Kevin W. McCarthy

The Professor of On-Purpose

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Are You Feeling Successful?

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Leader Phil Mickelson teeing off on the 18th h...Image via Wikipedia

Last Tuesday, I asked in the On-Purpose Minute, "Do You Feel Like A Failure?"  This week we go to the other end of the spectrum — success.  Reaching this place in life opens us to new vistas and responsibilities.  How will you mature into your place of leadership?

I have to imagine that Phil Mickelson is relishing his moment of success in winning his third green jacket at the Masters golf tournament.  A friend of mine, Johan Immelman's son, Trevor, won it a couple of years ago.  I've met Trevor and he exudes the qualities of a man with good parenting.  



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Sarah Palin Network – Really Funny

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I make no bones about my politically conservative point of view, but funny is funny.  Tina Fey's Saturday Night Live Skit about the Sarah Palin Network is smart, clever, and extraordinarily well done.  Ms. Fey and SNL – kudos for your satire.

This clips starts with an ad, but it is worth the wait.

Kurt Vonnegut and Drama in Stories and Life

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Kurt Vonnegut speaking at Case Western Reserve...Image via Wikipedia

I stumbled on this blog post about real life and drama by Derek Sivers about Kurt Vonnegut – an unknown person to me but an iconoclast of some note.   For that alone, I respect him for being more on-purpose than most people.

Vonnegut's chart was enlightening because of its simplicity.  Drama accentuates the ups and downs.  Real life tends to be more moderated (unless you are a 15 year old teenage girl). 

Folks who self-impose healthy drama with exploration in their lives I find to be engaging and interesting.   People who impose unhealthy drama I prefer to avoid. 

Hmmm – just how bold am I living?

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God & The Chocolate Ice Cream

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I am a fan of Nic Askew, the creator of Soul Biographies.  "God & The Chocolate Ice Cream" starring Michael Neill offers provocative thoughts on the integration of the spiritual and material worlds – the space where I like to play and work.  Invest a few minutes and watch this short film that is embedded below. 

Ironically, before opening my computer and watching this video, I awoke about 5:30 a.m. and went to the freezer.  Last night I bought a quart of chocolate ice cream against my better judgment.  I at

Chocolate ice creamImage via Wikipedia

e about half of the chocolate ice cream.  At 5:32 a.m. I pulled off the ice cream lid and turned the container upside down over the kitchen sink drain so it would thaw and disappear.  My decision was based on reasons of both health and spiritual discipline. 

From a health perspective I am 15 pounds over my goal weight.  I know I need to get back on the Health Program my wife coaches.  More importantly, the chocolate ice cream is a metaphorical impediment to my stewardship of all that God has given me.  Think of it as Jacob's hip or the thorn in Paul's flesh.  I've learned in talking with Judith and other health coaches, ultimately, it isn't what we're eating, it is what's eating at us.

My irrational desire for sugar, cream, and chocolate is more akin to an addiction.  It provides a profound empathy for the heroin or cocaine addict.  Truly, there, but by the grace of God go I.  It is a "no" to which I so often say "yes" (watch the video to understand).  Left unchecked, it would consume my life prematurely.  Intellectually I get it, yet lust takes over.  In this regard, I also relate to the sins of Tiger Woods.  Fortunately, my lust is more socially acceptable and less morally reprehensible.  Yet, make no mistake, it is lust gone awry.

I am reminded of Matthew 7:5: "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you
will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."  This scripture causes me to hold my tongue at the failings of others.  I'm making the attempt to avoid being a hypocrite!

So why dump the ice cream down the drain?  I've learned the best way to avoid sin is to not cozy too close to it.  Healthy boundaries make for a healthy life.  Sure, it is a fix, not a cure.  Until the deep work in my soul is reconciled, I settle for temporary acts of protection.  

Perhaps, now dear reader, you'll appreciate why I am a fan of Nic Askew.  He stirs the spirit of one who is in the business of stirring spirits.  My hope is my On-Purpose Minutes provoke you is similar fashion.

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin

'god & the chocolate ice cream' from Nic Askew on Vimeo.

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Meet Contagious Leader Monica Wofford

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IMG_0402One of the great joys of my long time membership in the National Speakers Association are my peers.    Monica Wofford and I had the opportunity to reconnect at the recent Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce.  Currently she is the president of the Central Florida Chapter of NSA. 

Visit Monica's web site and learn about this great lady, her programs, and keynote addresses. She has pioneered the concept of Contagious Leadership.

Be On-Purpose!

Kevin

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The On-Purpose Leader Teleseminar Replay

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86"What am I going to do when I grow up?" 

It is funny when we say it, yet the price of not really knowing who we are as grown-ups is needlessly expensive to every aspect of our lives.

I get it!  You're stretched to the max and burdened under more
commitments than you have time.  Life is wrapped so tight, that you're
not sure where to begin with making your life make sense.

Now, you can test drive The On-Purpose Leader program which is based on The On-Purpose Person.  Listen and watch the replay of the introductory broadcast by CLICKING HERE.   You will be taken to the replay page.   Be sure to click on "SLIDES" in the upper left hand corner so you can watch and listen.

The program includes four remaining teleseminars, replays, and web site support.  Enrollment for this series ends: Wednesday, March 10, midnight. 

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Embrace Life

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SeatbeltImage via Wikipedia

All I can say is, "Wow!" 

Thank you Sussex Roads Partnership for sharing this message of seat belt use safety.  This adds a whole new meaning to buckle up, family love, and the guardian angel nature of seat belts.  

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What does it take to be a success?

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I found this presentation on TED that breaks down some of the key qualities of being on-purpose.   RIchard St. John was asked a simple question by a teenager.   His pursuit of the answer lead to 500 interviews over 7 years with successful people.  In 3 minutes Richard provides great insight in an entertaining manner.  Enjoy!

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