Big Picture Thinking

Many of us have looked at the night sky and been awestruck by the mystery of space…and the stars. Scientists tell us that with the naked eye, we can see up to 2,500 brilliant stars shining down on us from millions of miles away.

That is pretty inspiring.

But that’s ONLY a tip of the inspiration that truly exists when we look up.

After a recent visit to the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles, I learned some amazing facts. Of course, we know that our sun is the ONLY star in our solar system (which is also composed of the moon, the earth, and seven other planets). But did you know that in our galaxy there are over 400,000,000,000 (400 billion!) stars just like our sun? AND according to recent super computer calculations, our galaxy is only ONE of over 500,000,000,000 (500 billion!) galaxies in the universe!

LESSONS From a 95 Year-Old…and a 6 Year-Old

There’s a lot we can learn from those around us. Especially those age 95. And those age 6.

Let’s take a look at the 95 year old first.

There’s a survey that was done years ago that I choose to keep forever cemented in my thoughts. In this survey, Dr. Anthony Campolo asked fifty people over the age of 95: “If you could live your life over again, what would you do differently?”

The top three answers he received:

1. “I would reflect more.”

2. “I would risk more.”

3. “I would do more things that would live on after I am dead.”

Living to the age of 95? Hopefully, we’ll all get there. And until we do, let’s vow to learn from the voices of the past and confidently answer that same question…someday… “I lived my life just as I wanted!”

How do we assure that answer?

By taking time for reflection. Now.

By taking risks. Now.

By thinking about what footprints we might leave. Now.

How Are You Using Your “26″?

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

This short, little sentence actually contains every one of the 26 letters of the alphabet. Go ahead…look! The “q”…the “x”…the “z”…yep!

All the tough letters are there!

And if you think that is pretty cool, consider this: every single book you have ever read
(written in English) has also been limited to using those same 26 characters of the alphabet. From “Hamlet” by Shakespeare to Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling…from the headline news of today’s LA Times to this blog by me…all have used those same mighty symbols to communicate messages vastly different.

And that’s something to really think about.

Shawn Anderson – Going The Extra Mile – Episode #18

Shawn Anderson is a writer and national speaker on the topic of “possibility thinking and creating opportunity.” Referred to by media outlets across the country as the “Extra Mile Man,” Shawn has a life mission of empowering 1,000,000 people to lead a more positive and purposeful existence. Shawn’s first three books have sold 65,000 copies.

In 2009, Shawn finished the Extra Mile America Tour…a solo 4,000 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Boston. On the 90 day trip, he visited 21 cities and interviewed 200+ people who had overcome significant challenges in order to do something great. Endorsed by leaders across the country, Shawn established “November 1″ as “Extra Mile Day” in 22 cities and states across the country.

“Ouches!”

As adults, we get plenty of ouches, too.

We lose jobs, experience failing businesses, deal with relationship break-ups, struggle through money issues…there is an endless list of mental, physical and emotional ouches that sting us regularly.

Very much like when we were kids.

But the problem with ouches now…as adults…is that we seem to have forgotten all the steps that got us through the falls in our early years. Sure, we have the “fall down” thing mastered (often a little too well for our own liking). Most of us have even developed professional status in “crying” (it’s called “whining” as an adult). And when it comes to “telling someone about the hurt,” it seems we have become quite adept at sharing with anybody who will listen.

However, it seems, that we have totally forgotten step four in the success guide:

Avoiding Kryptonite in Your Life

I’m sure you’ve seen him on TV or maybe you’ve already heard his amazing story.

In 2009, Shawn Anderson finished the Extra Mile America Tour…a solo 4,000 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Boston. On the 90 day trip, he visited 21 cities and interviewed 200+ people who had overcome significant challenges in order to do something great.

Endorsed by leaders across the country, Shawn established “November 1″ as “Extra Mile Day” in 22 cities and states across the country.

Through all of this, he also gave away $10,000 (10 x $1,000) to the individuals whose stories he found most inspiring to the human spirit.

Shawn will be a featured “Guest Blogger” in 2010 for StopStressingNow.Com.

So it’s with great pleasure that I introduce to you an extraordinary man… Mr. Shawn Anderson.

Shawn Anderson – The Extra Mile Man

In 2009, Shawn finished the Extra Mile America Tour…a solo 4,000 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Boston. On the 90 day trip, he visited 21 cities and interviewed 200+ people who had overcome significant challenges in order to do something great. Endorsed by leaders across the country, Shawn established “November 1″ as “Extra Mile Day” in 22 cities and states across the country. Through all of this, he also gave away $10,00 (10 x $1,000) to the individuals whose stories he found most inspiring to the human spirit.