Momentum

Momentum…

What a fitting word to start with for today’s segment.  It’s actually the first word that dropped into my head.  Yet, I struggle with what follows as I try to establish some kind of momentum with just where the heck this will take us.  I have a feeling I’m going to be one of the recipients of my own lesson this week as I watch the words appear before me.  And that’s okay because it’s times like this that by yielding to my instincts I typically enjoy plausible and effective results.

One of the earliest lessons I learned (and apparently am still learning) is, that in order to establish any kind of momentum, we must begin by taking the first step.  The act of starting or taking that first step can be the most difficult to make.  But as I’m beginning to learn, in doing so, momentum is immediately established and clarity reveals itself.  Notice I didn’t say “speed” is immediately established, but momentum! 

Once momentum is established, direction and processes become clearer.  We begin to see things develop as we become familiar with the terrain of our progress appearing before us.  We become involved and begin to realize the idea, initiative, or objective we seek and we begin to see it take shape.  What an awesome feeling that can be!  There will still be inevitable pauses and processes along the way that allow us to reflect and, more often than not, provide the introspection we truly need to recharge – think of it more as an opportunity to make any necessary adjustments or course corrections.  And don’t be discouraged by the pauses because they provide clarity and can often serve to enhance the conviction by which you started the initiative and the drive it takes to continue the momentum.  It certainly beats the alternative of refusing to begin in the first place! 

Momentum requires care and feeding.  There is typically no auto pilot associated with momentum.  You remain in complete control of your own momentum as long as you remain engaged in the process.  And that process can be quite exhilarating once a consistent state of momentum is established.  And once you’ve mastered how to control momentum there’s just nothing like it!

Looking back on the momentum of this article I can see, in hindsight, just how quickly my own momentum was established by taking action by trusting my instincts and striking the first few keys.  And so it goes with most things in life. 

The value and relevancy of this article has become clearer to me.  I’ve made some adjustments but, for the most part, it’s become easier to shape the more I immerse myself into the process and settle in to the momentum. 

I begin with the knowledge that, in order to move forward, it is up to me to make the first move.  Once I demonstrate the courage to make the first move I begin discerning motion and direction and can easily make adjustments as ideas, obstacles, and the path ahead is revealed to me.  I can honestly tell you this – if you’re looking for answers or changes in your life, those answers or changes will not come until you demonstrate the courage and conviction that trigger them.  In other words, you need to take action and BEGIN! 

There’s a pace that’s been established as I’ve been blasting through the words trying to catch up with the ideas flowing in my mind today.  I liken it to a skier who has settled into the rhythm of an awesome downhill run.  The skier cannot always see the finish line when they begin.  But they know they’ll never get there if they don’t make that first push from the top and begin the journey.  They do have a clear objective in mind that drives them to “pull the trigger” and demonstrate the courage it takes for the process to begin.  Make no mistake, it is a process.  I say that because you should be encouraged to know that once you begin the process of momentum, things will be revealed to you that will get you to your desired outcome or objective! 

What answers are you looking for?  Where is it that you desire to go?  Are you ready to take the first step and create the momentum that’ll reveal the path to get there? 

I’m truly interested in knowing if any of this makes sense to you or serves you as well as it has me.  Take the time to drop me a note or leave a comment.  Your comments help me as much as I hope mine help you. 

Take the first step and establish your own momentum today!

- G -

"The speed and pace of your momentum is largely determined by your willingness to act on the clues that reveal themselves along the way."  - G. Westfal - 

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Extraordinary

Extraordinary...

I met an extraordinary man not too long ago who spoke with passion about the course his life is on.  I was attending a business dinner of about twenty people when I met him.  He sat across from me and greeted me with a warm smile and, while looking me in the eye, offered me a firm handshake and told me how he was pleased to finally meet me.  His energy preceded his contagious personality and piqued my curiosity as to just what it was about him that brought him so much joy. 

It didn’t take long before I became fully engrossed in listening to him as we engaged in substantive conversation.  The allure of his compassion and positive outlook struck an interesting balance as the rest of the dinner crowd seemed to fade to insignificance. 

I knew of Hank Baskett, Sr. about a year before I met him.  I have enjoyed a formal business relationship with his wife, Judy, for quite some time.  Hank and Judy are the parents of former NFL Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, Hank Baskett, Jr.  Over the course of the past year, I learned of Hank’s bout with Stage IV cancer through Judy.  According to her, he has good days and bad days, as do most stricken with cancer.  I know this all too well, you see, because my daughter Hollie is also battling cancer. 

Speaking with Hank during dinner that evening was an experience I won’t soon forget.  He spoke with clarity, conviction, and compassion.  He told me how cancer has positively affected his life in a way that has enhanced his values, his faith, and his perspective.  Meeting with Hank that evening felt as if I had always known him. 

Hank and I have similar beliefs on many things.  One of the most significant beliefs we share is the concept of personal choice.  We both believe that our personal choices determine the trajectory of our lives and are largely determined by the attitude with which we fuel those choices.  We can choose to accept negativity and doubt or choose inaction instead of action – all of which decay our ability to live healthy, productive lives.  Or we can instead, make choices that brings health, prosperity, opportunity and added value to our lives and to those around us. 

Hank’s story is inspiring, not because he has cancer, but because of the manner in which he has chosen to approach it.  He refuses to allow cancer to control him.  Instead, he controls it through faith, friends, and family as well as with the choices he makes to defeat it.  He tells me that the disease has helped to provide a fresh perspective on his life.  He values every moment he has and doesn’t hesitate to seize an opportunity to share joy, wisdom and positive anecdotes with virtually everyone he meets. 

The most profound statement Hank made to me during our discussion was that he thanked God for opening his eyes by “allowing him to carry the disease.”  Wow!  It took me by surprise at first and was actually quite overwhelming to conceive.  But being the deep thinker I tend to be, I eventually understood the essence of his statement.  Hank believes, as I do, that God never gets it wrong.  Instead of making a choice to be miserable and loathed with self-pity, Hank decided to spend some time listening to that still, quiet voice that resides in every one of us.   What he learned by doing so provided a clarity of introspection that has helped him touch lives like mine, my daughter, Hollie, and virtually everyone whom he comes into contact through his contagious sense of joyful purpose and determination. 

I’ve mentioned this in previous writings but it bears mentioning again.  The position we occupy in life is largely determined by the choices we make that bring us to where we are.  If you’re happy with where you are, then keep making the kinds of choices that perpetuates your happiness.  If, on the other hand, you’re not completely satisfied with your position or your course, you have only to make different choices or decisions and your circumstances will change. 

What is that still, quiet voice telling you?  Do you feel your life is on the correct path?  How do you handle adversity?  Do your choices add value to your life and to those around you?  Are you an inspiration to someone?  Your answers will have a profound impact on the course of your life and what is attracted to you as a result.  We can choose to accept things the way they are as “our lot” or we can choose change! 

As dinner wrapped up that evening, I suddenly realized the true impact of Hank’s charisma and genuine nature as I recall not being very judicious about spending any time with the other guests.  Most everyone understood however, as they too had previously enjoyed the pleasure of Hank’s company. 

I think we can all take a lesson from Hank and choose to live every day to its fullest, despite our current circumstances.  I choose to continue making adjustments to become better in every conceivable way.  I continue to embrace enthusiasm, education, humility, and consistency.  I will also embrace people like Hank Baskett and the wisdom he imparts that stirs the soul to action through sound decision-making and a joyful approach to life!  

- G -

If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Author

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom of the left column.  You'll be subscribed and will receive notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel Dream State.  And help me by recommending this blog to others and "liking" my FB page.

Please visit my All American Warriors! bog at: http://allamericanwarriors.blogspot.com/ 

Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com