The REAL Value of Time
The Real Value of Time
Can you hear it? Tick-tock, tick-tock, the second hand of life’s clock ticking by, only going forward, never back.
Greetings my friend and welcome to the rest of your life! As cliché’ as it is, the beginning of a New Year usually means one thing – New Year’s resolutions right? Well, if you’re anything like me, you start off with a really big list of wonderful things you want to accomplish, but usually end up frustrated wondering where all the time went right?
Now, what would you do if I gave you 1,440 dollars every day of your life IF you spent each of those dollars wisely? Here’s the kicker, if you don’t spend them that day, or don’t spend them wisely, you get zero! Well, if this was a bet in Vegas I’d gamble everything on fact you’d spend every single one of those dollars very carefully right? I mean, who in the heck wouldn’t???
Well, I hate to burst your bubble, and although I have better hair than he does, I’m not Donald Trump with 1,440 dollars to shell out every day. However, the incredibly important lesson I’m about to share with you changed my way of thinking forever and I’m certain it will have the same impact on you.
To be honest, I was using dollars to prove a point, but what I’m really talking about is minutes. You see, every day we’re blessed with 1,440 minutes to spend however we see fit. The problem, which I’m positive you can relate to, is most of us waste a lot of them right? Over the course of the last two years I’ve had the pleasure of talking with a lot of older people. And, about 99% of them shared with me “Christopher, I wish I’d done this and that with my life” or “I wish I’d realized just how precious each moment of life really is!” And finally, “If I had it to do all over again, I’d really…” In other words, they have serious regrets. Simply put, regrets SUCK!
Here are my two main goals in life:
1. Leave this world without any regrets
2. Stay the heck out of a hospital!
I’m certain if I’m constantly working on achieving those two goals, no matter when my time’s up, I’ll have lived a full life. You want the same right?
Until then, seriously consider your bank account of non-refundable time every morning. Spend those minutes like dollars and you’ll be well on your way to living a tremendous life!
All my best until next time,
Christopher Rausch (A.K.A. the “Master Motivator”)
I Learned Something Today
I learned something today I'd like to share with you. Sometimes we stay where it's safe out of fear of what might happen next if we...step outside of our comfy zone.
Whether it's a relationship, a job, or whatever, ask yourself this:
If I were single, would I look at (my current partner), and say "Wow...I'd like to meet that person!" or...."Pass..." If it's the latter, then you know the answer to your dilema. If NOT, then you know you need to get your ass to work on YOUR part of the bargain. We've heard it a thousand times, but it bears repeating here "Relationships and communicatioin are a two-way street." Sadly, sometimes we drive the wrong way
Again, same holds true for your job. If it's not working now, and you wouldn't want it if you were searching, then you're settling. Sure, for financial reasons I can see staying at a job you are unhappy with, BUT, I can't see staying there while doing NOTHING to gain new skills etc. for when the right job opens up.
Too often, we sit in our crap, bitching and moaning, but doing nothing to change it...or sometimes more importantly....OURSELVES.
"Seek first to understand...then to be understood"
All my best,
Christopher
To Share: Something to think about - So TRUE!
Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.
The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have this green thing back in my earlier days."
The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations."
She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day or didn't call it "green."
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right. We didn't have the green thing back in our day.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana . In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right. We didn't have the green thing back then.
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus, and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.
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Told ya it would make you think!
All my best,
Christopher
What They Said
Hey folks....Christopher here to talk about "What they said." How many times have I heard "Well, that's what they said" and usually about shit they didn't know crap about.
Listen to me: True, I've learned a LOT from what other people have shared with me over the years. HOWEVER, please, don't believe something is true just because someone said it. More importantly, don't neccessarily believe it's true if you see it in print as well.
"So, Christopher, who do I listen to?" My answer: Your gut and your heart!
It's complete bullshit when we claim we don't know what to do about a given situation. We know...we just are too afraid of rejection and stepping out of our comfort zone to say it out loud and do it.
Life is too short to listen to what they said....they said what you should do...they said about the future of the world....live YOUR life for today! Tomorrows are not guaranteed.
If I had a mere $1 for every time I heard someone learn the lesson "You don't know what you got until it's gone" I'd be a zillionaire.
The news...the media...the so called "Experts" are full of crap! Well, maybe not all of them, but you get my point.
My final thought....make a legacy so that someday, your family, friends, the world, will hear about what they said about how you lived your life to the fullest!
All my best for your success and happiness!
Christopher
Yes YOU Can! Wanna Know How?
Ever been told you'd never overcome a particular character trait? You'd always be "This or that" for the rest of your life?
Well, if you know my story, you know I've lived a LIFE of this type of b.s. directed at me. And, as well if you know me, my mantra is "Every day is a new day and what doesn't kill me makes me STRONGER!"
So, this week I was recognized for my incredibly hard work with a promotion to Director. Now, throughout my 18yrs I've received multiple promotions until to where was I had been "stuck" for about the last 10yrs. Through poor choices I created a perception that I wasn't "Director" material. Now, perceptions are one's reality and changing a person or a group of people's reality is INCREDIBLY difficult, but NOT impossible.
You see, this journey of life provides plenty of opportunities to check yourself if you will. Some of us take the honest feedback and work our asses off to overcome our challenges and win no matter the effort needed. Or, some use it as an excuse to continue their bad behavior because they feel "no matter what I do I'll always be like this!" They play the pity game until the game ends. Sad really.
But again, I'm here as LIVING PROOF you CAN do WHATEVER you set your mind to! In just the last three years (and my whole for that fact) I've read dozens of books, listened to hours of audio, talked with countless people, and LISTENED. The payoff?
The entire executive team recognized my achievements and unanimously agreed I should be responsible for another entire department and more staff! My dedication, commitment, and true drive to overcome my own self-created crap worked!
I share this with you because some people say "Well, we all can't be like you Christopher." Well, I say that's b.s. and you can! I'm nothing special....just a hardworking guy who doesn't settle for anything but what the BEST he deserves.
I hope this message invigorates the inner champion in YOU! Look yourself in the mirror and in the words of Michael Jordon "Expect more from yourself than anyone else does" and I promise you'll be rewarded too!
Stay the course, stay flexible, learning everything you can, and NEVER give up!
If you need a boost, you know where I'm at 
All my best,
Christopher
Are You Feeling Down?
Hey There,
Lately, including myself, I've seen more and more people feeling "down" about stuff in their life. We all experience it and I'm not afraid to admit it even thought I'm the "Master Motivator."
So what do we do? Wallow in our muck and hope someone comes to rescue us from our own self-created insanity? Or, do we examine carefully what got us to this place and more importantly, what's gonna get US out?
"The truth hurts" is a statement we've heard a thousand times and guess what...it's true sometimes. However, and this is big so stay with me, what hurts the most sometimes causes the most growth. Whether we like it or not, after it's all passed, we look back and are usually stronger for having faced the crap and survived.
Ultimately, it's all about survival or as I like to call it - LIVING! We have to cherish every moment and not waste it on self pitty because our little plan has taken a right turn in life.
I was helping a complete stranger today and it was great! I asked him "How ya doin?" and his reply "Hangin' in there." I said "That sounds really desperate - hanging and all." He proceeded to tell me about the cost of gas, his complaining customers, the news...etc.
So, I asked him "How do those problems compare to families living in Somalia who would just love to have the running water you're wasting down the sink instead of having to drink it with dirt?" IMMEDIATELY he turned around and said "You're absolutely right! Ask me the question again!" So, I did and his reply (can you guess) was different and he even smiled!
It really only takes a few minutes to shift your thinking from crap to cool. The key is telling your heart and mind what's good versus what's missing. If you quit looking so much at what's missing you'll see a HECK of a lot more of what's good. I promise!
Well, I must go focus myself on what's positive and how I can give more and take less
All my best until next time!
Christopher
That Was Then - This Is Now (My Life Story)
The Journey - It's A Work In Progress
Hey There,
I sincerely hope this message finds you well and appreciating your life.
Well, as the title states, life is a journey and mine is a work in progress. With that, just because I'm a motivational speaker, coach, and business consultant, doesn't mean I don't have my own stumbles along my journey.
As you know, my life in the past few years has been consumed with taking care of my mom, working, building a business, working out, volunteering, and everything else.
But, I share this with you because sometimes we get caught up in the b.s. of looking for what makes us happy when it's right in front of us and we don't even realize it.
I coach a bunch of people, I help people see their visions, take action, and get what they want. But, what about me? I'm just like you. I have moments of negative chatter that tries to blow my mind up, and honestly, sometimes I listen for a minute. I'm human...just like you.
However, every single morning we wake up, and have our eyes, legs, and attitudes, we have hope and choices of what will be. If what you've been doing isn't doing IT anymore, it's time to take a break maybe. For me, on my journey, I feel that is coming. Am I scared? Yes! Although, I know I'll survive and become stronger....
Because....everything happens for a reason.
Until next time,
All my best,
Christopher
Why Do We Stand In The Way of Our Own Success?
Earlier today, I was helping a friend of mine who's going through some seriously tough times. Without mentioning those specifics, we ventured off into familiar territory – success.
Now, it seems we’re all going after it, but only a few really appear to achieve it. Why is that? Even for me, the “Master Motivator”, I too have self-sabotaged my own success in various areas of my life…even to this very day. And, quite honestly, sometimes I just don’t know why! FRUSTRATING!!!!
Do we subconsciously think "I don’t deserve to <insert success>"?
Do we fear the failure aspect of TRULY going for it to have the "dream" crushed?
Does the fear of judgment and the need for approval of others get in our mental way?
Are we afraid of who we might leave behind should we really succeed?
Do we really want the success for all the right reasons?
In all my years, in all my experiences, I've learned the difference between those who have and those who have not, is they did what the others weren't willing to. They made the time, they asked for help, they pushed through all the pain, they kept the end in sight at all times and never gave up!
I've mentioned before, we're the sum of all our experiences, right up until this very point. Listen, "mistakes" and “failures” are ways to show what NOT to do next time. Falling down is NOT failure…staying down IS!
When I walk through the halls of my mom’s assisted living facility and look at the sad faces staring back at me – they scream “I wish I would have done such and such when I had the chance” or “If I could just do it over, I would do this and that…I wouldn’t have wasted so much time.” Will this be you?
YOUR life is NOT a dress rehearsal - please don’t think you’ll do it later…because I guarantee you regrets will hurt a lot more than any PERCEIVED pain you’ll feel if you try now and not make it. But at least you’ll have tried! And, if it’s a burning passion in your heart, you’ll find the energy, the time, the resources to make your dream a reality. I know this from personal and very recent experience.
All my best to you my friend,
Christopher
“A Day & Person I Will Never Forget – A Lady Who Was A Rose”
So, here’s the scene: I’m standing in my warehouse at work and my cell phone starts to buzz – alerting me I’m getting a call. I look down at the screen and see it’s a dear friend. Immediately, I’m suspicious as to why I’m getting a call now – from her. A few moments later, I check the voice message, it states:
“Chris, it’s so and so, and I have some awful news to tell you. There’s been a tragedy in the family so please call me.”
For a moment, I consider what the tragedy might be. I think “Did her grandfather pass?” “Did something happen to her mom?” “Did something happen to her dog?” Then, without hesitation, I call her back to offer support and to see what I can do.
Now, have you ever been SOOOOO blindsided by what you think someone is going to tell you and what they actually tell you? Well, if you have, then you know where this is going.
After answering my call, my dear friend proceeds to tell me she found her sister dead in her home this morning! This sister, was also like a sister to me for over 20yrs! My head went deaf for a moment as though someone bashed my skull in with a wrecking ball. I had to ask repeatedly if I heard correctly. She assured me I did hear correctly. I was COMPLETELY speechless! 34 years old, a single mother of a wonderful four year old boy, and she was gone in an instant.
I share this with you because it’s one of those moments in your life when everything makes absolutely no sense at all, but at the same time, becomes crystal clear. Ever had one of those moments?
Well, I tried and tried to understand how this could happen to such a wonderful, generous, and positive lady. WHYY????????? My brain screamed and screamed all the way home from work. Finally, I went back to one of my core principles:
EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON
But what reason could I find for this unexplainable devastation? How could I find a way to mend my heart and my mind? I HAD to find a reason – a reason to share with the immediate family, and now with you. Want to know the reason?
Actually, I believe there are several. And, I’m sure you’ll be able to apply them to your life when you’re faced with a similar situation – and trust me – you will.
REASONS:
- To bring family and friends closer together – sooner rather than later
- To remind us that life, today and tomorrow, are NOT guaranteed
- To slap us in the face about the importance of taking care of our body as well as our mind
- To perhaps change someone’s way of life to become meaningful when they’ve been going down a selfish and destructive road recently
- To provide the gift of parenthood to someone who otherwise might not have had that chance
- To consider “Living Celebrations” to bring people together rather than funerals (more on this coming very SOON!)
- To show us that all the negativity in the world, the crap we have ZERO control over, is not worth wasting a single moment on. If it’s gonna happen – it’s gonna happen
- To live life without regrets
- To do work that you love rather than work you hate
- To live in the moment rather than the past or even the future really
- To always say “I love you” every time you leave
- To check in with your family and friends a lot more often than we do
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I know it’s a cliché but I TRULY believe we’re spiritual beings having a human existence. So, if that’s true, then, when the vehicle (the body) dies, the soul and spirit of the person DOESN’T! They live forever in our hearts and memories. That’s why it’s important to spend lots of time together making lots of awesome memories right?
Ultimately, the best we can do when we lose someone dear to us is continue living in THEIR honor. What would they do if they had more time? Would they sulk and feel sorry for themselves or LIVE every dammed moment like it was spring break?
For me, I decided to honor her life with the following:
- Take even more care for my overall health
- Always try and look at what’s possible and positive rather than what isn’t
- To do less talking and more DOING!
- Spread this experience to all who will listen!
I have two goals in life: 1) Live without ANY regrets 2) Stay the heck away from the inside of a hospital as a patient! Not too lofty would you say?
So, with this tragedy, I want YOU to forward this to as many people as you think would appreciate it. Then, I want you to make a list, a bucket list if you will, and write down everything you want to accomplish/experience in this life. After that, for every single day forward, do SOMETHING to get just one step or more closer to making them happen! Heck, if ya like, email me your list and together we’ll make them happen!
Well, I could go on and on about this, but lastly, I want to thank you for the bottom of my heart for being a part of my life. I know we may never talk in person, but please know that your kind replies let me know this is what I’m meant to do with my time here. Shoot, with all this business, I just might throw an “Achieve Your Dreams” party and try and meet everyone in person! Why not right?
So, until next time, PLEASE PLEASE, LIVE Life – do NOT just merely exist in it! Deal?
All my best,
Christopher
