As a facilitator of Anti Bully education in public and private schools covering grades Pre –K through 12th grade, I am frequently asked about gossip. It seems that it is everywhere and in all walks of life. The examples change based on age, but it always comes back to speaking of others not present in an unflattering way. One of the stories I have shared many times over the years to help others understand the destructive power of rumors and gossip is the following. Keep this philosophy in mind the next time you hear or find yourself ready to repeat a something told to you.
In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"
"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Test of Three."
Great Lessons for everyone...
Posted: September 06, 2023
Timeless Lessons from a Grandmaster that will make you better in Martial Arts and in Life
Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee is considered to be the father of Tae Kwon Do in America. One of the many contributions Grandmaster Rhee brought to the martial arts world was what he called, “the Seven Qualities of a Champion”. It is a list of attributes that have both a physical and mental meaning.
I have always found great value from modeling people who walk their talk. When I hosted Grandmaster Rhee for a visit to Personal Best back in 1995, he was at the time 67 years old. His daily discipline still included performing 1000 push–ups and 1000 sit-ups every day. I have met him many times over the years and have always enjoyed his presentations. President George Bush honored Grandmaster Rhee as the 721st point of light in honor of his contribution to bettering humanity.
When Compliments Hurt You!
Posted: August 29, 2023
When Compliments Hurt You!
In the book Mindset, Dr. Carol Dweck shares a lifetime of research that she has conducted which gives some major insights into what creates the difference in people’s ability to grow their potential. In more cases than at first thought, high achievers are not the naturally gifted, they are the people that have grinded it out, stayed the course listened to feedback and adjusted their approach on their way to accomplishment in their chosen discipline.
Contract this Growth Mindset with what Dr. Dweck calls a Fixed Mindset. It is a person’s reluctance to accept feedback as they infer that if they are given feedback it is a sign that they are not good enough. As irrational as it is I think with honest reflection you may find that in some areas you have a growth mindset while in other areas a fixed mindset is present.
9 Steps to Magnetically Attract Positivity in Your Life.
Posted: August 24, 2023
9 Steps to Magnetically Attract Positivity in Your Life.
One of my mentors tells a story of a boy coming home from school, walking into his house and greeting his dad with, “Dad, I flunked my math test today. The dad, trying to teach his son to look on the bright side of things, said “son, rather than think negative, you need to be more positive” the son replied, “Dad, I’m positive I flunked my math test”.
How many people are truly able to naturally look at things in a positive way? I’m not sure, but my guess is for the vast majority, it takes a bit of focus and self discipline. Why bother? Well, think how much better you would be at everything you do, if you trained yourself to have a great attitude toward life, learning and the inevitable challenges you will face everyday! Self Defense isn’t just about physically knowing how to defend against punches and kicks, it’s also about becoming the kind of person who isn’t going to attract someone to want to punch and kick them.
The Benefits of Teaching Children About Giving Back
Posted: August 07, 2023
5 Benefits of teaching children about giving back
1. Nurture Kindness and Compassion
One of the most rewarding parts of being a parent or caregiver is watching your little one grow into a kind and caring person. Most young children are naturally kind and eager little helpers. However, anyone who has raised a toddler will probably agree that they can also be incredibly selfish – but it’s not their fault! – and that’s actually backed by many scientific studies.