Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thought for the Day - Character Becomes Your Destiny
"Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. "
- - Frank Outlaw
YES!
--John Duffy
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. "
- - Frank Outlaw
YES!
--John Duffy
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thought for the Day - Get Committed
"There's a difference between being committed and interested. Interested means you'll do what's convenient, while committed means you will do WHATEVER IT TAKES!"
-- John Assaraf
We are interested in many things but it is only the things we commit to that we make happen. It's the difference between something we should do and something we must do. Make all the important things in your life a MUST.
-- John Duffy
-- John Assaraf
We are interested in many things but it is only the things we commit to that we make happen. It's the difference between something we should do and something we must do. Make all the important things in your life a MUST.
-- John Duffy
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thought for the Day - Experiment
"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
What a great empowering way to look at life. I would define success as creating as many experiments and experiences as you you can.
--John Duffy
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
What a great empowering way to look at life. I would define success as creating as many experiments and experiences as you you can.
--John Duffy
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Power of Story - Mother and Daughter
Here is a powerful story that highlights the effect our choices have on our lives. It also shines a light on how we are all looking for connection and love in our life and that can be filled in a positive or negative way. Finally it's a story of redemption and transformation.
http://www.snapjudgment.org/daughter-daughter
http://www.snapjudgment.org/daughter-daughter
Thought for the Day - Dreams Not Regrets
"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams. "
— John Barrymore
I hope to never reach that state. I have so many dreams and keep adding more dreams every day. I know I will run out of time way before I run out of dreams. So Keep Dreaming...
- John Duffy
— John Barrymore
I hope to never reach that state. I have so many dreams and keep adding more dreams every day. I know I will run out of time way before I run out of dreams. So Keep Dreaming...
- John Duffy
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thought for the Day - Make the Days Count
"Don’t count the days-make the days count."
~- Muhammad Ali
There are many tracking tools I have used to make the days count. On a daily basis I have used a tracking system called "Six Things" where I list every morning the six most important things to accomplish for the day. I also use a system I created called "DI" or Daily Improvement where I attempt to raise the bar by doing just a little more in all the important areas of my life. And big picture wise I use " The Big Five" things that I need to accomplish before I die so I will have lived a fulfilled life. I supplement that with my growing "Bucket List." whatever you use find a way to make the days count....
-- John Duffy
~- Muhammad Ali
There are many tracking tools I have used to make the days count. On a daily basis I have used a tracking system called "Six Things" where I list every morning the six most important things to accomplish for the day. I also use a system I created called "DI" or Daily Improvement where I attempt to raise the bar by doing just a little more in all the important areas of my life. And big picture wise I use " The Big Five" things that I need to accomplish before I die so I will have lived a fulfilled life. I supplement that with my growing "Bucket List." whatever you use find a way to make the days count....
-- John Duffy
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thought for the Day - Become What You Want to Be
“Regardless of what you are or what you have been, you can still become what you may want to be.”
-- W. Clement Stone
Like the words from that famous Jimmy Cliff song "So many rivers to cross" I have come so far and have been many things and yet the journey continues. You can still become what or who you want to be. I know I keep moving forward towards who I want to be and crossing as many rivers as I have to get there. So join me on the journey..,
-- John Duffy
-- W. Clement Stone
Like the words from that famous Jimmy Cliff song "So many rivers to cross" I have come so far and have been many things and yet the journey continues. You can still become what or who you want to be. I know I keep moving forward towards who I want to be and crossing as many rivers as I have to get there. So join me on the journey..,
-- John Duffy
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Thought for the Day - Mind Opened by Wonder
"I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief."
-- Gerry Spence
Now we will all like this quote but will we examine in ourselves how much of our own mind is closed because of belief?
Are we really ever willing or able to listen to people with alternate or even opposing points of view? Do we just read, listen and view those who agree with us and validate that everything we think is right? Are we really not afraid to entertain other points of view? Can we truly respect those we disagree with or do we have to mock and belittle them? Do you have a mind opened by wonder or do you have a mind closed by belief? I'm sure your mind is opened. Or is it?
-- John Duffy
-- Gerry Spence
Now we will all like this quote but will we examine in ourselves how much of our own mind is closed because of belief?
Are we really ever willing or able to listen to people with alternate or even opposing points of view? Do we just read, listen and view those who agree with us and validate that everything we think is right? Are we really not afraid to entertain other points of view? Can we truly respect those we disagree with or do we have to mock and belittle them? Do you have a mind opened by wonder or do you have a mind closed by belief? I'm sure your mind is opened. Or is it?
-- John Duffy
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thought for the Day -There's Something Wrong
"There's something wrong if you're always right.".
-- Arnold H. Glasgow
I once was always right and yes something was wrong. I thought I knew all the answers and yet I only demonstrated how little I knew. Now time has passed and I have learned so much more and yet I know now how little I know and how much I can learn. And I know I'm not always right and I'm good with that and a lot less is wrong in my lfe...
--John Duffy
-- Arnold H. Glasgow
I once was always right and yes something was wrong. I thought I knew all the answers and yet I only demonstrated how little I knew. Now time has passed and I have learned so much more and yet I know now how little I know and how much I can learn. And I know I'm not always right and I'm good with that and a lot less is wrong in my lfe...
--John Duffy
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Thought for the Day - Your Darkest Day - Your Greatest Day
"Your darkest day can be your greatest gift if you find the lesson."
--Dave Ulloa
Don't know if you had a chance to discover this yet but it is so true. Or at least it was for me. I remember my darkest day only it lasted for months. My world was collapsing in around me emotionally, personally, financially and a couple of close friends were dying and I was lost and in those darkest moments I discovered my strength, courage and what was really important in life. I found the lesson that the old was coming to an end and I needed to start all over and create a new day, a new me and a new life. It was in my darkest despair I found a path to a new life both metaphorically and physically. I packed up everything I had, that was easy it consisted of two suitcases worth and found a ride to California and started all over from scratch. I created a new life and it never would have happened if I didn't go through those dark days, nights and months and discover the lesson. So remember Spring always follows Winter....
-- John Duffy
--Dave Ulloa
Don't know if you had a chance to discover this yet but it is so true. Or at least it was for me. I remember my darkest day only it lasted for months. My world was collapsing in around me emotionally, personally, financially and a couple of close friends were dying and I was lost and in those darkest moments I discovered my strength, courage and what was really important in life. I found the lesson that the old was coming to an end and I needed to start all over and create a new day, a new me and a new life. It was in my darkest despair I found a path to a new life both metaphorically and physically. I packed up everything I had, that was easy it consisted of two suitcases worth and found a ride to California and started all over from scratch. I created a new life and it never would have happened if I didn't go through those dark days, nights and months and discover the lesson. So remember Spring always follows Winter....
-- John Duffy
Monday, July 18, 2011
Thought for the Day - Be as Great as You Choose
"Everyone has a fair turn to be as great as he pleases."
~- Jeremy Collier
How often do we reflect on the fact that we truly have the ability and the opportunity, especially in this country, to be as great as we choose. We can be as healthy as we want. We can be as successful as we want. We just need to set our goals, put in the work and never give up.
-- John Duffy
~- Jeremy Collier
How often do we reflect on the fact that we truly have the ability and the opportunity, especially in this country, to be as great as we choose. We can be as healthy as we want. We can be as successful as we want. We just need to set our goals, put in the work and never give up.
-- John Duffy
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thought for the Day - Perspective and Gratitude
Yesterday I was having a personally challenging day and feeling overwhelmed and I received a FB messages thanking me for my Blog and for helping this friend deal with some challenges in their life. It made me feel grateful that I have helped someone by sharing inspirational quotes and my experiences. After responding to that timely kind message I felt energized to handle my challenges. It reminded me what goes around comes around and what you give out you get back. I am strengthened to continue to encourage others to be the best they can be as I challenge myself to do the same.
Next up I saw post from a another friend on FB that just got her orders to ship out to Afghanistan. It put my situation into perspective. Life is challenging and we all have step up and face our tests with courage. I wish her a safe tour of duty and a speedy return.
I thank these friend's for helping me deal with my day. Stay Strong...
John Duffy
Next up I saw post from a another friend on FB that just got her orders to ship out to Afghanistan. It put my situation into perspective. Life is challenging and we all have step up and face our tests with courage. I wish her a safe tour of duty and a speedy return.
I thank these friend's for helping me deal with my day. Stay Strong...
John Duffy
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Thought for the Day - Player or Pretender
"Pretenders look the part, talk the part and claim the part, but fall short of fulfilling the part. Players have a servant's mindset. Pretenders have a selfish mindset. Players are mission conscious. Pretenders are position conscious. Players can deliver the goods. Pretenders promise the goods. Players love to see others succeed. Pretenders are only interested in their own success."
"Pretending to be real is a lot more exhausting than just being real."
-- John C. Maxwell
John Maxwell nails the difference between being authentic or being a fake. In life you should under promise and over perform. So the conclusion is clear. Don't be a Pretender be for Real!
-- John Duffy
"Pretending to be real is a lot more exhausting than just being real."
-- John C. Maxwell
John Maxwell nails the difference between being authentic or being a fake. In life you should under promise and over perform. So the conclusion is clear. Don't be a Pretender be for Real!
-- John Duffy
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Thought for the Day - No Victims Only Volunteers
"Being Proactive is about taking control and ownership of your life. It is not about laying blame or justifying, which is what victims do. There are no victims, only volunteers."
-- Keith J Cunningham
I love the statement there are no victims only volunteers. Now of course like all things in life there are exceptions to this and this is not to say there are not situations where people truly are victims. The purpose of the statement is to point out that many times in life people choose yes choose to play victim instead of empowering themselves to take an alternative action or course of behaviour. The point is to be proactive and take full control of your life. Yes there are many circumstances in life outside of our control but we have a choice and control over how we respond to to it. So choose to not volunteer to be a victim in life...
John Duffy
-- Keith J Cunningham
I love the statement there are no victims only volunteers. Now of course like all things in life there are exceptions to this and this is not to say there are not situations where people truly are victims. The purpose of the statement is to point out that many times in life people choose yes choose to play victim instead of empowering themselves to take an alternative action or course of behaviour. The point is to be proactive and take full control of your life. Yes there are many circumstances in life outside of our control but we have a choice and control over how we respond to to it. So choose to not volunteer to be a victim in life...
John Duffy
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Thought for the Day - Power Thinking
"The difference between “power thinking” and “positive” thinking is slight but profound. To me, people use positive thinking to pretend that everything is rosy, when they really believe that it’s not. With power thinking, we understand that everything is neutral, that nothing has meaning except for the meaning we give it, and that we are going to make up a story and give something it’s meaning."
--T. Harv Eker
I like the thinking behind this distinction. Others have called it "Possibility Thinking" which I like as well. wasn't much a fan of Positive Thinking when too often it seemed to be nothing more than wishful thinking. I have to admit that I find a lot of New Age stuff rather aire fairy and not grounded in reality. My background growing up in poverty in the South Bronx definitely grounded me in reality. So what I like about T Harv's insight is the reality is things happen and are indeed neutral and we give them meaning and we make up stories to process and deal with reality. So if we are story makers why not make up an empowered meaning and a possibility story. I believe it helps to make a realistic assessment of where you are even if the reality is worse than you like. Once you have that reality based assessment you can set goals and take massive actions to achieve your desired results.
John Duffy
--T. Harv Eker
I like the thinking behind this distinction. Others have called it "Possibility Thinking" which I like as well. wasn't much a fan of Positive Thinking when too often it seemed to be nothing more than wishful thinking. I have to admit that I find a lot of New Age stuff rather aire fairy and not grounded in reality. My background growing up in poverty in the South Bronx definitely grounded me in reality. So what I like about T Harv's insight is the reality is things happen and are indeed neutral and we give them meaning and we make up stories to process and deal with reality. So if we are story makers why not make up an empowered meaning and a possibility story. I believe it helps to make a realistic assessment of where you are even if the reality is worse than you like. Once you have that reality based assessment you can set goals and take massive actions to achieve your desired results.
John Duffy
Monday, July 11, 2011
Thought for the Day - Bitter or Better
"You can choose to be bitter or you can chose to be better. Which choice are you making today?"
-- Author Unknown
Ain't it true when someone hurts you or something doesn't go our way we choose to get bitter and carry the hurt and bitterness with us. What would happen if you choose instead to respond by getting better? I'm sure you know the answer.
John Duffy
-- Author Unknown
Ain't it true when someone hurts you or something doesn't go our way we choose to get bitter and carry the hurt and bitterness with us. What would happen if you choose instead to respond by getting better? I'm sure you know the answer.
John Duffy
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Friday, July 08, 2011
Thought for the Day - Leaders Inspire
"If you’re not inspiring those around you, you’re not Leading. You’re following."
-- Robin Sharma
No matter what business or endeavor you are in if you are a leader your role is to inspire people to be the best they can be. The way to truly inspire is to have your actions match your words and to lead by example.
John Duffy
-- Robin Sharma
No matter what business or endeavor you are in if you are a leader your role is to inspire people to be the best they can be. The way to truly inspire is to have your actions match your words and to lead by example.
John Duffy
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Thought for the Day - Set a Baseline Standard
"If you don't set a baseline standard for what you'll accept in life, you'll find it's easy to slip into behaviors and attitudes or a quality of life that's far below what you deserve."
--Tony Robbins
This is crucial but easier said than done. I just put this in front of me to look at every day to remind my self where I am slacking and falling down. In some areas of my life I have set this and surpassed it but in others not so good. So I am going to re-look at ht different areas of my life and set a higher standard and a new baseline....
John Duffy
--Tony Robbins
This is crucial but easier said than done. I just put this in front of me to look at every day to remind my self where I am slacking and falling down. In some areas of my life I have set this and surpassed it but in others not so good. So I am going to re-look at ht different areas of my life and set a higher standard and a new baseline....
John Duffy
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Thought for the Day - Carve Your Blessings in Stone
"Learn to write your hurts in the sand and carve your blessings in stone.."
-- Author Unkown
Very powerful advice on how to live your life. Just like the waves will erase what you write in the sand find a way to let the hurts disappear. Instead focus on your blessings and live every day grateful for all you have. If you do this you will discover more blessings in your life than you thought.
John Duffy
-- Author Unkown
Very powerful advice on how to live your life. Just like the waves will erase what you write in the sand find a way to let the hurts disappear. Instead focus on your blessings and live every day grateful for all you have. If you do this you will discover more blessings in your life than you thought.
John Duffy
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Thought for the Day - You Gotta Sweat
“Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get.”
-- Ray Kroc
There is no get rich quick, there is no something for nothing, there is no way to get to the top of the mountain without climbing. You gotta sweat. You got to put in the work.
John Duffy
-- Ray Kroc
There is no get rich quick, there is no something for nothing, there is no way to get to the top of the mountain without climbing. You gotta sweat. You got to put in the work.
John Duffy
Monday, July 04, 2011
Happy 4th of July
The song "American Heart" resonates very deeply for me.
"I’m American made
I got American parts"...
I was born in the Bronx, the son of two Irish immigrants who came to America in 1928 during the Great Depression to find the American Dream and they gave it to me.
I can say that I became a proud Born Again American on September 11, 2001.
"‘Cause a mother can always find her child
Even when that child don’t know he’s lost"...
And yes I was lost for many, many years searching for a Utopia and rejecting and not appreciating America but thankfully I found my way back home.
And today I can say unequivocally I am a believer and a champion of American Exceptionalism and the American Dream.
"But I say I still believe in
The greatest Liberator, Innovator, Cultivator
Freedom knows..."
This July 4th we can celebrate the bringing of justice to Osama bin Laden but more importantly we can celebrate all that is great about America and all that unites us. So I can say in the words of "American Heart"
"I’m American made
I got American parts
Got American faith
In America’s heart
Go on raise the flag
I got stars in my eyes
I’m in love with her
And I won’t apologize"
Happy July 4th. Let Freedom Ring......
John Duffy
Thought for the Day -Heroes Live Up to Their Responsibilities
"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom."
— Bob Dylan
This Veteran's Day remember those heroes who put it on the line every day for us.
John Duffy
— Bob Dylan
This Veteran's Day remember those heroes who put it on the line every day for us.
John Duffy
Gary Sinise and Lt Dan's Band for the Common Good- Movie opens today July 4th
www.ltdanbandmovie.com
The movie "Lt Dan's Band opens today July 4th. I saw it at a pre-screening at the USC military social work program and highly recommend you download it.
1 out of every $4 per download will benefit Gary's new foundation, Gary Sinise Foundation whose mission is to serve and honor those who serve our nation and their families. Check out the article and you can register for the July 4th premiere at
This July 4th remember those that serve and make a donation to organizations that give back to the Veterans. Here are a few deserving organizations...
Gary Sinise Foundation
http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/
Gary Sinise Foundation on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GarySiniseFoundation?sk=app_190322544333196
Operation Gratitude
http://www.opgratitude.com/index.php
Wounded Warrior Project
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Fisher House
http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Friday, July 01, 2011
Thought for the Day - Take Action, Take Massive Action
"Success seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit."
-- Conrad Hilton
And they don't stop taking action. Sometimes the best solution is to take massive action. I know there were many times I didn't know the answers but I kept trying stuff, experimenting and taking action to I got a result I wanted. Just Do It...,
John Duffy
-- Conrad Hilton
And they don't stop taking action. Sometimes the best solution is to take massive action. I know there were many times I didn't know the answers but I kept trying stuff, experimenting and taking action to I got a result I wanted. Just Do It...,
John Duffy
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