See NOW or Stumble

In seeking to see, be careful not to see and learn too much that seeing self and those in the direct community becomes difficult. Becoming like the people referenced in Matthew 13:14 serves little benefit. Response ability begins with awareness. Avoid responding without being aware of what effect words have or mean as an expression of the heart.

 

Have a response ability which bears the weight of the challenges faced by those in the direct community. Seek to see what words, what tone, what method is needed to reach the person being spoken to.

 

What is focused on expands. Matthew 13 shares the Parable of the Sower. A farmer throwing seed to different soils is the same as sharing value with different audiences. Expand the awareness of the audience the same as a farmer learns the soil.
Great things will always be remembered. What is a great thing to each person is different. So like the horse led to water. To keep traveling the horse must drink. Most people have heard the phrase about leading a horse to water. No different one can speak but the words are not always heard.

NOW aware feeding a horse salt it drinks what does that have to do with reaching people? First listen to the audience and learn what is important and needed from the perspective of the audience. Choosing to not see others NOW would be like choosing to look at the world without color.

For example try convincing a Christian that God is not real when miracles have been seen, healing taken place. A non-biblical example would be Sept 11, 2001. How easy it is to remember exactly what was being done and where one was that day when the news was first heard. Using an example of great emotional connection is the salt of conversation that allows the audience to hear what is needed.

Listen and learn what is important and relate the important personal detail to the audience when sharing. Same as the farmer aerates the soil, before seeding and then fertilizes a plot of land. So one must do with others when sharing what is important to oneself.

Jesus used the same method to reach people in his time. People of his era and region often lost their sight due to sun, sand and poor medical knowledge. Referencing a loss of sight was the greatest method to dramatize what he wanted to share.

A salesman trying to explain how a potential customer is losing money every month choosing a lesser product or service might throw pennies in the air or borrow a bill from the customer, burning it in front of them. Seek to see the audience that they might see what value is being shared.

 

How-To Responding NOW

How many reading this have been to a restaurant and had a horrible experience? When dining out most people want that server who strives for professionalism yet still seeks to bring the greatest sense of personal value and importance for each guest in addition to an incredible meal.

A server is a lot like a messenger bird; communicating with guests, providing recommendations to patrons by sharing special menu items or rare liquid treats prepared at the bar, and communicating selections to the Chef and Bartender.

Servers spend hours of their life navigating picky and obtuse requests from dining guests while being yelled at by the chef or kitchen staff. Often enduring condescending and rash remarks from guests, bartender and kitchen crew.

The veteran server learns quickly when to respond or not. Pointing out to guests how their poorly timed requests at each table visit negatively affect others’ meals or how the Chef’s yelling inspires a one way trip to the car will not accomplish anything NOW.

Thinking back to a poor dining experience where upon arrival, with reservation, the hostess devalued the party members with poor attention to detail and not having the table ready. Then, once seated, the charming server made mistakes. The food delivered was not what was ordered.

Sure, the plate had been delivered by another server to a different table. Then management tried to offer this plate from the other table. NOW at this point with so many mistakes patience had worn thin. Most people when facing a situation that is less than expected do not respond well.

Sure, though calmly addressing the server’s mistakes with intent to improve the situation, one’s remarks may have inspired a fear of returning to the table.

In the moment, keeping a calm tone against rising frustration may consume great energy. It would be easy to feel pride in the moment for exercising such calm. This pride would really be a distraction and defense against guilt of not bringing value to the evening. Party members were probably not impressed either as the words used, though calm, did not foster a harmonious, enriching experience.

Consider the server who does not just serve a guest’s needs or wait on requests but must anticipate what both the guests and kitchen staff will need. Conveying a spirit of calm charm at the table and combating sweaty, Spartan style aggression from kitchen staff wielding sharp, shining tools and verbal abuse moments later in the kitchen.

Think of a time when a certain outcome was expected and deeply desired yet what was desired by the heart did not go as best hoped. It’s been said sharing what the heart really feels to another can’t be done. Can one implant the emotional desire in another so it is felt by the person being responded to?

The phrase goes, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink”. This simply is not true. Unless the horse is sick and will not eat, feeding well salted outs will inspire drinking every single time.

NOW the only option is to inspire change within self. The host who makes idiotic remarks is easily forgotten when seated in the great environment, clean table, and the bright smile of a genuinely caring gratuity employee. How can one best respond in the moment when events NOW do not go as hoped? How can one address the situation NOW best so it is salted towards the best results for all involved?

Response ability will make or break any server’s career just the same as creating or destroying personal and professional relationships NOW when poorly executed. Most people do not respond perfectly NOW in the “heat” of a moment. With the ideal timing and proper planning every person would respond perfectly using “salt” and other persuasive techniques to perfectly share a perspective with others.

Take Regular Breaks NOW

Every Monday and Friday a new post arrives at Nowperspective.com. Also on Monday’s one can find me sitting in a chair donating plasma, same later in the week. Over and over during the week I am asked why. While reading this are you also wondering why? Okay it goes like this…

 

Bill Gates mows his own grass. President Bush was known for going to his “Western White House” and clearing brush. Starting the day early and stopping for a late lunch only to return to the arduous ‘workout‘ using his chainsaw.

 

Why? Clearly both of these men could pay a landscaper or ranch hand to accomplish these chores. At the end of the day these men find these less than desirable tasks to be worth much more than an activity.

In that chair I am able to get away. Alone with my own thoughts, sitting in a chair where no calls come in or out I am free with my own thoughts. There is great time freedom in being self-employed and some wonderful perks. A break from life is not needed. Regardless it is mind blowing how busy life can still be.

 

During a donation a feeling of relaxed clarity is gained. In addition trading temporary discomfort and a couple hours make all the difference. NOW a child somewhere may receive the biotherapy needed to improve their life NOW. The best return on investment for time spent is when even one child gains more time with parents or parents get those few extra months with their child.

 

Bill Gates and Bush Sr. learned this wisdom long before I did. These moments are essential for resetting focus. In the busy details of a day helping myself and others meet their needs and goals. It is easy to look at the things that need to be done and forget to celebrate all that has been accomplished. Like the weaknesses of self, others or businesses and pursuits that need to be bolstered.

 

These moments sitting on that sterile bed surrounded by the smell of sterilizer I am able to reset. Like every Yogi knows being centered is very important. Without these moments sight of what has been accomplished, gained and the strengths which have led to those victories is easily lost.

 

So long story short take time to do whatever needs to be done NOW to stay focused on what leads to success in the pursuit of the hearts cravings.

 

NOW Some Bible Backup

Be a good steward NOW. The belongings and responsibilities NOW carried will not increase until good stewardship has been mastered. The fundamental basis of property and life management for the Christian belief is stated clearly in Psalm 24 saying everything in the world is God’s.

Colossians 3:23 admonishes the wisdom of doing all things as if to God. Would whining, making excuses and denying one’s role in a situation be acceptable when caring for property or people belonging to God? Would it be okay to chew out employees, take advantage of coworkers or coming home from a long day shed the burden felt on those in the home? The behavior of others is never justification for the choices one makes themselves.

Was God standing among the community NOW would there be a change in the effort given to any endeavors? If everything on the Earth is of God and belongs to Him how can one not do their best NOW to increase the value of the moment?

The past is intended for study that one may be informed NOW of how to behave. Easy as it is to be prideful of the effort invested and the results, Deuteronomy 8:17, what does the very next verse have to say? Deuteronomy 8:18 counsels, “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Also Proverbs 16:18 informs one that pride will precede a failure. This is God speaking in effort to remind His people that what is here on the Earth His not the people.

Called to be stewards of this Earth which exists only NOW; it is each person’s responsibility to bring value not just to the material things but the moment. As in Matthew 25 and Luke 19 God rewards those who use what is given to create more value. Matthew 25:20, given 5 bags of gold the servant used the gold to create 10.

NOW gifted with a moment how it is used will determine the value in the next moment. Accept the responsibility to bring value NOW how much greater will the subsequent moments be that God gifts one with?

Matthew 25:24 shares how the servant took 1 bag of gold and buried it. Should one allow fear of loss be the excuse keeping action from occurring there will be no reward. To not take action NOW is rewarded no differently than using the moment to tear others down. The servant making excuses out of fear may not have sought to destroy but feared failure more than God was feared and did not seek to bring increased value to the gift given.

Each moment NOW may not be a bag of gold but currency and gift intended to be invested and grown into more. What can be done in each moment NOW to bring more value to others improving on the gift of life given?

NOW Perspective Journals

99.9 percent of people learn to speak then to write. Yet so few people learn to be effective communicators and even fewer than to be persuasive communicators. Smaller numbers still are the people who learn to effectively and persuasively communicate with themselves.

Proverbs 4:23 counsels to guard the heart and this goes farther than just from outside influence. Today a few reminders of how to learn to listen to the heart, and guard the thoughts, words and actions taken in each NOW moment.

Do not confuse persuasive with manipulative! Manipulation is using any method needed to motivate or force someone to do something that selfishly satisfies needs or desires. Persuasion, however, is guiding the mind and emotions beyond obstacles, to take action for benefit of the community or in this case self.

Those who already accomplish more than most, benefit by developing and refining better skills in communicating with self and others. The toddler learns to talk as walking alone won’t get them further. The same is always true, what gets one “here” won’t get them “there” which is what Marshal Goldsmith wrote an entire book and successful audio series about.

The brain absorbs more information than often one is aware of in any NOW moment. While writing this blog post to bring value, focus is on getting thoughts into the post. Yet my brain is processing more than finger movement, touch, smell, sound and sight of not just the computer screen but surrounding details. It is no surprise most of the happenings of each NOW moment are lost.

Keeping a NOW perspective journal allows for greater focus in goal accomplishment and awareness of personal life patterns. The power of information the past holds for NOW is astounding.

Imagine NOW realizing a pattern each Spring of restlessness or frustration when looking back at old NOW perspective journal entries. Now anticipating and quickly moving beyond the hindrance in goal pursuits of years past!

Here is an amazing journal tool which makes organizing goals, NOW do lists, quick 1-3 line awareness recordings and goal accomplishment summaries.

Why keep a NOW perspective log?

1. Think the best is achieved when one stores all the details of NOW mentally?  What smell was noticed which last brought memories of childhood? Yeah! Do not use up brain space even trying to remember the details needed to be aware of patterns; rather use the energy to find solutions to the challenges NOW.
2. Keep a NOW Do List. With a check list how can details be forgotten? There is only NOW and the moment once spent is gone forever. Is forgetting even a single task in the pursuit of accomplishing the deepest desires of the heart worth not keeping a NOW perspective “log of events”?
3. When not trying to remember all details of the moment one is freer to enjoy it. Accomplishing more means greater freedom to “smell the roses”.
4. Blind-spots are easily identified massively accelerating the personal growth so paramount to getting to “the next level”

There are many more reasons but let’s keep this short and get on with pursuing what will satisfy that gnawing hunger of the heart. Proverbs 16:23 says, “The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction”. My bible says lips promote instruction which also translates, “to make the lips persuasive”.

The thoughts one has lead to words which lead to action. Will thoughts NOW be forgotten as if of no value or written down to provide greater information in the next NOW moment?

8 Ways To Be More Bullheaded NOW

Be bullheaded. Accept no excuses; take no prisoners in the pursuit of the heart’s deepest desires! I admonish any who interpret my suggestions are to develop an unmitigated mentality towards others in the pursuit of goals. Rather with the fervent, aggressive and blind focus of a bull pursue the heart’s purest passions.

 

• In hindsight things made more sense when in school. Stick with what you know to learn more. Continue to study aka sharpen those horns

 

• Have something to work towards aka a matador’s capote (cape). Bull’s do not run with no destination in mind

 

• Once the Capote (goal) has been identified put the horns down and do not settle, do not stop, do not rest until that “cape” has been captured

 

• Find a good environment. A bull grows largest with large open spaces with plenty to eat. Seek out encouraging and supportive partners for your “herd”

 

• Eat often as to grow big. A competition bull must weigh between 1,010 and 1,300lbs. Daily training to develop skills in pursuit of goals can happen through mentorship found in books, videos or in person. No matter the source be consistent

 

• Use the “herd” as leverage doing what cannot be done by a bull all by itself to best get to that “cape”. A bull when facing the matador alone will lose

 

• A great defense is an aggressive offense so run as ardently as possible towards what will free the heart

 

• Give up on being a bull and be the Matador. Grab an outfit from Amazon and good luck not getting speared by the bull’s horn

 

Be Bull Headed NOW

Walking, talking and problem solving skills are learned in the beginning of life then continually improved, by some. The temperament one is born with dictates how the world is seen. Then during school years the same topics are studied at about the same times as other classmates.

How many remember the sophomore year of High School or College and how small and unaware the freshmen students were? The freshmen just struggling with the difficulty of adjusting to class load and other class details when then was NOW.

That separation in development continues with greater and greater degree during life. Before it has been said, “birds of a feather flock together” and other things like it. Business owners say things like your bank account will be decided by the company kept.

In the pursuit to be more like one’s ideal self NOW than yet in life, building the right inner circle and shareholders is absolutely paramount. As the stork occasionally will look up from the water NOW to see a flamingo in the flock so one will encounter difficult situations with people.

When seeking to improve oneself NOW; the practice of seeking new skills and knowledge will at times create a sophomore feeling. In the moment NOW one may find ample frustration in times greatest art, dealing with people. All have a unique temperament and way of seeing the NOW moment. Once that graduation certificate has been earned most people think they have arrived and know all they need NOW. Those who seek more NOW often find it increasingly difficult to relate to the “freshmen”.

King Solomon shared such profound value when he shared the wisdom of guarding one’s heart “above all else”. The NOW moment is ruled by how well the heart is guarded and lead. Will the floundering, unaware behavior of another become a distraction from the desires of one’s heart leading to a freer, more passion filled life? Working so hard in each NOW moment sacrificing so much in discipline; remember to be flexible with these “freshmen”.

Galatians 5:13 says to be of service. Then Proverbs 4:23 advises to guard the heart as it will determine the course of life. Then Matthew 7:1-5 shares the wisdom that each person has their own life to live. Each person carries the responsibility to guard and lead their heart. With such a plethora of personality, temperament and informative past experiences it is best to take leadership from the example of a bull.

The bull stampeding along is like the momentum one builds in seeking the heart’s deepest passion. The greatest energy is expended in creating the momentum. What happens when a bull running down the street encounters shelves of priceless china? A bull when encountering obstacles in the path too large to jump over or quickly run around he maintains flexibility in focus, slows down to carefully navigate the temporary obstacle. Once clear of the shelving obstacle the bull will resume running.

The lives of those the NOW moment are shared with are just as valuable to all parties involved. Like the bull if one runs through the temporary obstacles NOW things will be broken. One must be accountable for their response-ability in each NOW moment. Cleaning up a mess will distract from goal accomplishment more than a temporary pause in momentum.

At this very moment there is a need for the unique opinion which can only be shared by one person with a specific temperament and set of past experiences. Guard the heart and do not neglect to listen to it in every NOW moment. As Philippians 4:8 says continually focused NOW on what is true, noble and right based on what most satisfies the heart’s yearning. Be bullheaded not in an obstinate and unthinking way but with awareness and a self-actualized heart of service!

Trump Did What NOW?!?

Earlier in the week not enough money or enough time were the excuse’s. NOW I submit will others chosen actions keep the hearts passions from being pursued? Yeah back on that excuse’s subject. Will the felonious nonsense of life experiences, other people or situation prevent the pursuit of the hearts greatest desires?!?

Luke 9:59-62 says, ‘To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” ‘

Born in the 80’s I find such power in the time period. To me the 80’s represents a time where so many in the United States lived for their passions. This shows so much in the movies and music at the time.

In 1983 a movie was made about a Pittsburgh woman with two jobs as a welder and an exotic dancer wants to get into ballet school.  Her dream is to get into a real dance company, though, and with encouragement from a loving partner achieves her heart’s desire. Alex, our dance character, did not have the money, did not have the training or “tools” needed, or the time. Honestly who works fulltime in a job as a welder then goes to such an elicit environment as a club stage with money and time freedom?

Who else had a vision of greatness yet no time or money? Thomas Edison was broke when he found 1,000 ways to not make a lightbulb. Go further back in American history to a time when America was just an “impossible” dream.  Some of our most famous founders Washington, Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin and Alexander Hamilton had their own responsibilities, personal issues and no funds to fight the largest military in the world. Yet here American stands after over 200 years!

Everyone knows that obviously financial issues did not stop the funding of the military needed to stick a pitchfork to the British. Regardless of how crazy the hearts ideas may seem a great idea will nearly always find the funding or support needed. This accomplishment is too great to have only overcome a financial challenge.

George Washington is known to have struggled with his temper and Ben Franklin was quite the exhibitionist. Bet that was quite a situation with just those two together. After all only John Hancock and Charles Thomson signed the Declaration on July 4th. In fact on July 2nd a party was thrown where 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, 8 bottles of whiskey, 22 bottles of porter, 8 bottles of hard cider, 12 bottles of beer and 7 bowls of alcoholic punch.

Seems the group of them could really put a drink back. Our declaration wasn’t signed by all the Founding Fathers until a month later. Not only drinking so much to delay signing the Declaration of Independence but expenses of a party better used to fund the development of an army.

What other excuses could have our Founding Fathers made leading to not declaring independence?

Ben Franklin was such a clown he wasn’t allowed to write the Declaration of Independence.

Alexander Hamilton was a liar, even his age is unknown.

Thomas Jefferson lived in denial. He proved his hypocrisy writing, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” Yet at the time of this writing he held nearly 200 black men, women and children bound to toil like animals on his property in Virginia.

It is so easy to blame others for not living the life wanted. So many think politics NOW are more a campaign to belittle others and manipulate the public. Did Jefferson the 3rd U.S. President not do just that in hiring someone to spread mistruths against John Adams?

This much past info is only shared for the purpose of informing readers that NOW has the same opportunities as the past. NOW is no different than the moments past. The difference will be when people stop blaming the outside circumstances and other people. Accept the role played in each NOW moment and put into action that ideal version of self. Allowing another person’s actions to justify a poor choice in behavior does not change the fact one chose to behave poorly. While many are upset over the current state of politicians behavior what do Trump’s choices have to do with one’s own choices NOW?!?

 

Defined By Excuses?

Excuses. Aristotle said, “Men acquire particular quality by constantly acting in a particular way.” Is the life being led NOW a testament to the self freely following the heart? Will the story of life be one of excuses? The life NOW is all one has so will it be defined by excuses or freedom?

Blaming others or even tools for failed outcomes? The excuse is simply action resulting from a thought of fear. When a plan or task doesn’t go as expected blaming the tools or others involved is an excuse blocking growth. If poor results are due to another then the positive outcome cannot be credited to self.

Fear is the fertilizer for denial. If one denies the truth of the lion 6 feet away does the lion cease to exist? No! Perspective can change the outcome of any situation. If thinking “can’t” then one will not. No person wants to be wrong. The mind finds ways to prove words correct so be careful which words and thoughts are used.

Most of the time in life the word “can’t” is a great excuse. That is if the goal is to run from work, running from results and the happiness of harvest then “can’t” is fantastic!

NOW is all about action. What can be done NOW to get closer to living the life one’s heart most desires? Most people think to do a thing requires knowing how and having resources. Thinking of “how” leads to knowledgeable partners, funds or some ideal situation. Thinking “how” often is the ultimate tool in defining one’s excuses.

It’s been said before thinking can be dangerous. Especially when used to develop great excuses! NOW isn’t about How, Where, or with whom. NOW is about doing what can be done, about action.

How many times have the hearts desires been walked away after citing the “reasons”, also known as excuses, for the can’t situation? What opportunity, project, desire of the heart has been abandoned due to circumstances or situation? Especially the time and/ or money excuse.

Want to know a secret? No one has enough time or money to achieve all that the heart desires. Even the most successful billionaires have dreams without the time and money freedom to buy. At the moment NOW with every thought and action are steps moving towards what the heart longs for or proving that can’t is the truth?

Learning to put away excuses and becoming more productive with each moment NOW is simple. What does the billionaire have that is so special? More importantly what the billionaire does not have is excuses.

What the heart craves the most will never become reality while allowing excuses NOW. How is determined after actions have been taken. Everyone knows the universal truth that what is focused on expands.

Make the most of each moment focused not on what stands in the way of pursuing that deep gnawing desire of the heart. Rather focused on what step no matter how small can be made towards a truly, free life NOW. Make the most of each moment letting the little steps NOW lead to bigger steps and a larger faster life stride.

Most people do not waste time doing terrible things; but instead, waste it engaged in good and acceptable activities. Will the eulogist say, “They led a good and acceptable life” or “Here lies a great person who lived a life of more freedom and passionate happiness than any other”?

If the heart craves something more than NOW present in life then do not allow fear to create excuses keeping dreams from becoming reality. The consequences of not living at one’s best NOW can be enormous.