I’m in Reno, Nevada this morning. Joanne and I joined some friends in Grass Valley, CA and then rode the train up from Colfax to Reno. Walking through the casinos last night reminded me of the many poorly thought-out ways people try to improve their position in life. I’d like to think that the people here are just having a little harmless fun – maybe spending $20 in the same way you would ride the roller coaster just for the thrill of it. And yet I don’t see that simple enjoyment in these people sitting in front of the slot machines hour after hour. The desperation in their tired faces clearly shows they really do believe that “luck” may smile on them and give them an unexpected and underserved payout.
Archive - March, 2008
A Blog Coach?
I recently did an interview with my blog coach — yes my blog coach. Whenever I explore a new opportunity I look for someone who is already an expert in that area, and then I engage them to coach me. I’ve posted that interview with my blog coach Bill Seaver right here on the 48 Days Online Radio Show.
In this podcast I ask Bill questions like:
Why should anyone care about blogging?
How can a person use new media tools to promote what they do?
Who are a couple of common people you’ve seen this work for?
Am I gifted to be self-employed?
Each week I select some of the most interesting questions submitted and answer them in a 48-minute podcast. Here are a few of this today’s edition. You can listen immediately here on 48 Days Online Radio.
1. Over the past few years I have lost over 200lbs through a self-developed regimen. I wrote a book that is for sale on my website, www.iweighedmorethanjared.com. I would like to become a personal trainer with the niche in helping people over 150lbs overweight. Do I need to be certified? What do you suggest as far as a certification approach?
Business Chaplains
One of the fastest growing career areas I have seen in the last few years is that of business chaplain. Topics ranging from family suicides, child-rearing, caring for aging parents, marital problems, depression, drug use and finances are being addressed by these workplace chaplains. We are used to seeing military chaplains and hospital chaplains. Many police and fire departments also have ministers, priests and rabbis who serve the same function. Some employee assistance program coordinators estimate that they spend at least 20% of their time dealing with spiritual issues.
"We all need somebody to lean on"
Remember this great old song from the 70s? When I was in graduate school studying psychology, my classmates and I decided to have this as our theme song.
One of our primary needs as human beings is to feel the support of those around us. Ideally, that will mean we are nurtured and encouraged by our nuclear family first and then by an ever-widening circle of relatives, friends, teachers, etc. Without that support, we tend to be less and less willing to try new things or to go down non-traditional paths. Too frequently the gifted artist does not hear, “I really think you can do it” but rather, “You know artists don’t make any money” or something to that effect. The guy with a critical wife stays in a job where he is “underemployed” because he doesn’t feel the freedom to stretch his wings. An employee who is punished for making a mistake will ultimately do the very least to maintain her job, not willing to risk the disapproval again.
