How Much Are YOU Willing to Pay?

 

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome back to the Inspire Halton Update feed, where we give you stories to improve your life and the lives of those around you. Today we're going to talk about the cost of progress.

Since today is the 200^th anniversary of the Battle of York, when American soldiers captured the capital of Upper Canada during the War of 1812, we’re going to dedicate this post to that conflict and those who participated in it, American, British, Canadian and Native.

Canada today is known for the peaceful, accepting attitude we seek to show. But 200 years ago, we were in a struggle with the United States. Though outnumbered, we, with our past British government, fought hard. In a struggle that lasted about 2 ½ years, we survived. Despite the burning of both the capital of Upper Canada at the time (York, now Toronto – still provincial capital) and the past capital (Niagara on the Lake), we burnt Washington and the White House. It was a hard fought contest with an estimated 19,900 casualties on both sides.

But the cost, however high, however tough, however unlikely our survival, panned out. The War of 1812 was the last time we were ever officially at war with the United States. Since that time, we've often been allies, or at least strong trading partners (though we still traded then, we were also looked at by some more aggressive Americans as future territory for the U.S to annex).

All things have a cost. Sometimes we're not aware of what it is, sometimes it's little, and sometimes it's a lot. These days, though we've been often blessed with peace at home we still deal with economic difficulties, with one of the highest recorded divorce rates in history, with poverty. We're bombarded by this and charities to help these causes which seem to come our way everyday and are all so important yet, we often let this one and that one down out of necessity. There's just too much to give to.

But, a price is a price – if it exists, it is a void. Once it is paid in full, it's done. The price paid by the soldiers in the War of 1812 has bought us 200 years of peace, to date, and hopefully serenity every lasting between the U.S. and Canada.

You, too, have prices to pay for what is dearest to you. All diseases have prices to be paid to be defeated. It costs now, perhaps more than you're willing. But the price given, however unappealing, determines the future.

Canada would not exist the way it does today without the bravery of our forefathers.

Recognise the price and pay it when you want to change something in the future, ignore it if it's not important to you or those you love. Your decision is one of the most accurate predictors of the future.

Alex H.

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If you like this Inspire Halton post, you might also like these other updates:

• Programmed to Hurt Ourselves 
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• The Most Important Thing a Teacher Ever Told Me (And Why You Should Hear it)
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• You've Got Something They Want  

The Most Important Thing a Teacher Ever Told Me (And Why You Should Hear it)

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome to the Inspire Halton Update feed, where we send you stories that improve your life and the lives of those you love.

For about 4 ½ months I was in a Kindergarten classroom as a co-op student. In that time, I'd assist the teacher with various tasks to gain job experience and hours towards completing a school course.

During that period, I, for one week, visited other classroom grades throughout the school. In one of the older grades, I helped walk lunch duty with the teacher I was tagged along with.

It was an indoor recess and, though students were confined to their classrooms unless they had a 'hall-pass', many individuals seemed to be walking the corridors.

The teacher would stop them, chat (she knew many of them by name) and ask them to politely return to their classroom if they weren't meant to be out of it. Even though they were blatantly breaking a school rule, she rarely gave them a huge speech or any severe punishment.

After a while, as if to explain her reasoning, she said, “You've gotta pick your battles”, quoting some anonymous philosopher (Richard Carlson, Phd., of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff fame said something to the same effect, but I think the idea goes back a long time before him).

In this world, in this life, we have only so much time. It's the only limited resource – trees can be replanted, water filtered, money earned, but time is constantly flowing away, never to return to the owner.

Only so many things are important to your success and those you love. Only so many arguments, so many books, so many dates, so many letters. Sure, some things we can deal with quickly and move on. But we, in our capacity, have only so many big fights we can take on. And we, in life and death, are remembered for what those are and how we deal with them.

Set priorities, remember what you stand for and what's important for you. Unless it's essential to your life purpose, let it go.

No one wants to miss their calling because they were too focused sifting through the laundry.

Alex H.

 

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• Personality Pays More than Size
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• Feeling Unappreciated?   
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• Outsmarting Ourselves

Personality Pays More than Size

 

Warren Buffet told a story at a University of Georgia (UGA) lecture about a company he bought out from Rose Blumkin − the Nebraska Furniture Mart, still the largest home furnishing store in North America. The woman came to America from Russia. Not knowing the language, she learned to speak English as her child, Francis, did.

She got her siblings and family also to the U.S. 17 years after she arrived, she bought $2000 worth of carpet with $500 equity − all the money she had. She took the bed, sofa and fridge out of her home to pay the $1500 she owed on time.

It was the last time she went in debt.

She put everyone out of business. Even when failing competition sued her, she won the case by asking the judge how much he’d like her to rob her customers. The judge bought carpet from her the next day.

She sold her business to Warren Buffet and, his company, Berkshire Hathaway at 89, worked till 103 and died at 104.

The most amazing part − she couldn’t read or write English.

                                                                                                                     

Some people are exceptional. Paraphrasing Warren Buffet from later on in his question and answer session, some industries require scale, but in most a person like Mrs. B., as people called Rose, can revolutionize an industry.

The point? Be the next Rose Blumkin. She didn’t know everything but she knew her industry − carpets − and she had great personality and drive. We all have the ability to learn and work on our skills in any area. It’s ultimately our decision to exploit those skills, work on ourselves and then put that improved self into action that makes us unique, giving us an edge. And that edge can not only change an industry and make a fortune, it can provide the ultimate reward − satisfaction and pride in one’s life.

Thanks for reading and talk to you soon!

Alex H.

Check out Inspire Halton's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/inspirehalton

To listen to Warren Buffet’s full address to UGA students:

For more on Mrs. B’s story:

http://www.nfm.com/ourstory_mrsb.aspx

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You Get to Pick

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to the Inspire Halton Update feed, working you to greater feats for yourself and those you love.

There’s a famous Native American legend regarding two dogs.

One of them is good and one is evil.

The good one is the one who accomplishes things, who makes others smile and laugh, who earns you a meaningful life. These tend to be harder things for us to consistently do.

The other helps you procrastinate, complain and say mean things. These tend to be easy traps for us to fall into.

Each day, these two dogs fight. The battle is fierce, each one vying for superiority.

Know who wins?

That’s right − the one you choose to.

Each day, we wrestle with the worst and best within ourselves. And it can be tough to let the good win out - to forgive, to continually do good work. If it were easy, we’d all be saints.

But it’s easy to eat a cookie − or three − and seek revenge for that slip-up at work last year.

We must make the choice between what is easy and what is right, what will benefit us in the long run and what is nice to do now.

The dog’s battle rages everyday from the second you wake up to the moment you go to bed. Only you know the outcome because only you can control it.

Choose wisely which side you pick.

Alex H.

 

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Programmed to Hurt Ourselves

 

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome back to the Inspire Halton update feed, sending you stories to improve your life and the lives of those you love. Today, we’re declaring war on stereotypes, realizing we’ve been programmed to hurt ourselves.

The other day, I was sitting in the Georgetown Marketplace, the local mall, in one of those comfy leather chairs they have there. I’d just finished hanging out with a friend but, though it’d been fun, I was a bit down. Maybe it’d been a rough week, maybe I was just sad the amusement, for the moment, was over. So, I sat down to write some poetry.

I was about half way through my piece when I noticed a kid sitting in the chair opposite me. He looked like a corpse dressed for school but was by himself, quiet and looked very tired so I didn’t mind. There’d been more kids, maybe young high schoolers or middle schoolers around before, but they were gone − thankfully. You know what they say about teens − loud, noisy, uncaring and rude. Troubles makers.

Or not so thankfully. A verse or two on, a bunch of other kids showed up − friends of the sleepy one.

Darn.

They started talking, joking around a bit. Not too bad. Then, predictably, the mall security guard came by and warned them about sitting on the arms of the chairs (and sitting on the floor, and making a mess).

Great help for the budding writer sitting across the carpet.

But then something happened that surprised me. One kid had a case of Canada Dry ginger ale. While splitting it with his friends, he mistakenly referred to me as one of them. We both smiled when he realised his mistake. And then, out of the lining of his soul, he offered me a can.

For a guy in the state I was in, it couldn’t have been better timed.

Too often people fall into the trap of placing stereotypes on themselves and others. They, based on what a largely ignorant majority think, say something is a certain way. They argue that if most people think something, then it must run that course because why else would most people be thinking that? Of course, that argument stands up like a tower of toothpicks on a windy day. Ignorant people can educate the ignorant with ignorance, creating a commonly held opinion or perception. Now, don’t get me wrong − there are times when the majority is right. But if you’ve studied oil paints for ten years and someone who just started using them tells you what “everyone else” thinks, you might want to take their advice lightly.

People who look on teenagers and other age groups a certain way, especially when they aren’t part of that age group, are making judgements based on nothing. And all that does is limit your views on the good in humanity and your own capabilities with people. We’ve been programmed over life to hurt ourselves by harshly criticizing those who might’ve been friends and allies had we a more open mind. Studying a person and forming an opinion on them is one thing. Stereotyping people on rumours is another. Looking at those kids before our encounter in the marketplace, I would’ve expected the worst of them. If I wanted someone to do a job, I probably wouldn’t have employed them. To ask advice or help? Heaven no!

But now, I’m not so sure. I don’t know everything about them. But I do know they have generosity and care for others in their heart because of their actions.

And I’ll take that as measure of a person over any made-up story.

Alex H.

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Feeling Unappreciated?

Feeling unrecognised? Too often we put in a lot of work at home, school or our job only to find others discounting it. And man, that makes you feel bad.

But perhaps today’s story will give you the heart to keep trying despite it all.

According to General Sir Ian Hamilton, a commander of British forces during the Second Boer War of 1899-1902, Winston Churchill in his youth deserved a gallantry medal as much as anyone else, never failing to display bravery. Climbing a ridge on Diamond Hill, Churchill helped Hamilton win a tactical victory preventing the Boer’s from recapturing Pretoria, still one of South Africa’s three capitals alongside Capetown and Bloemfontein. But Churchill’d made enemies. Furthermore, he was in the war as a member of the press and so received nothing.

Yet, he still did become First Lord of the Admiralty at age 37, a position generally given to older men and historically one of Britain’s highest posts until the 1960’s. And even then, when all his hard work was discounted after the failure of the Battle of Gallipoli, proposed by him, against the Turks during the Great War, he became Prime Minister during World War II.

And even then, when he was booted out of office following the end of the conflict because he wasn’t considered “a good peace time prime minister”, he still got back in during the 1950’s, celebrating his 80^th birthday in the commons.

Sometimes we don’t receive the recognition we deserve, but our part is to keep trucking along, not become disheartened. It’s easy to be put off course, to think that since no one appreciates our efforts now that it’ll always be that way.

Through Churchill’s example, we see a man only successful because of his own determination. We must follow suite. Only then can succeed in the long run. Only then are we led to truly inspiring achievements. Only then can we consistently use our life to better the world and make history.

Alex H.

  

If you're interested in hearing Churchill's "We'll Fight Them on the Beaches" speech, recorded during World War II, here's a video of it:

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The Importance of Being First

This story’s a classic, one I love. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.

Angered by his fourth place ranking in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Roger Bannister, amateur runner and junior doctor, decided he would be the first to run an officially recorded four minute mile. With relatively little training he, on May 6^th, 1954, changed history with a 3:59.4 minute mile at Oxford’s Iffley Road Track. Within 46 days of his accomplishing his feat, John Landy of Australia followed suite.

Nowadays, over a thousand people have run “the four minute mile”, including high school students and a man over 40.

Your beliefs determine your level of success. As Theodore Roosevelt, once President of the United States, said, “believe you can and you're halfway there”. There are the critics who say when Bannister accomplished his feat others were also aiming for it so it wasn’t as special. To me, that’s like saying the moon landings weren’t unique because the Russians had a space program the same time the Americans did. Sure people were ready for that jump, but he was still first.

Bannister, a part-time amateur runner, making the jump is even more incredible.

Just because there are executives earning a million bucks out there (a feat realized over a century ago) doesn’t mean everyone has a million-buck mindset. For many, it’s still a distant dream. And, because they believe it, that’s the way it will stay.

For others, like Roger Bannister, who see the next step and realize it’s possible, then do what they can to get it, the next step becomes reality. Perhaps it’s only coincidence it took 46 days for John Landy to beat Bannister’s record. But others had been trying to beat the four minute barrier for quite some time. It was only after Bannister did it that others started trickling in.

Had Bannister not run a four minute mile, sure someone would’ve. But it would’ve taken longer. And, as a high school kid wouldn’t aim to earn a million dollars a year if no one else had done it, neither would he be aiming to break an unbroken running world record. Not yet. It wouldn’t make sense − if you don’t believe it’s going to happen, working towards it’s a waste of time. We’re drawn to the pineapple sitting on the shelf − when there’s no reward, there’s no reason to pursue it. Bannister was first and as such he changed mindsets and everyone who’s ever run a four minute mile has him to thank for allowing them to believe it could happen.

Runner and doctor, Roger Bannister to me represents so much more − an icon of those who wish to innovate and create change to this day.

Alex H.

If you're interested in seeing Bannister break his record, here's a short documentary clip:

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You've Got Something They Want

 

“Maestro Fresh” Wes Williams was the first Canadian hip-hop artist to achieve a platinum album. In his book, Stick to Your Vision, named after his song of the same name, he says in the opening paragraph of “Chapter 23: Pass it On”,

“Call it what you want, being a role model, example, inspiration, but people look up to you when you’ve reached a level they’re trying to conquer. That’s why it’s important to stay on point and to continue to inspire people directly or indirectly with your words and actions. You don’t have to wait till you reach your destination − at any point, you can share what you know or have gone through. But when you realize your vision, then it’s definitely time.”

When we work hard to get somewhere, we often forget there are other people out there, other kids and people starting up who’re aiming as high as we’ve aimed. We don’t have to be award winning rappers − I remember my Dad giving advice to a cousin who was also becoming a teacher. We all start out at the beginning − in a crib, not able to walk and not understanding a word of any language. Completely helpless. But we all learn, get through kindergarten, figure out the washroom, understand how to get by.

People overcomplicate life. It’s not some great quest (unless that’s what it takes for you to do anything) − it’s just a process. One step takes you that much closer to your goal. And when we’re a couple miles a head, staring back at some poor soul looking at us from the other side of the river, it never hurts to throw our line back and help the fella out a bit.

We all have valuable knowledge. Like Maestro said, we can share at anytime. People are lost and in search of that experience. And sometimes, they don’t even realize they’re just one book, one class away from success.

Spread the worth, the value. It doesn’t have to be monetary. Teaching people what you’ve learned, if they’re willing to listen and require that information, is some of the most valuable data they’ll get.

And, as a plus, you’ll feel like a champ for helping someone out. That’s what service is about − giving the other guy a hand for mutual benefit; you save their life and they save your soul.

There aren’t many better deals than that.

Alex H.

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If you'd like to see Maestro in action, here is the music video to his first big hit, "Let Your Backbone Slide" from Symphony in Effect:

Saving the Shipwreck

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome back to the Inspire Halton update feed, where we send you awesome stories to improve your life and the lives of those you love. Today, we’re going to talk about struggle.

Many of you have heard of the great classical composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. Along with Haydn and Mozart, he shaped the classical age with his nine symphonies and many piano works (the first movement from his fifth symphony, the “Ode to Joy” chorus from his ninth, Sonata Pathétique and his “Für Elise” piano bagatelle are all popular). Furthermore, always the rebel, he revolutionized music into the Romantic age, when feelings took over from the previous form of older composers.

It’s surprising Beethoven could compose anything, let alone the great works he did. From the age of thirty, he slowly began losing his hearing. By the time of his death, he was nearly completely deaf.

But, in his entire career, Beethoven only wrote one opera, Fidelio.

For those out there who don’t know, an opera is essentially a play where everything’s sung in arias, basically songs that further the plot. But, for some reason, this didn’t go down well with Beethoven. He wrote four overtures (introductions) to his composition, for the love of a cow!

In one letter to the man who helped him revise it in 1814, Georg Freidrich Treitschke, Beethoven wrote: "I assure you, dear Treitschke, that this opera will win me a martyr's crown. You have by your co-operation saved what is best from the shipwreck. For all this I shall be eternally grateful to you".

Even the greatest geniuses, the masters who shape our age, have their failings. They mess up, like you and I and it’s painful for them, too. The difference between them and us largely falls down to how willing they are to keep working - even when they don’t like it. Vince Lombardi, the legendary American football coach, said “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will”.

Get to work on that project that needs to be done, that workout that’s waiting to be run. Ignoring it’s the only thing preventing you moving forward to the next level in your life.

Alex H. 

Outsmarting Ourselves

 

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome back to the Inspire Halton Update Feed, where we send you stories to improve your live and the lives of those you love. Today we’re going to talk about knowledge and our occasional lack of it.

It doesn’t seem that long ago.

I was moving for the second time in my life. I’d already started a new school. I’d made friends and started to settle in. But I hadn’t moved into my house yet.

It was a beautiful new place, much larger than the place I’d previously lived in. I couldn’t wait for the change.

The closing date came; we left our old house for good.

We moved in with our four beautiful cats.

But, by the next day, disaster’d struck. One of our cats was missing.

We searched all over the house, we looked in boxes. I, in despair, walked around the neighbourhood. And I realized something.

All the houses looked the same. There was no way my cat would find its way home. I’d lost him.

I got home, nearly in tears, and went upstairs to bed.

Days later, we were looking in the basement and who did we find but our cat, alive and well. Apparently he’d been scared into hiding by the change of location but was otherwise fine. 

Man, I was happy.

Oftentimes we overestimate our conclusions. We’re brilliant beings and right many times, but sometimes we need to let go of our judgements, our assumptions of what something means; to do as much as we can, then let our work play out.

As I’d done all I could to find my cat, you can do all you can to win someone over, get a raise, or enact change. But, if it doesn’t appear to work, give yourself a break.

You never know, you could be wrong and that person might be a future ally. Your boss might change their mind the next day and your efforts might suddenly become fruitful.

You never, really know for sure…

Alex H.

The Added Benefits

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!

Welcome to the Inspire Halton Update Feed, posting incredible stories and lessons to improve your life and the lives of those you love. Today, we’re going to talk about ‘added benefits’.

Now, many of you may know Regis Philbin, host of Live! with Regis and Kelly (originally Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee) for twenty-two years. I personally was introduced to his work when he was running Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

I remember my Uncle mentioning how Philbin had cool ties. Doing some research now, I find he had a whole monochromatic line of shirts and ties for Van Heusen during the millionaire days. Philbin, a talk show host, became a fashion icon.

It wasn’t the first time he did something unusual for a presenter. Back in the 60’s when he was working on The Joey Bishop Show, Philbin ended up putting out an album on Mercury Records after singing with his idol, Bing Crosby, on an episode.

Regis Philbin was and always will be remembered as a TV icon − he’s starred on it for over 50 years (apparently he’s starting a new show up on Fox this April). But, with that job, he’s also become a leader in fashion and singer at different periods of time.

My point? Simply because you do one job or thing doesn’t mean you can’t get the added benefits of tasks that fit with it. As the lecturing college professor can be an author and a student, so can you put on other titles that float around your work, enjoying opportunities surrounding your main purpose.

Female employees can also be mothers, firemen scout leaders, burger flippers volunteers. Life is rarely as clean cut as television and movies would have us believe.

Many investors diversify to take the ups and downs of the market. Instead of relying on only one meaning in your life, why not get many? Chances are you already serve more than one purpose. Why not try something new and reap the “added benefits” of that area?

Regis is still a television host but his other side-careers make him one of the most interesting we’ve had the pleasure to watch. When it comes down to it, and the end is near, allow yourself the benefit of knowing you, your family and friends can realize you were an interesting person.

After all, few are proud to call themselves average.

Alex H.