Are You Playing Life Full Out?

As many of you know, I love to run; mostly for the freedom to “Be” without any of the extra pressures of life clouding my thoughts and feelings. It is a real moment to be true with myself and the world around.

Since running on asphalt is easier on your knees than the sidewalk, I always run on the side of the street into oncoming traffic instead of going with the flow. In life, it’s always better to keep your head up and see what is coming at you. It’s the safest way to run.

Every once in a while a car will come speeding around a corner well over the speed limit and sometimes slowly veer toward me. In an effort to stay alive I have found that by waving to the drivers they are inclined to notice me more and slow down. Some wave and some don’t and that is why I would like to ask you the question, “Are you playing life full out?”

I did an experiment while running the other day. During the first part of my run I waved to about 50 people. Approximately 45 of the 50 people waved back or acknowledged my friendly gesture in some positive manner. For the next 50 cars that passed I did not wave or gesture in any way. Guess what? Approximately 47 of the 50 people did not wave or gesture to me when they drove by even though I worked to make eye contact with each of them.

You and I have a choice on how we choose to live our lives mentally, emotionally, financially and physically. I chose to reach out to 50 people and “Play Life Full Out.” I waved, smiled, and made an effort to connect with each one. For the 45 people that gestured back in some way, I left an impression in their mind and life. I do not know exactly what the impression was but it provided an opportunity for them. I reached out with a friendly gesture, they accepted it, and responded in kind. Did you know that it is a natural human instinct to accept or take what other people offer you?

The 50 people who drove by without reaching out to some crazy runner on the side of the road were also “Playing Life Full Out.” The difference is that they were playing full out by not giving, receiving or returning a connection with another person. I don’t know why and I don’t really care what their reasons were. All of them could have had very legitimate reasons for not responding. However, they also left an impression on me by not waving back. In effect, their lack of reaching out made an impression that is being passed on from me to you and they don’t realize the impact from their lack of reaching out either.

If you are struggling with an issue in your life right now and are having a difficult time perhaps you are so lost in your own mind or thoughts that you are driving right past someone who could be offering you something that could make a difference in your day. Perhaps you are passing people in your day that could use a friendly gesture but you are so caught up in your world you pass up the opportunity to make a difference for them. By helping others we end up helping ourselves in the end. Maybe you are a little down because you have been waving to a few people who have not waved back. Keep waving to other people if they don’t immediately return your friendly gesture. Keep your head up, eventually someone will smile and wave back and when you open yourself up to receive their greeting it can be very rewarding.

When you put good vibrations and intentions into the world, remember the age old saying, “What goes around comes around.” Maybe someone just needs a friend to help out and start the process. What you put out and share with in this world defines who you are in this world. People will tend to accept what you give them whether it is a positive, neutral or negative response. I had a very different emotional state between after waving to the people who waved back and then working to create a connection with the 50 people and seeing if they would wave first. One motivated and empowered me and the second absolutely tested my ability to stay positive and outgoing.

I challenge you to start waving to the people you pass everyday in life. The next time you see a runner on the road you just may give them the boost they need to keep their head up and finish strong! Malcolm Forbes stated, “It is always worthwhile to let others know of their worth.” You don’t need to know the person in order to let them know they have worth. When you need it, I hope you find someone waving to you too! I look forward to seeing you on the road!

IF you are interested in learning more about identifying the deeper emotions that drive the people in your life attend the May 27th Teleconference, “Panning for Emotional Gold.” It will show you a proven method for identifying and understanding people’s emotional states. You will learn to influence others better, sell and motivate your business peers, find deeper ways to connect with your family and spouse, and see your life in a whole new way.

Early registration has been extended until May 25th for the course rate of $39. “Panning for Emotional Gold” will contain the theoretical model along with practical exercises during the call for an interactive experience.

In order to accommodate this new, more engaging Teleconference format, the call may be extended for an additional session to be held the following week on Wednesday, June 3rd.

You can also pre-order the CD for $14.99 before Wednesday, May 20th.

MAY Special: By the way, if you know anyone who needs support hiring the right person for the job. Have them check out the Sure Hire Behavioral Assessment at www.surehirenow.com
They can enjoy $100 off the regular price of $399. That is a savings of 25%.
For every referral you will receive a $25 Gift Card to any store of your choice as our way of saying “Thank You.”

Be sure to check out my website: www.evolutionforsuccess.com soon for an exciting new 2-CD release on Powerful Positive Parenting, due out May 18, 2009. Order your copy today for only $24.99 + S&H. You will receive the 2-CD set plus Handouts in MS Word format.

Please pass this on to anyone who needs an encouraging “Thought” this week. They can sign up for the “Thought of the Week” by sending me an email at james@evolutionforsuccess.com and place “subscribe” in the subject line. I never share my email list with anyone. Your privacy is of utmost importance to me.

If you wish to unsubscribe, please reply with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.