Many readers think I'm an "A" type personality who is extraordinarily organized and has it altogether. Guess again. Remember writers write about their struggles. Enjoy!
To watch more commentary on real life go to http://www.ingredientx.com/.
Whom Do You Know Who Needs To Be On-Purpose?
Sure, you have friends, family members, and colleagues at work who could really benefit from being on-purpose. Now you can introduce them to this modern parable for free.
It is as simple as forwarding a free preview of the first four chapters of The On-Purpose Person. Download your free preview and forward it today or pass along a link to this posting. You’ll make a difference in their life and yours.
PS – The full version of The On-Purpose Person as an ebook is available as well on Audible.
On-Purpose Profiles: Soul Biographies
Here is a remarkable series of short soul biographies on people's lives by filmmaker Nic Askew. As you watch these there's a sense of learning about oneself through the eyes of others. The intimacy of seeing into the heart, mind, and life of another is extraordinarily enriching to our own understanding of self.
The direct link here is called, "Second Glance" and is about David Roche
On-Purpose® is a movement of being authentic to the design upon your life, accepting the gift, and making the most of it for yourself and in service to others. Through these films, perhaps, you'll grow to understand and accept you for whom you really are. Knowing your purpose puts words on it… it is a start. The true joy is living into who you are… being on-purpose!
Dim the lights. Enjoy the shows…
'the second glance' from Nic Askew on Vimeo.
President Obama: Yes He Can (I pray)
In terms of candor and full disclosure, let me go on record saying I did not vote for our new president. I am conservative in my views as other postings on this blog indicate. That said, I place purpose above
party and politics. 
Nevertheless, in a few short hours President Obama will be my president. I’ll watch the swearing in ceremony proud to be a citizen of the USA. Here will be our democracy on display to the world. With my support and participation also comes my right to voice an opinion for or against his policies.
Critics are blasting the nearly $165 million being spent on the inauguration. For the leader of the free world to invest all this money to market the peaceful display of our republic at work is a solid advertising investment. Our enemies will see how the transition of power can really work. It is cause for celebration even in troubled economic times.
Like many other citizens, I, too, will offer up my prayers as Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church invokes God’s blessing on this nation, the presidency, and this man and his family. I, for one, am hoping that President Obama proves to be a remarkable president who grasps the weight of the office and hoists it cleanly, efficiently, and effectively. He needs everyone’s prayers.
It is for such a time like this that we need to regain our identity as a nation. In fact, we’re finally well into the American Experiment as the founding fathers, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King dreamed our nation could be. As the Pledge of Allegiance states, “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Freedom, as we know it, rests as a mighty call upon the USA and her citizens. It hasn’t been an easy journey, nor will the road ahead. Regardless, I believe we are heading toward a vision of a “more perfect union” at least in the symbol of an African-American man elected to the presidency. My prayer is that the substance of President Obama’s watch over this country ushers in an era of greater unity and grace among our citizens. In true conservative fashion, being the United States is being true to the founding ideals.
Be On-Purpose!
Kevin
The On-Purpose Person
The On-Purpose Person
Making Your Life Make Sense
Let's skip the usual jacket cover hype here. Instead, I'll post bits and pieces of the back story – how the book and message of Being On-Purpose came into being.
There isn't a week that goes by when I don't get asked by someone about becoming an author. It seems everyone wants to write a book. Few actually step up to the challenge – and it is a challenge. Even fewer find the commercial success they expected. So you better understand why you're writing a book in the first place.
Please post your comments or questions here about becoming an author or about my books or publishing experience in general.
Ask YOUR Questions here about publishing a book and I'll share one best selling author's perspective.
Be On-Purpose!
Kevin
Weighing In Again
A number of readers followed my journey of losing weight this year. I lost 50 pounds… but have I kept it off?
Yes! I weigh either side of 190 a few pounds, down from a 1/1/2008 holiday high of 240!
Here's a summary of my journey.
I lost the 50 pounds from January 1 through September of this year. The first ten pounds I dropped from January 1 – April 2. While doing the Take Shape For Life program (phase 1: weight loss), I dropped 37 pounds between April 3 and June 30. As the keynote speaker at their National Convention I was weighed on stage (dressed) and was 193 or down a total of 47 pounds. In the transition stage I dropped a few more pounds to get to 190. A full 50 pound drop in mass.
As exciting as my weight loss is, Judith, my wife, decided to become a Certified Health Coach with Take Shape For Life. Attending the National Convention with me, plus a desire to help others, and my results, prompted her to catch Dr. A's vision for Getting America Healthy.
Wow! She's helping about 20 people regain their health. It is an exciting time and the extra income during these economic times has been a true blessing. She's been a stay at home mom (I hung her Darden School MBA diploma in our laundry room – really!). This is a wonderful transition for her back to the workplace on her own terms. Wonderful success stories with clients bring joy to her spirit. Teaming up with Dr. Wayne Andersen and the Take Shape For Life team has been a joy.
By the way, Judith has lost 25 pounds on TSFL as well. She's back to her college weight.
So if your New Years Resolution will include losing 20, 30, 40 pounds or more, click here to visit Judith's web site. You can email her here for more information.
I have to admit, I'm a zealot about this weight loss / get to optimal health company. TSFL is truly on-purpose.
Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday season. We are!
Be On-Purpose!
Kevin
Wall Street and Big Business: Thanks, Dr. Spock
"The Financial Bailouts" have me thinking and pondering, Why do I find them so, frankly, offensive to my senses?
I can argue this from the viewpoint of being a capitalist and free market
advocate. The debate can be political in terms of government and
policy – conservative and liberal. Certainly, there is an economy at
risk argument that is being made along with the loss of millions of jobs.
I read, listen, and watch "the experts" debate the issue eloquently on both sides and I find myself caught in the middle of which way to go. All of the above enter into my opinion.
In the end, I've decided that the Bailout is just plain wrong. What Dr. Spock did for parenting with his no spanking approach, government is now doing to society. The United States is a nation "By the people and for the people…." Unfortunately, we've become a nation afraid to spank our children. What Dr. Spock did to parenting, government is now doing to our nation.
Dr. Spock made valid points, but there is a larger context to parenting. There's something important to a child's development to have an authority in their lives who sets and secures appropriate behavior boundaries. It prepares the child to be a more responsible and contributing independent adult. A parent like a government needs to carry a full arsenal of options including the power of a good whack on the bottom.
As we hear reporters and politicians speak in terms of "taking the military option off of the table" it is Dr. Spock in the Congress. Now the generation of Dr. Spock is running the nation as if it were their household – Democrats and Republicans alike.
Consequences
The Concept of Consequences has been decimated. Simply, this states that a person is responsible for the results of his or her actions. If I stick my hand on wet paint that is clearly marked as wet paint, then the natural consequence is I get paint on my hand. Cause and effect.
Unfairly and sadly, sometimes we suffer consequences that are not the direct result of our doing. Two relatives' careers with Arthur Andersen ended because of the Enron scandal. One worked in Boston, the other in California. Neither had any business dealings with Enron or the Houston office of Andersen, yet they paid the price as the result of the actions of others. Curve balls come at us in life.
Consequences are often thought to be negative (punishment), but there are also positive consequences. Study hard, get good grades, enroll in college, graduate, and gain greater opportunities in life. This typical cause and effect pattern is predictably preached by many a parent. Consequences for our actions are something we are supposed to learn as children. It helps us grow into mature and productive adults.
As a nation, perhaps, it is a season of reflection and consequences. Money is never the answer to a problem. It is simply an easy salve to apply, a seemingly quick fix that fails to deal with the fundamentals. The "Me Generation" – of which I'm a part – needs to suffer the consequences of our avoidance to deal with the hard truth of overindulgence for decades. Abundance has lulled us into apathy and complacency. We're masters at avoiding the consequences of our actions.
Popeye the Sailor Man's fat friend J. Wellington Wimpy taught all too many of our generation the use of credit. To anyone who would listen, Wimpy offered, "I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."
Like overindulged brats fattened by our parents, our due is coming. Tuesday, dear Mr. Wimpy, has arrived and the bill is due. Our character needs to be strengthened or our country will be lost. I believe in the Spirit of America to face, survive, and improve. We need a season of pruning and leaders who are willing to make the tough call.
From the ashes of Wall Street or Main Street, the U.S. economy will rise again because the character of its citizens will rise to the occasion. Trust "We the people" to get it right, to pay the price, to be creative, and to make the most of a time such as this. Given the challenges to freedom arising in the world today against them, the banner bearers of liberty may very well need this time of preparation if truly "Liberty and Justice for All" is to survive.
Let Wall Street and the Automotive industry go into bankruptcy. Let home borrowers who overextended themselves lose their homes. From out of pain and suffering, comes humility and wisdom which are more precious than gold. We'll all be better people and a better nation for it.
Be On-Purpose!
Kevin
True Generosity
Giving out of joy and thanksgiving for our blessings and abundance are the building
blocks for true generosity.
In The On-Purpose Person, the Professor tells the man, "Knowing yourself
better means you're more aware of your special gifts and talents that especially
qualify you to serve. No one else in the world is exactly like you. Someone or some
cause needs you. Think of them as your 'customers' or 'audience' awaiting your performance.
"From this appreciation of yourself, you will naturally share from your strength. Your
prior mind-set may have been one of scarcity rather than abundance. Trust your instinct to give with joy."
During this holiday season, even though our country is in a time of economic turmoil,
remember that On-Purpose® is to serve by giving from our strength in spite of the conditions about us. You may not be able to change the world, but you can make a difference in the world about you. One simple act of kindness offered in thanksgiving is all it takes. And then repeat as the Spirit leads you.