Archive for Personal Development

When Your Ship is Dead in the Water

Rodney Agan / February 22, 2013 / 3 comments

Recently, the Carnival Cruise Line ship, “Triumph” experienced a fire on board.  As a result, the ship was disabled 150 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico.  Over 4,000 passengers and crew were stranded with a minimal amount of food or electrical power.  Sewage and clean water became a problem.  They were so close, yet so far, from civilization.  After about 4 days of anxiety, the ship was towed to port, but it was not too “triumphant” on that day.

It is amazing how quickly life changes. One minute people were enjoying the luxuries of an exotic vacation.  The next minute there were standing in lines for hours just to eat, and sleeping in deck chairs and in hallways.  One minute they were enjoying the pools and hot tubs.  The next minute, they couldn’t use the restrooms in their own cabin.

Sometimes, life hits us like that. You feel like you have everything under control only to find out you don’t.  What should you do? Freak out? Panic? Shut down? Give up? When you allow circumstances to dictate your response, you will often make irrational decisions.

Here are seven lessons learned from this experience you might think about when your ship is dead in the water:

1-    Don’t forget about the good times you have already enjoyed.

2-    Remember, destinations change, and that is not always a bad thing.

3-    You can handle more than you thought you could.

4-    Sometimes, you just need a tug.

5-    Determine to learn from the experience and “live for another day”.

6-    Admit it- You can’t do anything about things you can’t do anything about.

7-    Work with me here… Sewage happens!

If you are frustrated or at a standstill in life, look around for life-lessons.  See things from the bigger picture.  Remember, one incident does not necessarily need to define your entire life.

What are your thoughts?

Category: Carnival Cruise Triumph, Change, Fun, Personal Development, Responsibility, Stress /

Some People Will Drive You Crazy

Rodney Agan / December 5, 2012 / 2 comments

If you haven’t already, take a moment and read an earlier post called “Some People”.  Some people just seem to do nothing more than take up our much-needed brain space.  They simply will not go away. They know how to get under our skin.  Every time we look up, there they are.  Every time we make a decision, they have their “two cents” worth to add.

Some people will drive you crazy because:

1-    They don’t know where THEY are going. We have all been driving behind someone who was lost or confused.  They slow down and speed up.  They use their turn signals, and still do not turn. In life these kinds of people are always changing careers or looking for the next big thing to come along.  They need their W-2 forms sent by UPS each year because they have so many from different jobs.  They will distract you from your path if you let them. 

2-    They don’t like where YOU are going.  Have you ever had someone riding with you that knew the “short cut”?  They had a better way.  They wanted to tell you how and where to drive.  These kinds of people in life will frustrate you if you listen to them.  They are unhappy with where they are in life; therefore, they do not believe you should be happy either.

3-    They don’t care where OTHERS are going.  If you are ever in a hurry you will always get behind someone who is not.  They get in the fast lane and slow down. They pull out in front of you and drive 45 miles per hour.  They will not allow you around and will not speed up.  Eventually you will break the law to get around them if the opportunity arises.  In life these people will cause you to become reckless if you let them.  If you get too frustrated, you will make bad decisions yourself. 

Don’t let others set your speed or your course. Don’t allow them to alter your route or agenda.  Just be patient, soon they will make a turn and get out of your way.

Category: Change, Personal Development, Stress / Tags: , , , , , ,

Rafting down the Rivers of Life

Rodney Agan / December 3, 2012 / No comments

If you go into the hills of North Georgia you will see many rivers where people go inner-tubing or rafting.  The two are much different.  Inner-tubing is usually floating down a lazy river with no cares in the world.  Rafting on the other hand is more like a sport.  You get on the fast-paced part of the larger rivers with fast-paced rapids and navigate down them.  Usually you have a professional guide to take your group of 6-8 people down the course.  It can be quite challenging.

I have taking many groups rafting through the years.  Below are a few lessons I have learned.  I believe they could also be considered life-lessons.

1-    Not all RIVERS are the same.  In Georgia, what one person calls a creek another may call a river.  One is a slow-moving stream of water with various points becoming more treacherous than others.  Some rivers are filled with boulders and fast-moving water headed toward a water-fall.  All of our lives are different and the phases of our lives are different. See your life as unique.

2-    Not all RAPIDS are the same. I have been down a few different rivers on rafting trips.  Most rapids in North Georgia are classified in the 3-5 category. They all have names like “Devil’s elbow”, “Jigsaw corner”, and “Mother-in-laws kiss” (OK, I made that last one up, but you get the picture).  In life you need to be aware how to navigate through your particular rapids.  Don’t let the circumstances scare you but at the same time, take them seriously.   

3-    Not all GUIDES are the same.

  • Some want to take you where they have never been.  Once, I took a group and we had college-age girl, who weighed about 80 lbs, trying to guide our boat.  During a particular rapid, she screamed and jumped down into the boat, leaving us to fend for ourselves.  You need a guide in life that will help you through the hard
  • Some can’t take you where you need to go.  If you plan to navigate a Class 5 rapid you need someone who has “been there, done that”.  Surround yourself with someone with the confidence and ability to be there for you, but also with the experience to guide you through it.
  • Some want to take you where you are not ready to go.  Just because the guide has been there, it doesn’t mean you need to go there.  The older I get, the less adventurous I become. You may need someone to help you admit that the path you are one is not designed for you.

Life Coaching is similar to an experienced guide taking you down the river.  It will help you navigate your course with efficiency and courage.  If you would like more information about connecting to a Personal Life Coach, contact me at rodneyagan@get2thenextlevel.com

Category: Change, Fun, Leadership, Life Coaching, Personal Development, Teams / Tags: , , , , , , ,

Book Special – Living Between Generations

Rodney Agan / December 3, 2012 / No comments

Some years ago I wrote the book, “Living Between Generations”. This book was written at a time in my ministry where I realized that the “status quo” was killing our churches.  At the time, I was on a private journey of biblical awareness to understand what I really believed, not just what I had been told.

I recommend this book to churches and ministry leaders who are feeling “stuck” or questioning the reasons for your traditions.  This is written more to conservative, traditional ministries who are looking for a better understanding of how to get out-of-the-box, or even question “the box”, without denying the foundations of our faith.

Great teaching tool for your deacons, teachers, leadership, etc. to help them understand the need for change.

This book retails for $10 plus shipping, but I really want to get it in the hands of people who could benefit from it.

SPECIAL OFFER:

1 BOOK for $5 (FREE SHIPPING)*

3 BOOKS FOR $12 (FREE SHIPPING)*

Bulk orders:

10 BOOKS for $30 (FREE SHIPPING)*

25 BOOKS for $60 (FREE SHIPPING)*

 *While supplies last / Credit Cards 3% fee

Book Promo:

As one looks over the landscape of churches in America, it seems clear that there are many who are satisfied with the “status quo”.  It seems that a disconnect has appeared between the things that birthed and built the church originally and what it will take to sustain future growth and success.

In this book, “Living Between Generations”, you will find an honest, hands-on approach to some of the more pertinent subjects facing churches today.  Many write-off the problems they are facing as being a breakdown between generations that cannot be repaired.  The author shows that this should not be the case.  This book will deal with subjects such as, Living Between: Baby Boomers and Generation X, Patience and Permission, Tradition and Tragedy, Crayons and Computers, Preservationists and Pioneers, Missions and a Mission, and others.

This book will challenge your thinking, but not try to make up your mind.  That is up to you!

 

 

Category: Change, Communication, Leadership, Personal Development, Teams / Tags: , , , ,

Leaves are like People!

Rodney Agan / November 28, 2012 / One comment

I recently took a few days alone at a cabin in the mountains of North Georgia to pray and study.  While sitting on the deck reading one day, I began to look at the leaves around me.  The fall season in Georgia is beautiful.  The leaves start changing colors then they turn loose and fall to the ground.  As I was sitting there, tree after tree was losing leaves.  Many were barren or getting close.  I began to think about this, and realized a truth about leaves that reminded me of people.

1-    They change as time goes by.  In Georgia, the leaves begin their change around October.  If you know what is happening, you can see it coming.  At first their color changes ever so slightly, then at a certain time and temperature they completely change.  People can be just like that.  You can see when they get complacent, agitated, angry, apathetic, etc.  If not dealt with soon, they will make complete changes, and not for the better.

2-    Many turn loose and go their way.  As I studied the leaves I realized many of the leaves evidently turned loose at the first gust of wind, but others were hanging on longer.  Eventually, I would see a lone leaf let go.  Soon another one and another.  It seems that people today want less commitment than ever before.  When they make a decision to “let go” you have to let them. 

3-    Most have no sense or control of their destination.  When the leaves let go of the tree branch they have no idea where they will end up. They have no steering wheel or motor. They are at the mercy of the wind to take them where it will.  People with no purpose or goal in life have no idea where they are going and therefore, they simply go with the circumstance of life.  They never do anything to take control of their own lives.

4-    They end up in a pile with no identity.  After blowing around untethered for a while, they eventually hit the ground. When they reach the ground, they usually never move again unless something or someone bigger than themselves comes by and moves them.  People with no purpose in life just “survive”.  They are unhappy, unsatisfied, but unmotivated enough to move.  These people live and die without making a real difference in the world or for those following them. 

5-    They never make it far.  When they make it to the pile, in reality they fell a long ways “down”, but not very far “away”.  They can always see where “used to be” but never where they “could be”.

You might want to check out a earlier blog I wrote about, “Some People.”

Category: Change, Communication, Personal Development, Relationships, Responsibility / Tags: , , , , ,

Come On, Give Yourself Some Credit

Rodney Agan / November 20, 2012 / No comments

We are inundated with self-help and leadership material that it is confusing.  It seems that each one suggests a different method. They all want to have a corner on the market.  By the time you sit through the entire seminar, read the book, or listen to all the podcasts, you feel less in control than when you started.  It is definitely true that we can all make improvements, but give yourself some credit.  You must have something already inside, or you would not have the thirst for more.  Give yourself credit; you have more potential than you think.

Give yourself some credit:

1-    At least you SEE you have a problem; many others CAN’T. Usually the people who need the most help are the ones that already “know everything”.  If you don’t believe it, just ask them.  They are glad to point out your shortcomings but for the life of them, can’t see their own.

2-    You have learned your limitations; many others DON’T.  Many people are doing things in which they are unqualified to do.  If you don’t believe me, look at politics.  It is commendable that you realize where your limitations lie so you know where to start working.  If not, you will spend unnecessary time and money working on things you already know. 

3-    You are willing to make the necessary changes; many others WON’T.  Change is hard, especially the older you get.  Changing careers or ministries after you have been there a long time are most difficult.  You get in your comfort zone and change will surely throw you out of it. 

Just know this, in the society we live in today, most careers have a shelf-life. You are wise to recognize it before the inevitable happens.  You will be one step ahead.

Category: Communication, Personal Development, Relationships, Responsibility / Tags: , , , , , ,

The Ladder of Success

Rodney Agan / November 15, 2012 / No comments

Everyone wants to be successful.  We all want to believe that we have reached a pinnacle that shows we deserve admiration and respect.  There is nothing wrong with that if it is for the right reason and done within the right parameters.  Many people who strive for success do so by breaking the rules.

Some want to be successful but are going about it in unethical or immoral ways.  The problem is they are becoming successful in something that does not matter or is not good for them. It is fine to be on a ladder leading toward success, as long as it the right one.

Consider these thoughts about climbing the ladder of success:

1-    You can only climb as high as the ladder.  While that sounds simplistic, just think about your success ladder.  Can it really take you where you need to go?  It would be a shame to sell yourself short from what real success could be for you because you are on the wrong journey.

2-    Different ladders are designed for different things.  Some ladders are made for specific tasks.  If you bring a step-ladder to paint a second story wall, you will fall short.  If you know where you are going you will then know which “ladder” to climb.

3-    Some ladders are only designed for one person.  I believe real success requires others to be on the journey with you.  If you are trying to do this “solo” you will probably wind up at the top, but lonely.

4-    Ladders have a weight limit.  Some jobs require specific tools and supplies; they need a ladder equipped to handle it.  When you start your “career” climb, you will begin to acquire “tools” along with “experience and other baggage”.  Be sure you are designed to handle all of it.

5-    The foundation on which a ladder stands is important.  If your goals and dreams are not on the proper foundation, they will one day crash to the ground.  You cannot build on things that are unscriptural, immoral, or unethical, and expect the “ladder” to survive the climb.  You will fall.

6-    It would be tragic to climb to the top of the ladder only to find out it was leaning against the wrong wall.  I have counseled and coached people who were what we would call successful, but they were unhappy. They had “arrived” but did not like their destination.

It is great to be climbing a ladder toward success, just be sure it is the right ladder and is leaning on the right wall.

Category: Change, Leadership, Personal Development, Responsibility / Tags: , , , , , ,

Giving Children Someone to Look Up To

Rodney Agan / September 28, 2012 / No comments

Children are always looking for a role model.  If they see a fireman, police officer, or doctor, that is what they would like to become. By tomorrow, they may have something else on their mind.  The point is, they are very impressionable and in need of the right kind of examples to follow.  We are examples whether we want to be or not.  We are examples whether it is a good one or not.

Here are some ways we can give them a good example:

1-    Always be honest with them.

Don’t try to hide or avoid the truth when necessary.  Obviously there are times they may not need all the information, but when we do give it to them, give them the truth.  If you lie to them, they will find out, and later never trust you again.

2-    Learn to say, “I was wrong.” 

Children are used to adults teaching them to admit wrong, but they are not used to adults admitting wrong.  If you do this to children they will trust you more.

3-    Don’t try to live your life through them. 

Remember, God made them individually, and for a purpose.  Often parents want to live vicariously through their children.  The things they could never do, they force on their children.

4-    Value their opinion.

Children are honest.  They have no pretense or ulterior motive.  Learn to listen to them.  Things that are serious to them are just as big to them as things that are serious to you.

5-    Model consistency. 

Be the same with them day in and day out.  They need to see maturity in us, or they will never know what they are to become.  Children need stability and they learn that from us.

What are some other ways we can be a good example?

 

Category: Leadership, Parenting, Personal Development, Relationships / Tags: , , , , , , ,

When You Get Your Signals Crossed

Rodney Agan / September 26, 2012 / No comments

This year there is a lock-out of the Referees for the National Football League because of labor disputes.  Because of this, the NFL has hired replacement officials.  They have never officiated for a professional football game before (and it shows).  There are protests over almost every game they have called.

Recently, they made a game ending call that has stirred reaction from the fans in the stands all the way to the President of the United States.  The game ended with a play that was called “incomplete” by one referee and a “touchdown” by another.

Sometimes these kinds of things happen with our decision-making in life.  If you have your signals crossed about a major decision in life, you might want to consider the following thoughts.

1-    You may be out of your element.

2-    You may not have all the facts.

3-    Circumstances may be out of your control.

4-    You might want to get another opinion.

5-    Be confident about the decision before you make a definite call.

6-    Admit when you are wrong.

7-    Learn from your mistakes.

Category: Communication, Personal Development, Stress / Tags: , , , , , , ,

15 Minutes of Fame … Every Day

Rodney Agan / September 25, 2012 / No comments

We have all seen the news when a big event happens.  The news camera usually focusses on someone who doesn’t have a clue, and the reporter asks them questions.  This is their time to shine in the sun.  They were not expecting it nor were they prepared for it.  They say things on live television that will make them kick themselves later.  This was their 15 minutes of fame.

Think about it, 15 minutes is not much.  Having an “occasional win” just is not enough.  I want more in life and I believe you do to.  Why can’t we experience a “win” every day? It may be because we are not planning for it and certainly not ready for it.  Let me give you 7 things to do that will make you experience your “15 minutes of fame”, every day.

1-    Start the day with a priority and keep it.  If this were your last day on earth, what priority would you have? I know every day is not that drastic, so what about looking at all the things needing to be accomplished today, and start with the most important.

2-    Identify what energizes you most and do it.  “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” (Confucius.)  When you live and work in your strengths and not your stresses you will experience successes.

3-    Be consistent.  Noah didn’t build the ark in a day.  You may not change the world before sundown, but you can make a difference.  Consistent accomplishment is what brings completion and success.  Stay at it and don’t quit.

4-    Don’t allow less important things to distract you.  There will always be “rabbits” to chase.  When you start chasing them you will soon be lost and forget where you going originally.  Stay focused.

5-    Build off of yesterday.  Take what you have done and try to do it better.  Look at the things that you CAN do, and LIKE to do, and refine them.  Become the best at it you can be.

6-    Don’t miss an opportunity.  They say, “To make money you must have money.”  I might say, “To get opportunities you have to take advantage of opportunities”.  Success often moves by very quickly and you have to be aware or you might miss it.

7-    Learn to re-group.  Every day will not be a “win”.  Every day may not seem like a “headline day”.  Have no fear, learn from it, and re-group.  If God gives you another day, take it and use it to the best of your ability.  You will find that a new day brings new opportunities.  If you dwell on failures and missed opportunities you will miss some right in front of you today.

What is a “win” like for you?

Category: Communication, Leadership, Personal Development / Tags: , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries