“People with dirty jobs are happier than you think. As a group, they’re the happiest people I know.” {Mike Rowe}

Mike Rowe, the host of “Dirty Jobs,” tells some compelling (and horrifying) real-life job stories. Listen for his insights and observations about the nature of hard work, and how it’s been unjustifiably degraded in society today.

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If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor watch the clip. If you have, view it again.

Warning: Studies have shown it may accelerate the growth of chest hair in most men (and even some women).

Ray Lewis gave this inspirational talk to the Stanford Cardinals men’s basketball team just before an NIT tournament game in March of 2012.

Here’s the text of the Ray Lewis Speech:

“If tomorrow wasn’t promised, what would you give for today?

Forget everything else. Forget everything else. Forget that there was any sunlight left.

What would you spend today thinking about. Yourself? Or the man that’s beside you? Or the man that you know you’d give everything in your heart for?

We get one opportunity in life. One chance in life—to do whatever you’re gonna do. To lay your foundation. To make whatever mark you’re gonna make. To leave whatever legacy you’re gonna leave. Leave your legacy. And it’s found through effort.

Wins and losses come a dime a dozen. But effort? Nobody can judge effort. Effort is between you and you. Effort ain’t got nothing to do with nobody else. So that team that thinks they’ve already seen you? They think what they’ve seen on film. They ain’t saw what film shows. Because every day is a new day. Every moment is a new moment.

So now you got to go out and show them that you’re a different creature now than I was five minutes ago. ‘Cause I’m pissed off for greatness. Because if you ain’t pissed off for greatness, that means you’re okay with being mediocre. Aint no man in here okay with being just basic. So let’s do what we do. Tonight, we ain’t gotta worry about taking no breaks.

Let’s go do this!”

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The Rocky Balboa Speech

“You ain’t gonna believe this, but you used to fit right here. (He gestures to the palm of his hand). I’d hold you up to say to your mother, ‘This kid’s gonna be the best kid in the world. This kid’s gonna be somebody better than anybody I ever knew.’ And you grew up good and wonderful. It was great just watchin’ you, every day was like a privilege. Then the time come for you to be your own man and take on the world, and you did. But somewhere along the line, you changed. You stopped being you. You let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you’re no good. And when things got hard, you started lookin’ for something to blame, like a big shadow.

Let me tell you something you already know.The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!

Now if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth! But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!

I’m always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You’re my son and you’re my blood. You’re the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, you ain’t gonna have a life.

Don’t forget to visit your mother.”

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“It’s your unquenchable passion to experience the outdoors. It’s a deeply ingrained desire to personally connect with wildlife and untamed places. More than a pastime, a hobby or a diversion, it’s in all you do and how you live. At home, at work and, of course, out there, it’s always present, fueling your thoughts and guiding your actions. Because It’s in Your Nature.”

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The narrator’s closing remarks would make a fine mission statement for any family man:

“He’s done enough to keep his wife sweet, treat his children, and earn respect.”

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As exciting as the game is, the commercials contain their own intrigue. At about 3.5 million bucks per ad, we watch them and expect something remarkable.

One such ad was the “God Made a Farmer” ad by Dodge Ram. Quite frankly, as a South Dakota man, I choked up watching this. It reminded me of the kind of folks who make up my great state.

This was more than a sales pitch for a truck, it appealed to something intrinsic in us. A sense of pride, determination, and strength. The things that make our nation great. This is what great storytelling does. It moves us.

Dodge not only created a classy and compelling ad, but it made me want a new truck.

Contrast this ad with GoDaddy.

I hesitate to even mention them because it’s exactly what they want. To create controversy in order to get people talking.

As usual, their ad was lame and tasteless.

It’s not that I”m a prude. If the commercial aired while my wife and I watched Sons of Anarchy, I would write it off as another stupid ad. But when your family is cuddled around you watching the big game, it’s rather disturbing.

The fact is, millions and millions of impressionable children watch the Super Bowl. Little boys and little girls. And GoDaddy has proven time and again, they could care less. When a company knows young children are watching, and they intentionally create ads like they do, it comes across as sick and creepy. Which is why I won’t do business with them.*

It makes you wonder. If you’re a company who’s going to invest a few million dollars on a Super Bowl ad, why not be creative, interesting, funny, or powerful? This is your chance to shine and give us a reason to use your product or service. Tell your story, make us talk, and show you care.

This is what Dodge did. And today, I’m sure they have a sense of pride in their message, their trucks, and their organization.

That’s what good marketing is all about.

—

* There are many alternatives to choose from to get a domain name. I’ve used Bluehost.com and Name.com and found them to be easy to work with.

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“Falsehood flies, and the truth comes limping after it.” – Jonathan Swift

In light of current events, here are some truths about lies.

Lies are as awkward to handle as a wet fish.

Lies are as heavy to carry as an F-150.

Lies are as harassing as a bill collector paid on commission.

Lies are as busy as bunnies in heat.

Lies are as hazardous as a toddler flying a B-1 Bomber.

Lies are as confining as a fat guy in a little coat.

Lies have an expiration date and will eventually betray you.

As we’ve learned, not even power, money, or fame can contain it.

If you’re tangled up in a lie, you have a choice.

You can try to carry it, vary it, or bury it. But it will never let you go until you confess it.

A lie doesn’t have to define your life.

Telling the truth, like an injection, may hurt at first. But in the long run, it could save your life.

Confession requires courage, resilience, and authenticity. And confession is the first step to becoming that kind of person.

Lies may travel faster than the truth, but in the end, truth wins.

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So few people do it, which is exactly why you should. While others wade in the same waters of common knowledge, you can explore new islands of ideas.

Several years ago, I began creating an annual reading plan based on my goals. My aim wasn’t to break a reading record, but to read intentionally from a variety of genres that helped stretch me, inspire me, and prepare me. This is one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Creating a reading plan feels like you are mapping your future, because, well, you are.

Here are some questions to help guide you in crafting your reading plan:

What do I want my story to be this time next year?
At the risk of sounding cliché, if your life is a story, you have an amazing opportunity to fill the pages. Setting goals is simply being intentional with your life. There are many things in life we can’t control, but we are responsible for the parts we do.

What’s keeping me from attaining it?
Every good story has big hurdles to overcome and yours is no different. Otherwise, you should dream bigger.

Is it understanding you lack? Do you need a shot of motivation? Is fear getting in the way? It’s important to identify this because it will help determine the right weapons (books) to slay your dragon.

Who’s been on a similar journey? What books did they read? What books did they write? What resources did they create?
This is where you finally compile a list of books. From there, you can create categories to place them under. Not everything in life fits neatly in a box, but it helps to organize your thoughts and search for books. If you don’t know where to start, ask others, browse websites, and read reviews. I always leave a little wiggle room for the books that pop up during the year that catch my eye, but for the most part, I know what I’m reading for the coming year.

Once you have your list together, all that’s left to do is read.

What books are you excited to read?
What books do you find yourself recommending to others?

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For being a polymath who accomplished many great things, he reserved a good deal of margin in his life. He got a full night’s rest (7 hours), had quiet time in the morning, and enjoyed recreation in the evening.

But what really stands out are the two questions he began and ended the day with:

Morning: What good shall I do this day?

Evening: What good have I done this day?

Perhaps this is an activity we all should consider. In fact, I plan to spend the next month intentionally asking myself the same two questions. I suspect it will be more challenging than it appears, but I’m thrilled to see the results.

Why don’t you join me?

Benjamin Franklin’s Daily Schedule

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I’m grateful he took the time to share with us about the important topic of why every man needs a brotherhood. Enjoy.

Every Man Needs a Brotherhood

One of the things guys do when they get together is to give each other a heavy dose of antagonism. There have been times when I have been the butt of a joke, and vice versa, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

There is something about hanging with the guys that is simply relaxing and much needed in life. I am no stranger to dishing out my share of practical jokes either. Like to other day when I delivered a beer to a friend. I shook it up, just a little, and watched as he tried not to let it spill all over his shirt.

You could say it was a cruel prank, but it was rather entertaining—and there were no hard feelings. Just guys being guys.

The best thing about having this kind of close connection with other guys is that you can not only spill a beer on their shirt, you can spill your life out with them, and walk together through some pretty hard times. In my life I have been grateful for brothers who can help me walk through life.

Here are just three reasons why you need a brotherhood yourself:

1) To Relieve Tension

Too often guys walk around without letting go of their emotions, yes gentlemen we have emotions, (aside from anger, frustration, elation, etc.) Like the beer can, sometimes we need to vent to our buds and work through the tension we experience before we explode all over the people we love.

2) To Swap War Stories

Unfortunately I was never able to serve my country, however this does not mean that as a man I do not struggle with life. Marriage, fatherhood, faith, and leadership, can all be shared within the boundaries of a trusting and deepening relationship. There is just something about dialoging back and forth with one another that is encouraging for the heart. Plus any good war story ends up talking about the tactics to overcome the enemy, or in this case you can explore the options for solving the problems. As a friend of mine says, if we could get their on our own we would already be there.

3) To Pray For One Another

Solutions are excellent but sometimes we need a little extra. One of my greatest friends has always had my back in prayer when needed. God has an amazing ability to answer prayer and in my life some of the most often answered prayers have been ones that friends have made. The opportunity and ability to ask God for assistance and help is one of the greatest gifts a friend can offer.

Regardless of your beliefs, a brotherhood can be a phenomenal asset and gift in life.

Do you have someone you call brother, friend, or confidant?

If so, what is some advice for building a stronger relationship with other men to help encourage and challenge one another?

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