Closing Strong, and Starting Blast!
Following an exciting month long trip to Asia, and amazing prospects for my return a few more times before the end of the year, I am faced with a decision.
It's been such an exciting year that not until I am diagnosed with a rare parasite in my digestive system do I reach my 2011 point of "mental sobriety". With inconsistent digestion, loss of weight, and stomach pain and just not feeling right, I make an appointment to get out to my Dr. as soon as possible.
My first attempt to see the Dr. didn't work because she was backed up for at least 45 days, and was told based on the symptoms that I gave that I was certainly not dealing with any type of parasite, etc. So in frustration, I just started to pay more attention to my body and had to limit my diet to minimize the stomach pain and discomfort.
By this time it is time for my trip to Mexico where I would enjoy the wedding of Ty and Tammy in Cancun. Sadly enough I spent much of the time in bed, however I did attend the wedding activities and dinners. In fact the only way you would know I was sick is if I told you, or if my wife Patty told you that I was in bed the entire day sleeping and just not myself.
See for yourself, I was not looking sick, just feeling that way, LOL
I returned from Mexico on Monday and maneuvered by way in my Dr.'s office by Tuesday demanding a complete physical. The day after the physical I woke up to a morning of what looks like a storm coming from the east. I shut my eyes for about 30 seconds more and then the phone rings quite loud and sure enough the caller id, says "VA Medical Center". At this time I am not sure if I should be relaxed, or a bit scared of what they could have possibly found so quickly.
Wow!!!! I have a rare parasite and have to get to the hospital right away for more blood work, anti-biotics and metal therapy to begin ridding the horrible festy boogers. WAKE UP CALL!!!!!
This began a long 5 weeks of fatigue, sleeping all the time, stomach discomfort and side affects from medicine.
I knew it was time to step in and stop the spiraling downward and figured I would share it with those who rarely, or ever get to have that renewing.
So although we were well with in the 3rd quarter of the year, it was time for me to begin my annual year ending plunge into rebuilding and preparation for the year ahead. What better way to do it than to dive into a record breaking ending to this year, and lay the proper foundation for 2012.
So here is my recipe that I was forced to get started with this year before October 1st.
90 Days of spiritual renewing
90 Days of mental renewing
90 Days of physical renewing
I found that one of the greatest gifts in life is the opportunity to begin again, and finish goals with a bang. So over the last few years I have discovered tools that make it easier to renew, and also more efficient for tracking. For example for each of the areas in which I renew, I use an application so that I can accomplish more this year in less time.
Spiritual renewing I use a bible application called "YouVersion". Using this app I am able to complete the entire bible in just 90 Days visually and/or using audio. It may be that you are not a christian and wouldn't read the bible. I realize that and decided to include my recipe any way because this is what works for me.
The renewing spiritually can be done in many ways, however for me this year it is important to finish the bible before the new year in this time period. But the application is one that you can use for almost any category such as marriage, youth, leadership, etc. and you can create an appropriate plan for you.
Mental renewing I use books that I have purchased from iTunes. Some books that I am reading are re-reads, and others new reads but the object is to spend at least 1 hour each day in these readings aiming to complete the list prior to the end of the year. Mental renewing should always be readings that will grow you and not entertain you. I have included my reading list below that I will complete prior to December 23rd
Today Matters - John Maxwell
The Road Ahead -Bill Gates
What The Dog's Saw - Malcom Gladwell
The tipping Point - Malcom Gladwell
The Success Principles - Jack Canfield
One Minute Millionaire - Mark Victor Hanson & Robert Allen
Multiple Streams of Internet Income - Robert Allen
Please notice that I have chosen books in which it is required that I continue to grow as a president of an international company, however you can choose areas in which you must grow as well, but certainly not the same areas necessarily.
I have found that listening to these books while riding, working, and even reading when siting in traffic, etc. make it easy to complete and stay true to the task of learning from the experiences of others.
Physical Renewing is a little bit of a challenge because I have had more than 40 surgeries and 17 of them were on my lower extremities. So, I cannot run as when I was younger, and have limitations to doing cardiovascular exercises. Therefore the fastest way for me to get going physically is biking exercises. I begun using the Map My Ride application and it is just amazing. You can use it for jogging, riding, etc., and see your progress daily. My goal is to get up to 25 miles each day before January 1. I currently ride a minimum of 10 miles each day and you can see using the application one of my routes.
Click here to see example: http://t.co/ujwNvTI9
To see the actual app in action, look to the right of the map and click on "3D" and there you will have to opportunity to download google earth and then see me actually on the route doing the 10 miles.
The bottom line for me is that I will take the 46 years of life's experiences, relationships, and accomplishments and use them to leverage 2012 for great success. I am claiming excellent health, relationships, and abundant success that I will be able to share with the world.
Too many people expect the year to change but do nothing to change themselves only to be frustrated that things are the same every single year. Utilize your own methods for renewal and rebirth to ensure a better year because you will be better.
I believe that all blessings come from God, and that no matter what age you are, or how bad your past, that you too can have a successful year and new beginnings.
Please check in here to see my blog post as we move closer to the end of the year and I will certainly share any best practices that I am using to assist you. Please share yours with me as well.