At the end of this article, I’m going to request that you take a few moments out of your busy day to watch a short video. Many of you will immediately dismiss the thought as you simply don’t have time for that nonsense. You might want to rethink that train of thought.

My request isn’t for me. I’ll never know whether you watched it or not. My request will benefit YOU and possibly many others as a result of your seeing it. Let me explain.

Far too many times, we unintentionally pass up opportunities to “pay it forward” for the simple reason that we don’t have time. We’re too absorbed with “busy work,” we’re off to a meeting, we feel we have more important things to do. What’s more important than influencing the life of another in a positive way?

Let’s try a quick re-frame here. How would you feel if a teacher, counselor, or coach had an opportunity to influence your child or grandchild in a way that would modify his/her life forever in a very positive way? Warm and appreciative feeling, right? How would you feel if that key person in your child’s live could have but didn’t make that difference? What if they were too busy … had to make a phone call … or felt it simply wasn’t that important? Disheartened, resentful, shocked? I would be!

We have no way of knowing how many possibilities we’ve overlooked in the past. Disregard that aspect. Focus instead on the many opportunities awaiting us in the days ahead and begin immediately to seek them out. Don’t let even one potential situation pass you by.

If you’ve ever wondered if you can, in fact, influence others, watch this video of famed author and speaker Wayne Dyer sharing the story of young Teddy whose life was totally transformed by a single teacher … interestingly enough, the teacher’s life was transformed by young Teddy as well. This story may well impact your future thinking and actions. If so, it’s certainly worth the few minutes to view this touching video. You may also have to wipe away a tear …

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.

I’m a strong believer in the idea that “things happen for a reason.” I always have been. I know it isn’t a popular belief, but it works for me. I’ve seen proof in many aspects of my own life, and I struggle to deny those instances. I recently experienced a couple of those situations within a month’s time.

When a client contacts us for a consultation, facilitation of a seminar, or a keynote presentation, it’s pretty safe to assume that they’re looking for a return on their investment. Of course, we make certain that they get just that … and more. However, every now and then, I’m blessed to be able to walk away from an assignment knowing I’ve gained as much, or more, than those I actually served.

That happened just recently twice within a very short period of time. I was invited to keynote the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association Therapeutic Recreation Institute Conference in northern Michigan. A few weeks later, I traveled to Southern Florida on behalf of EBS Healthcare to spend the entire day with the Physical and Occupational Therapists of the West Palm Beach Schools.

Both groups, although located 23 hours apart, share a number of remarkable characteristics! It’s very obvious that it takes a very special person to be a recreation, physical, or occupational therapist. After meeting, greeting and interacting with these very dynamic professionals, I couldn’t help but associate them with two other groups I highly respect … teachers and soldiers! Members of all three groups are very intelligent, experienced, well-trained, and tremendously dedicated to their work and those they so skillfully serve. The therapists are also extremely underpaid for what they accomplish on a daily basis for students, teachers and parents. However, it’s quite obvious they aren’t driven by money … they love what they do and would probably do it for nothing if necessary. I feel the same holds true for both teachers and soldiers as well.

The time I spent with these Michigan and Floridian therapists was truly priceless. It’s such a joy to be surrounded by such genuinely dedicated people who are concerned about their industry, each other, and those they serve. Their work is indeed exceptionally demanding and yet also extremely rewarding. My personal concern is that they, like teachers and soldiers, are too often taken for granted or simply unappreciated. Far too few people are even aware of what these therapists do or the challenges they must face in their quest to serve and support. And yet I couldn’t help but notice that these unsung heroes simply radiate enthusiasm and devotion!

I’d like to thank Kristine Kading of the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association Therapeutic Recreation Institute, Jill Parmenter of EBS Healthcare of Pennsylvania, and the West Palm Beach Schools for providing me with truly gratifying experiences and the opportunity to meet such magnificent people. In return I’d like to unofficially proclaim the next 30 days as “Hug a Therapist Month.” You definitely won’t regret it and they assuredly deserve it!

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.

For those of you who aren’t football fans … don’t tune out. This is not a football story. Instead, you’re about to hear a true tale of compassion, integrity, class, teamwork and leadership!

Visualize, if you will, a typical Friday night high school football game. This one happens to be a contest between the Maryville Spoofhounds (don’t even ask!) and the St. Joseph Benton Cardinals … two rival schools about 42 miles apart situated near the Missouri/Kansas border. It really wasn’t much of a game as Maryville was leading 46-0 as the clock wound down to the final play of the game. It looked like an obvious shut out for the Spoofhounds! Those who may have left early due to the lopsided score may have missed the play of the century!

Two high school football coaches + 21 football players + supportive fans joined forces to produce what must be classified as the CLASS ACT of the season! With time for only one more play left on the clock, Cardinals coach Dan McCamey called a time out and ran out on the gridiron to talk to the Spoofhounds and their coach at midfield. He quickly explained that he had a 15-year-old freshman running back with Down Syndrome who had spent the entire season on the bench. Every Friday night he had begged the coach to get into a game.

The two teams lined up for the last play of the game after the coach allowed young Matt Ziesel to join the team on the field. Matt miraculously broke free of a tackler and ran 60 yards for the touchdown that put his Cardinals on the scoreboard. Matt was in seventh heaven as was his family, fans, and teammates. In fact, so was the other team as everyone but Matt knew that the Spoofhounds had allowed him to score.

Here’s another prime example of a good news story that very few people ever heard about. We need stories like this now more than ever before. Those involved on that special Friday night treasured that last play of the game and will never forget it. Years from now, each of those involved will look back with pride and cherish the memory of that special touchdown run by Matt Ziesel!

None of this would have happened if it hadn’t been for the leadership demonstrated by those two coaches and the teamwork displayed by the other 21 players on the field as Matt ran his heart out. I think some future leaders walked off that field that night feeling a little better about themselves and the world in general.

The Cardinals lost the battle that night … 46-6. But they won the war! In fact, both teams did!

See the clip of that special touchdown run by clicking on this link … and please feel free to pass this very special story on to others as well!

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.

I’m embarrassed. In fact, I’m ashamed to a certain extent. Ever have a bad day? I think we all have at one point or another. It’s inevitable.

As I look back over the past month, I can remember a number of various incidents that contributed to having a bad day or two. For instance:

• Couldn’t hail a cab during a rainstorm in New York City.
• Spilled sauce on a brand new dress shirt.
• Got a large splinter lodged in my index finger.
• Missed my connection in Atlanta and had to take a later flight.
• Spilled a container of honey in my kayak.
• Watched one of my favorite football teams lose in the last 30 seconds.

Get my drift? Life can sometimes be downright cruel!

I’m sure most of you have heard the saying: “Change Your Thinking – Change Your Life!” That’s so very true. Others call that “Re-framing.” Still works.

Let me share an example as proof of my declaration.

I thought that any one of those incidents I mentioned earlier constituted a bad day.

Then, I had occasion to see a short, touching video that changed my thinking altogether.

Can you imagine being the parent of a child who was born with no arms and no legs? What kind of future would you think that child would have? Seriously, pause and give that horrid thought some consideration. Disheartening, isn’t it?

Now consider something which may be even worse. Consider the possibility that this child was YOU! What kind of future could you foresee for yourself? Pretty dismal, wouldn’t you say?

Well, this child actually did exist. His name is Nick Vujicic, and today he’s 27 years old. He was born in Melbourne, Australia, with the rare Tetra-amelia disorder: limbless, missing both arms at shoulder level, and legless but with two small feet, one of which has just two toes.

Nick’s life was filled with difficulties and hardships. He learned to write using the two toes on his left “foot” and a special device that slid onto his big toe to grip.

This remarkable young man was determined to overcome his disability and make a difference in today’s chaotic world. He did just that! For instance:

• He learned to use a computer and type using the “heel and toe” method.
• He learned to throw tennis balls and plays football and golf!
• He answers the phone, shaves and brushes his teeth.
• He learned how to swim and surf (yes, surf!)

Nick graduated from college at the age of 21 with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning. He began his travels as a motivational speaker, focusing on the topics that today’s teenagers face. He has spoken to more than two million people so far in churches, schools and corporate meetings in 20 countries on four continents (Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America).

Today, Nick’s a preacher, a motivational speaker and the director of Life Without Limbs, an organization for the physically disabled. Who would have guessed 27 years ago that this beautiful limbless baby would one day be someone who would inspire and motivate people from all walks of life, touching lives all over the world?

I now look back on my list of burdens that could result in a “bad day,” and I hang my head in shame. I think about Nick, what’s he’s overcome, and what he’s accomplished against all odds and I start my day with renewed hope and faith that any one of us can accomplish just about anything we make up our mind to do.

Take a look at this short video and see Nick impacting young lives as no other could do. You’ll undoubtedly tear up but you’ll feel much better as a result. Have a good day!

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management.  For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.