http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ Seeking True North Forums: Recent Topics en Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:48:56 +0000 http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=35#post-65 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:24:17 +0000 Tim Walther 65@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>As you seek continuous growth in your life, train your mind to consciously and subconsciously become aware of, and alert for, opportunities. This first involves being open to the idea that what you see, hear or experience could be an opportunity to learn or grow in some regard. It is when you are continuously "ready" that the teacher appears. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=84#post-115 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:43:38 +0000 Erick Erickson 115@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>We have the power to attach meaning to every experience in our lives. Most of us do this sub-consciously every day. The goal of this tool is to master the skill of consciously creating the meaning you choose for the experiences in your life. Use this tool when it is difficult to discover the meaning of an experience. Also, if you see an experience as negative or non-beneficial at the beginning, ask yourself and those around you, "How can I look at this differently?" or "What could be positive about this experience?" Talk with others about how that experience could be a beneficial one. Continually train your mind to seek out the positive aspects of any situation. This is critical to creating and maintaining happiness and passion in your life. Remember this saying: "The only bad experience is the one not learned from." </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=95#post-126 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:58:37 +0000 Erick Erickson 126@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>The wheel of life is a preparation process intended to clarify the roles that you desire to constantly focus on in your life. Write out a detailed vision for the personal and professional roles in your life. Then create goals in each of these areas to measure your focus and improvement. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=182#post-251 Sun, 18 Jan 2009 14:44:26 +0000 Tim Walther 251@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Stop Start Continue: Journaling and goal setting techniques</p> <p>This is a simple way of reflecting on last year and thinking about next year. STOP: What do you want to STOP doing in 2009, that you may have done in 2008? Are there any habits or actions that you don't want to see repeated? START: What new things do you want to bring into your life? What new learning do you want to take place this year? Where do you want to focus your time with new efforts? CONTINUE: What has served you well and what are those things that you want to continue doing? </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=91#post-122 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:53:17 +0000 Erick Erickson 122@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>There are many books written about prayer and meditation. We recommend that you choose a few methods from each and begin to create the healthy balance among body, mind, spirit and in your relationships by preparing, practicing and becoming more passionate through the vehicle of prayer and meditation. The Prayer of Jabez is one such book. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=159#post-195 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:15:38 +0000 Tim Walther 195@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>What an experience it was! An incredible group of people. All of you were inspiring to simply share space and time with. Please leave a comment or two here about the experience... and add any particular comments about a specific tool under that tool in the forum. You can search the tool # or title for that.<br /> Yours in Adventure -<br /> Tim </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=181#post-248 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:37:45 +0000 Anonymous 248@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>It's hard for me pick a topic to start with because I find myself referring to the book more and more. I would have to say that I have received the most immediate return from using the 7 most important things tool on a daily basis. Practicing this very simple strategy has allowed me to stay on task. There are obviously things that come up daily that pull us away from what we are doing - by having the "7" I can easily pull myself back in to what has to be accomplished. I've also found that by taking a brisk walk focusing on my breathing really clears my head so when I sit down to create the "7" I have complete focus with no chatter. Thanks so much for all of these tools! You guys rock!!<br /> Cheers,<br /> Matt Campana </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=161#post-203 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:02:00 +0000 Erick Erickson 203@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>The global economy is being shaken to clear out the dust, cob webs, and dirt that has collected there for many years past.<br /> Coming home to upstate New York from the Seeking True North and Construction Financial Management Association, CFMA, leadership "Advances" I find it is a time for careful Preparing. With the many responsibilities and many little things needing done daily to shift our lifestyles into a tighter economic effectiveness the one tool I find very valuable is "The Seven Most Important Things".<br /> It's easy to get bogged down with so much stuff to do each day! This tool helps me to clearly define what is most important in my day. Writing it out, commiting it to God in prayer, and getting my rear end in gear all add up to a powerful system of accomplishing great things each day. This "order" in my thoughts, actions and achievement assit me in being more attentive to the people around me. My relationships are better as I can think about looking at, and listening to the person I am relating with instead of being consumed thinking about the many things in this changing economy that seek to distract me from the "most important". </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=176#post-228 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:55:21 +0000 lisavandergriff 228@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I was in the grocery store last week when a couple with 2 young children were purchasing a small amount of dog food and a large box of Pampers. The clerk gave them their total due and it was 15.00 over what they had. They had just moved to Alaska and the bank account would not transfer until the next day. They paid for the dog food and left the Pampers. I had the clerk ring them up with my purchases and handed them the box of Pampers. They were totally surprised and I was happy to help. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=28#post-56 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:20:17 +0000 Tim Walther 56@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>1. MASTERY MOUNTAIN<br /> Living our lives to our truest potential involves continually learning new things. The following model presents a progression that we all experience as we become aware of, learn and ultimately master any concept. This model applies not only to leadership, but to every part of our lives. Formally, it provides a structure for understanding and developing competencies. A competency can be defined as a personal trait or set of habits leading to more effective or superior performance. There are four stages to developing any competency.<br />  Unconscious incompetence is the stage where a person is simply unaware that a subject, idea, perspective or skill exists. You aren't even aware that you should know or do something differently.<br />  Conscious incompetence is the stage where a person becomes aware that there is a different, and often better, way to do something. You become aware that you need to be doing something differently, but you’re not sure how and don't have the skill.<br />  Conscious competence is the stage where a person is capable of performing whatever concept or skill they are doing. At this stage, it does require some thought and conscious effort to perform.<br />  Unconscious competence is the stage where a person achieves the level of expert and can apply knowledge, use skills and respond to a situation instantly without thinking about it. The person understands what needs to be done and does it without even thinking about it.<br /> This model is a natural part of life. How do you turn decades into days? Learn from those that already have qualities and characteristics that you desire. Once we master a new skill, it is natural to continually challenge ourselves and thus come right back down to unconscious incompetence. In management, this is known as the Peter Principle, where you get promoted to your level of incompetence.<br /> Confidence Development. This model contains stages parallel to those in the competency model: unconscious self-doubt, conscious self-doubt, conscious confidence and unconscious confidence. It is vital to build confidence along with competence. Continually build your confidence by celebrating and being proud of the things you do well. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity that propels you into future growth. As your confidence grows, so will your ability to achieve your desired end results.<br /> Life is a repetitive climbing of both Confidence and Competence Mountains to ascend Mastery Mountain. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=180#post-237 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:22:54 +0000 mpatnode 237@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <br /> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=179#post-234 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:31:12 +0000 Anonymous 234@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I love the 4 quandrants tool. I've shared this tool with many of my clients to help people get their expectations met. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=178#post-232 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:40:34 +0000 Stephen Koch 232@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>"Whatever you can do, or even think you can, do it now. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it!" - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe</p> <p>This quote has inspired me on many occasions to take action on my dreams. I had it up on my wall during my quest to snowboard on the seven summits. It is being put back up on my wall as soon as I finish this post, to help re-infuse me with the belief that I can do anything! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=165#post-212 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:21:52 +0000 Anonymous 212@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>During a team building initiative, I was preparing to debrief about an element the group had just completed. Part of the debrief was to share something in our lives that wasn't quite working to our advantage. The group was apprehensive and quiet so I decided to start in order to open the group's trust. I shared a story concerning my son and some problems I was having with him and his 'growing pains.' I was working with inner city adolescents who had varying issues from incarceration to teen pregnancy. My son's issues included sneaking out, obtaining alcohol for older friends, smoking and lying which in the big picture, were not major issues to the group as they had overcome those games years ago however they were polite and patient as I continued. One girl who had been kicked out of her house for becoming pregnant simply advised me to 'not give up on him.' My son still continues to stray once in awhile but her words still echo in my head every time he and I have heart to hearts which are quite often. I'm not sure if she knows how powerful her words were. Here I was this middle class professional with children and a career and here was this unwed teen with a wee one, no family support who gave me such an empowering feeling with such a simple statement. I hope her mother will one day see the great woman that I met that day. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=177#post-229 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 07:31:03 +0000 The Practitioner 229@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Here is one of my life quotes:</p> <p>Your Decisions determine your direction.</p> <p>Lee W. Livermore<br /> The Practitioner </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=175#post-227 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:47:36 +0000 Anonymous 227@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Anything we set out to do, we must do it with our full attention and focus, fueled by passion and blessed by highest intent. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=127#post-158 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:58:14 +0000 Erick Erickson 158@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Without a doubt, the most difficult challenges in life come from climbing our own mountains of fears and boldness, irresponsibility and responsibility, self-delusion and integrity, dishonesty and honesty, pride and humility, imbalance and balance. Part of Seeking True North is adjusting our compasses as we align beliefs and values to guide us to our desired end results. Along the way, there will be many storms on this mountain, which sometimes bring disorientation and confusion. Remember that the biggest storms of life also present the opportunity to learn the most. Thankfully, we have so many valuable tools to assist us in this climb! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=68#post-99 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:40:30 +0000 Tim Walther 99@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>"How do you mean?" This question is a powerful technique that can be used to diffuse frustration, foster effective communication, build rapport and deepen understanding. Over the years, many of us have developed a negative association with the question "What do you mean?" and often react negatively or defensively to it. By asking, "How do you mean?" instead, we express interest, rather than impatience or confusion, and convey our true desire to understand. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=174#post-224 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:26:30 +0000 Anonymous 224@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>As I was growing up my Mother used to tell us over and over that "to whom much is given, much is expected" and that was my charge in life.<br /> As many of us do, we told this to our children.<br /> However, as we got older it began to dawn on my wife and I that we had and continue to experience, phonomenal success in life in the area of spirtual life, business, investments, and our children among many other areas.<br /> We also found our children had listen to our charge and were doing many volunteer efforts that supported this charge. For example, my son is in the Peace Corps in Peru helping a village in the Andes Mountains.<br /> The big question came after my wife donated a kidney altruistly asked me at age 50 if I wanted to adopt to special needs older child from China.<br /> We talked and thought about it alone, as well as well as with our three biological children. We went for it and adopted a 12 year girl from China three years ago. Strange thing though, when we picked her up in China, we met a very kindred spirited girl named Zhi Hao who was also 12 years old and who was losing her roommate of sevaral years. We decided to go back for her as soon as possible, which took 12 months.<br /> I currently serve on the Board of Directors of an adoption agency and find myself drawn to adopt an African child after we returned from helping an african contractor build an orphanage.<br /> Many people say "Oh that is so wonerful, you have three biological children and two adopted children. No, I say it has been a wonderfully complex adventure and feel that we are fullfilling my Mother's charge from long ago. I belive strongly that we are all charge with this same admonition, and encourage you to consider incorporating it in your life. You will be richly rewarded! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=47#post-78 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:02:23 +0000 Tim Walther 78@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Those who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them. Create a powerful tool in achieving your goals by writing in a journal or composition book at least 100 goals and desires you would like to achieve. The time frame can be short, medium or long-term; you can even create a 100-year goals list for your lifetime. Goals can be simple and small, such as saving for a new bicycle, wanting to go to the beach with the children, or saving money for a new watch. They can be things desired in the future, such as a particular type of home or camp or an adventurous vacation. Or they can be something huge, like owning a successful business, earning a million dollars, ceasing to smoke, or losing 150 pounds and staying healthy for life!<br /> The process of thinking about and writing your goals and desires is a powerful vehicle for bringing about positive change. When used in conjunction with the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Timely) goal system, this process creates a powerful method for achieving specific results. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=173#post-220 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:26:49 +0000 Katie Eng 220@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>On the bus, there's always this one girl that gets made fun of for being taller than most other kids in the grade. Many of the guys often call her "a giant" or "huge." It's really not funny. One day, I just got really sick of it. No need to be like that. So, just as one of them finished calling her nasty names, I simply told him to "be quiet - he didn't know what he was talking about." And he did shut up afterwards. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=172#post-219 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:29:50 +0000 JJeng 219@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Erick has seekly trick me into jotting down a nice word or two into this damn web site. And here it is @#$%^&#038;*.</p> <p>Translate into English: Erick is a wonder person to know, he is always kind hearted, but always gets into trouble with the womens.</p> <p>Don't tell him that I said this. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=171#post-218 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:24:12 +0000 EngYvonne 218@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>A fantastic tool from Dr. Charlie "Tremendous" Jones is so fitting at Thanksgiving.<br /> Dr. Jones said, "One of the greatest things we can do in life is to continue learning how to be thankful".<br /> Notice he did not say that we need to be thankful. He encourages us to "Learn" how to be thankful as an ongoing part of daily life.<br /> Thank you Dr. Jones! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=170#post-217 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:01:35 +0000 EngYvonne 217@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>At Amanda and Chloe's 8th Birthday party, one of the children misplaced their party favor and Chloe offered her favor to the child. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=169#post-216 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:11:28 +0000 teleboy 216@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>The Little Engine that Could has "I think I can." Bob the Builder has, "Can we do it?"..."YES WE CAN!" Obama added "Yes we can." to his acceptance speech to great effect. And my little girl often says, "I can't!" and then immediately proceeds to prove herself wrong. </p> <p>Worst of all the Can't's is when we don't say it, and in fact just stop at believing "I can't." Often awareness doesn't even reach the conscious mind. We believe we can't and don't question it. This subtle but strong force has been the backbone of oppression for ages, and daily keeps us from dreaming a better future for us all. </p> <p>It's up to us to help ourselves and others see and believe in what we and they <strong>CAN </strong>do.</p> <p>Can we do it?</p> <p>-Scotty </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=168#post-215 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:15:59 +0000 Anonymous 215@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Today my friend wasn't feeling their best and wouldn't say why so I just started talking to them and they felt somewhat better they said </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=167#post-214 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:03:44 +0000 Anonymous 214@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>I and a friend offered to fill 500 shoeboxes for Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child this year but we only had a week and a half to complete the project in time to be sent overseas! That meant getting the boxes and purchasing useful items for the children. So we made up toiletry (soap, toothbrushes/paste, etc), school (pencils, paper, etc.)and candy bags and got coloring books and toys. We purchased the items by gross and spent the entire time sorting, packaging, separating. The project was done on time and we delivered them to the church for delivery to 500 needy children somewhere in this world. It is indeed a great feeling to be part of such a terrific project! </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=166#post-213 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:53:09 +0000 ateetzel 213@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>Just over a year ago, I was checking out at the grocery store. There was an elderly women ahead of me picking up what looked like the bare essentials. She didn't have quite enough money and seemed to be really confused by that. Unfortunately, the cashier didn't really seem to have the time or the patience to deal with the situation, which made things even more difficult for this lady. I interrupted and gave the rest of the money needed (which was under $20). To me that wasn't a big deal, but I could tell by the look on the lady's face that she both appreciated the help and the solution to the confusion that I had offered. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=164#post-211 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:33:36 +0000 Anonymous 211@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>It has been over a year now since my experience with Seeking True North, in fact the experience happened before the publishing of the book. Since that time I have attended other "growth and learning" events and I can say that Tim and Rick are the best. The experience is smaller than the others which leads to more interaction, input, and feedback from our leaders and the small groups also make for a closeness that carries on into lifelong support groups. It is all about learning, changing, and a better quality life, these guys not only teach it but also live it. </p> http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/topic.php?id=163#post-210 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:58:36 +0000 Mark Sanborn 210@http://www.seekingtruenorth.com/forums/ <p>This holiday season, think about the gift of growth. Consider the gift of a good book or educational DVD for loved ones and friends. And give yourself the gifts of gratitude (taking time to give thanks for blessings), reflection (extracting lessons from your life experience) and dreaming (determining goals and aspirations for the future). </p>