Well, what a week it’s been since Barack Obama took office as the nation’s 44^th President. This was such an historic event it leaves us all with so many show and tell moments. Some people are still speechless while others simply want to pinch themselves. The current mood in the country is like the best of times and worst of times, all at the same time.

The first order of business has been to focus on the economic crisis. There are reports in the news that a Bailout is coming. As the Congressional Leaders iron out the details we might also want to perform a self-check in the meantime. With increasing layoffs being announced each day it’s clear that we’re in for a rough ride. Now that Obama is President it’s time to upgrade U ‘cause a change is gonna come for you, for true.

The question is what kind of change? The current economic climate leads us to think that it’s time to upgrade U because you got next:

1. To be Hired
2. To be Fired
3. To be Sick & Tired

As the marketplace continues to bleed pink slips it will eventually arrive at a point where things have to clot. Between now and then, this period offers up the opportunity to find a new job, or a better job or to move closer to your dream job. It offers up the opportunity to go from pain to promotion or from guts to glory. It allows us to grow personally and professionally. If you were given the choice of having a half-baked potato or a twice-baked potato (with all the fixins) which would you pick? Chances are the twice-baked, right? Well if you want to experience life as twice-baked (with all the bling bling) then consider the following key areas.

At birth we arrive on earth as a brand new human being. Each individual or person learns to talk, walk, and grows from infant to teenager to adult. Over time the change in physical features are self-evident. However, the changes in personal strengths are made possible through self-help. You learn to tie your shoelace, brush your teeth and comb your hair at an early age. You also learn to read, write and apply yourself to be functional. There are some things you never need to learn again but there are others you need to expand on or re-learn in order to upgrade U. So, what are you doing to grow as a person?

Some of our most exciting times in life begin when we’re teenagers. You learn to drive. You go on your first date. As time passes you experience some other firsts that you never forget. Then you might settle down with the person you consider as the love of your life. Relationships can go sour for reasons tied to money, infidelity or insufficiency. But oftentimes an underlying reason for the break-up is when one spouse outgrows the other. While we all arrive at a point in life where we’re no longer growing physically, there is still a need for us to grow emotionally as well as spiritually if we want to maintain our sanity. So, what are you doing to grow as a friend or partner?

Eight is Enough was the title of a ’70s TV sitcom and might also be the words used by the new parents from California of eight kids. They will certainly need help with raising their clan of six boys and two girls. They will have a lot of stories to tell as parents about the uniqueness of each child. This litter-like birth will attract worldwide media coverage and might even make it into the Record Books. Becoming a parent is one of the most precious experiences life has to offer. However, your most precious testimonial is not what you say about you or what your peers say about you. It’s what a child says about you because they can see right through you. So, what are you doing to grow as a parent?

No matter how young or old you are you can learn something new every day. Here’s something that might surprise you. Did you know that the whistles used by NBA Referees have a wireless connection to the game clock? When the Referee blows the whistle it’s supposed to automatically stop the clock. Gone are the days when a whistle was just a whistle and gone are the days when your day job is just where you go to work. Nowadays people are looking for ways to apply technology and to have their passion go to work as well. So, what are you doing to grow as a professional or to move closer to landing your dream job? 

At the end of the day if your boss, your spouse (the real boss) or your child were to say to you, “Upgrade U or your fired,” what would it mean? It would be a major call to action. Well don’t want for those words. Yes you can change your situation, your thinking or direction in real time. As you do you’ll see your results take-off over time which will trigger a sense of possibilities for a lifetime.

Music Soundtrack – Funky “Double-Play”

Play ‘Upgrade You by Beyonce,’ track here

Play ‘I Can Change by John Legend,’ track here

 What do Dr. King’s dream and American Idol have in common? You will arrive at the answer in a minute. Over 40 years ago Dr. King echoed the words “I have a Dream!” He went on to say that it’s a dream deeply rooted in the American Dream. That sounds all nice and uplifting but what did Dr. King mean then and how do those words play out today?

Most people can relate to the ideals of the American Dream. For some people, it’s about going from nothing to something, from rags to riches. It’s the idea of making a living and living your making, by doing whatever you like. Dr. King’s powerful words remind us that America is the land of opportunity. The power of his words was rooted in your dream and in my dream.

So how do you know what is your dream? How do you build a business around your dream and build that dream around your business? How do you connect the dots of your dream? Well, here are a few suggestions for marking the dot and hitting the spot in living you dreams.

1.     Your Work-life

2.     Your Friends & Family

3.     Your Self

4.     Your God

Caution: this is not my attempt to brag but instead to testify as a ‘living your dreams’ witness. Back in the mid 90s I received feedback on my job that proved life-changing. It wasn’t really new information as much as it was new attention. This aha moment was a turning point because it put a spotlight on my hidden passion and untapped potential. If there is a job or personal experience from your past that keeps coming back at you then maybe that’s your dream waiting to blast off.

The feedback caused me to poll my friends and peers. I wanted to know how they would describe me. Their comments hinted that I was already doing for free what I now do and get paid. Whether it’s working with your hands, your mind or your heart, what your friends tell you can be further fuel for taking the dream journey. Listen to those who know you well or work closely with you. But be careful of the dream-busters and dream stealers.

As I began a career makeover I was inspired to answer this question, “Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?” Back in the late ‘60s the Executives at Sony sat around a table and asked the same question about their product line. After long discussions they arrived at the invention of the Sony Walkman. They concluded that this device would be a hot item for the increasingly mobile consumer. The Walkman has since made its mark, made the company millions and died. If that question was good enough for Sony then it was good enough for me. It has helped to focus my business in the areas of speaking and training, publishing and broadcast radio. These are the areas I hope to make my mark while I yet have life.

I must confess that I also went to a Higher Power which played out something like this, “Hey Big G, what’s the reason you made me?” The response was sort of like this, “Son, I made you and your fellow humans a little lower than Angel status. I also gave everyone three human attributes that make you uniquely unstoppable. Your Calling is how you make Big G look good. Your Purpose is how you serve some earthly good. Your Passion is how you “do you” where someone might say… man, you’re good! In other words it’s all good, so stick with Big G and I’ll reveal all three!”

After trying out my ideas and jump-starting my dream I was ready to leave my full-time job as a Computer Engineer to pursue my dream full-time. This wasn’t easy as in one sense I was going from hero to zero. How did I know it was time?  Some kind of confirmation or validation helps. Have you ever been to an event where parking is free once you get the ticket stamped at the front desk or by someone in authority? Well, once Big G provides the revelation the rest is up to you. Along the way you will receive feedback from your life’s journey to be used for connecting the dots. The validation you receive from Big G, the marketplace, peers, friends and family provides a free pass for letting your dreams live.

P.S.

You may have noticed that Oprah has recently become more public about her struggles with weight. Many of us on the dream journey have to work tirelessly through various struggles as well, including rejection burnout. Any successful dreamer will tell you about the series of No’s they had to overcome on the way to the defining YES! One take-away from Oprah is, “perfect we’re not and perfect we will never be. We’re all just on the road to perfection that is not available in this life.”

P.P.S.

By the way, I’m working on some projects for which I’ll need your help and support. If that’s alright with you then please visit Doc’s Books for Hire to get more info. Thanks!

Music Soundtrack – Living Your Dreams.

Play audio track here

 Layaway is back! After a brief absence from store counters, the big box stores like Wally-Mart and Targee have decided to bring back their layaway programs. It seems that these incentives were suspended as credit cards became more widely available. The thinking was that since more and more people could buy on credit there were less and less people needing layaway.

Makes sense, right? Well now that the credit market has dried up, the return of layaway is a major news story. This old-school form of credit is making a comeback. Layaway allows stores to make advanced sales before all the money is in. It allows consumers to commit to a purchase by paying over time. If layaway can be taken off the shelf and brought back to life would this be a good time for you to take your dreams off layaway as well?

The thing with layaway is that you can put yourself on a payment plan. It gives you another option if you can’t come up with all the money upfront. Similarly, if you take your dreams off layaway you will put yourself on a payment plan. This payment plan can return dividends or deeds depending on whether you’re starting a business or simply doing some good in the ‘hood. Whether your dream is in the idea, launch, growth or legacy phase of development it still takes faith to see it through. So, you can take your dreams off layaway and put them on steroids by setting a target and a task.

Remember as a child putting that puzzle together that you received as a Christmas gift? At first you didn’t know where to start. You looked at the box cover to see the desired outcome. You then might have flipped over a few pieces trying to get some sense of order. Maybe you decided to zero-in on some object in the picture to begin putting the pieces together in that area. After some time you could see the puzzle picture taking shape.

Living your dreams is a lot like putting that puzzle together. First you have to get a sense for the big picture. What are you shooting for or aiming to achieve? What’s your big-picture target? Then you have to identify a task or set of tasks that you can zero-in on. This will provide a sense of order, increasing familiarity and focus in those areas. These tasks are essential because whatever the mind can conceive it needs some action in order to be achieved.

Taking your dreams off layaway also means you have to set a time. That’s one reason why layaway can be so effective. The store knows that there will come a time when the customer makes the final payment. In addition, the customer knows that there will come a time when the product becomes their own. In living your dreams you have to set a time to get serious, get started, get moving or simply take it to the next level. After some time you will see the big picture taking shape. Even when doubt creeps in, as it sometimes does for us all, we just have to be reminded that our steps are being guided by the spirit of history. Well, it’s two weeks before Christmas and maybe your gift to you is that you put your dreams on notice!

P.S.

A special Holiday Buy One Get One (BOGO) discount offer for my latest book entitled Becoming Layoff Proof: What it Means to be the CEO of Me Inc. Email my Publicist at pen@purposefullivingventures.com with any questions or to reserve your autographed copy now. Otherwise you can visit the Book Store to order online.

Music Soundtrack – Urban Flava “Double-Play”

Play first audio track here

Play second audio track here

 It’s the holiday season and whooptie do the year is almost done. Just a “wink and a nod ago” it seemed like we rolled into 2008. Now we find that the temperature in the New York City area has taken a dive as the winter season draws near. Interestingly, Santa Claus sent out an urgent message to advise that there’s not enough “money for bling” to go around. (Well, that’s what my wife and I are telling our girls to help set expectations).

Want to make this your season in business or your career? Then come with me as we join in the locker room meeting of your favorite college or pro team. In sports you’ll find a certain number of games being played each season. The coaching staff uses the pre-season to assess the roster of returning and rookie players. Then they arrive at opening day when it’s time to go to work. This is often seen as a time of new beginnings.

As the season progresses, their win/loss record becomes the talk of sports radio. Each new ballgame represents a time to work on improving their record. The past is the past and today is a new day to win big. By mid-season some teams are hoping for a breakthrough In order to make the playoffs. This means that every player will have to step up their game.

The journey in business and career also has seasons. Depending on where you are along that journey it might be a time of new beginnings. Some people are changing jobs, starting a business, launching a new product/service, setting a new goal. It could be that it’s a new ballgame for improving your record by pitching a money-making money-saving idea to management or promoting a new bargain offer to your customer. Maybe, you’ve been in the trenches for some time and you’re hoping for a major breakthrough.

Well, Reality Shows on TV are good examples of how to achieve a successful breakthrough. You get to “do you,” allow your best to shine through and watch dreams come true. If you arrive at the end and things are on the line, sometimes even a “Hail Mary” pass might become necessary to win big. Each week’s episode from audition to finale celebration look and feel almost magical. The secret to making it through the win/loss record of your journey is to know how to manage your thoughts, master your habits and maximize faith in action to achieve the right results. That’s the THAR Principle for those of you who’re checking because THAR can get you FAR.

P.S.

Coming Dec 1st, a special Holiday discount offer for my latest book entitled Becoming Layoff Proof: What it Means to be the CEO of Me Inc. Email my Publicist at pen@purposefullivingventures.com to reserve your autographed copy now or visit www.doc2.com for more details.

By the way, I am Doc Cunningham. I approved this message and Music Soundtrack Double-play.

Music Soundtrack – “Double-Play”

Play first audio track here

Play second audio track here

 What’s the longest running game show on TV today? Deal or no Deal? The Price is Right? Jeopardy? Not Sure? Well, take a few minutes as you read to think about it. You can vote in our poll at the end. In the meantime, there’s a lot that one can learn from watching your favorite TV game show.

For example, Wheel of Fortune can inspire us to follow our dreams. People who aspire to be on the show probably love the game. They may love the co-hosts (Hey Vanna… Pat) or the play or the feeling they get from watching. They get a kick from seeing the spin of the wheel.

The wheel spin is how each player increases their winnings. It’s where they might make a silent wish and hope that the wheel stops at the right spot. Each spin allows you to guess a letter in the puzzle. After a few spins the player is likely to purchase a vowel. This will help in figuring out the puzzle. Maybe after a few more spins they can solve the puzzle. If the answer is correct then the total prize money grows.

Following your dream in many ways is similar to what happens on Wheel of Fortune. You begin by starting a business that best suits your passion. This way you are doing something that you love and can turn passion into profit. Then you might make a wish and set some goals to get the wheels turning. Don’t overlook the value of networking. You will have to try some things you’ve never done before in order to have what you’ve never had before.

Along the way you make a leap of faith by taking some calculated guesses and risks. As your business grows you see where your dream’s coming true. You can make a wish before you blow out the candle on that birthday cake or before you throw a penny into the Shopping Mall’s fountain pool. However, doing what it takes to follow your dream in business is a great way to experience a wheel of fortune.

Dreamer – Reality Check Rap

Click to play this audio track