Expert in the Rough, Brian Monahan

The Personal Passion Project is off and running. 6 fantastic people have chosen a different path, an authentic path of passion.

I am so grateful for this group of people. One of the greatest gifts I find from teaching is the “Quantum Feedback” you get from others lessons and insights.

During the most recent class the group was sharing their experiences outside the class engaging their passion. Being a firm believer in “the perfect storm” a number of the class members have overlapping passions and interests but are at different points on the journey.

One of the group members is an experienced photographer but has lost touch with his passion and another group member was just getting started. The experienced photographer and new photographer were able to connect outside the class.

The experienced photographer shared how he noticed his excitement and energy grow as he shared his ideas on what type of camera to purchase and how to get the best shot. This became a fantastic insight for me and the class.

Life is an ebb and flow and the energy of our passions is ever changing. As we become masters of our passion we have to find new sources of kindling to keep the fire burning. One technique is deepening our knowledge of our passion and another is sharing it.

The latter is really the best path to the prior by the way.

One of the best ways to rekindle a passion is to “Spark” or inspire others to take up your (their) passion. I think one of the traps of passion is seeking elusive euphoria of “The First Time” but teaching just might be the answer to this dilemma.

Do you have a passion you want to rekindle? Teach, Share and Inspire and the passion will find you!

I must be approaching my mid-life crisis as I have decided a convertible is in my future.  I had been considering a motorcycle but a good friend reminded me that until my daughter is 18 a motorcycle is not an option.  I had to agree and I am sure Ella will too.

I have been researching various convertible options over the last few months from MGB’s to Miata’s and have settled in on a Mini Cooper.  Being financially responsible I have decided to put it on the back burner until I have my current cars payed off in early 2012.

I must admit I am having fun looking up Mini Coopers on the Internet and seeing them on the streets.  I must admit I haven’t purchased too many toys in my life but I am finding this really fun putting off something fun until a future date.

In the mean time I purchased a die cast replica version of a Mini Cooper to further engage in the anticipation of when I get to pick out my answer to my mid-life crisis.

After I bought the “Mini” Mini Cooper it reminded me of a technique I used when I was competing for meritorious promotion in the Marine Corps.  After I was nominated for the meritorious promotion I decided I would go out and purchase all of the chevrons I needed for my next rank in the Marine Corps.  Chevrons are the insignias that represent your rank and are worn on the collars or sleeves of the various uniforms of Marines.

For those unfamiliar with the Marines they tend to instill just a bit of “confidence” I mean “arrogance” into their persona.  With this being said when I displayed my Corporal Chevrons on the shelf at my work bench I kind of stirred things up a bit.  My seargeant informed me that very rarely do you get promoted on your first “meritorious promotion” competition.  I told him, “I was OK with that, I was just taking a visualization technique I had learned a step further.”

I thought it would be a good to have a symbol

or reminder to help me prepare for the competition.  “Corporal Monahan” knew what he was talking about getting promoted at his first meritorious promotion competition.  The symbol worked beautifully.

Over the years I have used numerous “Mini Place Holders” for other goals and dreams.

What dreams or goals do you have that could use a “place holder” or symbol until it becomes a reality?

I am proud to share a keynote speech my father delivered at The Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, 2010 Small Business Excellence Awards.

I am lucky to have such a great resource, role model and father.

Great Job Dad!

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As a project manager in the audio visual production industry I am often faced with hundreds of decisions on each and every project.

Often times I am faced with nuanced decisions.  A decision that might have both positive and negative consequences.  Some examples include;  A larger screen is better for viewing but might reduce the available space for seating.  A smaller crew might lower the budget but jeopardize the timeliness of the set up.  I might need to rent a certain piece of equipment versus utilizing my inventory costing me money.  After completing a set up I might realize the delay speakers are now an obstruction for the last row of seating requiring a late night revision and overtime labor.

Using the basketball analogy a Slam Dunk is when you stuff the ball into the basketball rim with near 100% accuracy.  Wouldn’t be great if you could find a way to have nearly 100% accuracy for your decisions?

Over the years I have learned to use a technique I call the “Slam Dunk” when faced with a nuanced decision.  I take a step back and ask myself what decision is going to be a “Slam Dunk” win for everyone.  The funny thing is when I ask myself this question I usually find I already know the answer.  Usually there is a best decision but I am afraid to make it.  I am afraid to justify my decision.  I am afraid to break the bad news.  I am afraid to face reality.

Luckily over the years I have learned to overcome the fear of making decisions using the Slam Dunk approach.  Funny thing is every time I have ever used this approach all has turned out well.

What decision are you afraid to make?  What is the Slam Dunk solution you have for it (that you fear to make)?

Happy Dunks!

Over the weekend I attended a seminar (Life Success Seminars).  One of the insights I took from the seminar is it is real easy to brag about our faults and forget about our successes.

The word “brag” generally carries a negative connotation which leads many us to avoid sharing our successes.  I believe this social norm has contributed to us focusing on our negative qualities and forgetting our strengths and successes.   Almost all success strategies revolve around the idea our reality is directly related to our thoughts and feelings.  Since society does not accept bragging we need to find new ways to acknowledge our successes.

Many of you have probably heard the term “Bragging Rights” which is interesting in its own right.  “Bragging Rights” connotes deserving or righteousness which is probably what rubs people wrong about bragging in the first place.

With all this negative spin regarding bragging I still think people need to share their light, share their successes.

I suggest “Bragging Right” versus “Bragging Rights.”

So how can you brag right?

• Actions speak louder than words you can start by getting engaged in your work and your relationships.  Engagement lends itself to “showing off” your gifts and accomplishments.

• Another technique is showing interest in others.  By asking others about their successes it naturally leads to reciprocal interest.  The most interesting person is the interested person.

• Sharing your knowledge is another way to show off your skills.  You don’t even need to point out your expertise it becomes evident while you are sharing your wisdom.
• Being bold and tooting your own horn occasionally is always an option as well as long as it is balanced with  a sincere interest in others.

So tell me about 5 Things that you are proud of in your life in the comments area of this post?  Don’t pass up this opportunity to Brag Right.  It’s not bragging since I asked.  It is just sharing.

Image Credit: Sebnem Imece

Is perfection holding you back.  I propose the “ERfect” Strategy.  Whatever your goal add “ER” to it.

In 2010 I am going to be:

• Healthier
• Slimmer
• Calmer
• Quieter
• Greener
• You get the idea.

Instead of focusing on perfection focus on ERfection.

Blogging is an interesting recipe.  One part inspiration, one part obligation, one part guilt and a whole lot more work than you could ever imagine.

The thing I like most about blogging is following an inspiration.  The part I hate is following inspiration and not being able to fully cook my inspiration.  The results of my half baked inspirations lay dormant in my Wordpress and Google Docs as drafts or unfinished inspirations.

Over the weekend I was inspired to share these half baked ideas as cliff notes if you will, a title and a 2-3 sentence explanations of what the blog post was supposed to be about.  I hope you enjoy these.

I am going to call it Inspirational Spring Cleaning.

Last Will and Testament

Blog posts are the new cave drawings.  Blog about your ideas, your wishes for the world and someday you just might get quoted.

The Aladdin Factor

One of my favorite books of all time, ask for what you want and people often will give it to you.  So easy, so simple.  My request, read my blog, make comments on my blog, share it with friends.

Get Out of Your Element

This one of my favorites, that comfy life you have been living might just be holding you back from new ideas and new opportunities.  Carpe Diem my friends, stand on your desk and smell the sunflowers.

The Things I Learned Last Week

This was going to be a recurring blog post, something simple like everything I needed I learned in Kindergarten kind of cheesy.  I believe you can drastically improve the quality of your life by taking a few minutes weekly to reflect on your lessons learned.

Follow the Energy

It has been said the only thing more contagious than enthusiasm is lack of enthusiasm.  I recommend you find someone who inspires you and ride their coat tails.

Just Show Up

This is the little brother of the Aladdin Factor.  In all of my years… my desk and couch are the least lucky places.  Opportunity is directly proportional to the amount of time you place yourself engaging people.

Cash for Clunkers

I think this is a fun concept.  Wouldn’t be great if we could trade in negative co-workers, bad habits and other undesirables for cash.  What would you trade in for cash?

Door Prize

I don’t know where I was headed with this one, but if you are still reading and make a comment on my blog I will send you a book from my extensive business and self help library.  In fact tell me what book you want (ala Aladdin Factor) and If I have it is yours.  Otherwise I will recommend the closest book I have to your topic.  Limit 20 people.  A guess that sounds like a Door Prize.

John Denver and 4 Non Blondes

This was my tribute post about how John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” and 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up” still impact my life.  Both songs reference a certain age 27 and 25 respectively.  The also reference a great big hill, for whatever that means.  But you realize quickly as I knew you would this is a half baked idea and I am still trying to get up that great big hill of hope.  The truth John and 4 Non were reflecting on life just like I am today 38 years old with a new baby in my life and I must say my perspective has changed.

The Power of Being Real

I might have actually touched on this topic in one of my blog posts.  The act of me sharing these “blog post rejects” is an example of being real.  Who gives an “F” what everyone else thinks.  How many years are you going to live someone else’s life.

The Mirror of Life

Your life is a direct reflection of the thoughts and feelings you have on the inside.  Think of it like a report or an account of your innermost desires and beliefs.  Have you taken the time to look in the mirror or do you prefer to live in the dark?

Blind Faith Strategy

A asteroid or a nuke could end it all today, so aren’t we pretty much always living with Blind Faith.  Life is short so why all of the calculated risks?

100 Ridiculous Things to Do in a Lifetime

This would probably be better titled.  100 stupid things I did in college.  FYI this list does not include urinating off the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge just after the start of the New York City Marathon in 1997 but finishing the marathon might qualify if you get my drift.

Tell me about something ridiculous you would like to do in this lifetime.

The Truth about Starting from Scratch

Unless you are headed back to your momma’s womb there is no such thing.  Quit your pity party and take an account of what positive resources you have in your life.  If you’re breathing that is number 1 on your list.

The Quest for Imperfection

Live and learn, live and let die, if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one your with.  Perfection is the booby prize in life.

Does Your Monkey Have a Name

We all have something that is holding us back in life.  Maybe if you name it you might be able to deal with it.  That way you can tell that Monkey to get off your back.

Blogs and Babies Need Lots of Love and Attention

Note:  Babies need more attention, I am short sighted to mention them in the same sentence

We is More Selfish than I, Let me Tell you Why

Don’t know where I was headed with this one but sounds like an interesting blog post.

Limit, Restrict and Condense

Twitter is so popular because we are all immersed and inundated with too much information.  WE are now in what I call “The Over Information Age.”  Your greatest opportunity for success is providing products or information in condensed format as we enter this age.

Make a Big Splash, Go For the High Dive

Physics – More speed, mass and velocity equal more displaced water.  Why are you limiting yourself to the 3′ board when you can go for the “High Dive”

Risk

Take One!

Who are You, Am I Talking to a Wall

This must be my bloggers Pity Party Post, nobody reads my blog, I must be a bad blogger.  Sorry for those who do read, you are not nobody.  Even inspirational bloggers have bad days.

Track Your Life, Innocent Moments of Big Impact

Like the day you met your best friend, the day you met your wife.  I like to contemplate if certain life acquaintances or circumstances disappeared how different my life might be.

I still think the day I was going to look at an apartment and the landlord did not show up and I found another apartment down the street and eventually my “wife to be” moved in across the street and kind of changed my life.  I know that sentence has a lot of “ands” and yes that is how you know something was a big impact in your life because “and something else” happened.

Go First and Change the World

The world has enough followers, Earth needs more leaders!

The Great Pumpkin Post

I love pumpkins and I love pumpkin pie.  I also love the “Peanuts” Halloween special “The Great Pumpkin.”  I think a lot of people have excuses about their life that are more in line with being “Great Pumpkins” than being real.  Is there any excuses you need to let go of to start living your “Great Life!”

I feel much better now, I hope you do too.

I can now move on to some fresh topics and new inspirations.  Thanks for reading!

You bet, I am headed in the direction you are thinking? What is wrong with you anyway. Get your head out of the gutter!

I said it, “Brass Balls,” like in reference to a pair.

Paul Coulter a great friend and mentor of mine has a pair of Brass Balls, literally a pair suspended in plastic he has on display in his office. Sometimes he takes them on the road when presenting or speaking at business meetings. It’s been a number of years since I heard the story of the Brass Balls but the message behind the balls, still impacts my approach to life.

In fact, I bet you are still reading even though I might have pushed the envelope just a bit. You might say I have “A Pair” to even consider writing about the subject. I must admit it is a calculated risk. I do remember that no one has ever left the room when Paul presented his “Brass Balls” speech to the audience. The meaning behind the “Brass Balls” is so clear I probably don’t even need to tell you what it is.

Sometimes in life you have to take some risks, you are going to have to dig in. If you have no idea what I am talking about some other words for “Brass Balls” include:

• Intestinal Fortitude
• Chutzpah
• Courage
• Endurance
• Vigor
• Heart
• Moxie
• Spunk
• Guts

Since I am sure I have a few women readers, cut me some slack and embrace the intent behind my message.  Yes, I have met a few women over the years who clearly have “A Pair.”

Back to my friend Paul, his message would be hollow if not for his own courage.  I am not sure of Paul’s exact age but its in the 70’s.  I had lost track of Paul for a few years and we reconnected on LinkedIn of all things.  I know people much younger than Paul who are still fearful and bitter about the new business medium called the internet.  I think Paul is on his 3rd website and continues to explore the latest ideas on personal happiness and success.

What kind of risks have you taken lately?

Meet my friend Paul Coulter.

Have you ever been stuck getting a project off the ground?

I have a solution for you.

Call it an experiment.

If you treat it like an experiment there is no wrong way to get started.  You are merely testing.

Once started you can make adjustments to your approach.

Most projects fail because they never see the light of day.

What experiment can you launch today?