Achieve Your Dreams

Happy Mother's Day

Master Motivators — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:50:13 GMT

Happy Mother's Day!

Well, as most of you know, my mom passed away last year after a LONG battle with various health issues. My mom was a FIGHTER through and through.

Now, me and my mom weren't ever close like most families are. She made a lot of selfish decisions which impacted my life tremendously. From making sure the cats and dogs had food, she had cigarettes, to then feeding me. I was always last...but at least I was there.

She spent $5000 to save a cat that eventually died anyway. This, was the starting point of us becoming homeless and living in the station wagon. I was pulled out school midway through the 7th grade.

I could go on and on, and someday will in a book I'm writing. However, Through all the painful years, we still stayed a team. Sometimes more like friends than mother and son. We'd go to rock concerts (mom loved heavy metal). When I was young, she did try her best to make me feel special on occasions. Disneyland, Chuck E Cheese, the races, Christmas, and my birthday.

The last few weeks of her life she changed. Nothing was more important than me. I've struggled with that since. Why? Because of the conditioning that had taken place in my life, the games and whatnot, I thought she was telling me what I wanted to hear. But, I think back to those times, and really feel blessed and thankful she shared with me how proud she was. That, she really loved my wife and thought we made a great team. Even right up until the point she took her last breath as I held her hand and caressed her forehead.

Through it all, my mom taught me lessons she didn't even realize. People ask me "Don't you feel ripped off for having to be homeless, dig in garbage cans, miss having friends etc?" My answer is always "If it weren't for those times, the lessons I learned about hard work, tenacity, never listening to other people's opinions, I wouldn't be the man I am today!"

Mother's day used to be a pain to be honest. But, now that she's gone, it's even more painful. I know she's with me in spirit

The point of all this is to cherish ALL the moments, both good, bad, fun, painful, etc. These times are what creates our character. It's what we do, how we respond, in these tough situations that impact the future. Don't become a victim of your circumstances! Change what you're doing and be who you WANT to be! Not what other people tell you to be.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Signed,

Your Best Project Ever!

Teamwork Is an Inside Job!

Master Motivators — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:45:49 GMT

Being a part of a team can be one of the most rewarding and/or most frustrating experiences depending on the leadership involved. However, I’m pleased to share with you proven ways YOU can be a successful part of a team!

Are you ready? I ask, because you have to take a deep look within yourself to see whether or not you’re part of the problem or the solution.

First, let me share with you a personal story about how I learned about my role in being a part of a team. It was early on in my career, I thought I was the best thing since bottled beer. I was smart, hard working, but lacking in a necessary component of being a good team player. That component? Simply put, understanding everyone around me. You see, I thought “I’m a person, they are people, so we must be the same right? NOPE!

Here’s the problem: I thought, that by making suggestions to my fellow teammates on how they could perform their jobs better, I was helping them. So, I thought, “I’m helping them become better at what they do, so I must be a good teammate” right? WRONG!!!

My supervisor at the time, and at my personal request, was completely honest with me during my annual review. She said “Do you really want to know what the guys think of you?” I said smugly, “I know they love me right?” WRONG again! She proceeded to share with me my team thought I was an arrogant, condescending, you know what. “Huh? How could they?” I thought. My defenses immediately went up and said “Well, that’s their problem – not mine!” WRONG again!

You see, my intentions were good, but the execution or deliverance of my intentions was being sorely misunderstood. In a nutshell, I made them feel stupid rather than empowered. Here are the key concepts to keep in mind if you want to be a good team player:

Evaluate your expectations
1. Just because you think it should be like you see it, doesn’t mean its right. We have to adjust our expectations to be realistic for the situation
Seek first to understand – then to be understood
1. If I had really understood what they were doing, how they were feeling, what challenges they were up against, I might have handled myself more carefully. We never truly know what someone else is going through unless we ask, and more importantly, listen!
Happy or right?
1. Most of us are brought up to think “Right is good and wrong is bad.” Therefore if I’m not right then I’m wrong and won’t get the appreciation, respect, or inclusion in whatever we’re a part of.
2. This is the BEST relationship advice I could ever give you – next time you’re in a difficult situation, ask yourself “Do I want to be happy or do I want to be right? In other words, win the battle, but lose the war. I was brought up to always make dang sure I was right.
3. So, when you’re right, what does that make other people? Wrong! Then, if they feel wrong, what might they do? Of course, defend themselves! What happens then? Arguments, disagreements, sides are drawn, and the team morale negatively suffers.
Q.T.I.P and D.C.Y.
1. Quit Taking It Personally
  1. Often, we take too much personally. We let it infect our soul and we expect we must make it right! Sometimes, we have to let it roll off our shoulders like water off a duck’s back. Let it go! Don’t take on something you may not be able to change or even make worse.
2. Don’t Concern Yourself
  1. Again, keeping with this theme, don’t worry about what so and so is doing or not doing. “Well they should be doing this and that!!!” That’s your expectation and sometimes not your problem.
Two ears - one mouth

There’s a reason why we have two ears and only one mouth!
Listen, really listen more than you talk. This goes back to understanding more than telling.
When you listen, paraphrase, or repeat back what you understood. This lets the person know you truly cared enough to listen and understand

In my next article, I’ll share with you ways you can handle a situation should it escalate in a full-blown conflict.

Ultimately, like I said before, too often we look at what everyone else is or isn’t doing. They aren’t meeting our expectations and we seek to make things right. Instead, look inside yourself to see if perhaps you’re more part of the problem than the solution.

If you have a particular teamwork situation you’d like my advice on, please don’t hesitate to email me at Christopher@master-motivators.com

All my best until next time,

Christopher Rausch (A.K.A. the “Master Motivator”)

Ask For Permission OR Beg For Forgiveness?

Master Motivators — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:14:17 GMT

Welcome back to another episode of "Should I or Shouldn't I" - the star of the show is YOU!

I'm sure you've heard the phrase "Ask for permission or beg for forgiveness" right?

Well, leadership is about taking RISKS!! Yes, I know, for some the word "risk" makes your bowels rumble like a scene from "Dumb & Dumber."

BUT, it doesn't have to be that bad! Listen, GREAT leaders take chances...gamble on what they believe to be the best in their heart of hearts. Will every chance result in a win? Nope..but many will if you trust your gut and give it your BEST!

Don't willy-nilly the crap...rev up the engines and GO FORRRRR IT!!!

Live is to be lived in the game...not on the sidelines....wondering "Should I have done..."

I take chances all the time! And, ya know what, I'm extremely successful because of them!

Until the next time, live life, be yourself, and give it EVERYTHING you've got!

Christopher - The Master Motivator!

Invest In YOUR Future!!!!

Master Motivators — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:27:20 GMT

Invest In YOUR Future

Hey There!

As you may know, I'm currently attending a 4 1/2 day bootcamp on marketing, social media, book writing, etc.

I have to be honest, when I saw the cost of the bootcamp I thought "I can't afford this." Have you ever said that to yourself?

Well, I asked myself one simple question and I STRONGLY encourage you to ask yourself the same one:

"If I go and learn, really learn and apply what these successful people have ALREADY done, is it reasonable and possible for me to recoup my investment doing what I love?"

Once I asked myself that question I knew without a doubt I HAD to invest in myself! If we can't make money doing what we love, then it's a message that maybe we shouldn't be doing it!

There's ABSOLUTELY no doubt I won't make this money back and then SOME!!!

MESSAGE: Do NOT die with your music inside of you!!!

Live life - don't just exist in it!

All my best,

Christopher "The Master Motivator"

I've Got Something to Say

Master Motivators — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:59:23 GMT

Davey Jones, Whitney Houston, Steve Jobs, Russell King Jr., Daniel Parmetor, and Demetrius Hewlin all have one thing in common: They're dead.

I know you must be saying to yourself, "I know the first three, but not the last three." Well, you may have heard about a shooting in Ohio a few days ago. Those last three, are kids who'll never see their next birthday.

Is this dramatic? Does this center-punch you in the gut? If so, then my job is done.

Yesterday, when I heard Davey Jones, at the young age of 66yrs, died of a sudden heart attack, my own mortality hit me in the face. The truth is, no matter if you have a GAZILLION dollars like Steve Jobs, or you're a kid in school, we're all going to die someday.

The problem I have is I see SOOOO many people, including yours truly, only existing in life. We're waiting for this to happen, or for that to change, or worse, we're blaming people in the past for why we aren't happy.

To put it bluntly: That's all busllshit! Let me repeat: that's ALL BULLSHIT!

The only person we have to blame or hold accountable, is ourselves! It's our choice every single moment of every single day what we focus on. If we focus on the news and let the crap affect us, then it's our choice. If we choose to see beautiful flowers, great smells, see someone's smile, that too is our choice.

Today, I learned of a one-week old baby going in for open heart surgery. Can you believe that? Can you imagine what the parents and family must be going through? Now, are your problems that bad? I bet, if we all threw our problems into one big pile, we'd gladly take our own back.

So what to do?

I tell you what - ask yourself: What am I (yes you) doing to make the changes I know I need to make? In other words, are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

Live your life, those 1,440 minutes you get every day with passion and enthusiasm! Rose colored glasses? NO!!!! Be honest with yourself! Get your shit together and stop complaining about stuff that won't matter in five years...much less five days.

I thank you for opening up your mind to my words. You are tremendous and just by the mere fact you read to the end, means YOU care!

Is life hard? Does it really suck sometimes? YES YES YES! But the only person who can do something is YOU!

So, get off your ass and live life! Give to those in need, laugh out loud, dress stupid to work, be yourself!

Until next time,

All my best,

Christopher

Copyright Master Motivators. All rights reserved.

Steve Jobs on Dying

Master Motivators — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:28:31 GMT

Hey There,

Well, I'm sure you've heard by now, Whitney Houston died yesterday. Death is interesting because it makes us think. Too bad we don't think that hard before something terrible happens. I found this amazing little piece from Steve Jobs I want to share with you. It made me think and I trust it will do the same for you!

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.” - Steve Jobs

Simply put, LIVE life...just don't exist in it! Listen, we only get ONE shot to make the absolute MOST of every minute we're blessed to be here. Are you making YOUR's count? If not, give me a call, I can help you get on track!!

All my best,

Christopher

The REAL Value of Time

Master Motivators — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:12:39 GMT

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

Master Motivators — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:49:47 GMT

Hey There,

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!

Master Motivators — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:47:20 GMT

Read this all the way through and tell me it didn't make you think! Enjoy!

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.

****************************************************************************************************************************************
Told ya it would make you think!

All my best,

Christopher

Copyright Master Motivators. All rights reserved.

What They Said

Master Motivators — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:14:09 GMT

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?

Master Motivators — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:29:00 GMT

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?

Master Motivators — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:19:00 GMT

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)

Master Motivators — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 01:47:00 GMT

This is a quick graphic representation of where I started and where I'm at today!

Copyright Master Motivators. All rights reserved.

The Journey - It's A Work In Progress

Master Motivators — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:08:00 GMT

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?

Master Motivators — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:46:00 GMT

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”

Master Motivators — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 04:01:00 GMT

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

2010 Election - You Or Them?

Master Motivators — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:22:00 GMT

Oh yes, it’s that time of year again…the time we get to listen to all the political ads and crap that ends up just being a bunch of lies in the end right?

Well, I’m not here to talk politics necessarily. I’m here to talk about your right to vote. What I’m REALLY saying is your right to vote for what YOU do in YOUR life!

Let me ask you this: Do you run your OWN smear campaigns against yourself about what truly matters the most to you? Are the ads you convey to those around you really supporting what you’re lobbying for in life? Or, are you constantly looking around at the b.s. campaigning other people are spouting about that you have absolutely no control over?

My friend, consider your bathroom like a voting booth if you will for a minute. Walk in, close the door (like drawing the curtain on the voting booth, and take a look at the candidate starring back at you. Are they standing up for what they believe in? Are they doing everything they promised they’d do in life? Or, are they listening to all the critics and dancing around the issues just to make people like them – to get their votes? Does the candidate live a life of truth, sincerity, and honest ambition about sticking to the most important issues no matter the cost or sacrifice?

If the answer is yes, then give yourself a big smile and walk proudly in life! However, if after careful and honest consideration, the answer is a reluctant “no” – then have a seat on that voting chair next to the sink and think about how you’re going to change your campaign moving forward. Just like real politics, change doesn’t happen overnight. The real change happens one step, one day, one year at a time. Sticking to your guns and fighting for what’s right and fair – FOR YOU!

Don’t let other people’s b.s. campaigning for your time in life EVER get in your way of living with absolute passion for what means the most to YOU!

Happy voting, but if you find yourself needing a campaign manager, don’t hesitate to give me a call or drop a line! I’d be honored to represent the new you in life

All my best to you and those who mean the most in your life,

Christopher

www.master-motivators.com

www.twitter.com/mastrmotivators.com

Where I've Been - The Journey

Master Motivators — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:35:36 GMT

Hey There Friend!

Well, it’s been awhile, and, as with you, life happens to me too. Fortunately, I’m the best coach I know and I’m always right here to talk myself through those times that really create our true character. And, let me tell you, I’ve amassed a lot more character in these recent times!

With that, I’d like to share the last few months of my life with you. Why? Because it’s important for me to completely open with you. Honesty, transparency, the real me, is what I’m about. I’ve heard the question “Jeez Christopher, how can you always be so positive?” quite a bit in my life. Sometimes, my answer is “Well, I’m not always positive quite frankly! Actually, sometimes I’m downright miserable!” That’s the absolute truth. I am human after all right?

So, I’d like to catch you up on the roller coaster of a journey I’ve taken with my mom over the last two years. She is the only living blood relative that I know of. Well, I do share plasma with another individual who, some might call my sister, but that story is for another time. Also, recently I found out my sperm donor, some might call my dad, actually died in 1993. Unfortunately, he was never a part of my life. Now, back to my story.

Last year, in March of 2009, a new chapter in life with my mom began. For now, we’ll call it the “Hospital & Hell” chapter. Here’s a quick breakdown of the events since then:

(March-April) The Hand (her dog bit her severely in her predominant hand which got incredibly infected)

Several trips to the emergency room
Admitted a few times for surgeries
Small quarter size wound appears on her lower right leg
Brought her dog to stay at our house (miserable experience for everyone)
Drove every single day to Hemet (200 miles total round trip including work) to take care of her cats while she was in the hospital (You’ll never believe how many!)

(May – Aug) Helped out a few times a month with grocery shopping etc. She was fairly independent again.

(Sept – Dec) The Rest of The Body

Several trips to Hemet (1hr each way) each month to loan money and run errands for her
One month in the hospital (vascular disease diagnosed)
- Right carotid surgery – stent placed (90% blocked)
- Right leg femoral bypass surgery (x2 – they screwed up the first one)
- The leg – several wound excavation surgeries (the quarter size wound is growing)
My truck caught on fire while towing my travel trailer to her RV park to live there while she was in the hospital so I could take care of her animals (truck went home and trailer went to park)
Released from hospital 23Dec2009 - She FINALLY quit smoking!

(Jan – May 2010) Doctor Appointments

Vascular/Rehab/Wound therapy appointments multiple times per week
ER visits for the leg (wound is continuing to grow worse - horrendous looking)
Started smoking again
Taking multiple pain killers just to barely make it
Rapid weight loss
Overall deteriorating physical health

(June – YTD) Stroke, Amputation, Lung Biopsy, Cancer

Loss of use in left hand (right hand not much better after initial surgery last year)
14 days in Hemet hospital (dozens of tests)
Three weeks in UCI hospital for right leg amputation
Moved to skilled nursing facility
Several weeks/miles of driving to clean and pack her trailer and shed
We adopted out her final four cats (wait until you hear the back story on this!)
Her dog (the most important thing in her life) is STILL staying with our friends
Doctors appointments for stitches removal, potential cancer treatments, and vascular discussions about surgery on LEFT carotid that’s 85% blocked (right one completely failed and collapsed)
Two significant masses in her left lung (Stage IV) – radiation only possible treatment (5 days a week for 6 weeks she would have to go)
68^th birthday (probably her last)
Rehabilitating her mobility with prosthetic and getting stronger – actually doing incredible on this part!
Left leg – is now showing significant narrowing of the arteries – the same that happened with the right leg

I can’t even begin to put into words the emotional and physical beating I’ve endured these last two years. As you know, I truly believe, in my gut, that everything happens for a reason. Ya ever feel like life is a test? Truth be told: I’m not one to fail at tests – no matter what they are! Giving up isn’t in my vocabulary OR in my heart.

Love – most people believe I’ve endured these last two years because it’s my mother and I’d do anything for her. Well, they’re partly right. More on that story later…you WON’T want to miss it.

My daily mantra: “Everyday is a new day and what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger” – this, with the love and support of my awesome wife, great friends and family, and, of course you, have been the strength in my life when I was weak. When I was so tired that I just wanted to sleep for 10days in a row and never wake up. ALL of you – are MY FAMILY!

Meanwhile, during all of this, I’ve continued, for the most part, my daily life. A full-time job (9+hrs a day), a two hour commute (sometimes longer), working out, fulfilling my passion with Master Motivators (speaking, coaching, and consulting), and even getting in a little fun now and again.

Again, I share these intimate details of my life with you because I truly want you to know I practice what I preach. I’m living proof, as I’m sure you are with your life, that it isn’t what happens to us that creates our destiny – it’s how we react to it that does.

So, where do we go from here? Well, next Tuesday, October 5^th at 4pm, we have an emergency appointment with a vascular surgeon. He will share with us her options. They could be (1) Angiogram w/possible stent and medication therapy (2) No surgery and only medication therapy (because she’s already got SO much vascular damage to her entire body (3) Femoral artery bypass surgery Or…nothing. It might just be too late and too far gone.

Meanwhile, back up in the lung area, the place we get our air from, those two masses are not receiving any combative treatments. So, they’re by all means, growing. Without any treatment, she can (1) Be extremely susceptive to pneumonia (2) Suffocate to death (3) The cancer will spread to other organs and…I’m sorry to be graphic, but the harm you do today will have lethal effects later.

Oh yeah, meanwhile all of this is taking place, the chances for a partial or full stroke are with us every minute of everyday…until something, if anything to fix the vascular disease, I doubt it – it’s too late.

Listen, from the moment we’re born, we immediately start dying. We’re all dying, but some, might actually be enjoying the journey! Living life and merely existing day in and day out is the difference. Which category are you in? Honestly?

This life isn’t a dress rehearsal. We only get one shot! Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m going to do my damdest to go out banging pots and pans showing the world that I LIVED my life. Are you?

Again, thank you from the deepest parts of my heart for your continued love and support. You are incredible and if there’s ever anything I can do for you, a family member, or even your friend, let me know!

Until next time, which will be more regular now (I hope), PLEASE live YOUR EXTRAORDINARY life!

All my best,

Christopher

Relationships - A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words

Master Motivators — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 05:14:00 GMT

Someone’s standing there in front of you, arms folded, tapping their foot, with a dreadful scowl etched on their face, telling you "I'm fine! I don't know what you're talking about! Everything's okay!" Do you believe them? Of course NOT! That’s why they say “A picture is worth a 1,000 words!”

Hello and welcome back to our continuing discussion about relationship management.

Give or take, about 85% of our communication is done with our body – head to toe.

Face (eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, teeth, cheeks, forehead, eyelids, jaw…)
Body (head, shoulders, arms, hands, back, legs, knees…)
Voice (tone, decibel, variation, speed, inflection, word usage…)

With just these few identifiers, we can easily see there’s a LOT more going on than just the words we pick for the actual message. The problem is this: we don’t actively consider our body language and the UNINTENDED messages it’s probably BROADCASTING. Well, this is unless you’re spending as much time in front of a mirror as the Kardashian women – then you’re probably golden!

True story: Quite often, when I was younger, people would ask me why I was mad. I’d say “I’m not mad, actually I’m in a great mood – what would give you that impression?” The answer never changed “you just look pissed off right now!" So, I decided to do an experiment. I put a very small mirror on my desk. Then, every once in a while, I‘d look into it as I was talking with someone. What I saw, didn’t match my mood at all. One thing was for sure, I didn't want people to think I was angry all the time! Who becomes happy and successful with that reputation? Just take a trip to your local DMV office to be reminded.

So, I had to start practicing making my facial features more pleasant and inviting. Don’t laugh! Course, I could only imagine what was going through people’s minds when they saw me during the practicing stage. “Man, is he having a seizure right now or maybe drunk?” The major hurdle for me was my teeth. They weren’t straight so I never smiled. Can’t put on a happy face with messed up teeth right? Well, you can, but I didn’t believe so at the time. Because sending the right message (happy and fun) was so important to me, I made a conscious decision to get braces in my early 30’s and other cosmetic work. I really wanted to smile and feel really good about it. After $8,000, 5 years and some minor pain, my teeth were straight! Guess what? It’s only been four years since that awesome day when I smiled and REALLY felt GREAT about it! Now, I smile all the time – especially when someone’s being rude to me

Since then, combined with my continuous attention to my body language, my reputation has changed incredibly for the better. So, to be successful, we MUST take responsibility for thinking consciously about OUR body language. It's about making a decision, that when you know you're in a bad mood, you're not going to place yourself in a situation where you have to negotiate something. Who wants to do a business deal with someone who's appears to be mad and defensive? I'm sure there are people you deal with regularly who constantly convey negative body language right? As a result, like I said before with vicious circles, nobody wants to be around them. Therefore, when people don't want to be around them, they become even more upset. Then, when they become even hotter, what do you think their chance for positive, life enriching, relationship building is? Seriously, it only takes a few nonchalant sarcastic eye rolls before somebody has visions of using your head in their kick boxing class! The question is: Are you this person? Be honest!

Here’s the truth of the matter - noticing and changing your ENTIRE body language isn’t going to be easy or happen overnight. You’re going to have to REALLY look inside yourself. And, more importantly, ask those around you their (hopefully honest) opinions of how you’re being perceived.

Suggestion: What I started doing at first was attempting to mirror the other person’s body language. It tends to make people feel at ease and comfortable around you. However, don’t do it if they keep scratching places where they should be washing more!

The most important piece of advice I can share with you is when someone’s speaking - give them your UNDIVIDED attention! Coming from a guy who has super powers (ADHD) this is incredibly difficult. Because I can focus on ten things at once, I can listen to somebody talking while typing at the very same time and not miss a beat. Through education and practice, I’m now keenly aware I need to turn my chair around, and give them my full attention (body language) in order to make them feel validated and heard.

So, go get up off the place you find your brain sometimes and go to the store. Get one or two small pocket mirrors and place them where you can glance at yourself to make sure you never look like Betty White after a sour candy eating binge!

Remember: A picture is worth 1,000 words!

All my best to you and your family,

Christopher

PS: PLEASE – no hate mail about the Betty White comment! I love her too and think she’s awesome!

Relationships - Listening Versus Hearing

Master Motivators — Tue, 25 May 2010 05:06:00 GMT

We’re continuing our discussion about having awesome relationships and this week’s article is straight-up one of the BEST practices you can use immediately to deepen and strengthen ALL of your relationships!

But first, I’d like to thank all of you for your incredible support with this group and Master Motivators! The new friends, the old friends – THANK YOU! You Are Tremendous!!!

Now, in the post “Relationships – Think Before You Speak”, we talked about the importance of checking in with both ourselves and the person we’re about to talk to. Simply put - making sure our mindsets are in a good spot for the exchanging of thoughts and feelings. Remember the question to ask? Yes, “Is now a good time to talk?” Have you tried it yet?

With relationships, depending on with whom we’re talking about, at the end of the day we want to feel loved, understood, respected, trusted, and appreciated right? Well, maybe not “loved” by our boss and coworkers, but at least accepted. Well my friend, the path to earning those feelings is by communicating them. We have to become MASTER COMMUNICATORS!

So, what I’m about to share with you will have an IMMEDIATE positive impact in ALL of your relationships! Are ya ready for it?

You MUST become an excellent listener! “Huh….whadda he sayyyy???”

With so much going on around us, and the barrage of information being thrown at us from every angle, it’s really hard to pay attention isn’t it? Check this out:

We talk at a rate of 130 words per minute

We can listen and understand about 400 words per minute

But, our minds can think at 1,000 words per minute

These figures easily show there’s lots of idle time in the brain to get ourselves into trouble. Ever been smacked upside the head for not listening? You’re sitting there, trying your best to stay focused, but the shiny object in the room snags your attention. Then, when you least expect it, your loved one shrieks two octaves and says “Did YOU hear a word I JUST said?” Then, you reply, in your most loving and oh crap I’ve been outted voice - “Yes dear!” Now the gamble begins. Will they ask me what they said or am I’m safe this time? Not this time I’m afraid!

“Okay smarty pants tell me what I just said!” Quickly, your eyeballs roll up as if to search the dry erase board in the sky only to see it’s blank and you stammer out “ummm…you said…umm….and then….Ummm.”

Ohhh how I wonder how many breakups started with the phrase “You just don’t care! You never pay attention to a word I say!” You see, it’s about being engaged in the moment and shutting everything else out of your mind. And, coming from a guy who has bionic ADHD, it’s extremely challenging, but definitely achievable.

Aim First Then Shoot – Not The Other Way Around!

So, what’s going on in your brains during this idle time? I’ll tell ya - we’re busy formulating our reply and haven’t even finished listening to what’s STILL being said! It’s like we are waiting for the communication merry-go-round to slow down just enough so we can jump on and take over the ride. Sound familiar? We need to have patience!!! NEVER assume you’ve got the whole message by just piecing together a few words you caught here and there. You’re seriously asking for trouble!

True listening takes focus, patience and practice. If we don’t feel like someone’s listening what do we do? Yeah, we close up and keep stuff to ourselves right? Why bother saying anything because we feel that no one even cares. This causes bigger problems when our boiling point reaches maximum pressure and erupts like the Iceland volcano! Or worse, we implode, no one notices, and we exist in a life of constant agony. Doesn’t that suck?

So what can WE do?

- NEVER interrupt someone!

- Paraphrase – repeat back what you believe you understood

- Body language – stop what you’re doing, look them in the eyes, nod and smile

- Ask clarifying questions – “So, tell me more about that…” “What was going through your mind at that moment?”

By the same token, if you feel someone isn’t getting it and is afraid to ask, or has faded away, simply offer “In other words…” or “Let me put it another way” to see if that provides them more understanding. As a last result, start talking in a made up language to see if they notice!

In a nutshell, really make people feel special (understood, respected, and appreciated) by genuinely listening to them and you’ll be amazed by what happens in your life!

All my best,

Christopher