Join us on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and alignment as we unlock the secrets to aligning the most critical aspects of your life: Your Person, Your People, and Your Place. Through this insightful article, you’ll encounter practical wisdom and profound insights designed to guide you toward a more meaningful and impactful existence. Are you ready to unravel the mysteries of alignment? Let’s embark on this transformative adventure together!   Every leader will live out their purpose by aligning the three essentials of life. This is what working on your life looks like. Essential #1: Your Person. The first essential is you. Your person. This involves answering the key questions of life. How did I get here? Why am I here? Where will I go when I die? Essentially, these questions seek the answer to purpose. How you answer the question of origin sets the path for the next two

In the intricate dance of human relationships, the persistent specter of inner conflict often arises, fueled by the deep-seated emotions associated with insecurity. This article delves into the profound connection between inner conflict and insecurity, exploring the various facets of this emotional tapestry that weaves through our lives. From the palpable sense of threat to the nuanced expressions of fear, worry, and frustration, we unravel the common threads that bind these emotions together. Join us on a journey to understand the roots of this internal struggle and discover insights that shed light on the paradoxical nature of fearing the loss of something we never truly possessed. Inner conflict and Insecurity Insecurity is the root of conflict. Inner conflict and conflict between two or more persons. There are many feelings associated with insecurity. Some of the most common: a sense of threat, fear, worry, anxiety, offended, frustration, and anger. All these

Embark on a journey of personal growth through intentional choices. In this Monday Moments blog post, we delve into the profound teachings of Psalm One, explore the art of life landscaping, and discover how strategic learning can shape a fulfilling and purposeful life. Join us as we navigate the pathways of wisdom and design a life that reflects your deepest aspirations.   My father gifted me with a large bible. We placed it in a display box and opened it to Psalm One. It sits proudly on a shelf in my office. Psalm One is a classic biblical passage describing two completely different paths of life. It is a poetic narrative that contrasts between the man who chooses the path of God’s instructions versus the path of wicked men. I memorized it as a child and meditate on it even to this day. It’s not simply a “Thou Shalt Not”

In the pursuit of a more fulfilling and harmonious life, we often overlook the power that lies within our daily conversations. In this reflective journey, inspired by the timeless wisdom found in Proverbs, Jim goes into the art of communication and its profound impact on our relationships and personal growth. Read along to explore the key to learning a better way to live through intentional, meaningful communication that builds bridges, fosters understanding, and paves the path to a more connected and enriched existence. I was reading the book of Proverbs this morning as I often do. I read the chapter that corresponds with the day of the month. If today is the 15th, I read Proverbs 15. But it was February 12 so I read the 12th chapter. The following phrases jumped out at me: Whoever ignores an insult is sensible… There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing

In the journey of life, the power of belief serves as an omnipresent force, intricately weaving through the fabric of our existence. Transitioning seamlessly between our workplaces and homes, shaping our convictions about family, marriage, and purpose, belief emerges as the silent architect of our destinies. As we explore the impact of belief on various facets of life, we unravel the threads that connect our convictions to the very essence of our being. Join us on this reflective expedition as we delve into the intricate dance between belief and its transformative influence on work, home, purpose, and the questions that shape our journey beyond the earthly realm. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction – Proverbs 1:7 What we believe matters. It shapes how we think and how we behave. It determines our focus – what’s important to us. What we believe

In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s crucial to explore the concept of filling your well; and sustaining passion in leadership. As leaders, we understand the weight of guiding and inspiring others, but to be an effective wellspring of influence, we must first prioritize our own well-being. Join us on a journey of self-discovery, as we look into the practices and habits that contribute to sustaining passion in leadership. Discover how filling your well with knowledge, experiences, and rejuvenating activities can empower you to lead with authenticity and vitality. Let’s explore the intersection of personal growth and impactful leadership together. A wise person thirsts for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash – A Christian Proverb If you are a leader, you feed others with vision, values, and influence. You are the well where people gather to quench their thirst – to get affirmation and exhortation. To be encouraged and

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and purpose with a profound life-purpose reflection. In this deeply personal note to his family, Jim contemplates the essence of existence, pondering the meaningful pursuits that will shape the rest of their life. This introspective exploration, infused with aspirations rooted in faith, family, and personal growth, invites you to reflect on your life purpose. Join us as we navigate the contours of purpose-driven living and consider how these reflections might inspire your path toward a more meaningful and impactful future. I sent the following note to my family: What do I want to do with the rest of my life? I believe life is a gift from God and what I do with it is my gift back to him. I believe I will literally be able to hand my life back to him someday. I want to continue to grow my faith, practice,

In personal development and spiritual introspection, fostering a good perspective is a pivotal catalyst for transformative growth. This article delves into the profound realization that life, in all its facets, is an invaluable gift. Join us in unraveling the significance of a good perspective, as we contemplate life’s purpose, grapple with chaos as an opportunity, and ultimately ponder the profound question: What do you want to do with the rest of your life? Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. Proverbs 18.15 Good perspective is good theology. It’s your life philosophy. Do you have one? Yes, I know you do. One day I realized something. I consciously recognized that I did not choose to be born. I did not choose life. Nor did I have the power to do so. I had no consciousness. I did not exist, except in the mind of God.

In the latest Today Counts podcast episode, Jim had the privilege of sitting down with Gary Harpst, the insightful author of “Built to Beat Chaos.” Their conversation delved deep into the essence of leadership, focusing on the profound concept of discovering purpose in life. As Gary shared his unique perspective, emphasizing the pivotal role of purpose in shaping both organizations and individuals, they explored the transformative journey of turning chaos into order, mirroring the divine act of creation itself. Read on to learn more. I just finished a podcast interview with Gary Harpst, the author of Built to Beat Chaos.  “I’ve never had a job in my life”. This was one of the first things he said to me before I began recording. Did he mean it literally or figuratively? Discovering Your Purpose During our discussion, he brought up the idea of purpose. He said that leaders have two primary

Welcome to a journey of self-discovery and personal growth where a resilient perspective becomes your compass. In this article, we delve into the transformative power of focusing on yourself, your people, and your place, unraveling the secrets to enhanced mental health, personal strength, and meaningful relationships. Let’s embark on a path that goes beyond challenges, crafting a life that thrives on resilience. I am happy to say last year was a good year for me and I hope the same for you. It was not a perfect year because life just doesn’t work that way. I did accomplish my one goal. My one BIG goal. It was not easy. In fact, it was much more difficult than I imagined. Isn’t that true with most worthy goals? Capturing a Resilient Perspective: Three Focus Circles Like you, I am not a perfected human being but I have learned to practice a resilient

In the dynamic landscape of goal setting, success often hinges on the ability to discern and prioritize the main objective. This Monday Moments blog delves into the essential strategy of identifying and prioritizing your main goal, unraveling the significance of a singular focus amidst the myriad of aspirations. Read on and explore the power of honing in on one central objective, simplifying complexities, and steering both personal and team efforts towards unparalleled achievements. Discover how this stubborn commitment to a primary goal not only accelerates success but also paves the way for remarkable accomplishments along the journey. If you’ve never experienced frustration by falling short of your goals, you don’t need to read this. If you’ve never experienced disappointment with your team’s performance, you don’t need to read this. For the rest of us, consider what has worked for me, maybe it will work for you. Stubborn Strategy I liken

Embarking on a transformative journey into the new year requires more than resolutions; it demands a commitment to effective self-leadership. In this Monday Moments blog, we’ll navigate the path together, exploring the power of resilience, embracing challenges, and unlocking the keys to personal triumph. Join us as we look into the art of steering not just your own ship but guiding others toward success.  You’re facing a new year and you’re not happy about the last one. What can you do differently? Well, let’s start with something Clint Pies said on my podcast, the Today Counts Show, episode 90: Dealing with Difficult People. “What you ignore becomes more and what you address becomes less.” The most difficult person to lead is you. If you learn to lead yourself in a healthy and positive way, many (not all) will follow. When that happens, teams win, and winning feels great. What do

Welcome to the latest Monday Moments blog about the journey of personal growth and leadership through the decades. In this insightful exploration, we delve into the dynamic evolution of leadership skills and personal development across various stages of life. From the foundational years of youth to the reflective depth of one’s forties and the discerning choices of the sixties, this article navigates the complexities of self-leadership. Join us as we uncover the nuances of growth, purpose, and the subtle art of leading oneself through the ever-changing seasons of life. The journey of personal growth and leadership through the decades I left off last week with the big idea that perhaps the most difficult person to lead is yourself. It seems every season of life requires the right mindset and a new toolbox. When you’re young, single, and overflowing with energy, it’s about laying a foundation. It’s about learning. In Your

 Ever grappled with leading difficult individuals? Join us in exploring the uncharted territories of leadership as we delve into the nuances of dealing with challenging personalities. From decoding the complexities within ourselves to navigating the intricacies of human dynamics, this journey unfolds the secrets to dealing with difficult people and effective leadership in the face of complexity. Get ready to transform challenges into opportunities!    As a young man, I knew nothing about leadership. Even though I found myself in leadership roles since childhood (chosen to give speeches, captain of teams, etc.), I didn’t know anything about it. If I happened to lead, it was by accident. Maybe it was intuitive or maybe I was modeling what effort looks like. I’ve always been competitive and strategic; therefore, winning simply felt right. Whatever it was, leading was certainly not conscious, informed, or intentional. I did not know that leadership starts with

In a world saturated with competition, explore the transformative power of recognizing and meeting fundamental human needs. Uncover insights, inspired by an unexpected source—a roadside restroom—that holds the key to elevating your business to unparalleled heights. So read on to decode essential business excellence strategies that transcend the ordinary, paving the way for sustained greatness and a remarkable customer experience. Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters. – The Apostle Paul If you read and if you listen closely to the voices around you, truth and goodness cut through all the noise. You can hear hundreds of ideas expressed within an hour of one day but