06/08/15 – Raw

June 8, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: WINNING

This Friday, I will be in the National Raw (without wraps or similar items) Deadlift Competition for my category (Men, 65 to 69, weighing 198 or a little less). So this week’s theme comes from Chapter 52 – “Winning” from my book.

But I didn’t select the theme because I expect to win in my category, although at my age I am often the only one who shows up. I selected the theme because in my book, I start this chapter’s narrative with the sentence, “You will never ever be extraordinary until you stop being concerned with becoming a winner …”

I can’t recall the gang that said this to me years ago, when I expressed my doubts as to my being up to their standards, but I do recall what I was told. You don’t have to win; you just have to fight.

Strange, where good advice comes from and the circumstances that bring it forth, but good advice is good advice period. I long since modified that last line to say, “You just have to try.”

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be” by Paul Arden is one of the most easy to read books I have come across, and it makes a strong case in my opinion for trying–you just may succeed. I will say one thing for certain, if you don’t try; you will definitely not succeed.

If you are at all interested in being extraordinary, this super easy and fun to read book will help you. I have read and reviewed it many times.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think Bedazzled is a fantastic film and I urge you to watch it and find out for yourself how this film relates to this week’s theme.

I took my own advice and watched last week’s film recommendation again and each time I see this film I become more and more impressed with it for so many reasons. You should check this film out.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“What good is being the best,

if it brings out the worst in you.”

Source: Rodney Dangerfield

I couldn’t have more respect for anyone than this guy who always claimed, “I don’t get no respect.”

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON SEEING AND HEARING

It seems that a third of us question what we see and are told. If you wish more details, you can scroll down to last week’s post and view the complete results.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Sam was about to lose his small business, so she went to the church and prayed to win the lotto; but didn’t win.

The next day he was about to lose both his business and his car, so he went to the church and prayed he would win the lotto; but he still didn’t win.

On the third day, he was about to lose his business, his car and his house and prayed that he would win the lotto.

Suddenly he was surrounded by a blinding white light, and he heard the booming voice of God declare, “Hey, you have to meet me half way and at least buy a ticket.”

CONCLUSION

If you have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

If you have ideas how I can make this blog more valuable to you and others, or if you wish to be placed on my weekly distribution email, please let me know at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Also, if you enjoy this blog, please pass it on to others as well as consider liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

I especially appreciate those of you who leave comments. Carolyn, thank you for leaving a comment last week. Folks, remember all you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”.

06/01/15 – SEEING AND HEARING

June 1, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: SEEING AND HEARING

This week’s theme comes from Chapter 40 of my book.

Ordinary people see and hear what they want to believe and rarely recognize things that are contrary to their beliefs. And even when they do recognize contradictions, they tend to make excuses for what they saw and heard.

Whereas, the extraordinary person not only tries to see and hear what is really there, but even more important, the extraordinary person tries to see and hear what isn’t there.

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions, was written in 1884 about the culture in the age of Queen Victoria, as well as describing life as viewed from various dimensions. I’ve long since lost my copy, but I believe this book is free on iTunes. The book makes a good argument that we see the world not as it is, but as we are.

This mind-bending early science fiction classic imagines life in a 2-dimensional world. It’s a universe populated by lines, squares, and circles, whose perfect flatness creates all new definitions of life, art, and society. Edwin A. Abbott, writing under the pseudonym of “A Square,” combines scathing social satire with a brilliant examination on how we all accept our limits of perception, and how much people who transcend these perceptions are often met with resistance. [Source: iTunes]

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I found Café to be a really fun and interesting movie that really illustrates this week’s theme so well. I really hope you watch it.

A good-hearted musician struggles to find a way to tell his beautiful barista coworker that he loves her, despite the fact that she is in a relationship. Meanwhile, regulars and customers at the café where they work have their own problems and encounters. A police officer keeps his eye on his wayward cousin, who owes money to a charismatic dealer, and a married man contemplates his relationship with a good-looking new acquaintance. However, one customer learns he is in fact (Spoiler alert, so I stopped the description here).[Source: IMDB]

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“We see the world, not as it is, but as we are──or,

as we are conditioned to see it.”

Source: Stephen Covey

THIS WEEK’S POLL (Please check as many as apply)

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON UNITED STATES WARS SINCE WWII

It seems 85% of you question why the U.S. always seems to be in a war; the remainder of you believe those wars have resulted in the world being a better place.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A man instead of going home like he usually does on Friday afternoons, stayed out the entire weekend hunting with the boys and spending his entire paycheck.

When he comes home, his angry wife yells at him for over an hour.

Finally, his wife stopped yelling and simply asked, “How would you like it if you didn’t see me for two or three days?”

He replied, “That would be fine with me”.

Monday went by and he didn’t see his wife.

Tuesday he didn’t see his wife.

Wednesday he didn’t see his wife.

Finally on Thursday, the swelling went down just enough to where he could see her a little out of the corner of his left eye.

CONCLUSION

If you have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

If you have ideas how I can make this blog more valuable to you and others, or if you wish to be placed on my weekly distribution email, please let me know at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Also, if you enjoy this blog, please pass it on to others as well as consider liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

I especially appreciate those of you that leave comments. All you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”.

05/25/15 – Memorial Day

May 24, 2015May 24, 2015 Wm. Allen1 Comment

THIS WEEK’S THEME: GRATITUDE

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans — established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.

By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. [Source: Wikipedia]

So this week’s theme is gratitude (Chapter 31) for the sacrifice these patriots made on behalf of their country.

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I think all those who served honorably in the military units of any country deserve respect, whether it be 2,000 years ago in a Roman Legion or sometime in the distance future in Star Fleet.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Since Memorial Day is a day to express our gratitude to fallen warriors that gave their lives, I thought this book would be appropriate. I have read and reviewed it may times and found it provides helpful instructions on life.

Living and dying with bravery and honor is at the heart of Hagakure, a series of texts written by an eighteenth-century samurai, Yamamoto Tsunetomo. It is a window into the samurai mind, illuminating the concept of bushido (the Way of the Warrior), which dictated how samurai were expected to behave, conduct themselves, live, and die. [Source: Amazon]

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I had a very difficult time selecting a movie that both in my mind addressed the Memorial Day holiday and gratitude or lack of gratitude. I kept coming back to Born on the Fourth of July, but it is such a painful movie to watch. You really may want to skip this recommendation. It took me a number of tries to get through it and I hope I never watch again.

The biography of Ron Kovic. Paralyzed in the Vietnam war, he becomes an anti-war and pro-human rights political activist after feeling betrayed by the country he fought for. (Source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“War, what is it good for?

Absolutely nothin’!”

Source: Edwin Starr

Check out Edwin Starr’s video “War” on You Tube, there are several versions. The Motown version does a good job of conveying the meaning of the song.

THIS WEEK’S POLL (Please check as many as apply)

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON ENDURANCE

Over 75% of you have stuck with something for 21 years or more.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

An American general, a Russian general and a British general are standing on the deck of a ship watching war exercises.

The topic of discussion turns to human courage, and the Russian general boasts, “Russians are the most courageous people on Earth!”

Upon which the American challenges him.

The Russian says, “Yuri! Jump off the deck (into the freezing
Atlantic) and swim around the ship!”

Yuri marches off without a word, and does as he is told. The Russian turns
around and says: “See, there’s an example of courage!”

The American has to top this, so he calls up one of his sailors and gives
him the order: “Jack, Jump off the main mast into the ocean, and swim around the ship seven times!”

Jack goes off without a murmur, and he too does as he is told. The
American general says: “Now top that for courage!”

So they both turn around to the British general who has been standing around watching these antics silently.

They ask him: “What about your people?”

The British guy calls up one of his people and says: “Trevor, jump off the
mast and swim under the keel of the ship, will you, old chap?”

Trevor stares at his general.
“Let me get this right. You want me to jump off the mast.”

“Yes.”

“And swim under the keel”

“Yes.”

“You must be daft!”

And so saying, Trevor turns around and saunters off.

Whereupon the British general turns to the other two and says,
“Now there’s an example of TRUE courage!”

CONCLUSION

PIease consider liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. I especially appreciate those of you that show your support my leaving a comment.

All you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. Mary Ellen, thank you for leaving a comment last week.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

My thanks to Judith, Betty, Carolyn, Ron & PeterPicker for leaving their reviews on Amazon.

DONATIONS

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

05/18/15 – MR. HOCKEY

May 17, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: ENDURANCE

The big news in the Detroit/Windsor area is that the new Detroit-Windsor crossing will be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Gordie Howe, known as Mr. Hockey, is one of hockey’s greatest players. He is a Canadian, who led the Detroit Red Wings to four Stanley Cup victories during a 25 year career with the Detroit Red Wings.

To last 25-years in the National Hockey League takes endurance, so this week’s theme is chapter 12 of my book–Endurance. A trait that clearly separates ordinary people from the extraordinary is endurance. If you want to be extraordinary, please don’t give up on your goals.

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Road running, not sprinting, is an endurance sport. Typical runs are 5K, 10K, half-marathons (13.1 miles) and marathons (26.2 miles). I’ve read Richard Benyo’s book, Running Past 50 and found it to be a wealth of information.

Please don’t let age keep you from considering this fun and healthy activity. I’m well over 50, 68 to be exact and just a couple of weeks ago I came in first in my age group in a local 5K race. And more interesting, I came in 408 out of 1250 runners who crossed the finish line. I’m only mentioning this because a runner 71 years old was 14 minutes faster than me and another runner 73 years old was five minutes faster.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Since the title of this week’s posting is Mr. Hockey; what better movie could I recommend than Slap Shot. I think this is one of the best hockey movies and also one of the funniest movies ever made.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

There is no failure

except in no longer trying.

Source: Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Green Hubbard (June 19, 1856 – May 7, 1915) was an American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher. [Source: Wikipedia]

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON TIME

There was a tie for the top three categories:

You set priorities and have enough time for the important things.

You wish you had more time.

You always have time for a good time.

Each of the above received about 30% of the votes.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Dear Abby,

I really need your advice.

I have suspected for some time now that my wife has been cheating on me. The usual signs; phone rings, I answer, the caller hangs up. My wife has been going out with “the girls” a lot recently although when I ask their names, she always says, “just some friends from work, you don’t know them”.

I think deep down I just did not want to know the truth, but last night she went out again and I decided to hide in the garage behind my hockey equipment so I could get a good view of the whole street when she arrived home from a night out with the girls.

When she got out of the car she was buttoning up her blouse, and she took her panties out of her purse and slipped them on.

It was at that moment, crouching behind my hockey gear, that I noticed a hairline crack where the blade meets the graphite shaft on my new one piece hockey stick.

Is this something I can fix myself or should I take it back to the pro-shop where I bought it?

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, pIease let me know by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. I especially appreciate those of you that show your support my leaving a comment.

All you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Carol, Mary Ellen and Marnie left comments.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

My thanks to Judith, Betty, Carolyn, Ron & PeterPicker for leaving their reviews on Amazon.

DONATIONS

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

05/11/15 – TIME

May 11, 2015 Wm. Allen6 Comments

THIS WEEK’S THEME: TIME

I was reading the May 3rd Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times and came across an article about some stars that are not letting age stand in the way of their successful movie careers as action heros and desirable leading men and leading ladies. The following were mentioned: Samuel L. Jackson, 66; Meryl Streep, 65; Denzel Washington, 60; Helen Mirren, 69; and Arnold Schwarzenegger, 67.

As I mention in my book (Week 37: Time) all of us are getting older, but extraordinary people do not let age prevent them from doing exciting things and taking on projects that could take years to finish, because time is going to pass whether you are active and engaged or just sitting around wasting your time.

Be extraordinary by trying to not let go of activities simply because you are getting older and the activities are harder for you to do.

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I’ve read and reviewed Roger Rosenblatt’s book, Rules for Aging and found it to be a helpful guide to aging as well as an entertaining and easy to read book.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This is an old movie that came out in 1980 and if you haven’t seen it; you really must. And if you have seen it some time ago, I think you will enjoy watching it again. This film stands the test of time.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Time is what we want most,

but what we use worst.

Source: William Penn

William Penn (14 October 1644 – 30 July 1718) was a Quaker who founded the Province of Pennsylvania, the British North American colony that became the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The democratic and libertarian principles that he set forth served as an inspiration for the United States Constitution. [Source: Wikiquotes]

THIS WEEK’S POLL

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON DISCARDING

About 4% of you are cutter free–congratulations, well done.

About 30% of you have clothing in your closet that you will probably never wear.

Over 20% of you have things in your basement or attic that you will likely never use.

Over 20% of you are going to start getting rid of your clutter; good for you folks,

And I’m sad to say that over 5% of you are packrats and don’t care–it is the not caring that is troubling.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

An old Italian Mafia Don is dying and calls his grandson to his bed, saying; “Lissin-a me. I wanna for you to take my chrome plated 38 revolver so you remember me.

“But grandfather, I don’t like guns. Maybe you would leave me your Rolex watch instead?”, says the grandson.

“Shuddup an lissin. Somma day you gonna runna da business. You gonna have a beautiful wife, lotsa money, biga home, some bambinos.”

“Somma day you gonna comma home and find you wife inna bed with another man. What you gonna do then–pointa to your watch and say Times Up?”

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, pIease let me know by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. And I especially appreciate the few of you that have left a comment.

All you have to do to leave a comment is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Mary Ellen again left a reply. Thank you Mary Ellen.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I want to thank my friends, Judith, Betty Carolyn & Ron, along with PeterPicker (I’m not sure who this is) for leaving their reviews on Amazon. I very much appreciate those reviews.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

05/04/15 – DISCARD

May 3, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON THE 80/20 RULE

The vast majority of you, over 60%, have heard of the 80/20 rule, believe it works and have or will apply the rule.

A large number of you, 25%, had never heard of the rule; so I am glad something new has been brought to your attention whether or not you care to make use of it.

And around 12% of you don’t believe it works.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: DISCARD

I was reading the April 20th edition of USA Today and in the Money section of the paper, there was an interesting article on de-cluttering, plus this season is noted for Spring Cleaning, so this week’s theme is on discarding.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A teacher, a garbage collector, and a lawyer were told by Saint Peter that to get into Heaven, they would each have to answer one question.

Saint Peter asked the teacher, “What was the name of the ship that crashed into the iceberg? They just made a movie about it.”

The teacher answered, “Titanic.”

Saint Peter let her through the gate.

Next, Saint Peter turned to the garbage man thinking Heaven didn’t really need all the odors that this guy would bring with him, so Saint Peter decided to make the question a little harder. Saint Peter asked, “How many people died on the ship?”

The garbage man, having recently seen the movie and answered, “about 1,500.”

“That’s right! You may enter.”

Saint Peter then turned to the lawyer, “Name them.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 22: DISCARD – REDUCE CLUTTER IN YOUR LIFE

Clutter is the enemy of the extraordinary person. You have to learn to let go of material objects, ideas, memories and sometimes people that are stopping you from being the person you want to become.

It is easy to acquire so many material objects, that you can’t find what you are looking for and have to buy it again. You may have so much paper laying around that a important bill gets lost and you have to pay a late fee.

When young, we are sometimes programmed to think in certain ways. As we grow older and learn more about the world or society changes, these old ways of thinking just hold us back from experiencing all the wonder the world is offering us.

As for memories, some inspire us, but others just sadden us. If we live in our memories, we will neglect the opportunities of the presence.

As for people, as we evolve and grow; some of the people in our lives will feel we are betraying them. They may become jealous of the new and extraordinary life we are creating for ourselves by getting an education or training, giving up bad habits, accepting a promotion, etc.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

As I’ve mentioned before, I would never suggest a book if I had not read it and found value in it. This week’s recommendation has some good tips on clearing clutter.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

As with books, I also never suggest a movie I have not watched at least one time, if not more. I think this week’s movie will give you a good appreciation of the value of all those material objects you have spent your life accumulating.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“When every possession is special,

none of them are.”

Source: Kathi Lipp

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. For the second week in a row, I had another three people liked my Facebook page, bringing the total up to 43. I sent each one of them a “Thank You”.

You can help make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. It would make things so much more interesting and informative for all, if you would post your feelings on the trait, movie, book, quote or anything at all.

All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Mary Ellen again left a reply. Thank you Mary Ellen.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I want to thank my friends, Judith, Betty Carolyn & Ron, along with PeterPicker (I’m not sure who this is) for leaving their reviews on Amazon. I very much appreciate those reviews.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.

I mentioned last week that I donated two copies of my book to the 10th annual MOM 5K run/walk race for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. I also ran in the race Saturday morning, and I hope some of you did also. If not, hopefully you will next year. It is a very nice and relaxed race, with plenty of walkers.

http://www.momrace.org/

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

04/27/15 80/20 Rule

April 27, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON LIMITATIONS

Around 12% of you said you never tried so hard to accomplish something that the opposite took place. And 5% of you frequently try so hard to achieve something that the opposite takes place.

Well, I’m thinking the 80+% of us who rarely or occasionally try too hard to achieve something that we cause the opposite to occur, are more in tune with last week’s quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said, “Moderation in all things, especially moderation.” Sometimes, we try too hard, but we try.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle

When thinking about accomplishing something, it is helpful to keep the 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle in mind, which says that 80% of our results come from a mere 20% of our efforts. I wouldn’t get hung up on the exact percentages, but just keep in mind that the major portion of our outcomes result from a small percentage of our inputs.

On a grand level, I think this is being demonstrated by the public’s respect for police. A friend of mine pointed out to me that after 9/11, the acts of NYC police officers raised the public image of all police officers throughout the country.

Now, we are seeing the opposite, where the acts of a few rogue police officers are lowering the public image of all police officers throughout the country.

On a personal level, if we keep the 80/20 rule in mind as we go through our lives each day, it can help us in our quest to become more than just ordinary by making us more efficient.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A female union leader was attending a convention in Las Vegas and decided to check out the new brothels that provide women with male prostitutes.

She asked the manager of the first brothel she visited, “Is this a union house?”

When told it wasn’t, she asked, “If I pay you $100, what cut do the male prostitutes get?”

She was told that the house gets $80 and the boys get $20.

She thought this unfair and went in search of a more equitable, unionized brothel. Eventually, she found a unionized brothel.

She asked, “If I pay $100, what cut do the male prostitutes get?”

She was told the boys get $80 and the house gets $20.

“That’s more like it!” she said, looking around the room, she pointed to an attractive young man saying she would like him.

“I’m sure you would,” said was the brothel manager, but pointing to an 85 year old man in the corner, “but Bill here has seniority.”

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 11: 80 PERCENT OF YOUR OUTCOMES COME FROM 20 PERCENT OF YOUR INPUTS

Again, don’t get hung up on the percentages, but you need to keep this idea in mind as you go through you day. Ordinary people tend to focus on their exertion rather than their output. They can look busy, work late, and skip lunch; but if they produce a lot less than the person who is relaxed at work, leaves on time and rarely skips a lunch, who would you rather have working for you?

Regarding our friends, should we invest an equal amount of time and attention on each one, or do we get together more often, have more contact and fun with a smaller number of friends?

When it comes to going to the gym, do we spend hours doing a variety of exercises; when possibly doing a few key exercises yield the majority of benefits.

Are our closets full of clothes we rarely wear, because we only wear a small percentage of clothes we really like.

I believe if you think about the Pareto Principle as you go through your daily life you will find many ways where you can be far more efficient and gain more satisfaction with a lot less effort.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

As I’ve mentioned before, I would never suggest a book if I had not read it and found value in it. Most of my recommendations are “easy reads”, but sometimes a book calls for more effort, but it is still very worthwhile. If you want to know more about the 80/20 principle and how to apply it, I suggest the following book which I read back in 1999.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I watched this movie back in 2005, when I was starting to learn how to make films. I enjoyed the film, but the reason I watched it was because I had heard and read the stories about how Robert Rodriguez made this film from limited funds he had obtained from being a volunteer drug tester. I understand some of the actors were just people who happened by and some of the guns used in the film were just toy guns or water pistols.

A traveling mariachi is mistaken for a murderous criminal and must hide from a gang bent on killing him. (Source of Film Description: IMDB)

If you watch the film and want to learn more about how it was made, I recommend Robert Rodriguez’s book, Rebel Without a Crew.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Nothing is less productive

than to make more efficient

what should not be done at all.”

Source: Peter Drucker

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Last week three more people liked my Facebook page, bring the total up to 40. Thank you.

You can help make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see that Mary Ellen left a reply.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

My friends, Judith, Betty and Carolyn have been kind enough to post reviews on Amazon and I appreciate that very much.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.

As I mentioned last week, I donate two copies of my book to the 10th annual MOM 5K run/walk race for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, which will be this coming Saturday morning, May 2 in Royal Oak, Michigan. There is still time to enter and support mental health and awareness and suicide prevention. For more information about this organization and the race, please click on the link below:

http://www.momrace.org/

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

04/20/15 LIMITATIONS

April 20, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON CHANGE

Almost 60% of you plan to make changes impacting three or more of your traits. I hope this blog as well as my book helps you.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: LIMITATIONS

I’m disturbed by the harm being done to the social fabric of the USA by the images and stories of police brutality. I believe most law enforcement officers live by a code of “to defend and to serve”. However, we seem to be seeing and hearing of many police officers who are exceeding the limitations of their role and becoming judge, jury and in some cases executioner.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (Source: The New York Times, Sunday, April 12, 2015, The Strip by Brian McFadden)

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 11: LIMITATIONS – EXTREMES ARE HARMFUL

Sometimes, those in positions of authority, exceed the authority they have been granted, and end up either losing that authority or having limitations placed upon that authority. This certainly happens in management and it is starting to happen with our police, as one hears more and more demand for additional citizen oversight over our police departments.

On a more personal level, each of us needs to keep our natural limitations in mind. For instance, in an effort to become strong, one may try lifting so much weight that they hurt themselves and end up weaker than when they started out.

However, I am not saying practice moderation in everything you do, as I have been told that yes it can lead to a long life, but also a boring life. So, occasionally the extraordinary person goes right up to the edge of a cliff, but is wise enough to not go over the edge.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

I’ve actually have read every book that I recommend and if the book isn’t a fairly easy to read book, which is my favorite kind of book, I point that out.

Below is a book I have read and reviewed often in the last 15+ years and I believe you will find many valuable lessons among its pages.

For anyone tired of chasing ever–elusive desires, of doing more only to find that more needs doing, and of making more money only to need more money, best–selling author Chin–Ning Chu shows you that life was meant to be easy, if you know the secrets. (Source of Description: Amazon)

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Dirty Harry is on the trail of vigilante cops who are not above going beyond the law to kill the city’s undesirables. (Source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Moderation in all things, especially moderation.”

Source: Ralph Waldo Emerson

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 37 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page.

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

My friends, Judith and Betty, have been kind enough to post reviews on Amazon and I appreciate that very much.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize.

I was able this past week to donate two copies of my book to the 10th annual MOM 5K run/walk race for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, which will be Saturday morning, May 2 in Royal Oak, Michigan. For more information about this organization and the race, please click on the link below:

http://www.momrace.org/

I will also being giving a very brief talk at the May 21 BCBSM Retiree Luncheon and I will be donating $7.00 of each book sold at the lunch to that organization.

If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

04/13/15 CHANGE

April 13, 2015 Wm. Allen4 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON FRIENDS

Congratulations to the more than 60% of you who believe you will be more extraordinary by the end of this year. However, that also means that almost 40% of you believe you will be about like you are now, or just an average person or even less extraordinary.

After looking at the poll’s results, the first thing that came to my mind was a saying by Henry Ford, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”

THIS WEEK’S THEME: CHANGE

Since I am concerned about the almost 40% of you that may not be optimistic about what this year holds for you, this week’s theme will be change.

I realize, that despite your best efforts; sometimes fate can be insensitive. But for most of us, we are masters of our own destiny.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?

One, but the light bulb really has to want to change.

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 19: CHANGE – EMBRACE ALL CHANGES FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES THEY CAN PROVIDE

Change is inevitable and if you are trying to cling to the past, you are fighting a losing battle. Being inflexible is a sign of aging and demise. I’m not saying you should like change, but I am saying that you need to adapt to change.

I was at a seminar Saturday and the speaker told us that 85% of all diseases are caused by lifestyle choices. Except for some rare exceptions, everything (not just your health) in your life, good or bad, is a reflection of choices you have made. If you want something in your life to be different, you have to change and do something different.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

Today, I am suggesting a book written by someone I believe is truly extraordinary, George Foreman. When it comes to change, this gentleman has shown us all the way. His book is my kind of book, very easy to read.

Unfortunately, I cannot say I ever had the opportunity to actually meet George Foreman, but I was second row ringside for one of his fights during his return to the ring in pursuit of a second heavy weight championship. However, he is so much more than a boxer. Below is a brief description of George that I copied from Wikipedia.

“Although he did not formally retire from boxing, Foreman stopped fighting and became an ordained minister, initially preaching on street corners before becoming the reverend at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston and devoting himself to his family and his congregation. He also opened a youth center that bears his name.” [Source: Wikipedia]

And who hasn’t heard of the George Foreman Grill.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think my favorite movie of all time is Groundhog Day, which is a movie about a guy who lives the same day over and over until he finally gets it right. It is a great movie and if you haven’t seen it, you really should.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

If you do not change direction,

you may end up where you are heading.

Source: Lao Tzu

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 36 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page. Also, a number of you have “liked” my posts and I appreciate that very much. Perhaps, you may also consider liking my Facebook page.

You can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a comment. All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”. If you check last week’s post, you see where Mary Ellen left a comment and I replied with a photo of two very large bunnies I found in my yard.

And for those of you who have read my book, and I do believe there are a couple of you who have read it, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

My friends, Judith and Betty, have been kind enough to post reviews on Amazon and I appreciate that very much.

DONATIONS

I continue being willing to donate to anyone putting on a charitable fundraiser two copies of my book to auction off or raffle as a door prize. This past week, I offered three organizations copies of my book and I am waiting to hear back from them. If you know anyone that is holding a charitable fundraiser and could use a couple copies of my book, please tell them about me. I can be reached at:

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

04/06/15 EASTER/OPTIMISM

April 5, 2015 Wm. Allen3 Comments

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON FRIENDS

Half of you (50%) indicated you have 3 or 4 true friends, which to be sounds about right. Fortunately, none of you thought they had no true friends.

Also, I appreciate the private comments I received regarding my weightlifting friends mentioned in last week’s post.

THIS WEEK’S THEME: OPTIMISM

Since yesterday was Easter, I thought this week’s theme should be one of optimism.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter and got to share the day with family or friends.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Top ten reasons the Easter bunny brings eggs:

10. Tax write-off.

9. Who ever heard of bringing Easter Oatmeal?

8. More likely to be well received since eggs come in many varieties: scrambled, over easy, hard boiled.

7. Local chickens give him a good deal on eggs.

6. Has stock in companies manufacturing cholesterol lowering statin medications.

5. Pressure from the Egg marketing firms.

4. Because if he brought fireworks, he would be the Independence Day Bunny.

3. Would you want to hunt for oatmeal?

2. Attempt to help guys get chicks at least once a year.

1. Because the Energizer rabbit got the better job.

BRIEF COMMENTS RELATED TO THE WEEKLY CHAPTERS IN:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

WEEK 10: OPTIMISM – NEVER LOSE HOPE

One of the earmarks of many ordinary people is negativity. And not only do they believe that their dreams will not come true, they will be delighted to explain why your dreams will also not come true.

Extraordinary people are optimistic about their dreams as well as your dreams. When the extraordinary person experiences a setback, they reassess their goals and if they still believe the goal is worthy, they continue their efforts looking for more effective ways to accomplish their goals.

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

If you are feeling down on your luck, and who hasn’t, perhaps you may want to check out Joan Rivers book, Bouncing Back. I first read this book back in 1998 and I continued to review it over the years and found it to be helpful. I do have to admit that I haven’t looked at it since I left the corporate world at the end of 2009, but keep it handy just in case.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

For those of you that have read my book, it is easy to see that I like treating heavy topics with a light touch. And so to find a film related to both Easter and to Optimism, I selected Bruce Almighty as a film that uses a light touch to illustrates some heavy issues.

A guy who complains about God too often is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world. (Description source: IMDB)

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

If Thomas Edison didn’t actually say this, he should have.

“I have not failed 1,000 times.
I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb.”

Source: Thomas Edison

THIS WEEK’S POLL

CONCLUSION

If you like what I am doing, I need you to show your support by passing this blog on your friends, and liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC. Currently, 33 of you have been kind enough to like my Facebook page. Also, a number of you have “liked” my posts and I appreciate very much. Perhaps, you may also consider liking my Facebook page.

You can help me make this blog more valuable to others by posting your perspectives via Leave a Reply. All you have to do to leave a reply is to click on the last line of the weekly post, where it says, “Leave a comment”

And for those of you who have read my book, please let others know what you thought of it on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

A big thank you to my friend Betty, who this week gave my book a review on Amazon, in addition to the one Judith left sometime earlier.

DONATIONS

harmonybooksfilmsllc@comcast.net

Harmony Books & Films, LLC

Tired of being ordinary, then here are some tips for becoming extraordinary.

Tag: Joke

05/18/15 – MR. HOCKEY

05/11/15 – TIME

05/04/15 – DISCARD

04/27/15 80/20 Rule

04/20/15 LIMITATIONS

04/13/15 CHANGE

04/06/15 EASTER/OPTIMISM