Self Worth

There are a lot of ways to quantify self worth. There is career success, financial success, social status, and several others I could name.

One phrase has always stood out to me when I research personal development. This one phrase I feel supersedes any other personal growth advice anybody could give.

First I thought this phrase was coined by Bill Britt, the owner of Britt World Wide (a professional development company).

Then I learned he simply restated the phrase from the late Zig Ziglar (a 'founding father' of the self development industry).

But just like just about every other piece of advice I've ever received, I learned the origin is actually the Holy Bible (The book of Proverbs to be more specific).

The phrase I'm referring to, and would encourage you to live EVERY day trying to accomplish:

"How many people are better off because you've lived?"

#success
-Erik Gotrich

A 3 minute blog

I have three minutes before my lunch hot pocket is done cooking.

So just a quick thought...

Today I woke up and walked my dogs for the first time in awhile.

I PUT ACTION to what i said I was going to do.

What did I learn?

START WITH SOMETHING SMALL THAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH, THEN MOVE ON TO BIGGER THINGS.

I started with a simple task of saying I was going to walk my dogs this morning and I did. God blessed me with a beautiful sunrise and a smile on my face before leaving my house.

What is something small you can accomplish today? Instead of 'relaxing' , what is something productive that you can accomplish to elevate your self worth?

NIKE says it best.... JUST DO IT!

(hot pocket is ready now...)

#success
-Erik G.

You get what you speak

Recently I was listening to a coworker of mine talk about their life. She was telling me how she never has enough money, never has enough time, and just all around isn't happy.

I was polite and just nodded and encouraged her, but in the back of my head I knew my words were not falling on any sort of fertile ground. She had taken the jewel that is the brain, and turned it into a playhouse for negative thoughts. Nothing i was saying was having any sort of long term effect, but instead it was just 'making her feel better' for five minutes.

Now I know none you reading this have ever been like that.... Right? You've never taken a 'whoa is me' day and played the game of how much worse can it get!

What should we do when we lean towards those tendencies? DO SOMETHING!

Anything at all can work. Figure out what's bothering you and instead of planning planning planning. Actually take the NEXT step and DO IT!

Just decide. And for those of you (myself included) that are saying to yourself "but you don't understand, it's hard for me to start something". Yes I do understand. But I also KNOW that that's all in your head. You are TELLING YOURSELF THAT. And the more you say it, the more real it becomes.

Ask yourself.... What's the worse that can happen?

#success
-Erik G.

(check out the flow chart to help you move forward)

There is Freedom in Discipline

When you think about discipline, rarely do people associate that word with freedom.

Think about what freedom means.... Freedom from bondage of any kind. Freedom from financial stress. Freedom from physical fatigue. Freedom from emotional stress. Etc.

When you CHOOSE to discipline yourself in any of these areas.... Physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. with it comes quite a bit of restraint. WHY?!?!?

I don't know about you, but it is so annoying when I go through the agony of self examination, set forth a plan to change, and then NEVER do anything! The pain of that first step is just irritating.

So why do we set forth goals to begin with? IT IS SO WE WILL HAVE FREEDOM FROM BONDAGE IN THAT AREA OF OUR LIFE!!!

Why do we feel like we need to loose weight? So we will have FREEDOM from the ill feeling of being unhealthy.

Why do we feel like we need to have a steadier prayer life? So we will have FREEDOM from not being in vertical alignment!

Why do we feel like we need to adhere to a stricter budget? So we will have FREEDOM from debt and over time come out on top!

So today when you think about those goals you've set aside and forgotten about, remember WHAT FREEDOM YOU'RE GIVING UP FOR NOT FOLLOWING THROUGH!

#success
-Erik G.

Think about where you are in life...how did you get there?

There are several areas of self examination that are necessary to be aware of for growth. But let's focus on everything in one big lump category.

The simple truth is that most of us are where we are because it was the simplest path to follow.

The hard truth is that the people that lead extraordinary lives are not the ones that followed the simple path.

Matthew 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

You've probably heard several definitions of success through all different arenas. One has always stuck with me: "SUCCESS IS MEASURED BY HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE BETTER OFF BECAUSE YOU LIVED." -Rich Devos

This narrow road is paved with servanthood. It's not paved with obligation to complete another man's vision. It's not paved with jealousy and its certainly not paved with the 'easy way out.' It is however paved with Gods plan for your life. Now God says that we are called to be prosperous in all things, so do you think that excludes your life? Is your narrow road going to be wider just because its you? NO! It's going to be hard, because "few ever find it."

If you're not feeling prosperity right now, look at the path you're on currently. What is used to pave that road?

Are you on Gods path? Or the path that's easiest for you?

#success
-Erik G.

How to make a 'To-do' list

This seems like a relatively simple task but in order to make a habit of writing and completing to-do lists, you must keep a few thing in mind.

1. Separate it by either priority or task length. If you just make a huge list (which is a good brainstorm but not a good finished product) then you'll end up not finishing.

2. Keep it short! If you need to clean the living room.... Don't write.... Vacuum....dust....tidy up.... As all separate items on the list.... Just write Living Room.

3. The most important thing to remember is making a to do list that YOU CAN ACTUALLY COMPLETE! If you make a brainstorming list and see that one of the items is going to take a long time, put it on another list! If you keep it on the same list, you will feel less accomplished when you do not completely finish the list. (it's ok to have several different lists.... But combining them all into one list is what stresses us out most of the time.... It's visually HUGE!)

It all seems simple, but list building is one of the best techniques for solving chaos!

If you're stressed.... List out what stresses you and write solutions to each line item.

If you're overwhelmed, make a list of what items are putting the most pressure on you and set out a plan to complete it.

THE ONE THING I HOPE YOU GET FROM ALL THIS::::

WRITE IT OUT! DON'T JUST THINK IT!

#success
-Erik G.

Get off the couch!

Motivation is a funny thing. I've heard people say that folks are motivated in different ways. WRONG!

We are all motivated the same way!

When the desire for change exceeds your current comfort level, you become motivated to change. (that's true for everyone in every situation)

Let's break that down:

so If your desire for change is not strong.... Forget motivation! Why do you want to change? Is it a focused reason? Or is it some reason that someone else gave you and you're trying to accommodate them? (to motivate others you must first figure out why THEY would want to perform that task... NOT why YOU want them to do it)

Your current comfort level: if the desired outcome is not strong enough to change you, its probably cause you're comfortable where you're at! Your current/present position is good.

WHERE TRUE WISDOM LIES: YOU CAN PICTURE YOUR SITUATION 5 YEARS FROM NOW, AND DEFINE HOW COMFORTABLE YOU'D BE WITH THAT!

Think of where you'll be in 5 years in whatever area you want/need to change. If you keep doing what you're doing, are you going to have that desired outcome? If not..... There's your motivation!

#success
-Erik G.

Your Thought Life... It's real and powerful!

Proverbs 6:2. You are snared by the words of your mouth.

The words that come out of your mouth are so important to your self worth.

Think of it like a filter:

-Step 1: you think it
-Step 2: you say it
-Step 3: you hear it
-Step 4: you think it again
Repeat...And at some point....
-Step 5: you do it

The steps of an action. You're thoughts control what you end up doing. So controlling your thoughts ultimately controls your character and successes.

If your actions (or lack of desired actions) are not what you WANT... You must first change your thoughts. How do you do that?

You MUST fill your thought life with the words and phrases to encourage the desired action.

Example:
Desired action: you want to mow the grass today when you get home from work

Current thoughts about the action: I don't want to! I'm tired!

Proper thoughts to ensure desired action (step 1): I AM going to mow the grass today even if I'm tired! I WILL mow the grass.

Step 2: tell someone! Say it outloud somehow!

Step 3: you hear it

Step 4: your thoughts begin to change about mowing the grass!

Repeat steps 1-4 until you get home.

Outcome: you get home and your thoughts have changed about mowing the grass.

Now this is an insanely simple example, but IT WORKS WITH EVERYTHING!

Think of a desired behavioral change, and try it!

#success
-Erik G.

If everything seems to be going downhill....chances are your life is out of balance.

There are several areas of life that need to be in balance. Check it out:

Family – OK, we know your family can be aggravating at times. But it’s important to spend time with your family. They’re a big part of who you are. Having a family that loves and supports you during good times and bad can be essential to overall happiness.

Friends – If you're not good at making them, LEARN! This is so vital :) spending time with your spouse constantly is great, but leveraging others opinions in your life is important too. You can't see everything, you need friends to give you a different perspective.


Hobbies and Sports – Take time every day to do something fun for yourself, like going for a run or just reading a book. This time will rejuvenate you and make it easier to go back to work.

Mental – We’re all works in progress and we can always benefit from learning. Knowledge is not limited to what you learn at school, but is an accumulation of your life’s experiences. No matter what it is, as long as it stimulates your mind, you are learning.

Spirituality – If this balance is in effect, everything else starts becoming easier. The illusion that life seems to 'fall into place' is just the fruition of Gods will being done... So get that vertical alignment straight :)

Health – Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.

Work – Whether you have a part-time job after school or do volunteer work, try to find something that you enjoy doing. You could gain valuable experience, make new friends, and it could possibly lead to a future career.

Financial – Save and invest your money to plan for the future. Even though you’re young, these days it makes more sense than ever to learn about how to safeguard your money.

Goals – Think about some realistic short-term goals that you can see yourself achieving within a month, such as getting a part-time job or finishing a big project. Then think about some long-term goals, such as owning a home, or owning a successful company. Choose goals that ignite your passion and shoot for the stars. Paul says that we should 'choose goals that are beyond our reach so we have to depend on God for their completion.'

If something is out of balance you'll feel it, so figure it out and make an effort today!

#success
-Erik G.

The 1st Step... Three ways to take it!

There will always be new things to try, Habits to change, and life changing decisions that NEED to happen.

We can plan all we want, and dream about the outcome all we want, but what actually makes us take that first step?

1. Being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Eventually, we just get so uncomfortable with where we're at, that we just say "enough is enough! I'm gonna quit whining and just do it!"

2. The dream of the desired outcome is so rich, it's easy to start . BECAUSE you're soooo focused on the outcome that you forget the pain of the first step!

3. You're back door slams shut! All the excuses you've used for so long have not been paying off, and you no longer have a choice but to take that first step. (sometimes this door is shut for you, and sometimes God wants you to turn around and slam it shut yourself!)

So what do you need to take a first step in? Entrepreneurship? Getting that promotion? Losing weight? Cleaning out the garage? You name it!

Figure it out, and use these three steps to help you take the first step!

#success
-Erik

Windows and Doors... When to walk, and when to crawl

I feel like throughout my life there are always windows and doors all around me.

Windows::
Opportunities, that rise up.... And God does not intend for me to go through, but just to see through... To look at possibilities of what He has in store for me down the road.

The doors::

The doors are easier to see. Bigger. More obvious. And a heck of a lot easier to go through.

Right now God has a door open for you.... He may have a window or two that you can look through to see where He's taking you someday but DON'T GET STUCK daydreaming through the window.

WALK THROUGH THE DOOR. Take one step through the threshold and experience (instead of just seeing) what God has for you.

It's going to be great :)
#success
-Erik

How do you connect with people?

One of the main areas that I struggle in is friendship. I am good at making friends in an easy environment, like a camp or workshop.... But just starting from scratch, with no available medium for making friends, I tend to lean towards a shyer Erik. Once an environment is available to me, I make friends easily, but I have to have that environment.

So as far as creating an environment for friendship, or getting connected to it, I'm not the best source of info, but once you're in that environment.... Here's what works for me:

1. Ask a lot of questions with the ultimate goal in mind of finding what that persons interests are. This is something I learned from a mentor of mine, Mark Hulett (www.facebook.com/markthemagicman). We would have sales meetings with potential clients or partners and he would spend the first 30 minutes talking about nothing! It drove me nuts! I would always be thinking... "mark, get to the point!" but every time I thought he was about to move the meeting forward, he would ask another question.

Here was the kicker: he would always connect! No matter who he was talking to.... To the analytical people out there (like me) try this next time you're meeting someone for the first time. Everytime they ask a question answer it quickly and honestly, but always try to turn the conversation back over to them.

2. Remember that in order to connect, they must first feel comfortable. The best way to have someone feel comfortable with you? Get them to talk about themselves! People love to talk about themselves. But make it even more than that! A great example: my father in law is a man of few words, but there are three subjects that never fail to get him involved.... Baseball/softball, auto paint, and stocks. Bring up any three of those topics, and he'll talk your ear off :) in a good way ;)

3. Follow up ! This is where most people screw up. This is the point where most people only have 'cocktail friends'. They are great at the small talk (like all the stuff just talked about) but they fail to follow up. If someone mentions to you that they love Mexican food, why not invite them over for taco night? If someone's kid plays tee-ball why not go catch a game and being some cold drinks?

I know what most of you reading this are thinking: I don't want to do all that, I want someone else to do that for me. Well, guess how you reap that sort of attention and affection? You've got to sow first!

Try it! Find the environment, and pick one of two people/couples.... And give it a try.

You've got to sow before you reap!

#success
-Erik

Thankfulness... What's the point?

A short post today...

I just want to say that being thankful is the basis for having a good life. The moment we forget how blessed we are, is the moment that things start going down hill.

For real .... If you're having a rough day, take just five minutes and write down 5 things/people you're thankful for and see how blessed you truly are.

Most of the time we are having a bad day, we are being selfish. So taking a few moments to write down those things we are thankful for, it takes the focus off of ourselves and it puts life into prospective.

#success
-Erik

Consistency... It's what separates us from the masses.

Imagine this:

You've decided to wake up 10 minutes earlier every morning from now on so you can spend that time writing down your thoughts and schedules for the day. Meditate on the day to come.

One week goes by.... 70 minutes spent on meditation.

One month goes by 300 minutes spent on meditation.

One year goes by 3,650 minutes spent on meditation.

What happens to most of us though? We miss one day.... Because we just thought to ourselves .... It's only one day :) and then it quickly turns into two and then this newly found discipline turns into just 'another one of those things.'

So heres the real question.... What can we do to alleviate a day that we 'screw up?'

The key is to not let the whole day go without completing that task, and if you do, the next day.... Write down why you messed up.... And/or Read/think back and see why you started to do it in the first place.

When I diet, I have this horrible habit of once I've screwed up once in the day, I feel like the rest of the day is just free reign. I stop by a fast food place for a quick sandwich and then the rest of the day I just eat whatever is in sight! I know some of you can relate ;)

So consistency is simply remembering what you want...AND more importantly, not forgetting that what you're giving up (that extra ten min of sleep) is not worth screwing up what could change the course of your life :)

Be consistent today.

#success
-Erik

How do we gain access to blessings?

The simple truth is God blesses those who walk in faithfulness.

So the real question should be: If I want blessings, and I know that God blesses those who are faithful, what I should be asking is 'How can I become consistently faithful?'

Ever heard the phrase 'Faith without works is dead?' to me... That means the best way to WAKE UP my faith is by putting it into action.

Prayer is an actionable step.
Loving on a friend in the name of Christ is an actionable step.
Daily spiritual discipline is an actionable step.
Putting into words, my trust in Christ, by means of writing, is an actionable step.

Can't relate to any of these? Try to answer these questions:

What is something I can do to show God I believe in Him?

Instead of just thinking about how I can get blessings, I need to figure out how I can be a blessing to others.

Hope that helped.... As always, I'm talking to myself too :)

#success
-Erik

Just tell a Lie! It's easier...

There are some things in my life that would just be easier to tell a "small" fib. It would be so easy to just move on and not even think twice about it.

What would the benefit be? Well, I would have big proverbial rug next to me at all times that no one would ever see.... And it would save me from a lot of arguments, potential disappointments, and most importantly: keep my image :)

So why don't we lie all the time? Beyond the biblical principles surrounding a lie, lets think about the behavioral and social aspects of a lie.

1. It helps us 'save face.' the term 'save face' simply means that we KNOW we've done something wrong, and we just don't care to admit it, so we lie to push people away from seeing our faults/inequities.
2. We do it to pump ourselves up.

now don't get this confused with self talk, cause that's not the same thing. (afterall Proverbs 6:2 does tell us that we are either blessed or snared by the words of our mouth)

we may tell a lie that we ourselves want to believe. Telling ourselves, speaking what we want as if we already have, is something we can do to ourselves, but is not a good idea to tell others as if it's truth presently. (real talk.... That's a lie)

So is it easier to tell a lie? Totally.... But it's only temporarily easier.... In the long run, it'll certainly cause more pain than good.

So just like anything that encourages success.... It's not easy, but it's necessary .

to be honest at all times. Be honest to others, but more importantly, be honest with yourself.

#success
-Erik

Friendship VS Business

Is there a difference? ................................................................................................................................

I have been involved in several different 'agreements' in the last few years of my life. Whether the agreement is just an unspoken understanding between myself and a business associate, or an actual written 'this is my responsibility and this is yours'..... Regardless. There are two things in common in all successful business interactions: Priority AND commitment.

If you want anything to work in business, it MUST be a priority! And you MUST commit to its completion. If there is anything less, it will eventually fissle out.

Wouldn't you agree?

So is friendship that much different? In order to make it work.... BOTH people need to make it a PRIORITY and COMMIT to its fullness. If it isn't, won't it too eventually fissle out?

That's not always a bad thing. Everything/everyone in our lives are either in our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. The WISE know which/who are meant to be there for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

Pray for discernment today :)

#success
-Erik

Gods remedy for a Burnout

...............................................................

First off, a burnout is simply a easy recognizable sign of something in your life is out of balance.

Four common mistakes when we go from an emotional high to drained.

1. Focus on our feelings rather than the facts. Feelings can lie to you... Your feelings are real, but doesn't mean that your feelings are based on fact.

We need to focus on the facts!!!

2. We begin to compare ourselves with other people. You're always gonna be able to find someone who is better/worse off than you.

We allow labels to stick with us. Just because we fail at something doesn't make us a failure.

3. We blame ourselves for things are not our fault or our responsibility. At some point people are responsible for their own choices... But it takes maturity to know the difference.

4. We tend to exaggerate the negative. When you feel bad it seems like everything is bad, has always been bad, and always will be bad.

So what do we do when we give into those mistakes?

1. Rest your body. This is so under appreciated... Sometimes you don't need a million remedies.... Sometimes you just need some time off!

2. Release your frustrations to God. Don't release your frustrations on other people. Sometimes our frustrations and releases can come out as complaining and whining. Ever been scared to Yell at God? Why? Don't you think it would be better to yell at God than yelling at your spouse?

3. Re-focus on God. "Be still and know, recognize, understand, that I Am God!" Get out of the cave of emotion and realize its not about you!

4. Re-connect with God. Recommit so you're usable to God.

What are you going to do? Where are you in these stages? Do you feel it coming on? Is someone you know going through this?

#success
-Erik

-concepts courtesy of Jim&Jennifer Cowart of www.harvestchurch4u.org

Influence... who has it?

If you think you do, you may not...

Two huge issues I take with influence:
1.  It is not based on age...contrary to some beliefs
2.  People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!

The only people I listen to, and take their advice seriously, are those that are in life where I'd like to be.  That does not necessarily mean they are at a point in life where they are containing ALL aspects of my respect..... in other words... I may respect a person for their spiritual maturity, but may not respect that same person for their financial advice.  Or I may respect someone for their interpersonal abilities, but I find myself questioning their motives within their families.

With that same respect, I try so hard not to pose myself as someone who can give advice in all areas.

I don't view this mindset as rebellious, or rude.... but simply smart, or cautious.     In Proverbs 11 it explains quite thoroughly to have Multiple Counselors.... there is a reason for that :) because there is no ONE counselor (besides Christ) that can fulfill our desires in EVERY area of our life.

But where the fault comes in for most people, is there is SO MUCH respect in one area for a mentor/person of respect, that it becomes DIFFICULT to not listen to them in ALL areas.

Beware of your counselors.... BE AWARE OF THEIR EXPERTISE.... and if you do not know them, or their expertise.... THEN WHY LISTEN?

#Success
-Erik

Searching for a Job?

What is the first step? Realize why you're searching...

I sat down this morning to think about my future in the job world. Although I want, and dream, for it to be short lived, I still need to make the best of it while I'm in the job market.

I truly believe that I am supposed to be an entrepreneur for the majority of my life. I want to create income using my God given talents and abilities to do it! But in the meantime, an increase in seed money is needed.

So what's the first thing to do when searching for a job?

1. Realize why you're searching. Is it money? Is it to feel more needed? Combination?
2. Determine what type of position(s) would fulfill those notions.
3. Search by any means necessary and don't forget that it will always take money to make money. You reap what you sow.
4. When boggled down by the seemingly impossible task of a career change, remember who you're making this effort for!

Trust me, it'll work out!
-Erik

Back to Work

In the education world, it's inevitable that on a yearly basis, I will question my validity in this environment. I think it has something to do with the fact that we have a good two months of vacation in the middle of the year. I get the chance to relax, spend time with family, and most importantly: see what I'm really made of as a man when I am my only accountability.

Its a good thing. I suppose. It's nice to reevaluate my life and see where I'm at in my different life goals. The purpose is not to make me feel bad about my inabilities, or my apparent laziness. The purpose is to encourage. The purpose is expose areas that require change. I don't like to be reminded of the needed change, cause change hurts. But change is necessary.

We all need to be reminded of our goals once in awhile. We are called to prosper and to 'become better in EVERY area of our life.'

My wife, Jennifer, has said to me that she feels uncomfortable with the word content. She says that to her, it implies that she is dormant, or accepting of where she is at, and therefore it holds the double standard that she is unwilling to try for better.

Today, I am wanting to break that double standard for me (because I feel the same as my wife).

It's not important to be content. It's more important to enjoy the process of growth!

Enjoy your life today :)