We hear it, some say it, and a lot of you have become it!! In whatever category you find yourself, your honesty is duly noted yet subject to critical analysis.This phrase alone is still one of the hardest things for me to hear, especially from people who claim to be driven. The mere sound of it is more nerve-racking than nails on the chalkboard and the reality of it is more disappointing than watching a franchise player become a step slower and injury-riddeen en route to ultimately getting passed around the league like the coodies.
Often times many of you will say, "I'M NOT A MORNING PERSON", because you don't "function" well in the morning, or you don't like waking up early, or you don't feel like socializing with people in the morning. Whatever your excuse is, something or someone has tainted your morning experience by word and/or action. Quite frankly it sends a message that you're just plain lazy most of the time. The fact is that you've allowed yourself to succumb to a way of life that deliberately shuns valuable opportunities. Morning time is the ideal time to pray, meditate, collect your thoughts, brainstorm, exercise, read, write, strategize or just be still for a moment. Ultimately the early morning is the key to getting a head start on your path to greatness. In the words of Richard Whatley, "lose an hour in the morning and you'll be all day hunting for it."
I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON! Who? Who are you talking to?
I'M NOT A MORNING PERSON! What? What is wrong with being a morning person? What is your motivation or strategy for improvement? What does the quality of life look like for an "I'm not a morning person"?
I'M NOT A MORNING PERSON! Where? Where does a path lead for a non-morning person? Where is the I'm not a morning person association leadership conference being held this year?
I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON! When? When did driven people let this self-fulfilling prophecy fill their heads and furthermore fall out of their mouths? When have you ever seen a successful person highlighted who gets up late? When will you become a morning person?
I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON! Why? Why are you constantly giving yourself a justification for mediocrity? Why aren't you willing to see the benefits that the morning has to offer you?
I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON! How? How can you look at yourself in the mirror with this belief and do nothing to change it? How much further along in life do you expect this proclamation to take you?
The answers to the who,what, where, when, why and how of this topic are rooted in our willingness to change our pattern of behavior so that it is congruent with our dreams and aspirations. If you have resolved in your mind and manifested in your actions that you're not a "morning person", you will eventually be a person in mourning. You will mourn the time you've wasted, choices you've made, people you've mistreated, and the opportunities you've abandoned. Ultimately you will shake your head at the life that you've missed simply because you made the best part of the day your worst enemy.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
TWENTY X - NEW YEAR'S REVELATION
This morning I entered the gym to find it completely empty and virtually untouched. As a matter of fact, it smelled liked a freshly cleaned, vacuumed apartment that was awaiting it's first family to move in. Honestly, it was disturbing yet interesting. I found it disturbing because I figured most people have either committed or re-committed themselves to leading a healthier lifestyle through exercise. This was obviously in theory. Nevertheless, I found it interesting that many people were not including exercise as a priority for the new year. At least this was my first the impression.
Maybe some people had to work. Maybe my timing was bad and some people worked out before or after I did. Maybe, some people's re-occuring new year's resolutions are not to make any resolutions at all. I find this to be interesting because it could be viewed as keeping it real or keeping it routine. This whole notion stretches way beyond exercise. In fact, it leads me to believe that most people have experienced a New Year's Revelation.
A New Year's Revelation? Yes. That is not a typo nor is it a Freudian slip. A New Year's Revelation is a moment of clarity that occurs as the dawn of a new year approaches. It's a time when people take inventory of their blessings, strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, shortcomings, wins, losses, friends, and enemies. Once they've done a thorough assessment it becomes clear to them who or what should remain a priority and who or what will challenge them to get better and who or what will facilitate and support their holistic development. It's not an exercise in waiting. It's not an exercise in talkin the talk. Rather, it's an exercise in walking out our self-assessment as we cultivate a relationship between our gifts, our work ethic and God's purpose for us. That said, I challenge you to resolve to reveal yourself to yourself. Deliberately and proactively live WHO YOU ARE day after day, week after week, and month after month without excuses and without regrets. External goals can't be set until a commitment internal transformation is underway.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Maybe some people had to work. Maybe my timing was bad and some people worked out before or after I did. Maybe, some people's re-occuring new year's resolutions are not to make any resolutions at all. I find this to be interesting because it could be viewed as keeping it real or keeping it routine. This whole notion stretches way beyond exercise. In fact, it leads me to believe that most people have experienced a New Year's Revelation.
A New Year's Revelation? Yes. That is not a typo nor is it a Freudian slip. A New Year's Revelation is a moment of clarity that occurs as the dawn of a new year approaches. It's a time when people take inventory of their blessings, strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, shortcomings, wins, losses, friends, and enemies. Once they've done a thorough assessment it becomes clear to them who or what should remain a priority and who or what will challenge them to get better and who or what will facilitate and support their holistic development. It's not an exercise in waiting. It's not an exercise in talkin the talk. Rather, it's an exercise in walking out our self-assessment as we cultivate a relationship between our gifts, our work ethic and God's purpose for us. That said, I challenge you to resolve to reveal yourself to yourself. Deliberately and proactively live WHO YOU ARE day after day, week after week, and month after month without excuses and without regrets. External goals can't be set until a commitment internal transformation is underway.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
CHRONICLES OF A WING MAN
Today, I had the distinct honor and pleasure of being a wingman.
A first-year student walked into my office on the verge of tears. Anxiety? Maybe. Fear? Not Exactly.Failure? Absolutely Not. Uncertainty? Ok, let's work with that one. It just so happened that this student overslept for the first exam of her college career as a result of pulling an "all-nighter". Thus, her fate (at that time) was hanging in the balance in her mind. As she explained the rest of her story to me the coach, father, big brother, and godfather roles all kicked into gear. The coach tried to motivate, the father attemped comfort, the big brother asked questions, then the godfather made her an offer that she couldn't refuse. I simply asked her if she wanted me to walk with her to the professor's office. Without hesitation she replied"please & thank you".
We arrived at the building moments later only to find that the professor was not in his office. As she prepared to leave a note under his door, her professor rounds the corner. Thus, her impromptu speech had no note cards and an audience of 1. As she started her speech, I simply faded into the distance and let her negotiate the deal. Ultimately, her professor allowed her to take her exam. Often times wingmen are heralded for their solidaritous acts, but the reality is that great wingmen are truly a reflection of the great leaders they support. She went in, asked for what she wanted and she received it because of who she is, not because of me. Why? I simply abide by the creed of a wingman.
The creed of a wingman is as follows:
A first-year student walked into my office on the verge of tears. Anxiety? Maybe. Fear? Not Exactly.Failure? Absolutely Not. Uncertainty? Ok, let's work with that one. It just so happened that this student overslept for the first exam of her college career as a result of pulling an "all-nighter". Thus, her fate (at that time) was hanging in the balance in her mind. As she explained the rest of her story to me the coach, father, big brother, and godfather roles all kicked into gear. The coach tried to motivate, the father attemped comfort, the big brother asked questions, then the godfather made her an offer that she couldn't refuse. I simply asked her if she wanted me to walk with her to the professor's office. Without hesitation she replied"please & thank you".
We arrived at the building moments later only to find that the professor was not in his office. As she prepared to leave a note under his door, her professor rounds the corner. Thus, her impromptu speech had no note cards and an audience of 1. As she started her speech, I simply faded into the distance and let her negotiate the deal. Ultimately, her professor allowed her to take her exam. Often times wingmen are heralded for their solidaritous acts, but the reality is that great wingmen are truly a reflection of the great leaders they support. She went in, asked for what she wanted and she received it because of who she is, not because of me. Why? I simply abide by the creed of a wingman.
The creed of a wingman is as follows:
- A wingman passes no judgement
- A wingman proudly flies on the shoulder of the lead pilot while pushing those in front to keep the lead
- A wingman is more effective being seen and not heard
- A wingman never asks for credit
- A wingman never leaves unless the lead pilot has enough fuel & ammunition to complete the mission
Sunday, November 15, 2009
FAST TRACK-EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
This past Wednesday I had the honor and privelege of hosting students from the FAST TRACK college preparatory program from New York City. They spent an entire day in the District visiting the various schools in the area including Howard University, Georgetown University and finally The George Washington University.
From the time that they waited in the hallway, I immediately sensed an array of energy from these young people. Several burroughs were represented from Brooklyn, Harlem and Queens. When the shout-outs were solicited there was a buzz in the room and a sprinkle of hate, but all the same there was a friendly, competitive commraderie and respect that abided within.
As I began to speak to the group I began to zero in on the people who were listenting not just hearing, focusing not just looking and responding, not just reacting. I sensed that these young people were a little tired from the events of the day and the rainy weather conditions, but what remained constant was their Empire State of Mind. As I shared with them my stories, philosophies, and experiences, I also challenged them to intellectually reach beyond their comfort zone and critically tackle the issues that face them as they plan their present, yes their present not their future. To have an Empire State of Mind is not reserved or limited to native New Yorkers of the universe, however it is a unique and infectious state of mind altogether; a fast track.
Is it a state of mind that dreams? Yes.
One that pursues dreams?Yes
One that will succeed? Yes.
One that removes obstacles? Yes.
One that affects change? Yes.
One that will rule the world? Yes
One that doesn't take NO for an answer? Yes.
It is all of the above and then some. However, an Empire State of Mind should never get old, it should never be off key, it should never be in one language, nor should it ever be a song that falls out of your mental rolodex. It's about building an empire with the skills you have been blessed with. Just remember that you are not the only builder that will make your empire complete. It's a team effort that requires each team member to stick to what they specialize in. You are the architect so sit down at your desk and design the BLUEPRINT.
From the time that they waited in the hallway, I immediately sensed an array of energy from these young people. Several burroughs were represented from Brooklyn, Harlem and Queens. When the shout-outs were solicited there was a buzz in the room and a sprinkle of hate, but all the same there was a friendly, competitive commraderie and respect that abided within.
As I began to speak to the group I began to zero in on the people who were listenting not just hearing, focusing not just looking and responding, not just reacting. I sensed that these young people were a little tired from the events of the day and the rainy weather conditions, but what remained constant was their Empire State of Mind. As I shared with them my stories, philosophies, and experiences, I also challenged them to intellectually reach beyond their comfort zone and critically tackle the issues that face them as they plan their present, yes their present not their future. To have an Empire State of Mind is not reserved or limited to native New Yorkers of the universe, however it is a unique and infectious state of mind altogether; a fast track.
Is it a state of mind that dreams? Yes.
One that pursues dreams?Yes
One that will succeed? Yes.
One that removes obstacles? Yes.
One that affects change? Yes.
One that will rule the world? Yes
One that doesn't take NO for an answer? Yes.
It is all of the above and then some. However, an Empire State of Mind should never get old, it should never be off key, it should never be in one language, nor should it ever be a song that falls out of your mental rolodex. It's about building an empire with the skills you have been blessed with. Just remember that you are not the only builder that will make your empire complete. It's a team effort that requires each team member to stick to what they specialize in. You are the architect so sit down at your desk and design the BLUEPRINT.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
ROSTER, PRACTICE SQUAD, OR WAIVED
It's the beginning of a new season. Hopefully, you've sharpened the skills that desperately needed sharpening, gotten rid of some bad habits that you've developed over time, and maybe you've created a new ritual that will lead to an optimistic attitude as you start this season.
Whatever the case may be, your offseason workouts determine how you perform during training camp and furthermore during the season. In the offseason, you may have taken some extra courses to get ahead or catch up, secured an internship that helped you develop professionally or figure out what you don't want to do. You may have attended a leadership conference/symposium, traveled abroad, read some additional books instead of watching TV or volunteered in your community. If you did any or all of these things, then your status on the team shouldn't be in question once the whistle blows. If your preparation is strategically thorough and your practice is consistently intense then your performance will be undeniably excellent.
Your offseason workout will ultimately determine whether you make the roster, the practice squad or are waived. Training camp is underway. Somebody wants your spot. Will you be on the field making it happen or in the stands watching it happen?
Whatever the case may be, your offseason workouts determine how you perform during training camp and furthermore during the season. In the offseason, you may have taken some extra courses to get ahead or catch up, secured an internship that helped you develop professionally or figure out what you don't want to do. You may have attended a leadership conference/symposium, traveled abroad, read some additional books instead of watching TV or volunteered in your community. If you did any or all of these things, then your status on the team shouldn't be in question once the whistle blows. If your preparation is strategically thorough and your practice is consistently intense then your performance will be undeniably excellent.
Your offseason workout will ultimately determine whether you make the roster, the practice squad or are waived. Training camp is underway. Somebody wants your spot. Will you be on the field making it happen or in the stands watching it happen?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
One more day
I'm smart enough to know, patient enough to wait, disciplined enough to stand still, trusting enough to ask once, grounded enough to serve, focused enough to see even with my eyes closed, humbled beyond words yet grateful enough to say thank you. One more day..........
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Untitled ......
Good Morning,
The last 2 months I've been remiss and inconsistent with my blogging. Why? Because I've put unnecessary pressure on myself to share thoughts that are profound, insightful, clever and empowering. Don't get me wrong, it's what I love to do. However, it is not absolutely imperative that I empower and motivate readers every week or every other week. Nevertheless, it is imperative that I share what is on my heart first and then what's on my mind.
In the last few days I've just been in awe and I've also been in prayer about God's purpose for me. I've been in awe at how great God is and how great my life is and has been. Lately God has just shown me how great living can be if you just exist, listen to and follow your heart. So I submit to you today me, a man who is humble, honest, realistic, idealistic, excited, scared, apprehensive, fallible, inconsistent, unsure at times, yet a child of God who just wants to do what he loves and allow it to be acceptable in God's sight and encouraging to those who struggle with the same questions of this life daily.
That said there is no title for this blog entry today, because frankly there is no title for this day, this hour, month, or this lifetime. Allow me to re-introduce myself, my name is Coach Rice. I have dreams, aspirations, prayers, fears, questions, demons and shortcomings. However, I'm still here and so are you. So let's be mindful, grateful, and ready to play this game the right way; together, win or lose, blood, sweat and tears, home and away. Ball up top!!!
The last 2 months I've been remiss and inconsistent with my blogging. Why? Because I've put unnecessary pressure on myself to share thoughts that are profound, insightful, clever and empowering. Don't get me wrong, it's what I love to do. However, it is not absolutely imperative that I empower and motivate readers every week or every other week. Nevertheless, it is imperative that I share what is on my heart first and then what's on my mind.
In the last few days I've just been in awe and I've also been in prayer about God's purpose for me. I've been in awe at how great God is and how great my life is and has been. Lately God has just shown me how great living can be if you just exist, listen to and follow your heart. So I submit to you today me, a man who is humble, honest, realistic, idealistic, excited, scared, apprehensive, fallible, inconsistent, unsure at times, yet a child of God who just wants to do what he loves and allow it to be acceptable in God's sight and encouraging to those who struggle with the same questions of this life daily.
That said there is no title for this blog entry today, because frankly there is no title for this day, this hour, month, or this lifetime. Allow me to re-introduce myself, my name is Coach Rice. I have dreams, aspirations, prayers, fears, questions, demons and shortcomings. However, I'm still here and so are you. So let's be mindful, grateful, and ready to play this game the right way; together, win or lose, blood, sweat and tears, home and away. Ball up top!!!
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