“This place was empty when we arrived.” How often have you heard some version of that? It’s the American dream. The self-made man, the business built from scratch, the idea developed in solitude. It’s the ideal of self-sufficiency. I did it myself and so should you. FRONT RANGE FREEDOM TOUR didn’t exist before Becky and […]
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Are You That Kind Of Person?
I’m not that kind of person. It’s a way to create boundaries and define ourselves. I’m not the kind of person who abuses alcohol. I’m not the kind of person who skydives. When someone says or thinks I’m not that kind of person, he creates a box. I’m in this box with others like me. We don’t […]
Continue readingVoluntary Hidden Taxes
Yesterday was Tax Day in the U.S. We know taxes are necessary, and we like to complain about them to some degree. But the taxes that hamper us most aren’t financial, and many are voluntary. Consider the fear tax. It’s exacted every time we limit our opportunity due to fear of something completely beyond our control. […]
Continue readingI’m In Favor Of…
A few days ago I was interviewed by some college students for a class project. They sent the questions in advance, but asked if it was okay to toss in follow-ups as we progressed. Of course I agreed. These folks did their research. They knew a lot about my background and were prepared with interesting, thought-provoking […]
Continue readingJust Stop Trying
Stop trying. Start training. It’s one of my favorite principles. It’s a principle because it’s timeless and applies in just about any circumstance. In about two months I’ll give a talk at a TEDX event in Loveland. If you’re not familiar, TED talks are different than most other presentations. For one thing, they’re very structured, […]
Continue readingBrief Glimpses
Once in a while we get a brief glimpse of what God’s up to. Most of the time we’re pretty sure we see God’s hand in short-term results that happen to align with our desires. I’m certainly no expert, but I tend to think He works in bigger pictures and longer timelines. I see His work when […]
Continue readingThe Truth About Truth
“Science is true even if you don’t believe it.” So says Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, perhaps America’s most famous scientist. Dr. Tyson is a smart man, much smarter than I am, so with a lot of trepidation I suggest a more general statement. Truth is true even if you don’t believe it. I like science. I’m […]
Continue readingWhat Should We Teach?
Most people can learn just about anything if they’re serious about learning it. My job as a teacher wasn’t teaching math. My main job was inspiring kids to care about learning math. If I could do that, no one could stop them from learning. Most of us don’t think in those terms. We believe the skills […]
Continue readingCan You See The Big Picture?
“I’m climbing this hill for someone else.” I’ve been on a few team bike tours. Inevitably there’s that point in the middle of a tough hill on a hot day when somebody’s tempted to stop. They’re struggling, and just when you think they’ll pull over and give up they grab a drink or an energy bar and […]
Continue readingAre You Trapped Or Free?
Free to choose. How you’ll respond. What you’ll believe. The risks you’ll take. Who you’ll listen to. The legacy you’ll leave. Whether you’ll forgive. How generously you’ll give. Which allegiance you’ll serve. We’re all completely, totally free to make the important choices that impact our lives and the lives of those around us. But… Choice […]
Continue readingThe Things I Can’t Do
I still get frustrated by the whole wheelchair thing. After so many years you’d think I’d be over it, but not so far. I know I talk a lot about “don’t let what you CAN’T do keep you from doing what you CAN do.” Those aren’t empty words, but believing something doesn’t always make it […]
Continue readingWhat If You Change Your Focus?
“The key to storytelling is to focus on the audience.” Garr Reynolds is something of a presentation guru, but when I read his words I thought, “Well, duh! Everyone knows THAT.” I wonder, though. Does everyone understand the essential, deeper truth beneath Garr’s storytelling advice? It’s a principle that applies to everything we do. Life […]
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