:: jorgefusaro.com :: » Motivation

Stuck in a Moment: Good or Not?

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:51:36 +0000

What if “getting stuck” is not such a bad thing? We all get stuck in a moment–sooner or later–and often quite frequently. These moments could be crossroads in life, projects at work or school, or decisions involving other people. Perhaps you get stuck in deciding among the many choices at the supermarket or the video store. Or when tackling a crossword puzzle or trivia question. Or when making a moral or ethical decision.

People get stuck for a number of reasons, some more significant than others.

Unfortunately, getting stuck does not sit well with most people, especially leaders, managers, and over-achievers. It is seen as unproductive, ineffective, and undetermined. Many even choose to remain quietly stuck to avoid criticism from others.

Truth is, everyone gets stuck, quite frequently.

Popular wisdom urges people to get unstuck ASAP and get on with their lives. It cheers people with phrases like, “you can do it!” or “get on it!” However, popular wisdom rarely asks the question: Why am I stuck and what can I learn from this moment?

This question has everything to do with how you live your life and how you face moments when you get stuck. If you have a learning and humble attitude towards life you are more likely to find value and gain wisdom from these moments. If you rush through experiences or cover your least favorite moments with “denial,” “pride,” “stubbornness,” or “temporary distractions,” you will miss out, on all the wise lessons to learn from the moment.

The moment is not your enemy. Sometimes it’s good to be stuck there for a little while. Rushing to get out can rob you of the value of being stuck in that moment. Those are the times that will help you understand yourself better, shine light on your beliefs, and examine your actions and behaviors. I like to look at these moments as pit-stops in the journey of life.

Embrace the moments you get stuck in. Life happens in these moments.

Next time you get stuck, consider the following:

Think and reflect: Explore and learn more about yourself.
Rest: Refuel, refocus, renew your energy, and obtain clarity.
Pray: What is the divine purpose in and of this moment? What does God want to convey to me? “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God (through prayer), who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).”
Ask for help or accept the help of a friend or family member. We are human beings, created to help one another and not do everything on our own.
Journal your way through it. Keeping notes during and after help you translate the experience into wisdom and internalize it.

When I get stuck, I like to pray and ask God to give me the wisdom to know what got me here and what He is trying to teach me. I live my life with the assurance that God is in control of my life and His purpose(s) for my life are the best. I know that my life is “a work in progress” and the moments I get stuck-in are learning moments.

We are refined in the moments of life. Next time you feel stuck ask yourself: Why am I stuck and what can I learn from this moment?

The last verses of the classic U2 song, “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” remind us that moments come and go. Embrace the moments, but don’t let the moments rule over you.

“And if the night runs over
And if the day won’t last
And if your way should falter
Along the stony pass
It’s just a moment
This time will pass.”

-Bono U2, “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of”
January 29, 2001

“It’s just a moment. This time will pass.”

If you are looking for more ideas and “how-to’s” on “getting unstuck,” visit Penelope Trunk’s recent post.

Five Days After Being Unplugged from Technology + a New Resolution

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:12:13 +0000

Outdoor Hammock by Royal Botania

Some of my online friends pointed out that I was “disconnected” and MIA for 5-6 days. I really had no idea. By no means, did I plan to take a break from the web during the first days of the year. I got caught up with people, conversation, and social events.

And I am so glad I did.

Did I miss being online? No.
Did I consider going online? No.
Did the “break” have an effect on me? Yes.

Becoming unconsciously unplugged was an unexpected gift. My mind, body, and spirit received the adequate rest to welcome the New Year with new energy and a renewed focus.

Truth is, I did not feel withdrawn from what was happening on the Twitter stream or the live feeds on Facebook.

In fact, I felt more connected with others and myself.

This small break reminded me, that even tough I appreciate and love my online community; it is incapable of replacing face-to-face conversation and the warmth of human interaction.

So, I’ve added another resolution for this New Year: spend less time online and more time offline.

How will I accomplish this?

Share my resolution publicly (just did).
Have my personal coach keep me accountable.
Set limits/boundaries: spend a maximum of 3 hrs a day online.
Stay off the computer on Saturdays.
Set rules, measure, and monitor my time online. (Still working on details/software)
Try to use the phone more rather than texting/emailing/tweeting/FB messaging.

That’s it for now. I am sure more practical ideas will come to mind as I figure out what works best.

What do you do to monitor the time you spend online?

Share in the comment section below. Thanks!

Four Questions to Sharpen your Vision and a Reminder to Count Your Blessings

Jorge Fusaro — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 09:46:25 +0000

Photo by Johnny Mobasher

We are hours away from the New Year. I am excited to witness (and be part) of what God will do in 2010!

I feel ready because I’ve done my homework. I’ve taken the time to process the year and take it all in: the good, the bad, and the ugly. What is done, it’s done and there is no possible way of turning back or changing history. Chapter closed.

However, the future is full of possibilities…

We are entering a new decade. It is time for: a blank page, a fresh canvas, a new slate. It’s time to create, to imagine, and to achieve. If this doesn’t get you fired-up and ready to hit the ground running, what does?

I love asking questions. In the past week, I asked about a dozen people: What have you learned this year and what are you looking forward to in 2010?

Only one person had a clear answer.

I know life happens so fast that few people seldom take the time to ponder, reflect, and plan. Think for a second: What does this say about them and what they want?

As an encouragement take the time to write ideas, experiences, and goals. Don’t assume you will remember them, because you are most likely not going to. You’ve probably discovered this by now. I have. This exercise should not take you more than one or two hours and the payoff will be HUGE! Don’t overestimate the power of reflecting, journaling, and affirming.

Here are four questions to sharpen your vision:

What did you learn about yourself this year? List the major life lessons.
What were the principal themes that kept recurring in 2009 and what did you do about them?
What did you accomplish and are most proud of for 2009?
Looking ahead: What are you going to achieve in 2010?

In preparation for the New Year, make a special effort to stop and count your blessings. There is so much to be thankful about.

Happy New Year!

Our Deepest Fear… (Lyrics and Video)

Jorge Fusaro — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:59:17 +0000

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkdgK3adrmw

Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us. It is not just within some of us; it is in everyone.

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

-Marianne Williamson, “A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles,” 1992

-Used by Nelson Mandela (wrongly accredited to him online) on his 1994 inaugural speech

-Used in the movie Coach Carter, 2004

Motivation: What's your Daily Dose?

Jorge Fusaro — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:32:12 +0000

“People often tell me that motivation doesn’t last, and I tell them that bathing doesn’t either. That’s why I recommend it daily.” –Zig Ziglar

It’s easy to get distracted and lose focus. Especially when Monday comes and the work week begins for most of us.

Over the years I have discovered that what works best for me is pasting my big goals in a visible place where I can see them everyday. Below my goals, I also include inspiring quotes and Bible verses that sum up what is most important to me. These words constantly remind me what is my calling, purpose, mission, and vision. Most importantly, they remind me that I am part of a bigger story; a story scripted by the same author that created this awesome world and every unique and beautiful human being. This is the same author that is here with me as I type these words on my blog. Not only does He keep me motivated to live each day filled with passion, joy, and on purpose, but also motivates me to walk with integrity.

Aside of my daily shower and motivation, I need my time to meditate with God. During this time I read, pray, listen, and let it all sink in. I end up much better than when I started. I am often refueled with clarity, confidence, peace, and understanding. This is the time that impacts all other “times” in my day. This is the cornerstone of my life.

Picture your vision for life. Who do you want to be? What is most important for you? For your spouse, family, community? Write two or three sentences and/or include some quotes and capture that vision. Now paste it on your fridge, desk, or set it as a desktop wallpaper. Let this be your daily compass as your move forward in life.

Personality begins where comparison ends…

Jorge Fusaro — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:32:57 +0000

I recently came across this quote by German-born fashion designer and artist Karl Lagerfeld:

“Personality begins where comparison ends.”

Personality is the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of a person. When we talk about character, we essentially speak of the qualities and distinctions which make a person unique. This uniqueness is worthy to be embraced. It makes you special and singular. There is no one like you.

The trouble people constantly face in our self-centered and materialistic culture is they cannot stop comparing themselves to others, specially when it comes to external looks and items we possess, or not. Lagerfeld does make a point about style. What if we all stop comparing ourselves?

Everyone has their own style. Embrace your style. Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Style belongs to you. You are the owner, the leader, the trendsetter, and the remixer when it come to style. You determine how you want to style yourself.

In a way, style is in the eye of the beholder. Don’t let comparison determine your level of confidence. Let your true personality shine!

The Trailer for Happiness Is…

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:54:38 +0000

According to Webster’s dictionary, happiness is: “An agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from good fortune or propitious happening of any kind; the possession of those circumstances or that state of being which is attended enjoyment; the state of being happy; contentment; joyful satisfaction; felicity; blessedness.”

Did you know the US ranks way low in happiness studies worldwide?

Director Andrew Shapter, curious to learn more about happiness went on a road trip across America to find answers to one of the most profound and ecstatic states of self: happiness.

“Happiness is…”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSW2mzOumno

Are happiness definitions as unique as finger prints? What can we learn about ourselves when we realize that the declaration of independence didn’t give us the right to happiness but rather the right to pursue it? So come along on our journey as we talk to a colorful cast of characters about what happiness means and explore whether we can increase happiness across America…the answers may surprise you!
-From: www.happinessisthemovie.com

The Meaning of Life – $9.99 the movie, for sale!

Jorge Fusaro — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:03:11 +0000

Oh, the meaning of life! Probably the most sought-after question in history! This Animated Feature looks pretty fun and interesting, nonetheless, creative!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVypa4wXTzc

Check the website for synopsis, bios, and making of: http://www.9dollars99movie.com

The Years Are Short

Jorge Fusaro — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:35:54 +0000

“The days are long, the years are short.”

This is a special movie on that reminds us about the beauty of life and relationships and how easy we can miss “the moments” if we do not pay attention! Time is a precious resource to be managed wisely and enjoyed as much as possible- especially with those we love the most.

SEE THE SHORT FILM ONLINE :: The Years Are Short ::.

Movie by Gretchen Rubin, “The Happiness Project”

“THE HAPPINESS PROJECT–a memoir about the year I spent test-driving every principle, tip, theory, and scientific study I could find, whether from Aristotle or St. Therese or Martin Seligman or Oprah. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will gather these rules for living and report on what works and what doesn’t. On this daily blog, I recount some of my adventures and insights as I grapple with the challenge of being happier. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will hit the shelves in late 2009 (HarperCollins).”

Rethinking Life in Recession Times

Jorge Fusaro — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:07:28 +0000

The current economic crisis continues to push millions of Americans (and non-Americans) to rethink different aspects of life. They are exploring the state and quality of, their: relationships, careers, goals, dreams, finances, spirituality, etc. They are asking questions that have not surfaced before or they have ignored in the past.

Are you one of these millions of people? Perhaps you are asking yourself some of the questions below:

Am I pursuing my passion?
What is #1 for me? Is it family, work, career, spirituality, play, party, or myself?
Do I have a healthy balance in my life?
Am I happy with my career?
Am I really spending adequate time with my family, spouse, and children?
If I get fired or downsized from my company, what would I do next?
Do I have enough resources in my rainy-day fund? Or, do I have one?
Fill in the blank: ______________?

It has been said, that tough times, can either make you or break you. They occur when you least expect them to or when you are least prepared. It is your decision whether to transform this tough time into a positive or negative learning experience. Tough times present opportunities which reveal the true character of people and society. What is this crisis revealing about you?

Take some time to ponder the questions that may be coming to you now. How are you reacting to them? Are you engaging them? Are you sharing some of these questions with trusted people to help you process them? As I have mentioned before, we were not created to live life on our own. Life is complex and it’s important to have the right support system to succeed. As you prepare for the next year and reflect on your life, ask yourself:

What is most important for me?
Am I living on a budget or spending as I feel?
What new change or improvement in my life will fill me with most joy?
What do I want to accomplish this coming year?

As a personal leadership and career coach, I want to encourage you to take action and ownership of your life. Discover what is more important to you and those around you. Commit to living the life you want!