In Search Of Ourselves

Vacations For Body and Mind

2008-06-10T12:09:00.003-05:00

Over the years, I have not really been a big fan of vacations as a manner of changing my view of the stresses at work.

Don't get me wrong, I don't really mind getting out and doing some different things (though the packing is a pain in the butt). But for me, despite being away for a week, when I have gotten back, it takes time to get caught back up. It's almost as if it would have been better if I could have done a bit of work related stuff on the time away.

For the past couple of year, I've pretty much taken the vacation break and stayed in town. You know, the whole make your city your vacation campground. It's not like you really get away doing that unless you get a hotel/motel room somewhere and not stay home.

But this week, it's going to be a bit different. We are going to get away for a few days. With things going on at the day job for both of us (a lot of things happening that we don't really know about, I'm sure), it's just a need to get away.

While we won't be all that far away, it's still going to a different place than either of us have been before.... Or at least in a long time. There is talk of miniature golf, riding horses, a kayak, and of course different places to eat. So it still won't be cheap unless we find a way to bring out own stuff.

While I may not be the biggest fan of vacations, they are needed. It gives your body a break from the normal activities of life. And it may even give you a decent workout (as long as the horse doesn't get all ancy and throw you off onto your butt (I sense a theme from packing and this).

If you can, please, get out and get away for a day or two. Even it if means doing something in your own town. Do something. enjoy nature while it's behaving. Take your mind off of things, think of nothing, think of the little things, think of grass and how it stands back up after being stepped on. (boy, there's a connection to possible work related stuff).

So get out there, get off your butt and take it easy out there for a couple of days.

So where have you taken vacations / breaks at?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

When Doing Something Different Messes With People

2008-05-31T22:48:00.004-05:00

Have you ever done something (not unusual, but just not at the same time you would always do it) and it just messed with those who "know you best?"

Who does that say more about... Them for being messed with and confused as if you were incapable of doing this at a different time? Or you for noticing that they were confused and incapable of dealing with our ability to be so "living in the moment?"

It's happened to me so much in the past, I just sorta just stopped (well, cut way down on) doing things out of my normal pattern, be it timing or skills or what it is I am doing at a given moment.

But today, I did something which I needed to do for the near future. I needed clothes, so I went shopping. Now I have shopped before, but I guess the timing of doing such a thing on my own on a Saturday was strange for folks. Maybe it was the whole idea that I did it on my own on a Saturday that caused it. Usually, I am out shopping with my girlfriend and getting clothes and the like with her, for her and her daughter. I look for me during those times, but usually don't find anything.

Today was different. The pressure was on, and I needed shorts. So I went shopping before arriving over there for a change. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Anyway, all is fine and dandy. Clothes are in the trunk for a later date. And I am here typing on a computer way across the room. Which is good. As it all should be.

So, What do you do within character (as far as you are concerned) which others for one reason or other question or feel is actually way out of character for you?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

Does New Stuff Make You More Than You Were?

2008-05-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

Well, the new computer arrived Monday.

As luck would have it, I didn't get the change to do much with it. The grass needed cutting because of all of the recent rain we have had (and knowing this week would be more of the same). In addition to that, I stayed an extra hour at the day job because we just didn't have the people available to cover.

So, once all of that was accomplished, I was finally able to take the computer out of the box, set it up to some extent and see just what was on there and if the basic things were working.

So far, so good. The speaker output works fine, the DVD player actually plays DVDs. I have the same old monitor (it works for what I need it for). I also installed a few programs and they are working alright from what I can see.

It's not hooked up to the Internet yet. Will do that in the coming days. But once that is done, I do wonder how much more productive I may end up being. Sure, as I mentioned in the main site blog last week ( http://www.djstoddard.net ) I bought some things in with the idea of being able to do more, write more, accomplish more, organize more, type more, create more, become more, and just plain get more done.

While it's nice to think all of the new stuff will help me accomplish those sorts of things, I am realizing it will still be up to me to make it work. I will need to sit in the chair and make the items do what they can do. To make what I am expecting them to make. To do what I hope they will do. To accomplish more with their assistance.

Ya see, after way too many years in the past thinking that once I get this thing or that thing, I will be well on my way of doing what I need to do.

We've all heard the reasons why we are not currently doing what we could be doing.

Things like...

I'll start writing the book as soon as I have time
Once the kids are back in school, I will start that sewing project
After I pay off the car, I will start taking care of myself better
After our vacation, I will be more energized to do what I have been doing.

Look around the web, you are sure to find postings out there about the same sorts of things.

The question becomes, what can you do now, with what you have, to make things better?

Trust me, I don't think the computer itself is what will make me more productive, get more done, become more, create more, necessarily. But if the thought of having something and actually using it helps, then by all means give it a shot. But don't think you couldn't do it all without something new and improved.

Now It's Your Turn...

What have you been thinking you need to have before you can get further along?
Do you really need to have it? (yes, maybe a new camera is needed for your photography business, but do you need all the fancy software to go with it)?
What can you do now to get started?
Can you treat yourself to something small which could inspire you to do more (before actually acquiring this new thing you feel you need)?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

P.S. If this has helped you, I would be honored if you would buy me a cup of tea.

Grass Takes Time To Grow

2008-05-02T15:26:00.003-05:00

This past week or so, we have been attempting to get the bare spots in the yard to actually show some growth of grass.

It's taken time and patience. I had cut the spots in the yard which were quite healthy and tall a couple of weeks ago. But now, in an effort to not mess up greatness and hope, I have held back from cutting anything in hopes of seeing new greenery popping up from where it once was years ago.

Like so much, it takes time. Write your own cliches about this topic here.___________________________________________________.

It's been almost two weeks, and there are signs that what we had been doing AND NOT doing may be paying off. There are tiny blades of grass fighting their way through the ground.

So what does all of this have to do with the whole "In Search of Ourselves" thing? I'm not real sure. I do believe there is something in all of this however. Maybe we've been struggling and getting "nowhere" for so long and feel like changing course. Maybe we get word that rain is going to come and we can stop watering it so much and let nature do the work (then no rain, that was today). What can I say, things happen to get us down all of the time.

But keep at it. Sure, maybe we could adjust a little bit some of the things we are doing. We could stop doing a few other things that are not working out or moving us forward. Or we just have to do a lot more of something just in case it is doing the most good for ourselves.

Now It's Your Turn...

What are you working on, but seemingly getting nowhere? What once upon a time started to show some promise, but you stopped what you were doing thinking it was all going to take care of itself from then on?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

Six Words To The Wise

2008-04-28T09:47:00.004-05:00

When it comes to seeing who we are, where we've been, what we've been up to and where we are going, there are countless ways to go about remembering all of those things.

We may have pictures or awards or some curled up piece of paper in the back of a box in the far corner of the basement under the suitcases from a distant vacation we took which reminds us that yes, I was once an outgoing crazy kid who the world loved. Or maybe we just remember.

But what if you could sum up various activities in your life in just a few words? They would help bring back so many good memories. And, for those planning great things for the future, it works especially well for that as well.

There is a book out, "Not Quite What I Was Planning," where some well-known folks as well as the rest of us have put their life stories in 6 words (or less even). My change to the book's title is that while it says it's not what I was planning, using 6 words could very easily be used to simplify our future plans, goals and inspirations.

I'm still awaiting my own copy of the book, but from what I have read around the web, it is an inspiring, humorous, thoughtful, deep, compact and pretty darn simple concept to use in many areas of your life.

Plus, it's short and simple. My kind of book to read.

Now It's Your Turn...

In 6 words, what are you going to be when you grow up?
Where do you see yourself down the road?
Where have you been?
How do you see your past self?
How do you see your current self?

Ooops, sorry. Got a little carried away there. Usually I just ask 1 or 2 questions. I guess this short way of doing things can be a pretty long exercise.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

Update: Even Mother Cats Know What To Do

2008-04-25T14:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, mama cat came back and got her kittens and took them to their new home (where ever that shall be). She hopped over the fence, lined up all her kittens and gave the charge. She hopped over the fence and the rest of her family crawled under.

They made it to the neighbor's house when mama noticed one of them hung back. Mama came back, picked up the straggler by the back of the neck and took them on their way.

It just goes to show, you don't need too much outside information to know what you should do. Stick with your instincts and what you were brought up to do and go for it.

Now your question...

What are you feeling you should be doing, but are not for one reason or another?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

Meow: A Blessing In Timing

2008-04-24T16:47:00.002-05:00

I don't know about you, but there are moments when things just seem to happen.

This week while raking the leaves from the plants in the back yard, a black cat came running out, headed to the fence and just watched me as I watched her. I didn't even see her. She was laying on the side under the plants and leaves tucked away where no one could see her.

Jump ahead to Wednesday. Looking behind the plants (they grow right up to the house) we found 5 kittens.

Now, for years we have been dog people. I have had a dog in my family since I was probably 8 years old. So with the idea of now having kittens, is a bit strange. But yet, it would give folks someone to look after a bit, care for and see grow on their own.

Now here is the timing part. For those American Idol watchers here in the states, the guest talent was Andrew Lloyd Weber. The man behind countless musicals such as Cats, Phantom of the Opera and others.

My question is this... is the timing of finding the cats behind the plants, on the same night Sir Andrew performed with the contestants just a coincidence? Is there a meaning as to why the cats pick our house (the dog people that we have been) to be the birth place and mini sanctuary for their family?

Now for your question...

What events have you been a part of, or things that struck you as interestingly timed, have made you sit back and wonder about? What larger picture is there? Is there really a picture at all? and the simple question, what does it all mean?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

Simply Unmotivated Success

2008-04-23T13:13:00.001-05:00

The original video I made a couple of years ago. May very well be even more appropriate today with my up and coming interest in setting goals.

David

Rollin Rollin Rollin

2008-04-23T09:47:00.002-05:00

I want to take a moment to thank this blog for the encouragement (and ideas it allowed me to come up with) from yesterday's conversation. It seems to have been a starting point of sorts to moving forward instead of just sitting still.

It's not that I have been doing a lot of nothing lately, (though it's close), what I have been doing is just going through the motions of sorts. You know, show up at the day job, do what I can to help them become all they can be. Do things for others that assist them in moving forward or accomplishing more of their stuff.

At home, it's the yard work, the shopping, the straightening, the washing, the ironing (every morning), and on weekends, making of the bed. (I still don't really understand that one all of the time). At night, when I have the time, the energy and the ability to get something going, I sit more often than I care to admit and do a lot of less than effective stuff.

But after the conversation in this blog yesterday, and the blog post I wrote this morning on my MySpace blog, things are looking up. I have more of an "urge" if you will to type more, write more, create more, make something useful, contribute more to my own things as well as what will benefit others in the process.

Well, that and reading Al "The Real GoalGetter" Smith's comments on yesterday's post, have me thinking a bit more, doing more and wanting to get something accomplished more than just sitting on the couch and doing stuff for the sake of doing stuff.

So my question for you is this.....

What does it take to inspire you? What needs to take place for you to stop DOING "stuff" and start ACCOMPLISHING stuff?

P.S. I bought Al's Hidden Power of Goal Setting. I haven't MADE the time to read it yet. (you know, day job and all - Though goal setting for things on the job could benefit that as well). From the amount of stuff included with the downloads, this will indeed be well worth the cost. Now to read it, listen to it, and put it to use.

I'll let ya know how it goes.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

A Conversation

2008-04-22T10:15:00.005-05:00

In Search Of Ourselves: Hey there David, welcome back.

David: Hey there yourself.

In Search Of Ourselves: How have you been? It's been a while.

David: I know. I haven't been here in more than a month.

In Search Of Ourselves: What have you been up to?

David: The usual. You know, life has a way of moving forward.

In Search Of Ourselves: You can say that again.

David: Yeah. It seems the thoughts and plans from last month just didn't quite get executed as well as I would have liked.

In Search Of Ourselves: It happens I suppose. But if it's important to you David, you need to make the commitment to it more than you have. I've missed you. Others have missed you.

David: I know. I'm sorry about that. But it's been rough. I just haven't gotten around to coming back. I just haven't had the time.

In Search Of Ourselves: Ohhhhh! I see. So what you are saying is that it takes a lot of time to log in here, type something and post it?

David: Well, no. Not really.

In Search Of Ourselves: I see you made a post earlier today on your main site. www.djstoddard.net

David: Yes. I did that a little while ago.

In Search Of Ourselves: How long did it take you to do that one?

David: Well, if I take out all of the interruptions which happened in the process of writing that one, and the urge I had to clean up a few other things along the way, it was about 5 minutes. But over all, it was about 40 minutes in all.

In Search Of Ourselves: Ok, so in that little bit of time (the 5 minutes I'm talking about), do you think you can spare 5 minutes each day in some fashion? I'll even triple it to 15 minutes. That covers a few minor interruptions which perhaps you can't get away from. Do you think you can do that?

David: Ummmmmmm. Yes. On paper with a schedule, it looks like I can do anything.

In Search Of Ourselves: But your problem is.....

David: Putting my butt in the chair and actually doing it.

In Search Of Ourselves: David, tell you what I'm going to do. Everything you have told me to this point in our short 5 minute conversation, I am going to type out for you and publish it. Think of it as a freebie. A way to get something accomplished.

David: Wow!. You can do that?

In Search Of Ourselves: Yes. and it won't take me very long either. Think of this as a bit of a continuation of your previous post about your being back in the saddle. But now, with this additional post, you actually feel as if you are getting somewhere. It's like the old days when stores used to have those mechanical horses sitting outside and you would beg your mother for a quarter so you could ride it.

David: Yes. But what does that have to do with...

In Search Of Ourselves: Everything David. In order for you go get things done such as writing in this blog, you need to put a quarter in. And that quarter comes in the form of wanting to do this, betting your butt to sit in the chair and logging in. Then, of course, holding on with your hands on the keyboard making the magic happen.

David: Do you think this will work? Do you think I can do it?

In Search Of Ourselves: It doesn't matter what I think. It's all up to you. You have written about it all before. You know, about the need to get out of your own way? Think of this as the next logical step in doing just that. It doesn't take long. And as you'll see once you stop typing to me and press the publish button, you have already done a lot.

David: You could be right. It doesn't take much to get started doing something. The hardest part is in the beginning. It's like riding a horse... Once you get it running, it's difficult to stop at times.

In Search Of Ourselves: Now you've got it. Now stop typing back to me, click publish and I'll do the rest. Come back tomorrow.

David: Thank you. You are wiser than what I have have imagined about you for so long. Nearly all my life even.

In Search Of Ourselves: So are you David..... So are you. Now go. Share that wisdom and maybe even some humor along the way.

YOUR TURN

Tell your own story. How does it begin? Where does it go? What do you accomplish?

David
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

In Search Of... Direction

2008-03-08T10:07:00.003-06:00

I know what you're thinking, "Hey! David? Where have you been? It's been months since we've heard from you way out here. What have you been up to? Have you forgotten about us?"

Well, I can at least hope you've missed me... a little bit.

Truth be told, I've been doing a little of this, a little of that and some other things all in an effort to really distract myself from accomplishing much of anything. In the process, I have, however, taken over a tiny corner of the web for reasons I am yet to truly understand as to why.

Despite it all, there are a few things worth noting which have become realizations.

First - It all gets back to where it began.
Second - It pays to know WHY you are doing what you are doing.
Third - Focus is important.
Forth - Test the waters before jumping in too deep.
Fifth - Don't spread yourself too thin.
Sixth - It doesn't need to be forever
Seventh - Change happens
Eighth - Yearbook pictures can push you along
Ninth - Everything you do works, some just much better than others.
And Finally - Ya gotta do it if it's in ya-Period

So what are you working on?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

Check out the multi-directional places
which are in the early stages in the column
to the right. And there may very well
be a couple of others in the future.

Of Humor And Creativity

2007-10-30T14:47:00.000-05:00

I have done it again. Bought another book. And all of this after I told myself not to any more, at least until I can get myself focused on what it is I am doing.

Well, in this case, the book may very well allow me to do that, and in a shorter period of time.

The book is "Yoga For Your Funny Bone" by Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant.

According to Leigh Anne, yoga and writing comedy seem to go together. (Just like pain and the downward facing dog position in my case).

I read the book all the way through last night, and plan on going back over it tonight to pick out some of the writing exercises she has mentioned. I'll get back to you on the results.

Enough All Ready

2007-10-29T08:18:00.002-05:00

Is it me, or is there just way to much negative, unhappy news going on lately? I mean, sure, the California wild fires are a story, but there are only so many times we can see folks going back to what is left of their homes only to find rubble and maybe a few magically in tact pieces that keep their memories.

But after a while, they really are the same tearful stories that are meant to tear at our heartstrings.

My point isn't so much that these are bad stories or that no one cares, but why have them on over and over. I guess since I have lived through my house catching fire (I know, not a huge connection), I know what it was like. I know what we lost, what we were able to keep and what we had to endure for the next many many months with uncertainty.

Add these stories to our own local stories of 2 high school kids being killed about 7 minutes from my house by senseless killings. (separate events, but within the same 24 hour period).

I shall get off my soapbox in a moment, but to me, enough is enough. It's time to start looking at the positive things, the forward thinking things, the stuff that gives us the energy to get up, get out of bed, and get on with our lives for the better.

Let's bring in some good news for a change (and not the whole celebrity lives are crap, so that makes mine not as crappy, sorts of stories). Let's get on with our lives, find the good, work for the better and become the best.

And not take it all so serious and bring everyone down so much.

Maybe it's just me. Maybe it's the timing with all of the events the past week. Maybe it's just a change in myself I need to make. No matter the cause, I'm tired of seeing all the bad, the sad, and the downright (well, I'll come up with a word that rhymes and means really rotten news of the day crap).

No matter my thoughts on all of that, to the folks in California, we love ya, God bless, you are all in our prayers.

Now back to whatever this is all about.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

Truth & Video Games

2007-10-22T12:10:00.001-05:00

I must admit, I play (well, have played) my fair share of video games over the years. In the past, many were sports games where I would whip up on the Oakland Raiders with my Dallas Cowboys. Or the occasional struggle to stop Larry Bird's 3-point rainbows with my Dr. J's physical skills.

There were even times when I dug deeper into the games character and shot up a whole host of folks or beat other characters to a pulp with swords or whatever weapon of choice I may have had at the time.

The funny thing is, I never took the game out into the real world. Which is a good thing. After playing Mario Kart on the Nintendo DS, I would be out there dropping bombs or sending guided missile like turtle shells at many deserving fellow drivers on the road just because they cut me off.

Where is this all heading? To a friend and co-worker's new site and blog. Chris and Ted are game enthusiasts and parents who are tired of hearing of all the ills about video games and what it does or does not do.

They will tell you like it is, what it's about and what you can make of it. If you are a parent and are wondering about the different games, systems and additional accessories available, (not to mention the truth about video games and the connections to real life), stop on by http://www.gameapparent.com/ see what it's really like.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Finding Balance

2007-10-15T13:24:00.001-05:00

When I began this whole writing unmotivatedly thing, it was more of a realization of the constant fight I have with myself with sitting down and actually writing something and that ever-present gnawing in the back of my mind that I should be writing, but wondering why I don't.

Then one day, I just decided to email the publishers of the

Escape Adulthood magazine just out of the blue. Kim & Jason. These folks are awesome at what they have been doing.

Well, being a glutton for punishment, I asked, in a round about way, if they needed writers for their magazine. It turned out (since it was going on the 2nd issue) that sure, I could contribute something.

I was excited. I was overjoyed. Then I wondered what I had gotten myself into. The topic was about finding ourselves, finding balance but not about Finding Nemo. I thought this would be just perfect. I had been searching and searching for what in the world I was doing here for years, and maybe I had gotten to a point of figuring out a little bit of it.

When I sat to write the article, so many ideas came to mind. So many different beginnings and endings, but not enough middles to tie it all together. When I did have something down on paper (or screen), it was way too preachy... the new me is working on getting away from all of that.

So I began taking the topic of finding ourselves literally.

To read my contribution, head on over to Kim & Jason's blog, download the ebook (or better yet, buy the paper version. For my article, it's on page 26. But there are a lot of great articles in addition to my piece of work.

Let me know what you think.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

The Change Means Free Stuff

2007-09-20T13:48:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I had mentioned that this was it. Time to stop joking around and get serious about being less serious.

As I thought about that and what it would involve, I decided it was time to let go of a few things which had meant something for the past few years. It's time to let the ebooks go and let whoever wanted them, to just have them and enjoy. It's not that I no longer think the ebooks mean anything, I do believe they are helpful to get started in changing one's life.

But to me, in order to get away from the seriousness of things, I need to not worry about them so much. If one is interested, then they should just have them. If not, no worry to me. It is just time to let whatever happens happen.

So stop on by the ebooks page and download your own copies of the three ebooks. ("In Search Of Ourselves," "The Time For Me Is Now," and "A Time For Us"). Let me know what you think of them, put them to good use and feel free to pass them on to others if you feel so eager to do so.

Thank you for our time, this time, until next time, smile.

--David

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

Serious? Well, Not So Much

2007-09-19T12:57:00.002-05:00

That's it! No more! I'm done with this whole seriousness thing.

I admit, over the past couple of years I've been involved with this whole motivational writing sort of venture, I've gotten a tad too serious at times.

I tell myself that it's fine. After all, being motivated, trying to improve oneself, wanting to help the world at large is serious business. But sometimes, it can be difficult to stop and get back to what got you started with something in the first place.

So today, with a HUGE thank you for the inspiration to Kim And Jason, I'm starting this blog in a somewhat different direction. Sure, it will be motivational at times, it will be thought-provoking at times. Heck, it might even be funny at times (he says with a hope in his heart and a giggle in his tummy).

BUT, the thing that will be different - will be a lot less of this being a dictatorship of a blog. Sure, it may very well be me, myself and I doing the typing, but it will be more of a conversation as opposed to a lecture. Good golly, we had enough of those growing up, didn't we?

So yes, there will still be those things that ask one to think about something, but it will be in a different fashion. There may still be things to go out and do, but not like a grocery list.

Who knows, we may just have a good time out here reading, relaxing, playing, and just getting jiggy with it.

But for now, I need a nap.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

A Time For Us

2007-08-30T14:24:00.001-05:00

So what do you know. I did have a bit of inspiration last night and today to get the video at least started.

I'll get to the point of updating the audio for it, but for now, it's not too bad. Let me know what you think.

New Video Coming

2007-08-29T09:56:00.001-05:00

Making a film takes months or even years at times. Well, if they are just done with slides and the occasional professional voice-over talent, then it can be done in a matter of days. (especially if it turns out to be only a 2 minute video).

So this is my way of giving you a heads up about the upcoming video for the ebook ""A Time For Us." Designed to build interest and tickle your funny bone at the same time for the best selling self-improvement ebook in the Unmotivated Collection.

It will be ready in a matter of days. And who knows, if I get really ambitious, it might even be ready by the end of the week. Stay tuned.

I have a question for you....

What would be in your video? What would you want it to say? What do you wish it to do?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

The Banana Peels of Life

2007-08-27T09:37:00.001-05:00

“Ya know Bernice, someday we’re all gonna look back on this whole thing and laugh.”

Almost a cliché, isn’t it? How many events in our lives seem so important at a given moment (mainly because we screw something up)? But when we look back on them, we see it didn’t destroy our lives. We got past it, we moved on and can truly laugh at it.

At least we need to be able to do that.

It was back in grade school when we were playing a trivia game based on current events. It was my turn. I listened closely, I knew the answer. It was C. I said A. I even said the name of the Sea answer I was giving, “The Mediterranean Sea.” Funny thing is the Mediterranean Sea was not even one of the four choices.

To read the rest of my pain and hardship that slippery day, visit the column at St. Louis Soup on Tuesday.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

Music And Meaning - Just Once

2007-08-24T09:55:00.001-05:00

The past week or so, my girlfriend and I have been doing things we haven’t done before. Actually, it’s more like going places we haven’t gone before. Most have been food places, but we are branching out more than before.

We are somewhat taking James Ingram’s song “Just Once” to heart a bit in our daily lives. We are doing things we haven’t done before. Down the road, I imagine there will be things we do that we may never have even thought of.

Just once is not a big deal. It’s just an idea turned into action. Something like “Just once, I’d like to try that new Mexican restaurant.” Or “Just once, can we try walking somewhere else for a change?”

Your just onces don’t have to be just little daily things, though it helps. They can start you thinking of bigger things, more extravagant things, more meaningful things like taking trips, riding on ships, riding in a helicopter, sleeping until noon.

So give it a try. Let your mind run wild, or at least branch out a bit from your daily life. Look around where you live, see things differently and what you would like to take part in, where you’d like to visit and so on.

Just for starters, my list would look something like this.

Just once, I’d like to…

Swim with the dolphins
Write a book
Visit New York
Vacation at a beach house
Record an album
Stand on the field of Busch Stadium, Wrigley Field
Keep adding to this list

Now it’s your turn…
Complete the sentence, Just once, I’d like to…
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

Best Use of Plan-less Time

2007-08-21T10:20:00.001-05:00

This weekend was yet another one of those productively unproductive versions which seems to take place way to often.

I managed to get some things done. Eating, sleeping, driving for shoes and a couple of necessary books to buy (was too impatient to wait for the library to have it in).

There was also the getting of gas, searching the web for useful information on secondhand bookstores in the area, cleaning up things around the house and office, and the mandatory watching of a movie bought from Red Box. (Gotta luv the dollar movies).

To feel the pain I felt, head over to the column at St. Louis Soup.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

A List To Live By

2007-08-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

A… Abandon what you have thought in the past

I don’t know about you, but for way too often I had these thoughts that I should be doing more, becoming more, achieving more than I had to that point in time.

But there was always something slowing me down or outright stopping me in my tracks. It was kinda like those parking lots which have speed bumps placed every 14 feet. It was almost as if by time the back tires made it over one, the front tires were already moving up and over the next.

I know that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but that’s what I felt my life was like. That voice in my head, which seemed so positive that I could do whatever it is I wanted when I thought about things at night in the basement with the lights dimmed, turned around on me the next morning when I actually got up to do whatever it was asking me who in the world I thought I was that I could do such a thing.

Sure, I guess you could say the voice (to some extent) was right in that I hadn’t done whatever it was in the past. But I had done stuff somewhat like it before. So to me, the building blocks were there. Over time, the morning voice began to get to me. It seemed as if no matter what it told me, it became true. It even got to a point that the voice told me “David, who are you to think you can actually take the trash out, put it in the can, shut the lid and make it back in the house without making a fool of yourself?”

Then the day came when I picked myself up, off the ground after tripping over the wheel of the trashcan (see, it was right at times), that I decided to start a new pattern of thinking. A new way of looking at things. I started to briefly look back at my past adventures, successes, not-quite-successes, and utter boo boos.

I thought about why things happened or didn’t happen. I didn’t want to get too deep into thinking about it, just surface stuff. Like why did I miss that 6-10 spare to lose the 9-pin no tap bowling tournament in 1986? How was I able to bowl a 300 game when I was alone, but never when people were watching? Why hadn’t I been able to stay happy and funny more often than I did? What lead me to take things so seriously?

Long story short, I came up with way too many possibilities. The list was so full, I just decided to forget about all of it and start anew. I decided to work with things more, to become more of myself and let whatever happened happen. Depending on what it was, I tried not to force some things to happen, and worked a bit more on other things I wanted.

It took time. I am still working on some of them even today. Fact is, over the years, I have been able to do more things than I thought I could in the past. I don’t think I would have ever been able to climb through all of those obstacles at the City Museum if I hadn’t abandoned what I had thought in the past.

So here’s what you do…

Start tonight. Begin briefly looking at what you believed about yourself in the past.

Find the thoughts you had that stopped you from doing what you wanted.

Look for the thoughts that helped you get past obstacles and succeed at something.

Begin to concentrate on what helped you achieve things. Set new thoughts about yourself and what you can do, be, have and achieve.

It takes time. It takes some work. It takes yourself. But its worth it.

And if you need to make a mini fool of yourself to get started, I advise just running through a water sprinkler someplace where kids will see you doing it to get you started.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Characteristics Of Our Goals

2007-08-15T08:56:00.001-05:00

I've done the goal setting things in the past. I heard of the studies where only the successful 3% have goals written down. I had ideas of what I wanted to accomplish. But for differing reasons, I didn't always reach them as often as I would have liked. Some were just ideas which stayed ideas. Others I worked at didn't turn out as planned. So I wondered why.

From what I came up with, some were due to things I was or wasn't doing. Not happy with that as an answer, I looked around for other possibilities. And I came up with my own list of what goals have in common. Characteristics if you will.

To read the rest, stop on by St. Louis Soup and learn what your own goals need to succeed.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

Music And Meaning - Time In A Bottle

2007-08-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

I was digging through the CD collection last night in search of something I hadn’t heard in a while and came across a Jim Croce Best of dual disc. Since the CD player was on shuffle, I figured I’d let fate decide what I would hear first.

It was “Time in a Bottle.” The song is about what one would do if it were possible to save time for those special occasions in our lives. What would you do with that time?

For me, I thought more of it being about the events themselves. What times in your life mean the most. What would you like to relive, take part in again. Not so much about redoing things so you might get it right this time, but what you enjoy.

It’s about knowing what you want.
Knowing what matters in your life
Knowing who means the most to you
Knowing what inspires you to greatness.

Now it’s your turn

What would you want to do with your bottled time?
Where would you like to go?
Who would you like to meet?
What would you want to relive?

If you like the clock above, check it out at the "Life's Little Journey Shoppe."

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Back To School

2007-08-07T08:51:00.001-05:00

At last, finally, hooray summer is almost over. The kids are heading back to school, and you can have the house to yourself (at least for a few hours during the day). Then at night, while the kids are doing homework, you get to sit back and see who becomes the next "Big Brother" champ.

Ok, I know it’s the 8th one that is going on now, and yes, I had lost interest in it after the third time around. But hey, what else is there to watch that isn’t reality television at its finest? But I digress.This time of year, especially the shopping for school supplies, was always fun for me.

There was just something about those pen/pencil erasers, the binders with the different color folders, the zippered pencil holders and those pencil sharpeners that look like tiny snow globes were joys to behold.

Get the rest of the back to school story at StLouisSoup.com.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Music And Meaning - You've Got A Way

2007-08-06T11:43:00.000-05:00

There is something special about you.

I know, this sounds like I am being a parent telling you that you are good at something, something that makes you stand out, something that makes you special.

But, well, it’s true.

There is something you do that no one else does it quite the same way.
There is something about you that no one can match
There is a part of you that no one can impersonate
There is something inside you that no one can feel
If you don’t believe me, that’s ok. But take it from Shania Twain’s "You’ve Got A Way."

Now it’s your turn.
What have people said about you that is special?
What have they mentioned that makes you stand out?
What to you feel makes you different than anyone else?

Find the song "You've Got A Way" by entering the title into the Amazon search box in the right column.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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What Are You Working On?

2007-08-04T09:07:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, I received an email from a reader asking if I would like to be a part of a giveaway a friend of hers was doing with the release of a new book.

Thinking to myself, sure, I can do that. More on the giveaway another time.

During the next few days that followed, we wrote back and forth about just stuff in general. Until one day when she wrote me asking what I had been working on lately.

Needless to say, that simple question (which I should have had a fairly quick and decent answer for) stopped me for a brief moment. The moment lasted until the next morning when I could figure out what exactly I had been or was working on.

Reflecting on her question, I could honestly say that there really wasn't any thing I was actually working on. Sure, there are the blog posts, the column for St. Louis Soup and the occasional mini project that comes up spur of the moment.

But despite thinking of working on a lot of different things, what I was really working on lately was, well, nothing.

So because of her question, things are changing. There are things I am working on as I type. The book I started so many years ago will be getting it's due attention. More meaningful, helpful, motivational, inspirational articles shall be written and sent out for a change. More items to be added to the cafe press shop, put more effort into the Writer's Wing section of the website and figure out just what good my My Space page really does.

But enough about me. Let me ask you the same question. What are you working on?

Whatever you are working on should:

Take time to complete
Mean something to you
Perhaps helps others
Is not kept to yourself
Positively affects your life
Builds a community in some fashion
Give you a feeling of accomplishment
Not be something you just "toss together"

Now it's your turn.
What are you working on?
How will it matter to you?
Will it be for others to partake in?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Change In A Hurry

2007-08-02T14:05:00.000-05:00

Things certainly hit the fan a bit yesterday at the day job. At least that’s how some people took the news of our unit merging with another.

Quick note: No one lost their job, No one took a pay cut, And for the most part, the primary responsibilities of the staff didn’t really change that much. Sure, there are some folks who now have a bit more responsibility, and a couple who on the surface were demoted, but they will just be doing the same things on a different level.

Needless to say, there were some fairly upset folks at the meeting. And then there were some, well, really really p’d off people. Such a question from one was mainly about what HE would be losing in this. It was about him. It was about something that still needed to be worked out in the near future. But it was about HIM, not the department.

Other folks who were upset were probably focusing on what once was instead of what could be. A few of these folks had been in this unit for years. Little had ever changed in their positions over the years. The unit had never really been affected by decisions made by the company in the past. Now, it was their turn.

For myself and some other co-workers, we are seeing this as a good thing. Sure, there could be the occasional surprise we may not have thought about down the road, but over all, our thoughts are that there is now hope in a more positive direction ahead.

What it’s about:

Change is neither good nor bad in and of itself. It just is what it is.
However, change for the sake of change, doesn’t really help.

Change brings hope
Change brings vision
Change brings options
Change brings priorities
Change brings inspiration
Change brings motivation
Change brings opportunity
Change brings a new office
Change brings commitment
Change brings advancement
Change brings improvement
Change brings responsibility
Change brings a better future
Change brings communication
Change brings more right work
Change brings a new beginning
Change brings personal participation

Now it’s your turn.
What changes are you going through now?
What changes should you be going through for the better?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Music And Meaning - One Voice

2007-08-01T03:12:00.000-05:00

Years ago when I got started writing about motivation and self-improvement topics, I wasn’t sure what I was doing. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be any good at it. I didn’t know if it would even matter to anyone. And I never know what it would lead to.

Over that time, I’ve come to believe in Barry Manilow’s song “One Voice.” To me, it’s about just getting out there, saying what you think and feel. If you believe you have something to say that will help others, go for it. It doesn’t have to be something the entire world would be interested in. If you can just help inspire 1 person, then you have made a difference.

It’s that 1 other person whom you may reach that will help spread your message to others. It’s like that commercial where 1 person told 2 friends. Then they told 2 friends, and so on and so on until the entire television screen was filled with little squares of the people who got the message.

So go out there. Let your voice be heard. If it matters to you, it will matter to someone else.

Now it’s your turn.
What do you want the world to know?
What does your community need to hear?
What do you need to get off your chest?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Fear Not

2007-07-31T09:36:00.000-05:00

My friend Angie and I had been emailing each other this past week talking about what we were up to, what we had been accomplishing, and the dreaded what we had not done nor started working on (though we said we would).

My list had become too long to get into here, and her list of ideas had just grown and grown to a point where she had no choice but to start some of them.

Read the rest of the column at St. Louis Soup. To visit Angie and her Motivational Stuff site, hop on over to http://www.motivationalstuff.com/

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Do You Know What You Want To Be?

2007-07-30T13:59:00.001-05:00

Saw The Movie, Great Stuff

2007-07-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

It was a great movie. Well worth the $3.50 Per ticked spent at the Lincoln Theater In Belleville. Yes, it was funnier in spots than the television show. And in some respects, it can even change your life. It isn't often you can learn a lot from a cartoon. This was more than Homer making a mistake... it's about doing something more, making a difference, and coming together for a common cause.

I can hardly wait for the sequel.

I've Got A Question... What movie has meant more to you than just the 2 hours or so of watchign it?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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You're Never Too Little

2007-07-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

Do you ever think to yourself I’m not that important? I’m just a small little kid. I could never do anything heroic until I am older. How can I ever do as much as the big folks? Does anything I do ever really matter?

Then you need to know about Zoey.

To read the story, visit the column at St. Louis Soup. Come on back and leave your own inspiring story of a heroic moment in your life.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Simply Unmotivated Success

2007-07-24T08:58:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since the video has seen a blog space. So I thought I'd get it back out there.

Start setting your goals today.

Music And Meaning: Believe

2007-07-19T02:38:00.000-05:00

No blog about self-improvement, self-motivation, unmotivation, personal success, business success or just dumb luck would be complete without a mention about believing in oneself.

Like Cher’s song “Believe” points out, it’s what you believe that makes the difference in what happens to you.

As Henry Ford has been credited with saying, “If you believe you can, or if you can’t, you’re right.”

So, when do we know we are good at something?

It’s doesn’t matter if:
Your significant other believes in your new endeavor
Your teachers said you were always the best writer in their classes
Your boss says you are the best sales person the company has ever had
Your parents guided you into motorcycle maintenance because you were awesome.

What matters is what’s inside you. What you believe. What you have an interest in. What you have a passion for. And a touch of talent helps.

Now it’s your turn.
What do you believe about the world?
What do you believe about others around you?
What do you believe is possible?
What do you believe about you?

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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What Amusement Park Activity Are You?

2007-07-17T10:42:00.001-05:00

It was your typical day after a week or so of 92+ degree days. So one could see that it wasn’t exactly something we were dying to go do. But since we had already spent the money on the tickets the day before, we somewhat felt obligated to take the drive to the amusement park with the kids.

To read the rest of the adventure and see where you fit in, visit St. Louis Soup. Don't forget to come back and let us know who you are.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Music And Meaning - Come, Go With Me

2007-07-14T08:53:00.000-05:00

I was sitting in the basement last night wondering what to do, where to go, where things were heading, and why in the world there was nothing on television

In the process of my contemplations, I heard this song on the radio from back in the 80s by Expose "Come Go With Me."

Now there are times when I truly believe things happen for a reason. Signs are all around us. Meaning is there for us to find. And quite often, it makes its appearance when we least expect it.

Likewise was this moment for me. And it dawned on me of a simple fact.

That music is better than television.

Why?

Music is life
Music matters
Music is feeling
Music is internal
Music is momentum
Music adds meaning
Music is everywhere
Music is international
Music makes me merry
Music was born long ago
Music takes less focus (minus reality TV)
You can do other things while listening to music
Music can motivate, inspire and make you think in a short time

So that's why this new portion to the blog is being brought to life.

There is so much in a song that can change the way we feel on a given day. It can build us up, relax us, make us think, help us reflect, remind us of times gone by, let us think of what lies ahead.

In short, music can do it all.

So on occasion (probably way to often), music will be a part of this blog. Song titles that mean something, that lead to a discussion, that just happen to come to mind.

The title above "Come Go With Me" is by Expose. So I ask you to come, go with me on this musical adventure. It won't be every day, I promise. But I hope it brings things together, inspires and does all it can.

Now it's your turn...

What songs matter to you?

What have you gotten from a song that changed your life?

Enter a favorite song title or artist to the Amazon box to the right to find your song.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Life Happens

2007-07-10T10:25:00.000-05:00

"Dearly beloved... We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.
-Prince

Life truly is a strange thing. All of us are here, where ever here is. We work together. We live together. We play together. We get together. We grow older together. And so much more. But in the end, Lilly Tomlin has it right when she says "We're all in this alone.",..

Read the rest and get inspired by visiting the column at St. Louis Soup.com.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Happiness Is..... What?

2007-07-05T16:46:00.000-05:00

Happiness. Seems like such a simple idea, doesn't it? Happiness. What makes us happy? It is a rather basic question on the surface. Only four words long. Rather simple words we have know since preschool.

To find out what else is involved in becomming happy, check out this week's column at St. Louis Soup.com. And be sure to come back to leave your thoughts.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Your #1 Date

2007-07-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

For those who have read this blog or the ebooks, you have noticed once in a while, I come across things which just seem to be signs or indications of what we are supposed to be doing or what we should become.

Today, I came across Josh Hosler's site where he has an entire list of number 1 songs on pretty much any given day in any given year. For me, I looked up my birthday. It was the Beatles "Paperback Writer."

Now I don't know how accurate that may have been, but it has been something in my mind for a long time. It's like looking at Gemini in the zodiac. It says I am a writer. At least everything has seemed to point in that direction.

So go ahead and take a look at your own birthday to see if it points you in a direction you may have thought of but have been searching for proof.

Likewise, you can look up the day you graduated, the day you got your first job, first date, first kiss, first ticket, first __________.

I've Got A Question...

What does the song of your date of birth mean to you?

Action Step...

Take that idea (or even just the song itself) and write about it and what you want to do with that new bit of information.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Start Where You Are

2007-06-26T09:19:00.000-05:00

"If you wait, all that happens is you get older."
-- Larry McMurty --

That is so often the case, isn’t it?

With my birthday happening last week, it got me thinking about my own life. What have I really done? What have I accomplished? What am I missing? What would I like to be? What should I be doing? Why don’t I do it? What am I using as excuses? What else am I doing that is getting in the way of what I truly want?

Read the rest of the article at St. Louis Soup.com. Then drop by with your comments.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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When Do We Know?

2007-06-19T09:04:00.000-05:00

When exactly do we know we are good at something?Maybe it’s when our parents take our work and hang it on the fridge. Or when they tell all their grown-up friends about all of the great things we do. Perhaps it is at the dinner table when they may congratulate us on a job well done.

Read the rest at St. Louis Soup.com. Then come on back and leave your thoughts.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

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Are We Happy? Or Just Content

2007-06-12T13:19:00.000-05:00

Are we happy with who we are? Do we like our life?

Are we where we "imagined" we would be either in grade school, high school, or even last week? It can be about anything... career, home life, religious life, volunteering, hobbies, activities, neighborhood involvement, who knows what else. ARE WE HAPPY?

Read the rest of the column on St. Louis Soup.com. Then stop on by an let us know what you think.

David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.net

In Search Of Ourselves

Vacations For Body and Mind

When Doing Something Different Messes With People

Does New Stuff Make You More Than You Were?

Grass Takes Time To Grow

Six Words To The Wise

Update: Even Mother Cats Know What To Do

Meow: A Blessing In Timing

Simply Unmotivated Success

Rollin Rollin Rollin

A Conversation

In Search Of... Direction

Of Humor And Creativity

Enough All Ready

Truth & Video Games

Finding Balance

The Change Means Free Stuff

Serious? Well, Not So Much

A Time For Us

New Video Coming

The Banana Peels of Life

Music And Meaning - Just Once

Best Use of Plan-less Time

A List To Live By

Characteristics Of Our Goals

Music And Meaning - Time In A Bottle

Back To School

Music And Meaning - You've Got A Way

What Are You Working On?

Change In A Hurry

Music And Meaning - One Voice

Fear Not

Do You Know What You Want To Be?

Saw The Movie, Great Stuff

You're Never Too Little

Simply Unmotivated Success

Music And Meaning: Believe

What Amusement Park Activity Are You?

Music And Meaning - Come, Go With Me

Life Happens

Happiness Is..... What?

Your #1 Date

Start Where You Are

When Do We Know?

Are We Happy? Or Just Content

The Time Is Now

In Honor of Those Who Serve

When It's Time To Go

How Do You Make It???

What? Me Worry?

From My Perspective

Self-Improvement Giveaway #2

Everything You Know Is Wrong

Where Do You Want To Go?

Life Happens

A List To Live By

Starting Over Made Easy

A Cookie for A Job Well Done

Live Your Life List

Ride Like Nobody's Watching

"They" Can't Do It For Us

Believin Ain't Braggin

Being Your Own Star

Simply Just Too Much Time

I Think He Was Right

March Forth (or fourth)?

Marching On

Back Away, Turn It In

To Do Or Not To Do

What's In My Heart

When Life Gives You Ice

Getting It All Done

Comic Connections

Ya Gotta Believe

I Love This Question

Doing It My Way

I Do What I Do

Who Are You Again?

Holiday Remembering

Play Your Game