกัน เพราะจะมีการให้สัมภาษณ์ของผู้คนหลายคนพูดแบบตื่นเต้นมาก และใน Presentation ก็จะเห็น ผุ้ฟังยกไม้ยกมือ ร่วมกันทั้งห้อง และพร้อมเพรียง ทำให้ผมรู้สึกว่า...

พอโค้ช สิริลักษณ์ ตันศิริ เริ่มพูด ก็จะเห็นความสนุกสนานในตัวโค้ชผู้นี้ (ขอบอกก่อนนะครับว่า  ผมเองเคยอบรมหลักสูตร ที่คล้ายกันแบบนี้มาก่อน ก็หลายอยู่ ผมรู้สึกว่างั้น ๆ เพราะรูแต่ทฤษฎี) ความจริงผมคิดก่อนที่จะอบรมว่า  ผมคงจะหลับแหง๋ ๆ  แต่พอเอาเข้าจริง ๆ กลับไม่ง่วงแฮะ  เพราะโค้ชจะให้จับคู่กันเพื่อให้มีการปฏิสัมพันธ์กันในหมู่ผู้ฟัง มีการลุกขึ้นยืนบ้าง  มีการพูดให้กับบัดดี้บ้าง...

ช่วงบ่ายก็ดำเนินไปเหมือนช่วงเช้าคือ โค้ชก็จะอธิบาย พร้อมกับมีกิจกรรม  แต่สักพักนึง ก็มีเรื่องน่าประทับใจอยู่ 2 เรื่องด้วยกัน 

เรื่องแรก : โค้ชประกาศว่ามีกระเป๋าสตางค์ของผู้ใดลืมไว้ให้มารับกลับไปด้วย ก็ปรากฏว่า กระเป๋าใบแรกเป็นของผู้หญิงข้าราชการที่มาจากเชียงราย พอท่านนั้นเดินมารับกลับไป ปรากฏว่าสักพักเดินกลับมาหาโค้ชและบอกว่าเงินหายไป 8,000 บาท  ทำให้โค้ชเองและผู้ฟังต่างก็รู้สึกว่ามันไม่น่าเกิดเหตุการณ์แบบนี้เลย  คือหญิงท่านนี้ลืมไว้ในห้องน้ำ แล้วมีคนเก็บเอาตังไป แต่คืนกระเป๋า ทำให้งานเริ่มกร่อย เพราะว่าโค้ชก็ได้พูดตำหนิถึงเรื่องที่เกิดขึ้นว่า การหยิบของคนอื่นไปก็เป็นการขโมย ถึงแม้ไม่มีคนรู้ แต่ตัวเองย่อมรู้ดีที่สุด  หลังจากนั้นโค้ชก็อธิบายต่อ  สักพักก็จะมีผู้ฟังเขียนจดหมายถึงโค้ชและเสนอให้ทุกคนบริจาคเงินคนละ 10 บาท เพื่อให้กับผู้หญิงท่านนั้น ซึ่งผู้ที่มาฟังวันนั้นมีทั้งหมด 800 คน ถ้าบริจาคคนละ 10 บาท ก็จะได้พอดีกับเงินที่หายไป เท่านั้นเองทุกคนต่างก็บริจาคเงินใส่ถุงไว้ก็หลายอยู่ น่าจะเกินสะด้วยซ้ำไป  ผมก็คุยกับแฟนว่า "เหมือนกับเปลี่ยนวิกฤติเป็นโอกาสเลย"  แต่ผลสุดท้ายผู้หญิงท่านนั้นก็ให้เพื่อนออกมาประกาศว่า "ขอให้โค้ช นำเงินที่ได้จากการบริจาคนั้นไปทำบุญ หรือตั้งเป็นกองทุนก็ได้" ซึ่งผมก็รู้สึกซึ้งใจมากก็มีน้ำตาซึมนิดหน่อยกับน้ำใจที่มี  ส่วนแฟนผมก็ใช้กระดาษทิชชูเช็ดน้ำตาเลยนะ...

เรื่องที่สอง : โค้ชจะเล่าถึงประวัติส่วนตัวว่าจบบัญชี จุฬา ฯ และมีตำแหน่งทางการงานที่ดีเป็นถึงผู้จัดการ พร้อมกันนี้ได้นำรูปตอนสมัยสาว ๆ มาโชว์ด้วย ซึ่งโค้ชเรียกตัวเองว่า Super ซิ้ม และรูปนี้ครับ 

โค้ชได้เล่าถึงชีวิตของตัวเองว่า

"ทำไม เงินถึงไม่ได้มากเหมือนคนอื่น"

"ทำไมการงานถึงไม่ก้าวหน้า"

"ทำไมเป็นคนจับจด"

"ทำไมถึงเป็นคนเห็นแก่ตัว"

"ทำไม..." อีกมากมาย

แล้วโค้ชก็ร้องไห้  เสียงสะอื้น ผมก็ยังคิดว่า "โอ้โฮแฮะ โค้ชนี้แกล้งบีบน้ำตาเก่งจังแฮะ" แต่สักพักโค้ชก็หยุดพูด และหันหลังกลับเพื่อเช็ดน้ำตาก็หลายนาทีอยู่ ผมเลยรู้ว่า เอ! โค้ชไม่ได้เล่นละครนี่นา  แต่ทุกครั้งที่โค้ชพูดถึงสิ่งที่ไม่ดีที่ตัวเองเป็นก่อนหน้านั้น  ผมเองก็ย้อนดูที่ตัวเองเหมือนกัน และก็น้ำตาร่วงเลย  และยังนึกอยู่ในใจว่า "กูก็เป็นเหมือนกัน" 

โค้ชก็เล่าต่อว่าหลังจากนั้นที่โค้ชเริ่มค้นหาตัวเอง และต้องการจะเปลี่ยนตัวเองโดยการไปอบรมที่ต่างประเทศ และหลาย Course มากของ Antony Robbins ซึ่งแต่ละหลักสูตรก็เป็นแสนทั้งนั้น  แล้วโค้ชก็เริ่มเปลี่ยนตัวเองนับตั้งแต่นั้นเป็นต้นมา  และเริ่มฝึกทุกวัน  จนในที่สุดก็ประสบความสำเร็จอย่างมากครับ ได้ออกรายการ "ผู้หญิงถึงผู้หญิง" "รายการสดทาง Nation" และยังมีบทสัมภาษณ์ในวารสาร "GM" หนังสือพิมพ์ "e Market" และอีกหลายเล่ม  ทำให้ผมทึ่งกับโค้ชมาก ๆ เลย

บทสรุป : ปกติผมเคยอบรมในการ Motivate มาก็หลายครั้ง  เคยไปเป็น Guest ของแฟนที่ Landmark Forum (แต่ผมไม่ได้สมัครนะ เพราะ Course นึงก็หมื่นนึง) และเขาเองตอบคำถามผมไม่ได้ว่าทำไมผมต้องจ่ายเงินตั้งหมื่นเพื่ออบรม แล้วผมจะได้อะไร  (แฟนผมก็คะยั้นคะยอให้ผมเรียน) ดังนั้นก็อยากบอกว่ายังไม่เคยอบรมครั้งไหนที่ประทับใจผมมากเท่ากับการอบรม "ปลุกยักษ์" โค้ชเป็นผู้ที่มีเทคนิคในการถ่ายทอดได้ดีมาก  และมีเทคนิคการพูดที่เยี่ยม  ทำให้ผู้ฟังมีส่วนร่วมตลอดเวลาเลย  ขอบอก  ครั้งนี้ทำให้ผมอยากเปลี่ยนตัวเอง  ซึ่งแต่ก่อนนี้ผมชอบดื่มเหล้า หลังจากอบรมในวันอาทิตย์ที่ 21 แล้วทำให้ผมสัญญากับตัวเองเลยว่า "ต่อไปนี้ กูจะไม่ดื่มเหล้าอีกแล้ว" เพราะนอกจากมันจะทำลายสุขภาพ  ขาดสติแล้ว  ยังทำให้วันรุ่งขึ้นเสียเวลาไปอีกด้วย...

อยากบอกว่า "น้อง ๆ ท่านใด ที่ยังไม่เคยอบรมในลักษณะนี้  อยากให้เข้าอบรมนะครับ  เพราะผมขอยืนยันว่าเป็นหลักสูตรที่ทำให้ผมมีไฟที่จะเปลี่ยนแปลงตัวเอง (ปลุกยักษ์ ในตัวเองให้ตื่น) และอยากที่จะทำอะไรมากขึ้น และทำเพื่อสังคม  และจะไม่ตำหนิคนอื่นอีก เพราะทุกอย่าง ถ้าผิดต้องตำหนิที่ตัวเองเท่านั้น เพราะทุกอย่างตัวเราเองเป็นผู้กำหนด

ขอประชาสัมพันธ์ให้โค้ช สิริลักษณ์นะครับ (ผมจ่ายเงินทั้งสองหลักสูตรเรียบร้อยแล้ว)

1. Communication Mastery จัดในวันที่ 5 ตุลาคม 2551 เวลา 09:00 - 17:00 น. ณ หอประชุมมหิศร อาคารไทยพาณิชย์ปาร์คพลาซ่า  บัตรราคา 1,500 บาท

2. The Secret to Wealth จัดในวันที่ 26 ตุลาคม 2551 เวลา 09:00 - 17:00 น. ณ ห้องแกรนด์บอลรูม  โรงแรมรามาการ์เด้น (วิภาวดี-หลักสี)  บัตรราคา 1,500 บาท 

ติดต่อได้ที่คุณปัทมา : 081-668-1561 

หรือจะแวะไปเยี่ยมชมที่ http://www.coachsiriluck.com ขอยืนยันอีกครั้งนะถ้าน้อง ๆ ไม่ได้อบรมแล้วจะเสียดาย  ในปีหน้าราคาจะแพงกว่านี้  และน่าจะมีคนมากกว่านี้  เพราะคนบอกกันปากต่อปาก...

I recently listened to a couple podcasts about leadership and read a blog post that talked about leadership.  Being behind on my listening and reading, they all 'happened' to come back-to-back-to-back as I was catching up.  I'd like to share.  I do not have any expectations that you will read or listen to all of this.  I just want to "put it out there" and to make it available.

From what I know now and what I have experienced in my life up to this point, I think that great leadership is the most desired quality for any organization.  I think a lot of people can figure things out and a lot of people can learn how to manage and get things done.  Leadership is different than that.  Leadership takes a willingness and desire to inspire, guide, model, listen, challenge, adapt, create, adjust, quit, start, build, reflect, document, and learn.  There are a couple more verbs that I think are critical.  Leadership requires that one must be personally responsible and one must be personally accountable.  I think managers are plug-and-play.  I think leaders are yearn-and-strive.

What are your thoughts about leadership or about this view of leadership?

I'm listening.

In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them All the days of old. Isaiah 63:9

The angel above was the Lord Jesus Christ who delivered the Israelites from Egypt. He is sometimes referred to in the Bible as the Angel of the Lord. How wonderful to have a savior who is so close to us that He feels our afflictions as His own.

God understands our pain and our circumstances. He feels our hurts and promises to carry us if we will love and obey Him all the days of our lives.

Isaiah 63:9, Painting with Light, VerseVisions, 2007. Digital mixed media on canvas, 36x36 inches. Copyright © 2007 by Mark Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.

* Painting With Light

This painting has been rendered with a unique Painting with Light technique that “paints” the picture using the selected Bible verse text as the paintbrush. You are seeing the verse above painted imperceptibly millions of times repeatedly across the canvas!

The final result is a picture that perhaps God first used to catch your eye, and then used to touch and speak to your heart.

Large format Giclee reproductions and framed prints are available of this modern Christian painting at Versevisions.com

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” - Zig Ziglar

It’s often very difficult to stay motivated day in and day out, but the problem is that if you want to stay ahead of the pack; you’re going to have to put in more sweat, blood and tears than everyone else. This is exactly why, according to the World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University (these people have not learned how to abbreviate!), 2% of adults in the world own more than half the world’s wealth! 

Now what is wealth? Chris Rock clearly states the difference between being rich and being wealthy: "Shaq is rich; the white man who signs his checks is wealthy". 

Yes, I know that a many members of that 2% club probably did something illegal, or political (meaning they did something illegal but made it look legal, like invading other countries and stealing their oil – but that’s a whole different story), but that should not hinder us from finding the right path destined for each of us to succeed. Legal or not, this statistic shows that only 2% of the world has found the path towards the uppermost echelon (with concerns to monetary wealth). 

The secret may be as simple as HARD WORK! 

"The heights by great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight;
But they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night." 
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

One of my favorite college professors, Prof. Kevin Cox, once told me that there will always be two ways to accomplish something – the hard way and the easy way. “Always pick the hard way!” he said. 

Everyone else is taking the easy path. You really want to stand out from that crowded line and instead, take the road less traveled. It may seem tough and strenuous now, but when you look back, you’ll realize that that challenge probably helped you grow much more than you would, had you taken the easier route. 

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by, 
And that has made all the difference.”
- Robert Frost

For this thought, I like using the analogy of taking a stroll in the park as compared to climbing a mountain. You don’t get to grow or change much when you take a nice quiet walk in the park. Sure, it’s convenient, nice and relaxing, but there isn’t much room for growth in this. Now climbing a mountain is the total opposite. You have to test every single muscle in your body, not to mention you’d have to prepare yourself mentally to withstand the many obstacles that will hinder your path to the top. Even when doing each of the two tasks with someone else; you’ll learn a lot more about your partner and grow with them if you two climbed the mountain together. You’d have to trust them with your life and ensure that they can trust you with theirs when climbing. As compared to walking in the park where you may learn a thing or two about them, but again, not much room for growth. 

So here I am, ready to take on the mountain. 

I will be posting motivational thoughts everyday before I begin my daily routines. Hopefully, my efforts to motivate myself will in-turn, help motivate others as well. 

“You don’t find yourself;
you MAKE yourself!” 

Ya, sendirian, ga ada kerjaan...

Jadi ingat setahun yang lalu, di tempat yang sama, di hari yang sama (Jumat, bukan 12 September...). Di selasar CC waktu itu banyak banget orang-orang (temen-temen sefakultas sih kebanyakan...) yang duduk-duduk di sana. Entah itu main kartu, ngerjain tugas, ngobrol, nunggu Jumatan, atau kumpul-kumpul ga jelas. Yang jelas, waktu itu yang namanya selasar CC bener-bener rame, (atau cuma perasaan saya aja yah??).

Sekarang, saya melihat sekeliling, cuma ada sedikit orang di sana. TPB atau nggak, saya ga tau. Tapi banyak plesetan dari singkatan TPB yang memang mencerminkan kehidupan kita di TPB.
TPB -- Tahap Persiapan Bersama (ini kepanjangan yang bener...)
TPB -- Tahap Paling Bahagia (Ya iyalah, pertama, mereka belum dapet begitu banyak tugas, trus belum aktif di organisasi, masih jadi adik.)
TPB -- Tahap Paling Berat (Berat bukunya, :-P,, ngga deng, biasanya berat karena ketemu lingkungan baru, jadi banyak yang gugur di medan perang ini)
TPB -- Tahap Paling Brutal (Brutal jadwalnya, brutal belajarnya, brutal mainnya :-D...)

dan TPB-TPB yang lain yang tidak bisa disebutkan disini...

Ah, saya mah harus kesana-kesini dengan 3 sekre saya di tenggara, tengah, dan barat laut kampus,, capek...

Tetep semangat, Man! There're a lot of things to do,,

yu ah,,

NEW DELHI, September 10 (Compass Direct News) – As tensions continued in the eastern state of Orissa, Hindu nationalist groups intensified attacks on churches and Christian institutions in the southern state of Karnataka.

Hindu extremists launched attacks on churches and leveled false charges of “forcible” conversions against Christian workers as the Karnataka government, ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), prepared to close down churches.

Sajan K. George of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) told Compass that a mob of more than 200 people attacked the Mission Action Prayer Fellowship church in Bada village of Davangere district on Sunday (September 7), accusing the Christians of “forcible” conversions.

The attack took place during the worship service. Besides assaulting believers and the pastor, the mob burned the Bibles, musical instruments and furniture in front of the church. They also vandalized the church building.

Media accompanied the mob, and local TV channels telecast the attack, George added.

The Hindu daily reported that the incident occurred despite a government ban on the gathering of four or more people within a 200-meter radius of three other prayer halls in K.T.J. Nagar police station limits in Davangere town, “which have been under attack since mid-August.”

The police arrested 10 people for instigating the attack.

The daily also reported that extremists of a Hindu nationalist group, the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, carried out a procession the following day (September 9) demanding the immediate release of those arrested. The newspaper quoted the extremists as rationalizing their attack on the pretense of the alleged forcible conversions.

“Had the authorities been alert and not given room for forcible conversions, such incidents would not have happened,” one Hindu nationalist told the newspaper.

The state convener of the Hindu group, Jagadish Karanth, complained that missionaries from seven countries, including the United States, France and Germany, had been funding churches and pastors in Davangere to motivate people of other faiths to join their fold. He said he had documents to prove that a pastor had written to a Christian missionary saying he had converted 6,000 Hindus into Christians within just two years.

Bogus Worship License Requirement

George of the GCIC said the commissioner of Davangere City had issued notices to demolish three churches – Eternal Life Church, Divine Healing Ministry church and Jesus Prayer Hall – in the city, claiming that their buildings were illegal. The three churches have been sealed.

The order was issued because these churches were facing allegations of fraudulent conversions by the Hindu extremist Hindu Jagarana Vedike, according to The Indian Express newspaper, adding that the Davangere deputy commissioner labeled the churches “unauthorized.”

A representative of the Christian Legal Association (CLA) told Compass that the Davangere deputy commissioner had also sent notices dated Aug. 30 to 13 other churches asking them to obtain a “license” for holding worship services.

“This is a violation of the religious freedom enshrined in the Indian Constitution,” said the CLA source. “There is neither any such requirement anywhere in the country, nor is there any provision for such license in any government authority.”

The CLA representative also said Hindu extremists were going from village to village in Davangere to identify Christian houses.

“The extremists demand that some identity cards be shown to prove their religious affiliation,” said the representative. “Such a data can be extremely dangerous. We fear the Hindu groups may be planning organized attacks.”

Besides the collection of data by extremist groups, district authorities are also surveying churches.

On Sept. 8, The Hindu quoted Deputy Commissioner K. Amar Narayan as saying that he had instructed the police to conduct an area-wide survey of churches and prayer halls to check how many of them were “authorized.”

Asked if the survey would also be conducted on places of worship of other religious faiths, Narayan said that it would be “exclusively” on churches because of the present controversy surrounding them. He said the survey would be completed in two or three days.

Bogus Conversion Charges

Christians have been at the receiving end of a spate of “communally tinged” incidents in recent weeks in Karnataka, mainly in Davangere district, The Indian Express newspaper said on Monday (September 8).

The newspaper quoted Davangere Superintendent of Police Sandeep Patil as saying that there had been allegations of forced conversions in the district for the last 12 months. Patil added that the police had identified 75 churches across villages in the district where security was enhanced.

Some police officers of the district told the newspaper that there was “nothing new” about allegations of “forced” conversions. “Maybe because the BJP is in power they are getting highlighted,” an assistant commissioner of police said.

The Indian Express also suggested that the recent spate of attacks was triggered by the state education ministry’s show-cause notices to over 2,000 Christian schools for staying shut on Aug. 29 to protest the violence against Christians in Orissa.

All Christian schools in the country remained closed on Aug. 29 to show solidarity with victims of anti-Christian violence in Orissa that started after a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council or VHP) leader, Laxmanananda Saraswati, and four of his disciples were killed on August 23 in Kandhamal district. The VHP blamed local Christians for the assassination, though Maoists or extreme Marxists claimed responsibility for it. More than 56 people have been killed and hundreds of houses and churches burned in the violence.

The newspaper also pointed out that over the past two successive Sundays, police cases had been registered in Karnataka’s capital Bangalore against nearly 25 people, leading to the arrest of as many as 12, including a U.S. citizen, on charges of “promoting enmity between different religious groups” and “insulting religious feelings.”

Local police officers at Frazer Town and Ulsoor police stations, where cases had been registered, told the newspaper they had received complaints from members of Hindu groups alleging forcible conversions and use of inducements against the arrested persons.

Bogus ‘Communal Harmony’

The Hindu newspaper reported that Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, who completed 100 days in office yesterday (Sept. 9), said that “all efforts would be made to maintain communal harmony.”

What communal harmony is for the chief minister, however, was clear when he told The Hindu, “The rule of law will prevail. Nobody has the right to indulge in forcible conversions, and inducement to pave the way for conversions is banned. However, I will direct the district officials and district in-charge ministers to ensure that such activities are kept under check.”

Yeddyurappa also claimed that there has been no communal clash in the state “for long,” and “we will maintain this record.”

“I call upon the people to refrain from paying heed to rumors which are aimed at fomenting trouble and tarnishing the image of the government,” he added.

According to a 2001 Census, Christians form less than 2 percent of the total population of 52.8 million in Karnataka.  

Report from Compass Direct News

Remember, part of your responsibility is to have fun!  The Bride and Groom are like guest magnets.  Where you go, your guests are likely to follow.  If you are on the dance floor, especially during the start of open dancing, it is likely to spark more participation and interest from everyone.  Make it a responsibility of your bridal party to dance in the early evening too!  (They help fill up the floor which makes others feel more comfortable to dance).

Your DJ can motivate your crowd but you are the star of the show and where you are, people will want to be.  Guests who come out dancing and have even a little fun will remember you evening as being a LOT of fun!  Don't forget participation or group dances like the Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, YMCA, or the Electric Slide.  These song tracks have easy dance steps and are common enough that anyone, young or old, can jump out on the dance floor.

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