As I sit here listening intently to my brother-in-law passionately talk about the Total Money Make Over. He describes with conviction, the changes the book has made in his life. I realize this is something special, this is a gathering that is free of the pressures of everyday activities an area where a bunch of successful men can talk freely together. This is not some bible study, but a good old fashion book club. There are many reasons why people deside to start a book club. In my case I started the book club for these reasons. I wanted to expand my knowledge, and grow in awareness. I set a goal at the start of the year to read 18 books for 2010 and having a book club would help me read at least 10 books for the year. Read some books that I wouldn't normal touch if you tied me down and force fed it to me. Good example is the Greatest-Salesman In The World. Bring together some friends who I enjoy their company and I felt could really learn from one another. I wanted to spark some conversation that was frank, where we could discuss freely openly, about every day issues and triumphs. More importantly ...

I sit here attempting to write this blog post. I know upstairs needs to be cleaned and I really should start the BBQ. My youngest son in running around pretending to be Iron Man, while the older one is playing some video games. I quickly glance over my shoulder while my wife whizzes by me rushing to get to get some cleaning in. She is running a jewelry party and has a long list of to-do’s that need to get done before the start of the week, I see that she is flustered and pressed for time. We both are very busy with work and home responsibilities. There are a lot of activities going on in our lives which is nothing new for a lot of families, but what has continued to be reduced in the last few decades is Margin. You may ask what is Margin? Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives is written by Richard Swenson.  “Margin” the author explains is, “the space that once existed between us and our limits.” Swenson suggests and I'm in agreement that progress has eliminated our margin creating stress, overload and complexity. At this is not abating in fact its growing at an exponential rate! Think about your life. Many of us have way too much activity, ...

It has been over a year since I have written in this blog. A lot has happened in this time personally and professionally. New career path, travelling, speaking and meeting interesting people which deserves its own post! During this time, one of a couple central thoughts that has remained constant is to continually learn, grow and introspection, so on Saturday I ran into this quote from a book I thoroughly enjoyed which is Echarte Tolle A New Earth which stated. How to let go of attachment. “Don’t even try. It’s impossible. Attachment to things drops away by itself when you no longer seek to find yourself in them. ~ Tolle Growing up I was like the other kids I wanted the latest game system, nice expensive clothes, latest comics which later changed as I became older into more expensive things like, plasma TV, Tech gadgets, cars, big house. At the time, I had no idea why I wanted or needed those things. Now I know its for some of these reasons. I wanted to feel accepted by my peers I wanted to feel accepted within society I looking for stuff external to fill that insatiable need for more The egos insistent need to for grasping for things I was coerced by the marketing genius to purchase and want for things I have no need for I felt like I ...

Although this book was written in the 1930's Dale Carnegie book how to win friends and influence people is a masterpiece on human relations. The key points in his book still hold sway today.   If you are a shy person, or even someone that is out going you will find great nuggets of wisdom in this book. After reading the book, I have tried to implement some of his key techniques, with varied success. I consider the key points in his book common sense, but very few people use these techniques consistently, if at all.   Here are the key points from his book. Fundamental Techniques in Handling People Don't criticize, condemn or complain "Give honest and sincere appreciation." "Arouse in the other person an eager want." Six Ways to Make People Like You "Become genuinely interested in other people." "Smile." "Remember that a man's name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in any language." "Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves." "Talk in the terms of the other man's interest." "Make the other person feel important and do it sincerely." Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking "Avoid arguments." "Show respect for the other person's opinions. Never tell someone they are wrong." "If you're wrong, admit it quickly ...