How to Become a "Positive Workaholic"
If you're like many small business owners, you log at least
50 -- possibly closer to 60 or 70 -- hours a week in the
harness. You may put in a few late nights each week...
spend some hours on Saturday (perhaps even Sunday)
wrapping up details...tend to start vacations a day late and
return a day early...slip away from the family in the evening
to handle a few "just gotta get to" papers, bids, plans, etc. In
the constant battle to keep your bottom line in the black, you
do the work of two or three employees.
In short, you may be a workaholic. Many workaholics are
guilt-ridden, driven souls who -- either due to fear of failure
or genuine personal choice -- exist only to work. They
neglect their own needs, the needs of their loved ones...even
their own health. Ironically, even the business eventually
suffers. As they become increasingly task oriented rather
than results oriented, the time they put in becomes selfjustifying
and their productivity plunges. Eventually, they can
become so completely addicted to work that they burn
themselves out...and burn out their personal relationships as
well. They can end up broke, alone and in poor health,
plagued with stress-related illnesses.
But it doesn't have to be that way. You can become a
positive workaholic! Positive workaholics live fast-paced,
full lives. They work hard, but they also play hard. Most of
all, they get a lot done and are generally successful in their
business and personal lives.
How to become a positive workaholic: You are a resource.
When it comes to efficient, quality productivity, you are a
machine that creates value. You are also a human being.
How can you operate at maximum effectiveness and
efficiency when it comes to building and running your
business...and also maintain a satisfying life for yourself and
others away from work? Here are a few suggestions:
· Strive for balance in your life. Successful
workaholics see themselves not just as business
owners, but also as spouses, parents, members of
the community, sports fans, charitable volunteers,
boaters, etc. Though they may not mix business
and pleasure, they make sure they include a
healthy mixture of both in their lives on a daily
basis.
Suggestion: Devote at least one focused hour
each day to something (A) you value and enjoy and
(B) that has absolutely no connection to business.
· Be goal-oriented. If you enjoy work for work's
sake, just dig a ditch each morning and fill it in each
afternoon. Positive workaholics work to achieve
specific objectives. They map out their life goals
and their business goals. The work they do every
day is undertaken to help bring them that much
closer to their objectives.
Suggestion: Start by setting aside some time
today to sketch out your most important business
goals and personal goals...things you'd like to
achieve or do by the end of this year. Put a star
beside the single most important one on each list.
Then develop the daily and weekly activities that
will virtually guarantee your success in achieving
these goals. This will give you tremendous focus
each day.
· Boost your efficiency. Time can be your enemy
or your friend. But people who achieve success in
business and satisfaction in their personal lives do
so partially because they have learned to
accomplish more in less time.
Suggestion: Structure your time as if it were gold.
Don't walk into work, look around and then decide
what needs to be done. Instead, begin each day
with a to-do list of what you need to accomplish
during that day. That way you can hit the ground
running each morning and move steadily and
efficiently from task to task.
· Enjoy the trip, not just the goal. Positive
workaholics enjoy what they do...and the daily
process of doing it. They love to get up and go to
work in the morning...and they love to go home in
the evening. They resist feeling guilty about either
putting in too much time or taking too much time
off. If they've planned their work and leisure time
properly, they can focus on each separately and
forget the other.
Suggestion: Build in rewards for yourself and your
family...something to look forward to outside of
work. Maybe it's the Thursday all-you-can-eat
buffet for lunch at your favorite restaurant or going
to a movie in midweek. This expands to get-away
weekends and at least one extended vacation each
year.
· Build in family time or social time every
day...even if you have to schedule it by the clock.
This helps safeguard the things you really care
about.
Suggestion: Actively plan family time. The best
kind of activities tend to be daily routines. Consider
things like planned dinners together; helping
children with homework; reading bedtime stories;
cooking dinner together; etc. This is one of the
great advantages of being a business owner. You
can leave work at three o'clock to catch your
daughter's softball game, spring for pizza with the
team afterwards, then put in a few extra hours in
the evening.
· Learn to live in "daytight compartments."
Owning a business is a high-stress way of life. It
can be difficult to simply walk away from work and
turn off the problems and concerns of the day. But
that doesn't mean it's impossible. The idea is to
plan with broad vision, but to live each day as if
there were no yesterday and no tomorrow. Focus
only on the one right smack in front of you.
· Suggestions: Some business owners take a
shower every evening after they get home,
symbolically washing away the cares of the day.
Others may put in long, grueling, highly-structured
hours during the week; then on Friday afternoon,
they take off their watches, devote themselves one
hundred percent to family and social activities and
refuse to even think about work until Monday
morning. Most of all, no briefcase ever gets in the
front door.
· Take time for daily renewal. This could also be
referred to as recharging your spiritual batteries. It
is very easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees
as you slog through a daily schedule. Before long,
you could become lost... doubting yourself and
questioning the basic premises about your life and
your values.
Suggestion: Block out even just half an hour each
day for prayer or meditation, to read a few pages
from an inspirational book or to listen to a cassette
on self-improvement.
· Watch your health. Keep yourself physically tuned
up and in peak form, and avoid using alcohol or
tobacco as stress relievers. This will make you
more efficient, able to focus more on work, get by
with less sleep, require fewer sick days and be
overall more productive. There is a direct
connection between physical fitness and work
productivity. (A recent study showed absenteeism
among workers who had a high level of
cardiovascular fitness was 25% to 40% lower than
for less physically fit workers.)
Suggestion: Get regular exercise... even if it only
means taking the dog for a half-hour walk each
day. Also, learn to eat intelligently. Some foods
give you energy, help strengthen your body; others
drag you down. Talk to your doctor.
The bottom line: Workaholism needn't be a dirty word. On
the contrary, it can be a very positive thing. By becoming a
positive workaholic, you can build a prosperous business life
and enjoy a rewarding and succesful business.
Dr. James A. McCain is a Management Consultant in Rexford, New York
and may be reached at Business Works, 518-383-3337, or through his web
site at www.bizdrsolution.com.

24-Hour Hike- The Sons of LIght

24-Hour Hike. I took a short video every break. Breaks are about 8-12 min. There are alot of my ALERT brothers in this video, each have made a huge impact on my life. Do hard things in faith, trust God and you will be amazed at what he can sustain you through. and the Growth that He gives you on the other side . Soli Deo Gloria (For God's GLory)

Virtus et Honor(Strength and Honor)

Cadre of unit 42 and unit 42 http://www.alertacademy.com/alert/pdf/prayercalendars/080089-unit-42-prayer-booklet.pdf

Pain is a Gift.

PersonalityStyle.com - Jonathan Shepherd

PersonalityStyle.com - Jonathan Shepherd

Your Personality Style Preview:
Jonathan is a fact finder and does things "by the book". He can be sensitive if others are being critical of his work, especially if they have not carefully reviewed all the data. Jonathan clarifies expectations before undertaking new projects, and he works hard to meet standards. Jonathan will typically maintain a neat and orderly work environment.
Jonathan values close, personal relationships, and he will often put the needs and desires of those who are loyal friends ahead of his own needs. He is an even-paced individual who thrives in a peaceful, harmonious environment. Jonathan will work to avoid conflict and sudden changes in his lifestyle and finds joy in keeping tradition.Jonathan prefers a rational and moderate approach when first entering new situations and tries to avoid extremes. He likes the company of others, but Jonathan is equally comfortable spending a quiet evening alone. He is a realist who will always weigh his options before he makes a decision to move ahead.Jonathan would prefer things stay the same, rather than to risk a new venture (unless it is proven and true). He is typically peaceful and low key, and is usually seen by those around him as a good friend and listener. He tends to adopt a "wait and see" attitude about things, rather than taking charge of a situation, usually preferring to let others take the lead.

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Essay - Jehoshaphat
J. Shepherd http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=849dc7c803281df74bb2
11-08-09
Jehoshaphat is a man I recreantly was brought to discover as a simple man who showed good leadership by his simple trust in God’s word, promises, and faithfulness. God is looking for men who believe Him. And that’s the simple truth I want to get to here in this Essay. The simple powerful truth of Jehoshaphat’s faith is life changing. Coming back to ALERT to finish my training I asked God to take me to the next level of leadership. God has made it very clear how God can show his mighty power through a leader who is not necessarily talented or has natural leadership ability. God is just looking for a man who is totally surrendered/committed towards him 100%.
(2 chronicles 20:1-32) The story starts out 2 chronicles 20:1 Jehoshaphat the king gets word that a huge army is going to attack him. (vs.2) He is immediately afraid and falls down to his knees to seek the Lord. He commands prayer and fasting to all the people under his domain. (vs.3) Jehoshaphat must have had the heart of his people; everyone fallowed his example and got on their knees and asked God for help and they did all seek God. (vs.4) Jehoshaphat then stood up and looked skyward. Jahoshaphat then proclaims Gods Glory and power. He humbled himself before the Lord and acknowledged Gods Faithfulness to them as a people. He started naming off all the times that God did deliver them in past times. (vs.5-8) He reminds God of His promise that if his people cry out to him then He would hear and would help. (vs.9) Jehoshaphat asked God if He would deliver them. He acknowledges that him and his men have no might against this great force coming against them. He admits "we don’t know what to do"… then says "but our eyes are upon thee" (vs.12) There only hope is in the Lord.
They all stood before the Lord with their little ones, their wives, and their children.(vs.13) The Holy Spirit comes and dwells among them. (vs.14) Then the Lord responds "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's." (vs.15) God instructs Jehoshaphat "tomorrow go down against them. The enemy is on their way by the mountain you will find them at the end of the river before the wilderness. (vs.16) God says to Jehoshaphat and to all the people "you will not need to fight in this battle, take this spot on the ground and stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord. The LORD is with you. Fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you." (vs.17)
And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all his people fallowed and fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD (vs.18) Can you believe this? They are praising God for the victory a whole day before the battle. They have faith in God. That’s the kind of faith I want to have. After that they started praising God even more. Then they stood up and shouted praises to God with a loud voice. (vs.19) So then they went back to their houses and went to bed. Probably slept like babies. Then they got up early the next day and meet together and prepared to go to battle. On their way over Jehoshaphat called a meeting and said "hear me o people and believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be strengthened. Believe God's word don’t second-guess God’s promises and you will prosper." (vs.20) Then Jehoshaphat appointed singers to sing unto the LORD. They went out in front of the army that they should praise the beauty of holiness and to proclaim praise to the LORD; "for His mercy endures forever!" (vs.21) The precise second that they began to sing and to praise the King of Glory. The LORD gave His victory. He set ambushes and confusion in the army of the enemy and they killed each other. (vs.22-23) And when Jehoshaphat and his people came upon the battleground the looked across the field and behold there were dead bodies everywhere, not one escaped. (vs.24) And then Jehoshaphat and his people started gathering up all the spoil that they found among the dead army that God just delivered into their hands. The Hebrew word used to describe the things they gathered up is kel-ee' which according to Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionary means: Weapons, armor artillery, bags, furniture, instruments, jewels, pots, sacks, stuff, things, tools, vessels, clothing, riches and precious jewels. More than they could carry away. There was so much it took them 3 days!!! To gather up all the spoil that was there (vs. 25)
On the fourth day Jehoshaphat called another meeting and they blessed the LORD and praised God for the victory and for all the spoil God gave. (vs.26) So they returned back to their city, Jehoshaphat in front with incredible JOY, for the LORD had made them triumph over their enemies. (vs.27) They came back to their city in the streets to the house of God with instruments, harps, and trumpets playing priase unto the Lord. (vs.28) And all those that heard about it (the other nations) feared Jehoshaphat’s LORD and God. (vs.29) Did you catch that? God got all the glory. That should be our only goal in life. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about. (vs.30) Jehoshaphat was in his mid thirties when this happened. (vs.31) Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father. (He had a good heritage) And departed not from it. Doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD. I want to walk in Gods sight and do what right.
The main points I want to draw out form this story is the fact that Jehoshaphat believed God, as soon as he heard that they were coming to attack him. He was fearful, but immediately turned to God and declared fasting and prayer. He heard from God then thanked and praised God for the victory way before the battle even began. God gave victory and lots of spoil. Jehoshaphat barely lifted a finger he didn’t do much except obey. It’s our Job to believe God and praise Him, and give Him the glory. God gives the strength and victory, and then we go gather up the spoil. Praise God. Now that’s good news! What a mighty God we Serve. Thank you God for life.
I believe a good leader is one who recognizes that he just don’t have it all together. But simply believes God (and acts upon his word) and that Gods strength is made perfect in weakness. (2Co 12:9) I believe Jehoshaphat is a good example of this.
I want to close with a quote form Leroy Elms "When God finds a person who will place as his or her first priority in life of intimate, personal, dynamic fellowship with him, He directs his power, guidance, and wisdom into and thought into that person. God has found a person through which he can change the world."
　

Soli Deo Gloria... For God's Glory

Today during the discussion time about the Truth Project at YOU GROW. we talked about The Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30 when Jesus gave "talents" to one man he gave 5 'talents', another 2 and the 3rd man he gave 1 "talent". etc. Okay got that? Okay, now, i know Jesus was probably referring to money when he said talents. but the parable can apply in another way. for instance i feel like God has given me natural leadership ability of about "2 talents". my desire is to become a good hardcore Christan leader like Jesus. why didn't he give me 5 talents of leadership like he did Mr. Werner. I was hit with the reality of how i have been disappointed in other areas my person, the gifts, abilities God has given me as a person and therefore not doing my best(putting forth effort) to better myself to improve to strive to do better in invest and develop the natural skills and ability's that God has given me, even if its only 1 "talent" or 2 "talents". in a way i have been sitting around on my butt instead of doing a Theodore Roosevelt thing. Going out there being creative and determined to improve for ultimately the Glorification of God.

"It's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worth cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt