Author Archives: Keith Neisler

New Beginnings

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Well, after a little more than 20 years of marriage, I am once again a single man. This was not a situation I thought I would be in at this point in my life. I don’t think anyone ever expects to be in a life-changing situation, and yet, we go through several of them in our lifetimes.

I have a number of friends that see this life event as a negative. It is the end of a long term relationship and that should be lamented according to some of the ‘experts.’ I agree that it is natural to have a time of mourning. You are working through a loss, but you should not dwell in the situation. The universe has other things waiting for you and if you stay wallowing in pity and desire for the way it was with your former partner, you will miss those chances.

I looked at this ending relationship as a new beginning. I believe that there are other things waiting for me as I journey through life. I choose to move forward and live life to the fullest, regardless of what test life gives me.  This choice of attitude makes a big difference in how one approaches and what one focuses on in life.

At this point, I have been single for about 3 weeks and I excited for everyday. I choose to look at life as opportunity.  How about you?

Turning Inspiration into Execution

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What inspires you to do the things that you love?

Is it easy for you to tell anyone who asks (your ‘elevator speech’) or is it something that is personal and hard to put to words? Is it your life’s work or a passion that let’s you helps you to grow?

Inspiration can be drawn from within or through the words and actions of people we admire or from a story (fact or fiction). Whatever your inspiration, the result is usually making a positive difference in everyday life.

So, why did I choose this topic? Well, as you know, it is a good idea to look at what motivates and inspires you to move forward. That is what I have been doing for the last few weeks as I was asked one day and couldn’t answer. It’s a weird feeling for someone who works to communicate ideas, stories and the like to communities being unable to articulate the inspiration and passion.

I have been listening/reading to Chris Brogan and Julien Smith’s Trust Agents and their book is very good at steering you on how move your passion into action. Another author who does this is Seth Godin and I am sure you have your own favorites.

So, let’s take some time today to think about what inspires you.

Expansion through Reduction (Growth through Focus)

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2011 looks to be a year of challenges and opportunities and as I work out my goals for the upcoming 12 months, I begin to think about how to establish and achieve goals.

One thought that intrigued me was that achieving greater things actually requires us to narrow our focus on a specific item. Many people I see as mentors, such as Zig Ziglar, Seth Godin, Chris Brogan and others have made this point in one way or another.

An example that is near and dear to me is weight and health.  As I start this year, I have a goal (not a resolution) of becoming healthier by dropping 100 pounds over the next twelve months to experience life in a fuller fashion.  To do this, I must have a specific (narrow) goal (100 pounds).  Then I must own the reason why (fuller life) and start to put a plan together to achieve the goal (written plan). Then I begin to get even more specific in how to do this and put smaller, more specific goals that point to the overall of goal.  As progress is made, I begin to see the possibilities as I become healthier. When I reach the goal, the 100 pounds will be gone (reducing) and the possibilities in life for me will become greater (expansion).

It may not be the best example for you and I may not have made it clear but I hope you get the point:

If you focus on your goals, your possibilities will open up for you!

It’s the Story

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It’s all about the story.

The above statement applies to any field that deals with human beings.  Everyone has a story and it is that story that we must know if one is going to be successful.  If you don’t take the time to find out your client’s/subject’s/friend’s story, you will more than likely be unable to connect with them or, more importantly, make a difference.

The people I think of who get the job done on understanding are Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan), Seth Godin (@thisissethsblog), Amanda Hite (@sexythinker) and others who I will mention during this blog’s life.

You can follow these or you may have your own.  If you do, why not share them?

Remember: It’s the story!

K