Humbled

This past Tuesday we had our Monster Leadership Training Program. The event was held at the Blessed Sacrament school gymnasium. I asked a very good friend and former employee, Mr. Danny Jones, to come and speak to our group about how he and I met, why he stayed with me, and speak about the need to seek out mentors and continue to make learning a life long process.

I did not expect what happened next. Mr. Jones proceeded to say very nice things about our relationship and about me as a person. It really was not scripted nor was it planned this way. I was very appreciative that he spoke so highly of me, but I must tell you that I was a bit uncomfortable. It was very nice to hear yet having praise heaped on me in that fashion is not why I do this. So thank you Mr. Jones. I appreciate your heartfelt words.

This brings us to a very important topic. An Attitude of Gratitude. For those of you that do not know Mr. Jones I should tell you that he graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a degree in engineering. He played basketball at the University as well along with many stints in foreign countries as a professional basketball player. He is a lifelong learner and has the biggest, most genuine smile that you would ever want to see. In general, a wonderful person to be with.

He didn't have to say the things that he said about me. He chose to say them because he feels that he learned much from me and that he believes in what we are doing to help all of our students in the karate schools. It took me by surprise because rarely do any of us hear that kind of praise. Why not?

It seems to me that many people find it easier to find fault and then express their displeasure than to say or even acknowledge that something that someone did for you was appreciated or valuable. Have you ever heard the term, "That person needs to get out of their own way?". It's really true isn't it?

Every relationship that we have would be enhanced, our moods and our attitudes would improve, and we as people would derive a great deal more pleasure and reward out of living life the way that it was meant to be lived. Consistently putting other people in the limelight, speaking only good about others and their efforts, and realizing that we do not have all the answers for ourselves and our families would be simple yet effective measures to us leading the lives that we are capable of.

If you ever feel that you have learned all that you can know or that you can no longer take time to give another their proper acknowledgement and respect, take the time to learn from my good friend Mr. Jones and "get out of your own way".

Make the plan, work the plan,

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