Weekly Thought – September 8, 2015

Fred overachieved when thinking. Give him a thought and he would chase it down roads totally unknown to the civilized world. He once started thinking about words to hymns and made a list of hundreds. And, on a sleepless night he remembered the punch lines to 200 jokes. When asked to give 12 principles for high impact living, he finally ran out of paper well into the 40s. This week we complete a four week excursion into the wilds of Fred’s thoughts on this subject. There are scribbles in the margins of these pages, but we will stop with these 40. Parts 1-3 are available at breakfastwithfred.com in the Weekly Thought archives.

Thank you for believing in our work and telling us stories of being stretched by Fred’s thoughts. Continue to pray and when possible, help us financially to keep the website and the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute strong.

Get It Done People – Part Four

High Impact People:

31) Use money as a means, not an end. They know that money is option and they see it as a tool, not an idol. They know how to avoid the “is this all there is?” trap.

32) Unite joy and accomplishment – I wrote a section of my first book (the great undiscovered classic You and Your Network) on “Joy for the Journey.” Work is part of God’s blessing. Accomplishment and achievement bring a sense of purpose and well-being.

33) Emphasize responsibilities, not rights – responsibilities laminate – that is, bring people together; rights divide.

34) Properly define pleasure – There is a misconception that life should be serious and any hint of pleasure is the sure road to hedonism. Baloney! Eric Liddell gives a clear definition when he says, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” Pleasure is the emotion of living life in the sweet spot.

35) Recognize reality versus image – we live in a world weary of words and longing for authenticity. Too many who adopt the “fake it ‘til you make it” mindset end up perpetually faking it and never making it.

36) Celebrate – one of my dear friends, Jack Modesett, likes to ask about goal accomplishment by saying, “How will we know when it is time to celebrate?” It is important to celebrate steps along the way to the big mile marker. And joining others in the recognition of accomplishment is key.

37) Understand the difference between character and intelligence – I have rarely seen a gifted person fail because they lacked training, or even intelligence. By far, the majority of failures come because of character flaws. Check the plumb lines to make sure the character is aligned.

38) Create an environment of encouragement – they know how to make others see their gifts, use them, and feel good about themselves.

39) Make long term goals – instant gratification isn’t a hallmark of high impact people. A young man told me recently his idea of long term planning was lunch the next day. That man has much to learn!

40) Aren’t surprised at the price tag for success – I once told a woman who complained about her executive husband’s hours: “Madam, you want the earnings of a racehorse and the placidity of a mule.” There are no shortcuts.

This week consider: 1) Out of the 40 principles, which one grabbed me? 2) How much do I want a high impact life? 3) What am I willing to do to fulfill my potential?

Words of Wisdom: “Madam, you can’t have the earnings of a racehorse and the placidity of a mule.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:10 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – September 1, 2015

Fred was born September 1, 2015. His Mother was his guiding light. She taught him the value of ideas and their ability to affect outcomes. The limits placed on him through physical disabilities and economic lack did not dampen his dreams. The little boy who listened to the world on his crystal radio in the attic became a man who stretched others. We continue with his principles for high impact living. Parts one and two can be accessed at www.breakfastwithfred.com in the Weekly Thought archives or on www.bwfli.com

On this day when Fred would have been 100 years, please tell someone else about the website and the Weekly Thoughts. Help us expand his reach and deepen the impact.

Get It Done People – Part Three

High Impact People:

21) Vision of success – They have a picture of who they want to be and what they want to do. They understand the old Chinese proverb: “If you vision is one year, plant wheat; the years, plant a tree; and 100 years, plant people.”

22) Associate with the Best – Be the smallest fish in the biggest pond. Always put yourself in the arena with stronger players. And remember to associate for growth and development, not social climbing.

23) Travel – Expand your view of culture and cultures. Take calculated risks and enjoy challenging experiences.

24) Read – My friend Charlie “Tremendous” Jones says, “Except for the people you meet and the books you read, you will be the same person in five years as you are today.” The old axiom, “leaders are readers” still holds true. But, be discerning. Read in your areas of development. And don’t feel like you have to read something just because somebody recommends it, or sends it to you. Don’t just read what you agree with – let others challenge you.

25) Write – My mentor Maxey Jarman demanded written solutions to any problems I could recognize. He reminded me that thoughts untangle as they pass through the mind and out through the point of the pencil. Writing clarifies.

26) Are Respected by Others – International developer Trammel Crow said, “I only want executives that others want to see succeed.”

27) Pick the right mentor – Never accept a volunteer mentor. Understand the principles of a mentoring relationship. Know what the responsibilities of the mentor and the mentoree.

28) Demonstrate humility – My favorite definition of humility is: “Humility is not denying the power you have but admitting it comes through you, not from you.” Meekness is harnessed strength, not weakness.

29) Operate ethically – One of my friends had a plaque on his desk which read: “You can count on me to be who I say I will be and do what I say I will do.” Nick Moore of Price Waterhouse Coopers put it this way: “It is important to know what you stand for and what you won’t stand for!”

30) Follow Jim Collins’ Good to Great model – “Have the wrong people off the bus, the right people on, and the right people doing the right things.”

This week think about: 1) Which of these strikes me the hardest? 2) Where am I influencing others? 3) Who could benefit from Fred’s wisdom this week?

Words of Wisdom: “Humility is not denying the power but admitting it comes through you and not from you.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11: 2 NET Bible)

Weekly Thought – August 25, 2015

Fred’s interest in those who pursued their gifts motivated much of his thinking. In part of two of “Get It Done People” he continues his thinking about high impact living.

Gratitude was one of Fred’s favorite emotions. He practiced it regularly. And for you we are most grateful. Thank you for your encouragement and consistent support.

Get It Done People – Part Two

High Impact People:

11) Capture the concept of plateauing – they understand the process of growing, assimilating, then growing again. When you grow too fast, you have holes.

12) Keep stress vertical – there are two types of stress: horizontal and vertical… one pulls you apart (horizontal) and one energizes and focuses (vertical). The goal of life isn’t being stress free, but understanding and developing healthy stress which energizes.

13) Have and use a sense of humor – What you cry about today you will laugh about tomorrow. Humor is the lubricant of the spirit. Without humor, the gears clash and the engine burns out.

14) Don’t take destructive action – “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.” Too many people carry around a stash of poison pills created from ill feelings and vindictiveness.

15) Anticipate – minimize surprises – Every top executive I know has a cardinal rule: avoid surprises. Preparation and good hiring practices allow them to operate confidently. I think through all the possibilities of a decision or action and thus spare myself from surprises.

16) Work with cause and effect – The scripture tells us we will reap what we sow. That is more than a Biblical admonition. Understanding consequences is a hallmark of high impact leaders.

17) Operate and articulate meaning of life – a clear understanding of purpose is critical. I find strong, meaningful internal dialogue is part of the tool kit for leaders.

18) Have emotional control – they know how to stretch their emotional wheelbase. They have a broad repertoire of emotions, a disciplined imagination, are courageous, and know how to eliminate negatives. They know how to offset external pressures by internal strength. John Wayne said, “Courage is being scared to death and still saddling up.”

19) Choose their attitude – Frankl in “Man’s Search for Meaning” said we have no control over our circumstances but we can choose our attitudes in the midst of them. High impact people direct their attitude.

20) Give themselves to something bigger than themselves – A big vision, a big goal, a big dream, a big cause. These move leaders to think bigger. Always stretch.

This week think about: 1) What pushes me to stretch? 2) What are the roadblocks to growth? 3) How can I apply these this week?

Words of Wisdom: “The goal of life isn’t being stress free, but understanding and developing healthy stress which energizes.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I realized that wisdom is preferable to folly, just as light is preferable to darkness:” (Ecclesiastes 2:13 NET Bible)

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Weekly Thought – August 18, 2015

Fred began thinking about a question put to him by a group of high achievers: “Fred, what would you say to us as we enter our 50s and want to keep moving?” He put together a list called “The 12 Principles of High Impact Living.” True to himself, the list soon grew and developed into well over three dozen. For the next three weeks we will outline some of these principles.

Fred finished his earthly assignment on August 17, 2007. His thinking lives on and his heartfelt desire to be useful continues bearing fruit. This week we do part two of the Principles of High Impact Living.

As we think about the years since Fred died, we look at all the Lord has done to expand the reach and deepen the impact of his lifework. You have been with us and for that we are grateful. Remember to share these thoughts with others and encourage them to sign up on the mailing list. We appreciate you.

Get It Done People – Part One

High Impact People:

1) Link passion and uniqueness – they find their particular area of genius and maximize it by utilizing it effectively.

2) Minimize religion and maximize spirituality – Christianity isn’t a religion; it is a relationship. Knowing about God isn’t faith but growing in trust and obedience is.

3) Endure pain to win the gold – Bob Richards, the Olympic vaulter, always asked budding athletes: “What do you with the pain?” Pain isn’t optional.

4) Understand that discipline isn’t punishment – an unruly, chaotic life achieves little. There is always a price to pay for accomplishment. Discipline allows the freedom of productivity. Good habits are there for the times you don’t want to work.

5) Save, invest, then speculate – “Las Vegas Funds” are at the top of the financial pyramid, not the bottom. The foundation of proper financial planning gives option in later years.

6) Control their time and appreciate the dramatic moments – Just as I don’t let other people spend my money, I don’t let them spend my time. Those who capture the drama of time can be particularly impactful. For example, Rudy Giuliani after 9/11.

7) Focus – scattershooting is for amateurs. Big game hunters don’t go out carrying shot guns.
8) Are Energetic – Know what creates energy and what uses it and manage it well. High impact people are generally high energy, as well. They know how to harness the strength.

9) Balance their lives – They stay out of the rat race and avoid obsessions. They integrate all the spokes of their wheel as my friend Zig says. The ride gets bumpy when all the emphasis is on one area.

10) Nurture their curiosity – The great scientist Gerhard Dierks told me to always cultivate my ignorance. “Go to bed knowing less than you did the day before because you see how much more there is to know.”

This week think seriously about: 1) What makes me a high impact person? 2) Which of the ten stimulates my thinking? 3) How can I think deeper about this subject?

Words of Wisdom: “Take the gift that God has given you and use it, and you will stand before great men.” (Fred’s paraphrase of Proverbs 18:16)

Wisdom from the Word: “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12 NET Bible)