Presence vs. Presents

Presence vs. Presents

We’re obsessed with giving and receiving presents, in our society.  Birthdays, holidays, significant milestones, etc.  We have so many opportunities (or obligations, depending on our outlook at the time) for presents. 

Recently I was asked to name the “best birthday present I have ever received.”  As I thought about my answer to this question, I had trouble choosing that one “best present” I have ever received. 

This struck me as odd and a bit unusual, considering I’ve been blessed with 33 birthdays, and I’ve received presents for each one of them…yet I couldn’t really think of any one present that I would call, “the best present”.

What immediately came to mind were birthday parties my family held for my sister and me, at our house when we were very young.  My birthday is August 16^th and my sister’s is August 5^th, and that meant that every year we would celebrate our birthdays together. 

I remember those parties like they were just yesterday.  Aunts, Uncles, cousins, both sets of grandparents, our great-grandmother, and of course my mom, dad, and sister were all there.  We opened many, many presents, but what I remember…over 20 years later…is the presence of family.   

Sure the attention may have been on my sister and me, because it was our birthday, but beyond that, I have a crystal clear memory of family members engaged in conversation, laughing, and enjoying each other.  

The presents were cool and fun, but the fact that everyone was there, together, made me happy. 

What about in our relationships at work, in the community, or perhaps even with our own family members at home?  We often go through the motions here and there…but are we really “there” or “here” for them?   

They’re talking, sharing, and reaching out to us…but are we really listening?  Are we present? 

So often we’re consumed with our own troubles, worries, doubts, To Do’s, and “stuff”.  We shop around, buying presents for family members, staff, teammates, leaders, etc…we forget that what may very well mean the most to them is our presence, not the presents.  

Be present, in the now…today…and the OneMoreStep that can make a positive difference for people is our conscientious presence in the conversation… 

Right now…with a genuine interest in them, their concerns, their issues, their needs, and their situation…and asking how we can help.

Have a great day.

Taylor 

Two for the road...

I follow Andy Stanley, Lead Pastor at Northpoint Church in Atlanta.  Back in August, he did a six part series on family, entitled, Future Family.  Andy is a great teacher, excellent pastor, and his messages are both educational and touching.  I love them, follow them, watch them, and rewatch them frequently.  

If interested, we wanted to share this series with you, as it fits perfectly well with this topic of "presence of family" and asking "how can I help".

Enjoy:  http://www.northpoint.org/messages/future-family

 
And speaking of birthdays, Happy Birthday to my dear old Dad...celebrating one more trip around the sun, tomorrow, Oct. 29th.  Thanks for teaching me, coaching me, supporting me, inspiring me, loving me, and encouraging me.  Your presence then and now, keeps me going OneMoreStep every single day...Happy Birthday!

Moving Day

Moving Day

Have you ever had to move?  New job? New city? New friends? New life?

The very thought of “moving” anything in our daily routines to which we’ve become accustomed…comfortable, in-control, and satisfied…is stressful. 

For “moving” suggests change, and change is scary.  Why?  Because with change comes many unknowns.

The very definition of the word move is:

1.   move/mo͞ov/

Verb:	Go in a specified direction or manner; change position.

Operative word - change.

Change, unknowns, and fear...  It’s no different than a child, when they’re scared of the dark, the roller coaster, the storm, or the first day of school.  They’re scared, because of the change.  Something different is before them, and they’ve never had to deal with it before.  It’s unknown.

When children are scared, what do we do?  We comfort them.  We guide them.  We direct them. We care for them.  We love them.  Maybe not at first, but once they let go of their own fear of these unknowns, and let us take over…they calm down.  They stop crying.  They stop worrying.  Their fear subsides because they know they’re protected.  They’re safe.

Whatever unknowns exist for you and me, today; whether our moving day consists of changing jobs, changing cities, changing career goals, changing relationship dynamics with loved ones, or changing anything at all…we should let go.  Let go and let a higher power take over.  If not the same God I love and serve, then let go and put your faith, trust, and hope into something bigger, something more powerful, something better…to take the reins.  You and I simply can’t do it alone. 

For me, it’s in fact not a ‘something’, it’s a person.  I’m a Christian; a Christ follower and a believer, and He saves me and comforts me and guides me and I know and believe that “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

For you, it may be another religion or another belief system that guides you.  Believe in it.  Focus on it.  And let it truly be your guide.

The message is that no matter what we face in our lives – and we’re all facing something…everybody has stuff – we can’t do it alone.  We can’t figure it out by ourselves.  We can’t possibly know every move to make and when and how and why…we must let go and let a higher power take over. 

When we do…when we let go and let God…when we give up the need for control and this paralyzing need to magically know all the unknowns…we’ll be ever so blessed with the grace, comfort, guidance, and unconditional love of something greater…something better, in our lives.

And when we do…that will be a very, very moving day.  It doesn’t have to be someday down the road either…it can be today.  Today can be the day…every day can be a moving day, if we trust and let go.   2 Corinthians 5:7 – “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

One for the road…

This week two of my very best friends, Matt Olsen and Sonny Ritacca are in fact, moving. 

Matt is moving back to Florida, to Jacksonville, having recently been promoted at work.  Sonny is moving into a new house that he recently purchased in Southern California (obviously also doing very well, at work).  Both are facing so many unknowns.  They’re nervous.  They’re worried.  They’re moving…and their lives are changing.

I’m so proud of them both.  This will not be the first “move” for either of them.  In fact, if our group of closely-knit friends has become experts in anything in recent years, it’s certainly moving.

Matt moved from Orlando to California, back to Orlando, then to Atlanta, then back to Orlando, then to Fayetteville, North Carolina…now back to Jacksonville, FL. 

Sonny moved from Chicago to Orlando, then to Tampa, then back to Chicago, changed jobs twice, pursued and earned an MBA at Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business, then moved to California, and now will move yet again into his new home. 

Things haven’t always gone their way.  Situations haven’t always been perfect.  They each just kept pursuing something better…they each kept focusing on getting better…they each pressed on, making other people around them better…including me. 

People often ask me how in the world I’m best friends with people that are so different than me.  I see what they see, on the surface, in passing…however, I laugh to myself every time.  I know that on the inside, deep down, that our relationship and friendship is anchored in love, respect, and care for each other. 

When we all met on internships at Walt Disney World, it was about having fun, yet remaining focused and steadfast in pursuing our dreams…and enjoying our time, together.  Today, it’s funny…because it’s still about having fun and pursuing our dreams…and we’re still connected by the love, respect, and care for each other. 

When I first met Sonny’s dad, we spent the weekend hanging out with the Ritacca family.  On the day he left town, Mr. Ritacca shook my hand, gave me a hug, and said, “take care of each other”. That was in the Fall of 2001.  I’ve visited with him several times since then, and he always says the exact same thing as we part ways at the end of a trip.

Sonny’s dad should be proud, because here we are…12 years later, still taking care of each other.  And it’s usually Sonny that makes the first move…(every morning at 5-something AM…yes…every morning, I get a “good morning” text from Sonny.)  In his dialogue with me, more often than not, he shares a quick story or two about what he's doing to take care of his team, his leaders, and/or his company.  He certainly has many blessings in his life, yet he continues to be a blessing to others.  That's moving.

A couple of years ago both Matt and I were having a rough time finding a job…like many Americans, in 2009 & 2010, we endured several months of unemployment, yet we're in a much better place now.  At the time, Matt was gracious enough to invite me to move back in with him, in his house in Orlando while we both looked for jobs…(and played golf, went to the pool, then played wii golf in his living room…it wasn’t all that bad, looking back on it.)  Matt was blessed to have a nice home in a great place, and though things in his own life were rocky, he was a true blessing to me during that time in my life.  That's moving.

It was then that every Sunday after church I started tweeting him, “If God is for us, who could be against us.” – Romans 8:31.  Neither of us had a clue as to how or when we would find work…when we realized it wasn’t up to us, but instead it was up to someone else, we both had moving days…

Eventually I got a job…and he got a job.  We both moved.  And we were moved in the process…to this day, not a Sunday goes by that I don’t send Matt that same verse that moved us then and continues to move us today.

I tell these stories because I’ve watched and stood by my two dear friends, Matt & Sonny, when they were up, high on life…and when they’ve been down, navigating the inevitable valleys in their lives.  And they’ve been right there for me, every step of the way as well.  I’ve noticed a couple things about the moves they’ve made in their lives. 

The first thing is that their success is always preceded by their relentless focus on other people…

…for Matt, it’s his diligence in serving his leaders and his clients, pursuing excellence in how he caters to their every need, in his role as the Director of Licensing for an apparel company.  For Sonny, it’s his devotion and compassion for the members of his team, and his ability to serve them, lead them, and develop them…as he heads up the Sales efforts on the west coast for his company.

The second thing is that they both recognize and appreciate the blessings in their lives…and they leverage them to turn around and bless others…

…that is moving…

Good luck to Matt & Sonny as they move this week…I’m proud of your success, but I’m mostly proud of how you use your blessings to continue to bless others, including yours truly.  I know you'll be a blessing to those in your new communities.

Thanks for allowing the OneMoreStepRevolution Team to use your moving day to hopefully inspire someone else’s.

Have a great day.

Taylor

OneMoreStep video, for fun...

Two years ago, to the day, when I moved from Orlando to back to Las Vegas, finally finding a job...Matt rode/drove across the country with me, in a U-Haul with the Black Pearl (my car) on a trailer hitched to the back of the truck.

We made it to Scottsdale, got lost, and had a little fun as usual:

 

Most People...

Most People…

Be different...like this little fella

Most people don’t care about anyone’s problems but his or her own.

Most people don’t listen.

Most people pass the buck.

Most people do the minimum.

Most people play it safe.

Most people give up.

Most people don’t bounce back or fight through adversity.

Most people don’t finish strong.

I often wonder what most people think about me and how I make them feel.  Do you? 

Consider…how our Guests or our clients or our customers or our friends or our family members feel about us?

When we care, listen, take ownership, do more, take risks, refuse to give up, fight through adversity, and finish strong…we’re different than most people.

That difference matters; though most people may not show their appreciation, they value it nonetheless.

And usually the difference between adding to or taking away from the experience of most people in our lives is One…More…Step…

Go OneMoreStep.  Be different.  It matters.

Have a great day.

Taylor

One for the road…

The most important, most expensive, most valuable, most meaningful, most resourceful, and most dynamic part of any team, family, organization, company, or community is its people. 

Therefore, we should focus on people the most!

Fourth Quarter

Fourth Quarter

It’s now October.  So we’re basically finished with this year.  2012 is all but in the history books…so we might as well mail it in, start our holiday shopping, and start conjuring up our New Year’s resolution for 2013…

WOAH!!  WOAH, WOAH, WOAH!!!

Not so fast.  It may be late in the game, but there’s still time on the clock.  There are still 2012 days left on the calendar…roughly 90 of them.  That means there’s still time to make an impact, make a difference, make progress, and maybe even change something, someone, or ourselves for the better…maybe even for good!

I remember our high school football team, growing up…as soon as the whistle blew at the conclusion of the third quarter, every player on the field – those on the sidelines and those in the game – every cheerleader, every fan, and every person in Raider Nation would hold up four fingers.  Everyone would throw up four fingers, high above their head…to signify that it was now the FOURTH QUARTER, as if to say – We’re not giving up, we’re not losing faith, we’re giving it our all, as long as there’s time on the clock, we’ll finish strong, in the fourth quarter.

In basketball practice, growing up, my coaches toward the end of practice, while putting us through extensive drills and/or strength and conditioning workouts, would say, “FOURTH QUARTER”, as if to say, in preparation for real life game situations – I know you’re tired…I know it’s been a long day, a long practice, a long three quarters…but there’s still time on the clock, and the fourth quarter just could be where we make our move…when everyone else gives up, when everyone else submits to their weaknesses, if we can dig deep, reach down, stick together, and go OneMoreStep – mentally and physically – this could be our time to make our move…in the fourth quarter.

So for you and I, today…this could be our moment.  This could be our time.  Right now, with an entire quarter left to make our mark, to make our numbers, or to reconcile that friendship, relationship, or partnership that could potentially make all the difference for 2012.  We can make it happen in the fourth quarter.

No matter how rough, or challenging 2012 has been thus far, for three quarters, you and I have the opportunity to make a difference, a very positive difference, in this the final 90 days – the fourth quarter.  All we have to do is decide to do so.

If it’s been rough at work, and you think it’s a lost cause to continue putting forth so much effort, think again…think differently about it.  Keep being you in the Fourth Quarter, because you never know who’s watching, who’s listening, and who’s secretly loving, appreciating, and valuing your efforts. 

Discouraged? For so long, you’ve dreamed of that next opportunity, the girl, the guy, the life you’ve always wanted…and 2012 hasn’t gone your way at all?  Dream again…dream your dreams, look up, and don’t give up just yet.  Many a fight, many a battle, many a game, and many accomplishments have been won in the fourth quarter.  It just takes courage, faith, and hope…to stay the course. 

So whatever weighs heavily on your hearts and minds today, in the boardroom, the break room, or the living room...I know it’s been a long three quarters, and 2012 has been up and down…the Fourth Quarter could be when it all turns around, for the better.

There’s still time on the clock, and there are still days left on the calendar for 2012.  Finish Strong…encouraging someone, helping someone, lifting the spirits of coworkers, family members, loved ones, students, friends, Guests, Clients, and Customers…

How will we remember 2012 – A good year?  A bad year?  How we approach the Fourth Quarter can make all the difference, in the answer to this question…

Throw four fingers up, high above your head…and finish 2012 strong in the fourth quarter.

Have a great day.

Taylor

Going Places

Going Places

We’re always going places.  Work.  Home. Gym. Back to work.  Shopping. Dining.  Recreation.  Squeeze in a quick vacation.  Back to work.  Change jobs.  Repeat.

The vicious cycle of life’s day in, day out routine gets in the way all too often.  It gets in the way of what we think we want to do and where we think we ‘need’ to go, at work or at home. We often wonder, “is this going anywhere?”  Whether it’s a career thing, a relationship thing, or a life thing…how often do we ask ourselves, “where is this going…are we making any progress?”

We hold on so tight, and we don’t let go.  Or am I the only one?  We are so afraid of losing control or becoming too vulnerable in different situations at work or at home, and our own fear creeps back in on us. 

Consider for a second that when that fear creeps back into the picture…it’s ok.  It’s 100% ok to not be ok.  Being fearful of things outside of our control is normal.  How we deal with the fear is the potential OneMoreStep that can free us up to make a difference…and in some cases even be that difference that matters to others.

Our first instinct is to try and control everything, in every situation.  Why?  Because if we’re in control, we’re less likely to be hurt, disappointed, or feel inferior.  That’s what we think is happening.  What is really happening is that we’re focusing on ourselves, our own work, our own career, our own resume, and our own results about which we can be proud and gloat…yet all the while, in the back of our minds we’re still wondering, “are we really going anywhere?”

We often do things for the glory…for the accolades…for the recognition…for the praise…for the raise…for the bonus money.  Instead we should go OneMoreStep at work, at home, or in the community not because of what we might get back in return, but because it’s the right thing to do.

If and when we do the right thing, for the right reasons, for the right people (operative word – people…making it about them, not us), at the right times, it’s amazing how quickly our hearts are warmed with love and our minds are left at ease.  Worry, frustration, and doubt give way to contentment, satisfaction, and enjoyment.

The OneMoreStep here is this – rather than wondering if we’re ever “going places”, we should first focus on getting our hearts and minds in the right place…and then it’s amazing all the places we’ll go: professionally, personally, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. 

Two for the road…

Five years ago I left a great job (Sales), with a great company (Disney), in a great city (Orlando), in a great state (Florida) to pursue a list of my goals, on what I had determined to be my timeline to get me exactly where I wanted to go by the time I wanted to get there.  (note how many “I’s” and “my’s”…and where I put my focus)  Neither my heart, nor my mind was in the right place.

Sure, I’ve been a few places, lived in a few different cities, and worked for a few different companies since then.  Some good.  Some bad.  If I’ve learned anything along the way, it’s that it’s less about the places we go and ALL about getting our hearts and minds in the right place…first.  It truly is amazing what a difference that simple, yet often overlooked OneMoreStep concept has on our ability really go places with our relationships, our families, our careers, and the impact and inspiration we can have on the lives of others. 

Happiness happens when our hearts and minds are in the right place…then...we go places.

When I graduated from high school, my mom gave me the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”  Mom, not that I didn’t appreciate the gift then, because I did…I simply understand its meaning a bit more now, fifteen years later.  So…thank you, again, for the graduation gift. 

An excerpt from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, by Dr. Seuss:

Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.

And then things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on y our way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

Have a great day.

Taylor

Remember the Privileges

Remember the Privileges…

Remember eleven years ago…the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.  Americans across our country were immediately filled with thoughts and emotional distress.  Some lost family members, others lost friends, and many lost their jobs. 

We also lost some privileges.  We lost the ability to walk with loved ones to the gate of their flight in an airport.  We lost the ability to carry on bottled water.  For at least the short term, we lost the opportunity to drive in our towns, on our streets, to be with friends, family, etc. 

Guests at Walt Disney World lost out that week, as the parks closed because of the terrorist threat levels.  Tourists stranded in vacation destinations across the country and world were grounded, without the ability to fly for days or weeks. 

As we reflect today, we have so many thoughts.  It’s a tough day for Americans, our allies, and especially those who lost loved ones either on that day or in the weeks/months/years that followed, defending our freedom and protecting our nation. 

I hope we remember the privileges. 

The opportunity to work and be employed by a company or organization…something larger than ourselves…that’s a privilege.

The capability to drive, fly, or travel to and from destinations either in-town or out of town, for work or play…that’s a privilege.

The very friendships we have at work, school, or in our lives, and the opportunity to spend time with them, learn with them, laugh with them, and cry with them…that’s a privilege.

The partnerships we have in business or in the community that allow us the opportunities to move the needle, improve, or enhance either our own lives or that of another…that’s a privilege.

The precious time we still have with our families and loved ones while everyone is here, together…that’s a privilege.

September 11th is always a day filled with thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  We remember where we were on that day eleven years ago…what we were doing…the people we were with that morning…and the people we loved the most. 

Whatever we were doing then…whomever we were with at the time…wherever we were working…it was a privilege.  The same goes for right now, today…whomever we’re lucky enough to call friends, the organizations we’re lucky enough to call employers, and the very love we give and receive…those are all privileges. 

We should embrace them as such and enjoy each of the 86,400 seconds we’re given each day.  For who knows what the future has in store…today is the day that matters.  Embrace it, with a zest for life that will make others around you feel compelled to do the same.

My heart goes out to those in the OneMoreStepRevolution community that are reliving the memories, thoughts, and emotions of September 11^th, 2001 today. 

Never forget…remember the privileges.

Taylor

Related Post:

FRED Friday...Remember 9-11-01, Ten Years Later

 

One HUNDRED More Steps

One HUNDRED More Steps

About six years ago, I was working as a Sales Manager at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, and I had something I needed to share with one of my colleagues in the office. 

First, I thought about sending them an email…but I wasn’t sure if the message would come across clearly enough.  Then, I thought about giving them a call…still didn’t seem like that would be quite enough of a personal touch.  Next, I printed a couple documents to show them the next time they stopped by my office…it was at that point when I said to myself, “this might save them time and actually help them if I take this to them now, instead of waiting until later…their office isn’t too far down the hallway…maybe I’ll just go one more step, and take it to them now…”

Sure enough, delivering the documents in-person, to their office and engaging in a quick dialogue, fully explaining the context of the situation helped them out, made perfect sense to them, and most importantly seemed to really save them time and add value to their day…judging by the genuine thanks and appreciation I received from my colleague.  I remember just walking a bit taller, with a little more bounce in my step and a big smile on my face, just knowing that the little extra step made a positive difference.  (note the operative word - them - taking the focus off of myself and focusing on them was the key, resulting in a much more fulfilling and rewarding day for me in the end.)

It was then, on that day, that I started really thinking about this concept or idea of going OneMoreStep.  For years I talked about it with my friends, family, coworkers, bosses, etc.  On January 31^st, 2011, I decided to start writing about it.

The OneMoreStepRevolution blog was born…

I started writing about the topic, sharing stories, thoughts, experiences, and principles that I’ve learned along the way.  Some come from lessons I’ve learned from my parents, coaches, and/or teachers growing up in Kentucky while other posts have been inspired by books I’ve read or life experiences.  Other posts I’ve shared just because I’ve had a thought that helped me get through a challenging day or a tough time…and my hope in sharing that thought on the blog is that it helps or inspires someone else when they read it.

I like to write, and I like to speak to people about these principles…but most of all I absolutely love the thought of inspiring people to go OneMoreStep in life or at work, in hopes that they have a better day today than they did yesterday…all because they made a positive difference in the lives of those around them.

As much as I enjoy writing and speaking about going OneMoreStep, I don’t do it for me…I do it for you.

I appreciate the OneMoreStepRevolution community liking, sharing, retweeting, commenting, emailing, forwarding, and responding to each post in the last 18 months.  Together we’ve sent posts from this blog to all 50 states in this country and 140 countries around the world.

Last week, the OneMoreStepRevolution blog published its 100^th Post.  Just as we’ve shared since January 31^st, 2011…we share with you here, on this post, in one location all 100 Posts.  I hope this post and future posts continue to be a source of inspiration to you and others to keep looking up and going OneMoreStep…

All 100 Posts for the road...

Logo art provided by Barkofski Design in Winter Garden, FL.  I called my long time friend and former roommate, Steve Barkofksi, last week and told him that we've reached 100 Posts.  I asked him if he thought it would be cool to have a "100 Posts" logo and if he had a few minutes, could he draw one up.  Two days later he emailed me...he didn't draw up one, he drew up six...and said, "here's a few ideas...we can always mix and match...let me know which ones you like...and let me know if I can do anything else..."  Stevo, being Stevo...going OneMoreStep as usual.       Thanks, Steve!

I'd love your feedback - which posts you've enjoyed the most, and why...as well as what topics, stories, or experiences you would like to read more about in future posts or books I write.  

Email me at tscott21@gmail.com.  Tweet me @TSCOTT1502, and join the OneMoreStepRevolution Community page on Facebook by clicking here...

OneMoreStep…the concept – January 31^st, 2011

Keep Doing the Little Things… - February 2^nd, 2011

It’s Friday…Finish Strong…  - February 4^th, 2011

Everybody’s Talking…How About Listening? – February 9^th, 2011

I Like a Girl…But… - February 13^th, 2011

Avis Makes Magic? – February 15^th, 2011

Be “Around” the Ball – February 20^th, 2011

It’s My Job – February 28^th, 2011

FRED Friday – March 3^rd, 2011

Everybody Has “Stuff” – March 7^th, 2011

The Name Game – March 14^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Paul from U-Haul – March 17^th, 2011

Don’t Miss It – March 24^th, 2011

How Did We Make Them Feel? – March 30^th, 2011

Touch People – April 5^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Van – April 7^th, 2011

Don’t Give Up – April 10^th, 2011

Lead With Love – April 17^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Jennifer Le – April 21^st, 2011

Start Fresh – April 24^th, 2011

Lessons From Mom – May 2^nd, 2011

FRED Friday…My Brighton Experience – May 5^th, 2011

Just Be Nice – May 9^th, 2011

Do It Anyway – May 17^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Tech Magic – May 20^th 2011

Anything…Anytime…Anywhere – May 26, 2011

Let ‘em Know You Were There – June 1^st, 2011

FRED Friday…Lou Saved the Day – June 3^rd, 2011

D-Day…Reflection & Perspective – June 6^th, 2011

I Wanted to Be Like Him – June 13^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Captain Melanie – June 17^th, 2011

86,400 Seconds in a Day – June 20^th, 2011

StairMaster – June 27^th, 2011

Second Half – July 7^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Carlos, the Disneyland Fred – July 8^th, 2011

Life…It’s What We Make It – July 11^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Mr. Dunn, the Chick-Fil-A Fred – July 15^th, 2011

The OneMoreStep Trifecta – July 24^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Ellen Ruel – July 29^th, 2011

Hugs, Handshakes, & Hi-5’s – August 10^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Holly – August 12^th, 2011

FRD Friday…Meet “V”, the Day Changer – August 26^th, 2011

Kitchen Table – August 29^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Remember 9-11, Ten Years Later – September 9^th, 2011

OneMoreStep Moments – September 20^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Amy, the Miracle Fred – September 23^rd, 2011

Persistence Wears Resistance – October 3^rd, 2011

“Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish” – Steve Jobs – October 6^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Brandon, the Problem Solver – October 7^th, 2011

Annoyed Today, Expert Tomorrow – October 18^th, 2011

It’s About People – October 24^th, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Mike – October 28^th, 2011

Practice… - November 2^nd, 2011

FRED Friday…Meet Rob – November 3^rd, 2011

It’s a Small World…Be Happy – November 13^th, 2011

Give “Thanks” – November 21^st, 2011

Be Curious – December 6^th, 2011

Content is King…With a Twist – December 15^th, 2011

Believe – December 19^th, 2011

Sometimes… - January 5^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Marcos – January 13^th, 2012

Dream Diligently – January 16^th, 2012

Leaders Elevate – January 30^th, 2012

Today is the Day – February 10^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Ms. “D” – February 17^th, 2012

Trying vs. Doing…MTXE – February 29^th, 2012

When Leaders LEAD – March 5^th, 2012

Earning the Ball vs. Wanting the Ball – March 14^th, 2012

Remembering My Friend, Derek Brown – March 20^th, 2012

Mistakes & HAKUNA MATATA Moments – March 25^th, 2012

Up – March 29^th, 2012

Seriously, Why So Serious – April 1^st, 2012

Never Always Sunny – April 2^nd, 2012

Good… - April 6^th, 2012

The Magic of Understanding – April 11^th, 2012

Feelings are the CAUSE, not the effect – April 19^th, 2012

First, Choose HOPE, then spread it – April 24^th, 2012

Commencement and Moments in Time – May 2^nd, 2012

Lessons From Mom – 2.0 – May 8^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Boston – May 11^th, 2012

Make Believe – May 14^th, 2012

The Opportunity of Clear Expectations – May 18^th, 2012

We’re the Lucky Ones – May 23^rd, 2012

FRED Friday on Memorial Day…a Thank You – May 27^th, 2012

Swings – May 29^th, 2012

The Ride – June 4^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Abbey & her Partners, the Starbucks Freds – June 8^th, 2012

Fountains in the Desert – June 9^th, 2012

There – June 10^th, 2012

Once Upon a Time is Now – June 14^th, 2012

Environmentality – June 26^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet the i-phone Code Red Freds – June 29^th, 2012

Only Time Will Tell… - July 8^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Meet Augusta Scott, the Zappos Coach – July 19^th, 2012

Credit vs. Benefit & Who Cares – July 26^th, 2012

Walk – July 31^st, 2012

Represent Your Nation – August 10^th, 2012

Good People – August 16^th, 2012

FRED Friday…Birthday Well-Wishes, FREDShips, & a Team of Freds – August 17^th, 2012

Are You Winning? – August 29^th, 2012