Archives for category: Values
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To Be Or No To Be

September 12, 2013 //
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What kind of person do you want to be? Have you ever thought about it? I bet you have and never even realized it.

Everyone has had days and run-ins with people that get under their skin. When we get cut off in traffic we scream and cuss and try figure what that’s guys problem is. We stand in line and wonder why the person in front of us takes so long. We hear directives from our bosses and wonder how in the world they come up with some of their ideas. Some people treat their significant others worse than they treat their pets.

We look at people and judge their actions and decisions.

We don’t miss a beat when we find a critical flaw in someone else’s personality, but do you ever stop and criticize your own? What impression do you leave on the people you encounter everyday? What would you do if your daughter, sister, or mother was dating someone just like you? Would you approve?

You are a man. Be a good one. Begin today.

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Categories mindset, Values

The doctor is in!

August 8, 2013 //
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Categories mindset, quotes, Values

Dream on

July 30, 2013 //
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Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.
– James Dean

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Categories mindset, quotes, Values

Father knows best

June 14, 2013 //
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Sunday June 16 is Father’s Day. Here in the U.S. it’s celebrated on the third Sunday in June. I was surprised to learn how many other countries around the world celebrate this day (check it out on Wikipedia, I don’t want to bore you with all the different dates)

I’d just like to take this opportunity to reiterate why I started this blog and what I hope you take from it.

I find guys are left out in the wind sometimes. See, girls are taught how to act like a lady, men are told how to treat a lady, we even see schools that teach manners to young women so they can be more sophisticated. Guys don’t always get those instructions in life. We rely on our fathers, father figures, or sometimes any male near by as we grow up to figure out how the heck we are supposed to act.

In this day and age of increased divorced or absent fathers, us guys can be in real need of some help. So I hope to give some info on random guy topics. (And all of it is up for debate – in fact I encourage any feedback and discussion you guys and gals want to contribute) and if there is a topic you’d like more info on, let me know.

In my career I find myself wearing the hat of a parent, marriage counselor, addiction counselor, neighborhood mediator, community liaison, legal counselor, information desk, and sometimes even a life coach of sorts. So I hope to spread the wealth to the guys of the world both for themselves or to pay it forward and pass any lessons or info onto other guys, maybe their sons and ultimately we can all be better guys.

So to the fathers out there: happy Father’s Day! And to everyone else, honor your father today. It isn’t always easy to be in those shoes. We aren’t always taught how to take care of ourselves but are supposed to know the right way to handle kids and and a wife and all the things life throws at you from time to time.

Guys! Fathers and sons, take the day to reflect on how you can better a better guy!
– and tell all your friends to start reading growingupguy.com 🙂

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Categories Marriage, mindset, Relationships, Values

Honor thy mother

May 11, 2013 //
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I always hear people complain about “Hallmark holidays”, meaning holidays created by the ever so popular greeting card company in an effort to sell greeting cards. Truthfully, I don’t know of any holiday they have created but that’s that the term refers to. But use this day to express yourself. Don’t live on assumptions…

Sunday May 12 is Mother’s Day here in the US. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you guys to honor this day.

Part of being a man is honoring the women in your life. Today is about your mother, and also the mother of your children if you have them. Regarding your mother, she gave you life, she raised you, and she helped shape the life you have today. Even in cases where you aren’t happy with your upbringing, you are still here and owe your mom a thank you for giving you the gift of life.

So today, pour your gratitude into a card. Send her a token of your appreciation. If she is far, call her and spend an uninterrupted amount of time talking and catching up.

If you have a “mother of your children”, then hold her tight, kiss her, and get weak for a moment and show her how appreciative of the life she has built with you.

And sadly, if your mother has passed, take part of the day to honor her. Do something that would have made her smile. Honor her.
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In the United States we are celebrating Mother’s Day on may 12. I know other countries like Mexico have different dates and different traditions. Unfortunately, I don’t know the customs of other area of the world – yet !

Please post a comment with your countries tradition, if it has one. Also feel free to motivate these guys with some ideas for Mother’s Day.

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Categories Values

Iconic values

March 14, 2013 //
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Some of you may be old enough to remember the black and white western tv show “the Lone Ranger.” Other may only remember his black mask and trusty horse “silver.” But I came across an article recently in a trade magazine that outlined the morals by which the Lone Ranger lived. After reading it I thought it was fitting to post. If more men followed these timeless tidbits we might all be a little better off.

THE CREED OF THE LONE RANGER

• I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.

• I believe that all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.

• I believe that God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.

• I believe in being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.

• I believe a man should make the most of the equipment he has.

• I believe that men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.

• I believe that sooner or later.. Somewhere, somehow, we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.

• I believe that all things change but truth, and that alone lives on forever.

• I believe in my creator, my country, and my fellow man

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Categories mindset, quotes, Values

Luck or purpose

January 4, 2013 //
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“Your life doesn’t get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
– Jim Rohn

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Categories mindset, quotes, Values

Take your licks

December 7, 2012 //
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Ok so our whole life is governed by rules, some big some small. When we are young we are under the thumb of our parents. When we are older we have to deal with our boss. And the whole time we have to live by the laws of the land of where ever we choose to live. Then we have social norms, things like not cutting in line and facing forward in a crowded elevator. Some of these “rules” are more personal and close to home – for instance, I’m sure your wife or girlfriend expects you to be loyal to her and not stray. See, lots of rules.

But we are all own own people. The “man” can’t keep us down. We are humans and have the free will to make our own decisions. We technically get to decide what rules we will obey and which ones we might bend or simply just not adhere to at all. As an adult you get more and more “freedom” to decide which rules are more important than others, but ironically the penalties increase as well.

Everyone’s moral compass is formed by their upbringing, culture, experiences, etc. So I hold no authority in telling you which decisions to make. But what I do want to tell you is that regardless of which rules you choose to bend, push, or disregard – be man enough to take your licks if you get called out on it. You know right from wrong. So you have no one to blame but your self when and if you get caught. And don’t be a guy without a spine and start saying “we’ll so and so did it too!” Take your licks. Be accountable.
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Sidebar: so what sparked this post?

I chose to bend a work rule and my boss called me on it. I said ok, took my licks and admitted my wrongdoing. I can’t be mad at my boss – he’s doing his job. And I knew the action I was taking.

My coworker also bent the same rule. Also got called out. But got angry with the boss and felt wronged for being disciplined.

Other coworkers weren’t called out. Maybe they went unnoticed. And it’s not my job to name them.

* sounds heinous right? Maybe. But by my moral compass, it wasn’t…

It was Friday. I had been battling a sinus infection for a month. I needed to take my medicine so I made the decision to leave about 10 minutes early. Wrong? Technically yes. End of the world – I didn’t think so, thus my decision to leave.

Did my boss agree? Nope 🙂
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So make your decisions wisely about what rules you think are or aren’t important. Know that there are consequences. And decide what action you’ll take. But be accountable for your actions.

You can be mad if you get caught. Just make sure you’re mad at the right person.

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Categories Career, Values

Defining your values

September 16, 2012 //
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Experts say that your personality is formed by age 7. And until your early teenage years you are usually under the protective thumb of your parents, guiding you away from danger and bad decisions. But before you know it you get to make your own decisions, which in some way will direct your life down one of many paths. So it’s a good idea to figure out where you stand on certain issues sooner rather than later.

A lot of this happens rights in front you and you don’t even realize it. We tend to pick up the opinions of our family and friends because that’s what we see most often and until we expand our world (i.e. moving out on your own, going to college, etc) we take the opinions of our close social circle as gospel. But as we grow up/ mature we start to question things more, not necessarily to argue what we’ve been instilled with, but often times to attempt to explain our position to others. You’ll soon realize that your opinion may differ from your parents – which isn’t always a bad thing!

With the upcoming presidential elections, this is a great time to be more cognizant of your stance on all kinds of issues. By watching the daily news or grabbing any daily paper you can see both political parties arguing their views. One side of the other will resonate with you for your own reasons. Be aware of that and realize how you feel about these issues. Also think about why you choose “x” over “y”. This will give you good insight into your values and morals.

It’s good to know where you stand for all kinds of reasons. First, it will educate you on who you want to vote for. But also you’ll be more aware and informed, and in turn be able to hold your own in conversation. It will provide you insight on the type of person you want to date/marry, and what kind of citizen you want to be. You’ll know what types of products you’ll want to buy and use. You’ll feel better supporting or not supporting certain charities. You’ll view the world as an active participant instead of just following the crowd.

As a man it’s good to know where you stand and why. It shows you have an opinion and stand for something. It shows you are taking the lead in your life and choosing a side. It’s easy to be “on the fence” and not commit to either side. But a man knows where he stands and he can tell you why he believes in what he does.

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Categories Values
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