My third book–tentatively titled Greater Than Yourself–is in the works, and I’m inviting you in on the process.
This one is also a novel, a parable-told-in-typical-cheeky-Farber-style–whatever you wanna call it (catch up on the discussion about it here). The story’s developing nicely and the characters are fleshing themselves out more and more every day (the creative process in this kind of writing is really a remarkable thing. Freakin’ scary, too, I must say, given that I’m never exactly sure what’s going to happen next. You’d figure the writer should know that, right?)
Everything’s subject to change, of course, but what follows, in semi-cryptic bullet form, is the outline of the book’s message as it stands today. And here’s where you come in:
Read through the outline and then give me your impressions of what some or all of the points mean to you. Right off the top of your head. Don’t try to interpret what I mean, tell me what you think they mean.
Why am I asking this of you? Consider it an experiment in message clarity and congruence. Or remote-intuitive collaboration. (Okay, I just made that up). Bottom line is I think your responses will be very, very interesting and they just may find their way into the book.
You can either offer your comments in the…uh…comments, or, if you’re just too shy, send me an email. (Make sure you remove “nospam” from my address before you send your email).
And I will tell you what I mean, too–just a little further on down the road. Thanks for your help!
Part One: Expand Yourself
• Expand Your Identity
• Shift Your Perspective
• Elevate Your Intention
• Commit To Your Legacy
Part Two: Give Yourself
• Choose Wisely
• Tithe Your Time
• Give It All Away
• Celebrate Dramatically
Part Three: Replicate Yourself
• Teach Others to Teach Others to Fish
• Change The World
Just finished both books picked up at recent seminar you presented at in FL (thanks for the autographs).
I really enjoyed the books- still trying to digest all though.
On my coffee table sits three groupings of books. Your two, “The little (color) book of ….” Gitnomer (all five), and couple Bibles and related readings. So, I have figured out that some “force”, for lack of better term, in my life is bringing all these together as important to make my “reading/referring/learing” table where I have my early morning coffee/read alone time. Your’s being the recent additions. Still trying to connect the dots.
Expand Yourself: All of us constrained by our dominant roles and the busyness of our lives to just give the Cliff notes. Do that long enough and you become the Cliff note and forget/lose site of what you really were more about at some earlier point in life. Means to me — revive those ideals — let them out again – go with them. Most of them were about helping others, making things better, before we just got too busy.
If you believe —- you gotta move. Belief without movememt is …. un-noticeable. Don’t write your obit — what would you like them to say — write what they would say today (honestly) if they were totally honest. If I am really honest that is scarey — because is it just fragments of pushes and pulls of life’s roles and not a story (legacy) anyone is really going to remember an hour later. Depending on where you interact with me – you might have a different impression of me — what consistent “core me” should shine though — that an eclectic group at my funeral would all say — “Yeah, that’s the same guy we knew too.”
Look forward to the new book. Good luck. Change the world!!
Just finished both books picked up at recent seminar you presented at in FL (thanks for the autographs).
I really enjoyed the books- still trying to digest all though.
On my coffee table sits three groupings of books. Your two, “The little (color) book of ….” Gitnomer (all five), and couple Bibles and related readings. So, I have figured out that some “force”, for lack of better term, in my life is bringing all these together as important to make my “reading/referring/learing” table where I have my early morning coffee/read alone time. Your’s being the recent additions. Still trying to connect the dots.
Expand Yourself: All of us constrained by our dominant roles and the busyness of our lives to just give the Cliff notes. Do that long enough and you become the Cliff note and forget/lose site of what you really were more about at some earlier point in life. Means to me — revive those ideals — let them out again – go with them. Most of them were about helping others, making things better, before we just got too busy.
If you believe —- you gotta move. Belief without movememt is …. un-noticeable. Don’t write your obit — what would you like them to say — write what they would say today (honestly) if they were totally honest. If I am really honest that is scarey — because is it just fragments of pushes and pulls of life’s roles and not a story (legacy) anyone is really going to remember an hour later. Depending on where you interact with me – you might have a different impression of me — what consistent “core me” should shine though — that an eclectic group at my funeral would all say — “Yeah, that’s the same guy we knew too.”
Look forward to the new book. Good luck. Change the world!!
Hi Steve!
I emailed comments to you – not because I’m shy but because I was a little to long winded for the comment box.
Good luck!
Ann
Hi Steve!
I emailed comments to you – not because I’m shy but because I was a little to long winded for the comment box.
Good luck!
Ann
I heard you at the Clark Consulting Forum and just finishing reading LEAP on the plane from KC to San Diego. The outline above says to me: Don’t settle for being in a rut, find a mission for your life that will go well beyond that. The greatest good you can do is to help others. That’s the only way to leave a positive lasting legacy – one that has the possibility of lasting well beyond your time here on earth.I’m a little unusual because I spent 42+ years working for the same company. If titles meant anything, one would think I did the same thing all that time. In fact, the job changed a lot – partially because I initiated change. Helping clients and associates achieve their goals generated a lot of satisfaction.Today, I’m part owner of a small company that I manage from a home office and spend 2+ days a week working as a volunteer at our church. I don’t “need” to do either from a financial perspective, but I find a lot of satisfaction in both. If the outline is headed where I think it is, I firmly believe you are on track!
I heard you at the Clark Consulting Forum and just finishing reading LEAP on the plane from KC to San Diego. The outline above says to me: Don’t settle for being in a rut, find a mission for your life that will go well beyond that. The greatest good you can do is to help others. That’s the only way to leave a positive lasting legacy – one that has the possibility of lasting well beyond your time here on earth.
I’m a little unusual because I spent 42+ years working for the same company. If titles meant anything, one would think I did the same thing all that time. In fact, the job changed a lot – partially because I initiated change. Helping clients and associates achieve their goals generated a lot of satisfaction.
Today, I’m part owner of a small company that I manage from a home office and spend 2+ days a week working as a volunteer at our church. I don’t “need” to do either from a financial perspective, but I find a lot of satisfaction in both. If the outline is headed where I think it is, I firmly believe you are on track!
Steve – Here’s my take on each of the items. It sounds like it’s going to be a great book.
These are all off the top of my head, so hopefully they make sense…
Part One: Expand Yourself
• Expand Your Identity: Who you think you are, and who you have been in the past, is not who you *really* are. You are constantly growing and changing. Make that process a conscious decision and grow in the direction you choose.
• Shift Your Perspective: Perception is reality. What you believe is true. Shifting your perspective changes everything. If you see lack, that’s what you get. If you see abundance, that’s what you get.
• Elevate Your Intention: Make choices consciously by focusing your intention, rather than just going where the wind blows. Living with intent is a key step in designing the life you want.
• Commit To Your Legacy: Make meaning. Do something that will do more than stroke your ego or line your pockets. Be known for something of real value.
Part Two: Give Yourself
• Choose Wisely: Time and money are currencies. Make your choice of where to spend them a conscious one. But keep in mind, you can make more money, but not more time.
• Tithe Your Time: Give of yourself. Set aside blocks of time to give back. Giving your time and energy is more fulfilling than writing a check.
• Give It All Away: Focus on abundance and be a conduit through which it flows.
• Celebrate Dramatically: Enjoy life. Show your gratitude for life by making everything you do a celebration of what life has to offer.
Part Three: Replicate Yourself
• Teach Others to Teach Others to Fish: Knowledge is not power — it’s a commodity. It’s how that knowledge is shared that gives it power. The best way to keep people down is by keeping them in the dark. Sharing knowledge shares your power.
• Change The World: It’s what we’re all here to do — each in our own way.
Steve – Here’s my take on each of the items. It sounds like it’s going to be a great book.
These are all off the top of my head, so hopefully they make sense…
Part One: Expand Yourself
• Expand Your Identity: Who you think you are, and who you have been in the past, is not who you *really* are. You are constantly growing and changing. Make that process a conscious decision and grow in the direction you choose.
• Shift Your Perspective: Perception is reality. What you believe is true. Shifting your perspective changes everything. If you see lack, that’s what you get. If you see abundance, that’s what you get.
• Elevate Your Intention: Make choices consciously by focusing your intention, rather than just going where the wind blows. Living with intent is a key step in designing the life you want.
• Commit To Your Legacy: Make meaning. Do something that will do more than stroke your ego or line your pockets. Be known for something of real value.
Part Two: Give Yourself
• Choose Wisely: Time and money are currencies. Make your choice of where to spend them a conscious one. But keep in mind, you can make more money, but not more time.
• Tithe Your Time: Give of yourself. Set aside blocks of time to give back. Giving your time and energy is more fulfilling than writing a check.
• Give It All Away: Focus on abundance and be a conduit through which it flows.
• Celebrate Dramatically: Enjoy life. Show your gratitude for life by making everything you do a celebration of what life has to offer.
Part Three: Replicate Yourself
• Teach Others to Teach Others to Fish: Knowledge is not power — it’s a commodity. It’s how that knowledge is shared that gives it power. The best way to keep people down is by keeping them in the dark. Sharing knowledge shares your power.
• Change The World: It’s what we’re all here to do — each in our own way.
As you know, Steve, I’m an art major…and I’m easily confused.
But my first thought was “why did you title the first section ‘Expand Yourself’ in your book that’s titled ‘Greater than Yourself’?” All the points in that section are about the ‘you’ in ‘yourself’ that the book shows it’s greater than.
I’m confused. But knowing your other 2 books and knowing that I’d thought I should review the Radical Leap this month…I’m sure you’ll help erase that confusion.
As you know, Steve, I’m an art major…and I’m easily confused.
But my first thought was “why did you title the first section ‘Expand Yourself’ in your book that’s titled ‘Greater than Yourself’?” All the points in that section are about the ‘you’ in ‘yourself’ that the book shows it’s greater than.
I’m confused. But knowing your other 2 books and knowing that I’d thought I should review the Radical Leap this month…I’m sure you’ll help erase that confusion.
Steve, I love the idea of Part Three. I teach workshops teaching college professors how to be better teachers and am always trying new things myself in the classroom so look forward to your next book!
Steve, I love the idea of Part Three. I teach workshops teaching college professors how to be better teachers and am always trying new things myself in the classroom so look forward to your next book!
Expand yourself: Are you just watering yourself down? Wouldn’t it be better to distill yourself?
Give yourself: This section sounds like I’m in store for a sermon.
Replicate yourself: The most interesting of the sections, but maybe its because I enjoy teaching and being a parent.
My quick takes on what you outlined.
Expand yourself: Are you just watering yourself down? Wouldn’t it be better to distill yourself?
Give yourself: This section sounds like I’m in store for a sermon.
Replicate yourself: The most interesting of the sections, but maybe its because I enjoy teaching and being a parent.
My quick takes on what you outlined.
Here are my comments on Part I and II:
Reaching for the Stars
Before the Porcelain God
Here are my comments on Part I and II:
Reaching for the Stars
Before the Porcelain God
Great blog, nice to meet you at SOB, keep in touch!
Great blog, nice to meet you at SOB, keep in touch!
I’ve read your outline with great curiosity. Having had recent heart surgery and being in decent shape has helped me recover faster than doctors predicted. I had a conversation with both the surgeon and my cardioligist dealing with my quick recovery. basically I looked at it as a tuneup , not a life threating surgery or penalty. I knew in my heart that my purpose wasn’t finished here on earth. I have yet to define my legacy and have been reading many books and articles trying to help clarify that portion of my life. In all I look forward to defining my purpose and clarifyung my legacy. I think too many people let their past determine their future rather than seeing their future as it can be.
I’ve read your outline with great curiosity. Having had recent heart surgery and being in decent shape has helped me recover faster than doctors predicted. I had a conversation with both the surgeon and my cardioligist dealing with my quick recovery. basically I looked at it as a tuneup , not a life threating surgery or penalty. I knew in my heart that my purpose wasn’t finished here on earth. I have yet to define my legacy and have been reading many books and articles trying to help clarify that portion of my life. In all I look forward to defining my purpose and clarifyung my legacy. I think too many people let their past determine their future rather than seeing their future as it can be.
Saw this mentioned on Tom Peters’ site and came to look. My first gut response is it’s all very individual-focussed, even the Giving bit. I guess that a book about Yourself might be just that, but.. I like leaders who celebrate WE.
And I’ve done time under some real lunatics who were obsessed with their legacy, and let reality take a back seat. See also leading politicians for the risks here.
Saw this mentioned on Tom Peters’ site and came to look. My first gut response is it’s all very individual-focussed, even the Giving bit. I guess that a book about Yourself might be just that, but.. I like leaders who celebrate WE.
And I’ve done time under some real lunatics who were obsessed with their legacy, and let reality take a back seat. See also leading politicians for the risks here.
What is your identity? How important is it to find out? I watched a video by Phil Gerbyshak following a lead on your site. Phil Gerbyshak asks what the main thing is for you, which is another way of asking what your identity is. A terrifically important question and I am grateful that he poses it. His example made me think. He said that for him the main thing is to be a speaker. If he is not speaking, writing a speech or getting to speak somewhere, he is not focusing on the main thing. Here is my question. What are you speaking about? Isn’t that more important? Isn’t there an urgent message that you want to convey for which you have decided that speaking is the best medium to convey it? I thought of this, because I am myself asking, again, what my main thing is. I have several. I wrote that I want to deepen my spirituality. But why? So that I can feel spiritual? I already am a spirit in a body, temporarily. The real reason I want to deepen my spirituality is because I realized that I can be of greater service to others and be a stronger healing presence. That is my real Main Thing. So think about it. Are you really focusing on the main thing, or are you mixing means and ends?
What is your identity? How important is it to find out? I watched a video by Phil Gerbyshak following a lead on your site. Phil Gerbyshak asks what the main thing is for you, which is another way of asking what your identity is. A terrifically important question and I am grateful that he poses it. His example made me think. He said that for him the main thing is to be a speaker. If he is not speaking, writing a speech or getting to speak somewhere, he is not focusing on the main thing.
Here is my question. What are you speaking about? Isn’t that more important? Isn’t there an urgent message that you want to convey for which you have decided that speaking is the best medium to convey it?
I thought of this, because I am myself asking, again, what my main thing is. I have several. I wrote that I want to deepen my spirituality. But why? So that I can feel spiritual? I already am a spirit in a body, temporarily. The real reason I want to deepen my spirituality is because I realized that I can be of greater service to others and be a stronger healing presence. That is my real Main Thing.
So think about it. Are you really focusing on the main thing, or are you mixing means and ends?
Rob:
Yep–GTY is individual focused, but the focus is on the OTHER individual(s). I haven’t yet showed my hand on what I mean by legacy, but consider this: (If you were “doing time” under me) what if MY legacy was about YOUR achievement/success/greatness? Maybe you wouldn’t see me as such a lunatic after all…
Rob:
Yep–GTY is individual focused, but the focus is on the OTHER individual(s). I haven’t yet showed my hand on what I mean by legacy, but consider this: (If you were “doing time” under me) what if MY legacy was about YOUR achievement/success/greatness? Maybe you wouldn’t see me as such a lunatic after all…
Steve
OK, off the top of my head, here are what some of the points mean to me…..
“Expand your identity” – is all about the fact that your view of yourself is just a view, and there are other equally valid views. By accepting all possible views of yourself you can “become” a bigger person. For example, at a simple level, it took someone to tell me that I was good at running meetings to think of that characteristic as being part of me. Now that I have that view, I have “expanded my identity”………
“Elevate your intention” is about raising your sights and your commitments, and seeking to have a bigger impact on the world.
“Choose wisely” is my favourite line from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (well you did ask for top of mind reactions…) – when the bad guy drinks from the wrong “chalice” the knight tells him “You have chosen unwisely”, and when Indiana drinks from the true chalice, the knight says, “You have chosen wisely”. The key to the selection of the chalice was not choosing the chalice that appealed to you, but focusing on which chalice you think Jesus would have chosen – choosing wisely inolves putting yourself in others’ shoes
“Give it all away” – over the past year I have set up my own business. What I have found more than anything is that the more I help others and share my knowledge, the more people want to work with me. Keeping everything to myself will keep me on my own, sharing everything allows me to be part of other people’s world.
Hope this helps – good luck with the book
Steve
OK, off the top of my head, here are what some of the points mean to me…..
“Expand your identity” – is all about the fact that your view of yourself is just a view, and there are other equally valid views. By accepting all possible views of yourself you can “become” a bigger person. For example, at a simple level, it took someone to tell me that I was good at running meetings to think of that characteristic as being part of me. Now that I have that view, I have “expanded my identity”………
“Elevate your intention” is about raising your sights and your commitments, and seeking to have a bigger impact on the world.
“Choose wisely” is my favourite line from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (well you did ask for top of mind reactions…) – when the bad guy drinks from the wrong “chalice” the knight tells him “You have chosen unwisely”, and when Indiana drinks from the true chalice, the knight says, “You have chosen wisely”. The key to the selection of the chalice was not choosing the chalice that appealed to you, but focusing on which chalice you think Jesus would have chosen – choosing wisely inolves putting yourself in others’ shoes
“Give it all away” – over the past year I have set up my own business. What I have found more than anything is that the more I help others and share my knowledge, the more people want to work with me. Keeping everything to myself will keep me on my own, sharing everything allows me to be part of other people’s world.
Hope this helps – good luck with the book
I am 48, a voracious and eclectic reader, intent on personal development issues in particular, and have grown very tired of the usual business & personal development books However, I will have to say that your bullet points have intrigued me immensley, and I am eager to get my hands on the book. Here is my mission statement:
I will…
Live Radically,
Surrender Daily,
Engage Passionately,
Love Recklessly,
Honor the Seasons of Life,
and Pass it On!
(you’d need to know the Seasons of Life paradigm to fully understand it – but I think you can get the drift!)
Life, including work and business life, is SOOOO much more about the bigger picture – but too much of the self-help / personal development / leadership material is self-centered tripe. I also believe that most people engage life with a sense that “someday” they’ll be in a position to “give stuff away” (time, money, attention, whatever). However, I believe life is so much more fulfilling to start from a foundational premise that a part of life is learning to contribute from the get go – to develop a lifestyle of contributing, which will lead to a legacy of contribution.
Does this mean there is no success along the way? Of course not! Those who have the capacity to contribute the most (in a certain sense) are those that have the assets and resources to contribute. But, holding the contribution mindset in tension with personal & business success (even in the most free-market sense of the concept) doesn’t have to be an oxymoron.
I am 48, a voracious and eclectic reader, intent on personal development issues in particular, and have grown very tired of the usual business & personal development books However, I will have to say that your bullet points have intrigued me immensley, and I am eager to get my hands on the book. Here is my mission statement:
I will…
Live Radically,
Surrender Daily,
Engage Passionately,
Love Recklessly,
Honor the Seasons of Life,
and Pass it On!
(you’d need to know the Seasons of Life paradigm to fully understand it – but I think you can get the drift!)
Life, including work and business life, is SOOOO much more about the bigger picture – but too much of the self-help / personal development / leadership material is self-centered tripe. I also believe that most people engage life with a sense that “someday” they’ll be in a position to “give stuff away” (time, money, attention, whatever). However, I believe life is so much more fulfilling to start from a foundational premise that a part of life is learning to contribute from the get go – to develop a lifestyle of contributing, which will lead to a legacy of contribution.
Does this mean there is no success along the way? Of course not! Those who have the capacity to contribute the most (in a certain sense) are those that have the assets and resources to contribute. But, holding the contribution mindset in tension with personal & business success (even in the most free-market sense of the concept) doesn’t have to be an oxymoron.
Part One: Expand Yourself
• Expand Your Identity…MAKE YOURSELF A LARGER BRAND
• Shift Your Perspective…STAY RELEVANT TO THE TIME
• Elevate Your Intention…THINK BIGGER
• Commit To Your Legacy…STOP PLAYING AROUND AND DO SOMETHING
Part Two: Give Yourself
• Choose Wisely…TIME, FRIENDS, AND WORK, YOU CAN’T DO IT ALL
• Tithe Your Time…GIVE 10% TO YOURSELF AND INDULGE IN IT
• Give It All Away…SURELY GIVING AWAY BRINGS MORE BACK
• Celebrate Dramatically…MAKE A SPLASH, DON’T WADE INTO THE POOL SLOWLY
Part Three: Replicate Yourself
• Teach Others to Teach Others to Fish LEAVE BEHIND LESSONS YOU LEARNED FROM THOSE WHO TAUGHT YOU, AND ADD YOUR FLAIR
• Change The World ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WHAT YOU DO EVERY DAY EFFECTS OTHERS SO MAKE YOUR ACTIONS POSITIVE TO KEEP THE WORLD TURNING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Good luck with your effort.
Herman
John L. Herman Jr.
http://www.Hermanisms.com
Part One: Expand Yourself
• Expand Your Identity…MAKE YOURSELF A LARGER BRAND
• Shift Your Perspective…STAY RELEVANT TO THE TIME
• Elevate Your Intention…THINK BIGGER
• Commit To Your Legacy…STOP PLAYING AROUND AND DO SOMETHING
Part Two: Give Yourself
• Choose Wisely…TIME, FRIENDS, AND WORK, YOU CAN’T DO IT ALL
• Tithe Your Time…GIVE 10% TO YOURSELF AND INDULGE IN IT
• Give It All Away…SURELY GIVING AWAY BRINGS MORE BACK
• Celebrate Dramatically…MAKE A SPLASH, DON’T WADE INTO THE POOL SLOWLY
Part Three: Replicate Yourself
• Teach Others to Teach Others to Fish LEAVE BEHIND LESSONS YOU LEARNED FROM THOSE WHO TAUGHT YOU, AND ADD YOUR FLAIR
• Change The World ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WHAT YOU DO EVERY DAY EFFECTS OTHERS SO MAKE YOUR ACTIONS POSITIVE TO KEEP THE WORLD TURNING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Good luck with your effort.
Herman
John L. Herman Jr.
http://www.Hermanisms.com
The very first thing that popped into my mind when I read this list was an article I read about Warren Buffet’s people skills. The author marveled at how Mr. Buffet was able to get highly successful people to 1) sell their business to him, and then 2) work harder for Mr. Buffet and make more money for him than they ever did for themselves.
At first this sounds retarded, but after thinking about it for a few minutes I found myself becoming more and more envious of those lucky people.
. Mr. Buffet has now promised to donate his fortune to charity, so all those people who sold him their companies get massive benefits, including:
-The joy of running a business they love,
-The realization that they are improving the lives of everyone around them, and
-The ultimate realization that the fruits of their labor will help make the world a better place.
Its magnificent.
The very first thing that popped into my mind when I read this list was an article I read about Warren Buffet’s people skills. The author marveled at how Mr. Buffet was able to get highly successful people to 1) sell their business to him, and then 2) work harder for Mr. Buffet and make more money for him than they ever did for themselves.
At first this sounds retarded, but after thinking about it for a few minutes I found myself becoming more and more envious of those lucky people.
. Mr. Buffet has now promised to donate his fortune to charity, so all those people who sold him their companies get massive benefits, including:
-The joy of running a business they love,
-The realization that they are improving the lives of everyone around them, and
-The ultimate realization that the fruits of their labor will help make the world a better place.
Its magnificent.
Hey, Farber…it’s me, christy.
I LOVE what you are up to!! It sounds dangerous…count me in!
Since it’s 6:30 in the morning, I don’t quite have all the brain cells firing, so I’m going to go “elevate my intention” a bit and gather some thoughts in response to these thought-provoking bullets. I really like where you’re going and I can already tell that this book is going to change the world—in some big or small way in someone’s big or small (well, not anymore) life…and so on, and so on!
For now, the “Shift Your Perspective” bullet jumps out at me. Last week, my husband’s job ended very unexpectedly, and we found ourselves in a very stunned and vulnerable position. I found myself grinding things over and over in my head and was virtually “stuck”. Then I had to fly to LA to do some work with a client down there (a paycheck had become all the more critical), and I grabbed dinner after a long day’s work in the restaurant, Café Tu Tu Tango. It’s a fantastically creative place, sub-titled: “Food for the starving artist.” There’s art (and artists) everywhere…you just breathe it in as you enter. The place is decked out like an artist’s studio—high industrial ceilings with vents overhead, brightly painted walls and old brick archways dividing the rooms. There are oil paintings, water colors, clay statues, charcoal drawings—they’re hung sideways, or horizontal, or from the ceiling…anywhere. And there are sketch artists immersed in their “masterpieces-in-progress”, human contortionists wandering by tables (I didn’t see this, but I’m told they happen by), and more. So why am I telling you this? When I left, my perspective on our “crisis” had totally changed. While I had been seeing limitations and loss, I left feeling not only more “accepting”, I felt excited about the possibilities ahead of us. So I’m struck by how much our environment shapes our perspective—stilted and stuck…or expectant and excited.
I got inspired. When I got home, I decided to do an extreme makeover on our bathroom (one that drives me crazy, but we have no budget for a true remodel).
Why not create the environment for inspiration? Why not create an artist’s studio? Last night I went out to a craft store and bought some cheap supplies: artist’s palettes, blank canvas, an easel and more. We’re gonna hang paint brushes all over the place, put my kids’ art and artist quotes all around, and of course, hang up a drawing board next to the can for sketching inspirations during long visits (too much sharing)?
It’s amazing what a shift in perspective can do. I went from down-trodden to downright excited. So with some heartfelt prayer in the days ahead, and a commitment to finding (or creating) a renewing environment, I’m excited for the journey of uncertainty ahead.
Hey, Farber…it’s me, christy.
I LOVE what you are up to!! It sounds dangerous…count me in!
Since it’s 6:30 in the morning, I don’t quite have all the brain cells firing, so I’m going to go “elevate my intention” a bit and gather some thoughts in response to these thought-provoking bullets. I really like where you’re going and I can already tell that this book is going to change the world—in some big or small way in someone’s big or small (well, not anymore) life…and so on, and so on!
For now, the “Shift Your Perspective” bullet jumps out at me. Last week, my husband’s job ended very unexpectedly, and we found ourselves in a very stunned and vulnerable position. I found myself grinding things over and over in my head and was virtually “stuck”. Then I had to fly to LA to do some work with a client down there (a paycheck had become all the more critical), and I grabbed dinner after a long day’s work in the restaurant, Café Tu Tu Tango. It’s a fantastically creative place, sub-titled: “Food for the starving artist.” There’s art (and artists) everywhere…you just breathe it in as you enter. The place is decked out like an artist’s studio—high industrial ceilings with vents overhead, brightly painted walls and old brick archways dividing the rooms. There are oil paintings, water colors, clay statues, charcoal drawings—they’re hung sideways, or horizontal, or from the ceiling…anywhere. And there are sketch artists immersed in their “masterpieces-in-progress”, human contortionists wandering by tables (I didn’t see this, but I’m told they happen by), and more. So why am I telling you this? When I left, my perspective on our “crisis” had totally changed. While I had been seeing limitations and loss, I left feeling not only more “accepting”, I felt excited about the possibilities ahead of us. So I’m struck by how much our environment shapes our perspective—stilted and stuck…or expectant and excited.
I got inspired. When I got home, I decided to do an extreme makeover on our bathroom (one that drives me crazy, but we have no budget for a true remodel).
Why not create the environment for inspiration? Why not create an artist’s studio? Last night I went out to a craft store and bought some cheap supplies: artist’s palettes, blank canvas, an easel and more. We’re gonna hang paint brushes all over the place, put my kids’ art and artist quotes all around, and of course, hang up a drawing board next to the can for sketching inspirations during long visits (too much sharing)?
It’s amazing what a shift in perspective can do. I went from down-trodden to downright excited. So with some heartfelt prayer in the days ahead, and a commitment to finding (or creating) a renewing environment, I’m excited for the journey of uncertainty ahead.
Basically, it’s true, Steve…
that in order to become greater than oneself, then you must be willing to look at your given role in the world around you; whether of your own making and/or another’s choosing.
Once you know your place, then you are in the position to give of yourself; not only in time/ability, but also with more honesty and awareness.
Finally, you are able to replicate yourself, through others seeing what you’ve done; then they, in turn, begin the process again by then looking at themselves due to your chosen actions.
This is an excellent format in becoming GTY!
Because, not only does one have to look internally, but also externally for life to be more than about oneself.
Plus, the idea also follows the course, that once you’ve studied, then it’s time to put it into practice.
So often, we spend most of our time in learning, and never reaching forward to applying those lessons…and, I feel this shows a natural progression that we all should follow in our lives.
Thank you for sharing, and I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments as well.
Blessings and peace, Rebecca
Basically, it’s true, Steve…
that in order to become greater than oneself, then you must be willing to look at your given role in the world around you; whether of your own making and/or another’s choosing.
Once you know your place, then you are in the position to give of yourself; not only in time/ability, but also with more honesty and awareness.
Finally, you are able to replicate yourself, through others seeing what you’ve done; then they, in turn, begin the process again by then looking at themselves due to your chosen actions.
This is an excellent format in becoming GTY!
Because, not only does one have to look internally, but also externally for life to be more than about oneself.
Plus, the idea also follows the course, that once you’ve studied, then it’s time to put it into practice.
So often, we spend most of our time in learning, and never reaching forward to applying those lessons…and, I feel this shows a natural progression that we all should follow in our lives.
Thank you for sharing, and I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments as well.
Blessings and peace, Rebecca
Steve – you did get cut from my High Vibe list, but not because you fell from the top list. I actually want to do an entire post on what you’re doing here. I think it’s fabulous. Thanks for the comment. 😉
Steve – you did get cut from my High Vibe list, but not because you fell from the top list. I actually want to do an entire post on what you’re doing here. I think it’s fabulous. Thanks for the comment. 😉
Hello again Steve,
I was the volunteer coordinator that sponsored the teleconference a couple of years ago involving Fast Company magazine. I have since ended my relationship with FC, but I am still a huge fan of yours. I have offered the suggestion of The Radical Flight: Changing the World by Changing Yourself First. It is because I have lived the first two books not only read them.
You asked, I answered…
I would also like to know more the content of about Book Three. If I know you and your style of writing and thinking, this might be something. I already know Book Three will definitely be something.
Michael Neely
Atlanta, GA
Hello again Steve,
I was the volunteer coordinator that sponsored the teleconference a couple of years ago involving Fast Company magazine. I have since ended my relationship with FC, but I am still a huge fan of yours. I have offered the suggestion of The Radical Flight: Changing the World by Changing Yourself First. It is because I have lived the first two books not only read them.
You asked, I answered…
I would also like to know more the content of about Book Three. If I know you and your style of writing and thinking, this might be something. I already know Book Three will definitely be something.
Michael Neely
Atlanta, GA
Expand Your Identity
• Shift Your Perspective: looking at life from a different angle (client/patient/consumer…) will enhance your ability to deliver.
• Elevate Your Intention: coming from a place beyond, “I hope I make rent on this fancy new office” is liberating and reveals a portion of you that your audience will be more attracted to naturally
• Commit To Your Legacy: “all in” has an urgency and appeal to it that “just for today” never will
Part Two: Give Yourself
• Choose Wisely: who you choose to help you, what you utilize to get your point across, where you do it are all reflections of your bigger purpose whether you realize it or not
• Tithe Your Time: you’ll have more of it in the beginning and it is a great way to get you in front of people who not only need you, but will in the long run help you achieve your goals one way or another
• Give It All Away: you can’t take it with you so you may as well decide who’s gonna get it. you really don’t NEED all that much to have fun doing what you love
• Celebrate Dramatically: reward yourself and support for the wins, the Universe will appreciate it.
Part Three: Replicate Yourself
• Teach Others to Teach Others to Fish: you times 10 to the nth is much more effective at affecting a larger population than just you and “Others” are what you’re really in it for.
• Change The World: Its our truest calling.
good outline, and thanks for asking
Expand Your Identity
• Shift Your Perspective: looking at life from a different angle (client/patient/consumer…) will enhance your ability to deliver.
• Elevate Your Intention: coming from a place beyond, “I hope I make rent on this fancy new office” is liberating and reveals a portion of you that your audience will be more attracted to naturally
• Commit To Your Legacy: “all in” has an urgency and appeal to it that “just for today” never will
Part Two: Give Yourself
• Choose Wisely: who you choose to help you, what you utilize to get your point across, where you do it are all reflections of your bigger purpose whether you realize it or not
• Tithe Your Time: you’ll have more of it in the beginning and it is a great way to get you in front of people who not only need you, but will in the long run help you achieve your goals one way or another
• Give It All Away: you can’t take it with you so you may as well decide who’s gonna get it. you really don’t NEED all that much to have fun doing what you love
• Celebrate Dramatically: reward yourself and support for the wins, the Universe will appreciate it.
Part Three: Replicate Yourself
• Teach Others to Teach Others to Fish: you times 10 to the nth is much more effective at affecting a larger population than just you and “Others” are what you’re really in it for.
• Change The World: Its our truest calling.
good outline, and thanks for asking
EXPAND YOURSELF: thinking outside your own box of who you THINK you are; need ot think of what you have and can become. Full personal potential should be strived for constantly even while lifting others up. Let go of personal constraints.
GIVE YOURSELF: Make a commitment of time, love, energy to those you are seeking to make GTY. Believe that the more you give the more you get.
REPLICATE YOURSELF: As a paramedic preceptor for nearly 10 years this is the most awesome and energizing thing in the world to give to someone; your own unique knowledge and infectious passion for what you do. I fully understand that simply through the number of new paramedics I have had “under my wing” I have drastically changed the world as they in turn go out and make effects on other peoples’ lives, to the point some of them are now preceptors. WOW! Talk about the butterfly effect!!!
I can’t wait for this book Steve, along with my “Leapers” here at work!!
Heidi Neilson
EXPAND YOURSELF: thinking outside your own box of who you THINK you are; need ot think of what you have and can become. Full personal potential should be strived for constantly even while lifting others up. Let go of personal constraints.
GIVE YOURSELF: Make a commitment of time, love, energy to those you are seeking to make GTY. Believe that the more you give the more you get.
REPLICATE YOURSELF: As a paramedic preceptor for nearly 10 years this is the most awesome and energizing thing in the world to give to someone; your own unique knowledge and infectious passion for what you do. I fully understand that simply through the number of new paramedics I have had “under my wing” I have drastically changed the world as they in turn go out and make effects on other peoples’ lives, to the point some of them are now preceptors. WOW! Talk about the butterfly effect!!!
I can’t wait for this book Steve, along with my “Leapers” here at work!!
Heidi Neilson