The Glass is 3/4's Full

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - Halo

2012-01-29T06:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - Robin Sharma Week - Best Year Ever

2012-01-28T04:07:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - Robin Sharma Week - Measure Your Actions

2012-01-27T04:57:00.000-08:00

“What gets measured gets improved.”

― Robin S. Sharma

This is very important. It might be the clearest with your fitness goals. I keep track of my workouts, my goals, my projects and everything I do. I still have a way to go in this area but you need to measure your goals, accomplishments and activities so you can keep raising your standards and becoming better in all areas of your life....

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Robin Sharma Week - Write About Your Life

2012-01-26T04:55:00.000-08:00

“If your life is worth thinking about,it is worth writing about.”

― Robin S. Sharma

I have kept a journal for over twenty years. I suggest you start and use a journal to capture the moments in your life, set goals, analyze and write the story of your life, the past, present and future.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Robin Sharma Week -Your I Can Not IQ

2012-01-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

“Your "I CAN" is more important than your IQ.”

― Robin S. Sharma

There are a lot of very smart unsuccessful people in life. Sometimes if not most of the time your attitude is more important than all the other factors.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Robin Sharma Week - Become the Architect of Your Future

2012-01-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

“We are all here for some special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future.”

― Robin S. Sharma

Our challenge is to find our purpose and mission in life and to share our gifts and talents with the world. Create and build your future...

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Robin Sharma Week - Leaders Provide Solutions

2012-01-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

“Victims recite problems, leaders provide solutions.”

― Robin S. Sharma

I always say, okay you told me the problem now what is the solution? Chose to think and act like a leader in life not as a victim.

-- John Duffy

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - Pogues

2012-01-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - Jim Rohn Week -

2012-01-21T06:48:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - Jim Rohn Week - Set Your Sails

2012-01-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

"It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go."

-- Jim Rohn

Thought for the Day - Jim Rohn Week - Wish You Were Better

2012-01-19T06:44:00.000-08:00

"Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better."

-- Jim Rohn

i love this one. Wish you were better, stronger, bigger. The stronger the wind the stronger the tree. Wish for strength.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Jim Rohn Week - Ask Empowering Questions

2012-01-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

“You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”

-- Jim Rohn

A series of more empowering questions. I suggest you choose to always ask yourself questions that the answer to will empower not disempower you.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Jim Rohn Week - What Could I Do?

2012-01-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

“To solve any problem, here are three questions to ask yourself: First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask?”

-- Jim Rohn

Some empowering questions that lead you in the direction of the solution and away from the problem. Always you empowering questions to help yourself solve problems you face.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Jim Rohn Week - Let Others Lead Small Lives

2012-01-16T07:08:00.000-08:00

“Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you.”
-- Jim Rohn This is one of my favorite quotes. I strive to live my life by these suggestions. It's a call to empowerment, a call to raise your standards and to be a bigger person. -- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Martin Luther King Day

2012-01-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

Honoring the life of Martin Luther King

"Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: - 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

-- Martin Luther King

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - Ray Charles

2012-01-15T05:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday Motivation Video - American Dreamers Week

2012-01-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

Center for the Study Of the American Dream

http://www.xavier.edu/americandream/programs/young-american-dreamers.cfm

Thought for the Day - American Dream Week - American Dreamers

2012-01-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

My American Dreamers website and American Dreamers Facebook page.

American Dreamers Website: http://planetkor.com/AD/

American Dreamers on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=107427119288220

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - American Dream Week - Mel Martinez

2012-01-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

"Forty-two years ago, I came to America from communist Cuba so I might have a better way of life, a freer way of life - a more democratic way of life. I wanted to live the American Dream where if you worked hard and put your mind to the task, anything was possible."

-- Mel Martinez

Thought for the Day - American Dream Week - Bono

2012-01-11T04:22:00.000-08:00

"When I was a kid in Dublin, I watched in awe as America put a man on the moon. We thought, you know, this is "mad." Nothing is impossible in America. In America, they can do anything over there."

-- Bono

When I was a kid in the South Bronx I was in awe of the moon walk as well. But for too many and for too long we have forgot that nothing is impossible in America. We have the chance to make the impossible possible and and as Walt Disney said it's fun to make the impossible possible. He did it with Disney Land and so have many others with their dreams.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - American Dream Week - Archibald MacLeish

2012-01-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

"There are those, I know, who will say that the liberation of humanity, the freedom of man and mind, is nothing but a dream. They are right. It is the American dream."

- Archibald MacLeish

Thought for the Day - American Dream Week - The Road Ahead

2012-01-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

This week my blog is about the American Dream. What is the American Dream? Is it real? The American Dream hasn't been talked about so much and debated so much since the late 1970's.

Is the American Dream over? Will our future be worse than our past and present?

My American Dream came full-circle on New Year's Day 2012 when I made my first trip to Ellis Island. Four years ago the idea of visiting Ellis Island and and reconnecting with my roots and Irish relatives were the last thing on my mind. Yet a surprise or really a miracle was about to shake up my life. I had grownup with no connection to Ireland and no knowledge of my family there. Due to a conflict between my mother and her sister in America i also grew up with no contact with any relatives. My family consisted of only my mother and my brother. Then in a New York minute everything changed.

My niece called me and said my cousin in England had emailed her and was trying to find her family who came to America. After some back and forth communication I discovered my mother's youngest sister was alive in Ireland and was 93 years old. A new door opened up, something I would have never imagined in my wildest dreams. A few months later on St Patrick's Day i attended a reunion of my family in Foxford, Ireland. It was truly a magical trip. I walked through the houses my mother and father grew up in and discovered about their six week journey to America and Ellis Island in 1929 to find the American Dream. The year they came to America in 1929 was a very hard time all over the world but they persisted and gave me my American Dream.

Sailing in the harbor towards the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island I could only imagine how they felt. I was personally in awe and overwhelmed by it. My boat ride gave ea more personal, intimate and powerful appreciation of my families journey and the American Dream.

My life has come full circle. I have visited Ireland three times and have reconnected with my family in Ireland, England, America, Australia, Canada and Germany. I believe that no matter how difficult a period we are going through it was much harder when my parents came here and that we will come through this ride even stronger.

The American Dream is still alive and as the Statue of Liberty remains a beacon of freedom, the American Dream still persists and offers hope to all those willing to create their American Dream. I have a project I am working on called "American Dreamers". It stories of people who against all odds have achieved the American Dream.

So I am a believer in a brighter future and the continuation of the American Dream. Having visited Ireland I am truly grateful for the difficult journey my parents made and for the American Dream I have come to truly appreciate.

I hope you are an American Dreamer too....

-- John Duffy

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - Something More

2012-01-08T06:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video- John Duffy's Life's Journey

2012-01-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

This was my 1st "Icebreaker" speech at my local Toastmaster group. I share a very condensed small sliver of my life story.

"Life is a Daring Adventure"

-- Helen Keller

Thought for the Day - John Duffy Week - Step Up, Step Up

2012-01-06T05:12:00.000-08:00

2012 and what are you going to do to Step Up your life and your game?

Time Magazine declared 2011 the Year of the Protester or the 99%. Well that concept doesn't work for me. I don't want to be part of the 99% or the quote, unquote "masses". My goal is to step up my game in every area of life and strive to keep improving so I am part of the top 10% or the top 5% or even yes the top 1% in all areas of life.

So I suggest you look at all the key areas of your life, prioritize them and strive to step up your beliefs and actions in each area so you make constant and never ending improvements in all areas of your life.

I look forward to 2012 being my Best Year Ever and making breakthru's in all areas of my life as I strive to be world class and the best I can be.

Hope you join me...

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - John Duffy Week - Maybe Yes, Maybe No

2012-01-05T05:11:00.000-08:00

"Maybe Yes, Maybe No". That's a saying that I came up with whenever someone would come to me with a problem and a negative attitude about the situation. They would say something like "this situation is really bad" and I would respond Maybe yes, maybe no. A director I was working with even put up the sign with those words on my wall because he said that was always my answer.
An example of this was when our lead actor dropped out two weeks before shooting and the director got depressed and expressed that this was horrible news. Of course I said maybe yes, maybe no. We cast another actor in time to begin filming and the 1st week of the shooting the actor who dropped out was arrested going through the airport with guns. So it turned out good that he dropped out.
Only from a distance and time can you tell if something is good or bad news. I always look for what might be good in what on the surface seems like bad news.
So if you ask me if something is bad news expect me to say "Maybe Yes, Maybe No."

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - John Duffy Week - WWJDD? & DADD

2012-01-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

Note to Self: Life Lesson DADD & WWJDD?
Recently I coached a friend through a situation that was turning into a big conflict with someone into finding a positive resolution. He did and used it again the next day in another situation successfully as well.

He coined the acronym "DADD" or "Do As Duffy Does" to remind himself to apply some of my philosophy of finding solutions and resolutions, focusing on your outcomes or keeping your eye on the prize, attempting to turn everyone into your friend and avoiding emotionalism and reactivity and staying proactive, taking full 100% responsibility, going the extra mile and being willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your desired outcome.

Another associate of mine had already came up with "WWJDD?"What Would John Duffy Do? to use as a similar solution orientated approach. Anyway both of these sayings are endearing and humbling and as my friend said he now has me in his head when he approaches these difficult inter-personal situations. That's a compliment I hope.

Now here is the note to self; I realized as he was telling me this and thanking me for coaching him that I was in the same situation in my life and I was forgetting to ask my self "WWJDD? and acting as DADD. Instead I was being emotional and reactive. So this situation put a mirror in front of me and reminded me that no matter how hard it is or how much I want to be right and stay stuck I need to be bigger, braver and the solution not part of the problem. I need to ask myself "WWJDD?" and do it.

Thought for the Day - John Duffy Week - 15 Rules to Master Your Life

2012-01-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

To kick off the New Year 2012 . Here are a slightly revised version of my rules to make your life the best it can be.

John Duffy's Fifteen Rules to Master Your Life

1. Solutions, Solutions, Solutions. Okay, I heard the problem

now what’s the solution? There’s always a way, an answer and a solution.

Your job is to find it.

2. Daily Improvement (DI) - Decide – Resolve – Act. Everyday do

just 1 more thing to improve.

What if you improved 1 thing every day?

3. Take Action and then takes some more. Get in the game. Play your heart out

and leave it on the court or field of live.

4. Never Ever Quit. - Promise yourself you will never give up.

5. Be A Leader. Step Up. Life needs more leaders not followers.

6. It’s all about Choices. You always have choices, make the right ones.

7. Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude and then some more Gratitude.

We all have so much to be thankful for.

8. You can either get Results or make Excuses. You can’t do both. Your choice.

9. Put everything in Perspective. Things can always get better and

they can always get worse. So no whining, just make it better.

10. Laugh at life, laugh at yourself. Life ain’t all that serious until it is.

11. Celebrate Success. Don’t follow the culture and the media and knock the successful. Choose to be successful

12. You are responsible for your life, so take responsibility. 100% Responsibility.

13. Go for your Dreams. No, I mean REALLY go for them.

14. Understand Life is not Fair. So What? Just more challenges

to overcome. The stronger the wind the stronger the trees.

Be Strong. No Whining, No Excuses.

15. Master the 3 F’s (Family, Fitness & Finances) and the 1 C (Career)

and you”ll get an A at Life. Life will reward your effort.

So, Just Do It!!!!!!

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - John Duffy Week - Reasons to Cheer

2012-01-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

It's 2012 and the New Year brings mixed blessings. There are those who say we are in a Depression, there are others who say the American Dream is dead, and there are new threats of war and terrorism on the horizon so one could find many reasons to be pessimistic and depressed but I suggest that there are many reason to cheer.
I read an old letter from the editor of Fast Company magazine that was published in Mar 2009 entitled "One Hundred Fifty-Nine Reasons to Cheer". They talked about looking in the direction of the creativity, new breakthroughs and new start up companies that will eventually lead to a turn around in the business environment.
I would suggest you find reasons to cheer in your life, in your family, in your community and in your country. Choose to be part of the solution to life's challenges. Choose to be a leader not a follower. Choose to be a winner not a whiner. Yes we are going through a tough time in the world and in America but adversity offers advantages as well if we look for opportunities. Step up, make this year your best year ever.
Join me as I choose to cheer the New Year and express gratitude for all my blessing and yes even all my challenges and obstacles.

-- John Duffy

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

A Happy New Year to all my family in Ireland, England, Australia, Canada, Germany and the United States.

And a Happy New Year to all my friends, colleagues and to everyone who reads my blog.

We are living in challenging times so we have to be stronger, raise our standards, step up, stay positive and create the life we desire.

Best wishes for a happy, successful, productive and prosperous New Year and your Best Year Ever...

-- John Duffy

Merry Christmas - Feliz Navidad

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a Wish for Your Best Year Ever........

See you in the New Year.....

-- John Duffy

Saturday's Motivational Video - Stephen Covey Week - 7 Principles

2011-12-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - Stephen Covey Week - Listen No Really Listen

2011-12-23T05:28:00.000-08:00

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. They're either speaking or preparing to speak. They're filtering everything through their own paradigms, reading their autobiography into other people's lives.

-- Stephen Covey

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ah _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Nuff said.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Stephen Covey Week - Begin with End in Mind

2011-12-22T05:27:00.000-08:00

To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you're going so that you better understand where you are now and so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.

-- Stephen Covey

This is profound, simple and yet how often do we do it? I know I need to apply this to all areas of my life. We plan a vacation by choosing a destination. So we need to plan the destinations we want our life to reach and then create a plan or plans to get there....

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Stephen Covey Week - Scarcity Mentality

2011-12-21T05:26:00.000-08:00

People with a scarcity mentality think there is only so much in the world to go around. It's as if they see life as a pie. When another person gets a big piece, then they get less. Such people are always trying to get even, to pull others down to their level so they can get an equal or even bigger piece of the pie.

-- Stephen Covey

I can relate to this. I grew up extremely poor and for way too long had a scarcity mentality and believed this. Bottom line it's not true. India has become wealthier not by taking from those who have and dividing the pie but by expanding and creating more opportunities and wealth. We really need to compete with ourselves to grow and expand and not complain and whine.
I don't want to pull anyone down I want to raise more people up...

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Stephen Covey Week -Take Responsibility

2011-12-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

When life does not go our way or we inadvertently make a mistake, it is so easy to make excuses, place blame on others, or argue that circumstances were against us. But we only progress in life to the extent that we take responsibility for our actions and attitudes, and put forth the initiative necessary to create our own circumstances.

-- Stephen Covey

As long as we put the emphasis outside ourselves we disempower ourselves. We need to keep the focus on what we are responsible for and what we can do. You either make excuses or get results but not both.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Stephen Covey Week - Positive Thought or Action

2011-12-19T05:23:00.000-08:00

While I believe in the power of positive thought, I do not believe that you or I can simply psyche ourselves into success or peace of mind.

-- Stephen Covey

I couldn't agree more. Positive thought has to be followed by action. There are no "Secrets" or guarantees to the result. Thinking positive or optimistically just allows you to spin or reframe reality into a belief that empowers instead of disempowers you. You still have to make course corrections and keep taking action until you get the results you desire.

-- John Duffy

Saturday's Motivational Video - Les Brown Week -

2011-12-18T21:06:00.001-08:00

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - I Can Make It Happen

2011-12-18T05:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - Tony Robbins Week -

2011-12-17T05:45:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - Tony Robbins Week - Never Ending Commitment to Act

2011-12-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

“I believe life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a neverending commitment to act until they achieve."

-- Tony Robbins

In all levels of life our level of commitment is tested by life's challenges. We are tested as parents, in marriage, in relationships, at work and our health. We need to be strong and meet the challenges and stay committed to our goals and dreams...

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Tony Robbins Week - Past Doesn't Equal Future

2011-12-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

“The past does not equal the future.”

― Anthony Robbins

So true. I say that this is my fifth lifetime. I personally know that my past didn't equal my present and won't equal my future. We have a choice to create the future you want no matter what your past was but it doesn't just happen. You need to decide, take action and make it happen.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Tony Robbins Week - Become the Person You Want to Become

2011-12-14T05:13:00.000-08:00

“It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute ...
that gives meaning to our lives.”

― Anthony Robbins

Who do you want to become? What can you contribute? Live a life of growth and contribution. Dedicate yourself to become the best you can be...

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Tony Robbins Week - Rise Above Your Limitations

2011-12-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

“We've all heard about people who've exploded beyond the limitations of their conditions to become examples of the unlimited power of the human spirit.
You and I can make our lives one of these legendary inspirations, as well, simply by having courage and the awareness that we can control whatever happens in our lives. Although we cannot always control the events in our lives, we can always control our response to them, and the actions we take as a result.
If there's anything you're not happy about--in your relationships, in your health, in your career--make a decision right now about how you're going to change it immediately.”

― Anthony Robbins

What are the areas of your life do you need to change in 2012? Make a decision to change those areas and create a plan with timelines to achieve your goals. Rise above your limitations and be a model of possibility for yourself and others.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Tony Robbins Week - Problems Are a Gift

2011-12-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

“Every problem is a gift - without problems we would not grow.”

― Anthony Robbins

Problems test us and I have had plenty of problems in my life that have tested me but I have grown from the problems in my life. Who I have become today is a result of all the problems or challenges I have overcome in my life.

-- John Duffy

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - Believe

2011-12-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - Lou Holtz Week - Inspirational Speech

2011-12-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - Lou Holtz Week - Stop Talking and Start Listening

2011-12-09T06:10:00.000-08:00

“I never learn anything talking. I only learn things when I ask questions.”

― Lou Holtz

Someone once said God gave you two ears and one mouth so you can listen twice as much as you talk. Part of listening is actively asking question so you can learn. Good communication is demonstrated when you are asking questions and listening and learning not just talking. So stop talking so much and listen and especially not just from those who agree with you and echo you opinions but from those who have different ideas....

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Lou Holtz Week - Winner or Loser Your Choice

2011-12-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

“You were not born a winner, and you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself be. ”

― Lou Holtz

This is as true in sports as in life. You choose whether you want to be a winner or loser. First you need to show up and then give it your all and no matter what happens in the game of life you can choose to be a winner.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Lou Holtz Week - Deliver More Than You Promise

2011-12-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

“Don't ever promise more than you can deliver, but always deliver more than you promise.”

― Lou Holtz

Working in the entertainment industry I have met many people who promise more than they deliver so those who under promise and over perform stand out. I made it my mantra to under promise and over perform and I recommend you do the same in life.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Lou Holtz Week - You Need More Goals

2011-12-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

"If you're bored with life - you don't get up every morning with a burning desire to do things - you don't have enough goals."

-- Lou Holtz

True you don't have enough goals or your goals are too small and don't inspire you. If you are bored well it's because you are boring. Get excited about life and about all the possibilities, get out there and contribute to others, get in the game. I haven't experienced boredom in decades and don't expect to ever experience it again...

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Lou Holtz Week - Winner or Loser?

2011-12-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

"How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game, whether you are a winner or a loser."

-- Lou Holtz

Now this is as true for the second half of a game as it is for the second half of your life. Life is about who you become and how you play the game of life. Some times, you win, some times you lose and sometimes you tie but if you take advantage of all those outcomes to learn and become better you will always be a winner in the game of life...

-- John Duffy

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - Heart of a Champion

2011-12-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - John Wooden Week - Pyramid of Success

2011-12-03T05:33:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - John Wooden Week - It's What You Learn

2011-12-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

“It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

― John Wooden

This quote resonates for me. When I was younger I knew everything. Sure I did. Now I realize that I don't come within miles of knowing it all so I'm constantly learning and reassessing what I know and believe. Being open-minded and constantly learning is the place I prefer to be. Now if you know it all well good luck with that....

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - John Wooden Week - Make a Life

2011-12-01T05:29:00.000-08:00

“Don't let making a living prevent you from making a life.”

― John Wooden

I'm sure you heard the story about the dying man who talked about all the things he wished he did but he never wished he spent more time working. Now for those of us lucky to be following our passion it never feels like we are working so this is easy but the message of the story isn't to work less but to focus on the things most important in your life. Create a life you can be proud of, create a life you can enjoy, create a life of no or little regrets. You only get one life so make it the best life you can imagine....

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - John Wooden Week - Never Make Excuses

2011-11-30T06:28:00.000-08:00

“Never make excuses. Your friends don't need them and your foes won't believe them.”

― John Wooden

Live a life of No Excuses. Take 100% responsibility for the good, bad and ugly in your life. You can either make excuses or win in the game of life, you can't do both.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - John Wooden Week - Everyone is Unique

2011-11-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

‎"If I am through learning, I am through."

-- John Wooden

I can tell you that I will never learn all the things I want to learn but I am going to try.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - John Wooden Week - Make the Best of Things

2011-11-28T05:25:00.000-08:00

“Things turn out best for those who make the best of
how things turn out.”

― John Wooden

Simple but true. At the end of the day if it is to be it's up
to me. I know when I look back at my life I can see the
difference in my results once I learned that fact and made
the best of what ever life throw in my direction. So it's up
to you to make things turn out for the best.

-- John Duffy

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - Get Your Head in the Game

2011-11-27T11:39:00.001-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - Robin Sharma

2011-11-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - My Bucket List - A Work in Progress

2011-11-25T05:22:00.000-08:00

BUCKET LIST 2011 - 2012

A couple of days ago on my Birthday I reviewed and reworked my 101 Things Bucket List. I will share it in the future to inspire others to create one and to remind myself publicly of my Goals and keep myself on course and on purpose.

I want to make this my Best Year Ever. My Bucket List is one tool to help me accomplish that.

-- John Duffy

Thanksgiving Thought - Perspective and Blessings

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is from a 1990 study that has circulated on the Internet but it still probably holds true

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of the people in the world.

If you can attend a church or synagogue meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are more blessed than 3 billion people in the world.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are more blessed than 500 million people in the world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

So this Thanksgiving be thankful but also think how you can make a contribution to others less fortunate.

Here are a couple of ways to make a difference:

http://tonyrobbinsibb.ning.com/

http://www.opgratitude.com/

Happy Thanksgiving

Thought for the Day - You Control Your Destiny

2011-11-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

“You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands - your own.”

-- Mark Victor Hansen

Thought for the Day - Give Your Best

2011-11-22T05:06:00.000-08:00

“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

― John Wooden

Thought for the Day - Look Inside

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Your vision will become clear
only when you look into your heart ...
Who looks outside, dreams.
Who looks inside, awakens.

-- Carl Jung

Thanks Ramon Morales

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - You Gotta Want It

2011-11-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video -Shoulds and Musts

2011-11-19T05:04:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - Results. Results. Results

2011-11-18T05:48:00.000-08:00

I couldn't agree with Larry more. I can't say it enough. It isn't good enough to have good intentions, good motives and good ideas if the results are bad. You have to judge yourself and others by the results they produce or don't produce. Hold your self to a higher standard and judge your self by the results you produce.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Successful People

2011-11-17T05:23:00.000-08:00

"If you look at successful people, you'll find they followed these steps. They started with a target, because you can't hit one if you don't have one. They took action, because just knowing isn't enough. They had the ability to read others, to know what response they were getting. And they kept adapting, kept adjusting, kept challenging their behavior until they found what worked."

-- Tony Robbins

Tony has been probably the biggest positive influence in my life. I consider him my mentor, role model and coach for living a life of possibility. I ran into to him at the right time and he changed my life. And yes this is how I became successful and how I continue to be even more successful n life...

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - You Are 100% Responsible

2011-11-16T05:13:00.000-08:00

"One of the hardest things to do is to accept the fact that we have so much more to say about who we are, where we are and where we are going than we are comfortable admitting. To know how much power we have is to be responsible for our lives."

-- Michael Josephson

I had a conversation with a young Marine this weekend sharing my philosophy of life with him. I told him how you have to take 100% responsibility for your life. He was taken aback and asked me to repeat that. I did and he responded, "Damn that is deep." And yes it is but it is the only way to be empowered and take control of the results in your life. We have to step up and being willing to recognize we are responsible for the good, the bad and the ugly in our life. And the good news if we recognize that we can change it...

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Let Other's Lead Small Lives

2011-11-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

‎"Let others lead small lives, But not you.
Let others argue over small things, But not you.
Let others cry over small hurts, But not you.
Let others leave their future in someone else's hands,
But not you."

-- Jim Rohn

This is a great thought for me to ponder today on my Birthday. When I was in my 20's my birthday was a day I got depressed and focused on all that was wrong and not working in my life. I even labeled it as my "DDD" or my "Designated Depression Day." I rarely got depressed in life so I felt it was okay to have one depression day every year, now of course what a bad day to choose and really what a dumb idea. Somewhere along the line I had a light bulb moment and realized I really didn't enjoy being depressed on my birthday so I decided to make my birthday my "DGD" or my "Designated Gratitude Day" instead. Now that was a good idea. So ever since I take advantage of my birthday to be a combination of a gratitude day and my new year's day where I sum up my life and set new goals for myself.
Today I am treating myself to day of solitude in a hotel in a beautiful place Lake Arrowhead. I will spend the day reflecting on all I am grateful for in my life, reviewing and updating my 101 Bucket List, working on my 1 and 3 year Plan, refocusing and organizing my Memoir,exercising and walking around the lake and enjoying nature, life and all that is great.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Get in the Game

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

“The galleries are full of critics. They play no ball, they fight no fights. They make no mistakes because they attempt nothing. Down in the
arena are the doers. They make mistakes because they try many things."

-- Elvin J. Dowling

I love this quote. It is so true. It's easy to criticize others and too many do in life. I challenge you to respect those who are in the game and doing their best no matter how flawed. Don't be a critic in life, get in the game, make a difference, give it your best shot.

-- John Duffy

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - Eye of Tiger

2011-11-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - Role Model of Possibility

2011-11-12T05:24:00.000-08:00

Veteran's Day 2011 - Thank You

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001-08:00

‎"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of
war."- Douglas MacArthur

Thank you to all our Veterans and their families

Veteran's Day Music Videos # 1 - Just in Case

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Happy 236th Birthday United States Marine Corp

2011-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Shout out to all my USMC friends, John, Michael, Frankie, Oscar and all those I have met over the years and all those who have served in the USMC as you celebrate the 236th birthday of the USMC. Thank you for your sacrifice and service....

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - The Privilege of Life

2011-11-10T04:26:00.000-08:00

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive- to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love-then make that day count!”

― Steve Maraboli

Thought for the Day - Greater Than Any Obstacle

2011-11-09T05:23:00.000-08:00

Motivator Les Brown has a saying "There is greatness in you" and yes there is greatness in all of us. We have a greatness that can overcome life's obstacles. So as James Brown would say "Git Up" and go for your greatness.

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - To Determined to Be Defeated

2011-11-08T05:20:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day - No Excuses Make it Happen

2011-11-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

A poster I noticed in a school in Smithville, Texas last year. I was there making the film "Beneath the Darkness". I couldn't agree more. No Excuses, Make it Happen.

-- John Duffy

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 - Clancy's Tavern

2011-11-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - Krish Dhanam

2011-11-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

Thought for the Day - Don't Let Others Limitations Define Us

2011-11-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

No words can say it better than this. Not only running but smiling. That's how we need to take on life....

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Never Too Old to Change

2011-11-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

Trust me on this one. I'm back to playing basketball a few times a week and I have a growing bucket list that should take me to 105. I guess I'll plan my retirement for my next life. Keep growing, keep changing, keep stretching and challenging yourself....

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Get Out Of Comfort Zone

2011-11-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

"97% of the people in this world operate in the comfort zone. 3% of the people in this world operate in the effective zone. The difference between comfort and effectiveness is called growth, and growth is uncomfortable."

-- Krish Dhanam

Get uncomfortable, keep growing, get effective. Strive to be part of the 3%

-- John Duffy

Thought for the Day - Desire for Success

2011-11-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure."

-- Bill Cosby

Thought for the Day - The Gift of Attention

2011-10-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

“One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of your attention.”

—- Jim Rohn

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 - Fly

2011-10-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Motivational Video - Garrison Wynn

2011-10-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

Thought for the Day - Nothing You Can't Accomplish

2011-10-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

"The truth of the matter is that there's nothing you can't accomplish if: (1) You clearly decide what it is that you're absolutely committed to achieving, (2) You're willing to take massive action, (3) You notice what's working or not, and (4) You continue to change your approach until you achieve what you want, using whatever life gives you along the way."

-- Anthony Robbins

Thought for the Day - Moving Forward or Backwards

2011-10-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

W"e are either progressing or retrograding all the while; there is no such thing as remaining stationary in this life."

-- James Freeman Clarke

Thought for the Day - Surmount Difficulties

2011-10-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

‎"It is the surmounting of difficulties that make heroes."

-- Louis Kossuth

Thought for the Day - Never Stop Believing

2011-10-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

“Somewhere along the line we stopped believing we could do anything. And if we don’t have our dreams, we have nothing.”

-- "The Astronaut Farmer" 2007 Billy Bob Thornton -- Movie Quotes

Thought for the Day - Surpass Yourself

2011-10-24T15:51:00.001-07:00

“The most splendid achievement of all is the constant striving to surpass yourself and to be worthy of your own approval.”

- Denis Waitley

Thought for the Day - 100% Responsibility

2011-10-21T05:25:00.000-07:00

"There is only one person responsible for the quality of the life you live. That person is you. If you want to be successful, you have to be 100% responsible for everything you experience in your life. This includes the level of your achievement, the results you produce, the quality of your relationships, the state of your health and physical fitness, your income, your debts, your feelings - everything!.. You have give up all of your excuses."

-- Jack Canfield

Thought for the Day - Life is Not Easy, So What?

2011-10-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that thing must be attained."

-- Marie Curie

Thought for the Day - Walk Your Talk

2011-10-19T05:17:00.000-07:00

"When you always tell the truth. people trust you. When you do as you say, as promised, people respect you. When you make others feel special people like you."

_ - Jack Canfield

Thought for the Day - Dream Come a Size Too Big

2011-10-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

"Dreams come a size too big so that we can grow into them."

-- Josie Bisset