Consistently Fit

Well the holidays are here again and we are going to feel that gnawing anxiety in the pit of our stomach when we have to get around those that we don't speak with all year; that would be our parents or even our children. Give yourself an early holiday gift and start the process of reconciliation. You will be glad that you did. You will avoid the problem of being haunted from the grave.

Systemic Health is critical for the wellbeing of family, place of employment, politically, schools, and yes the world. Unfortunately many of these systems are not health, but we are going to focus on schools for this podcast. This episode of Consistently Fit is designed to help teachers become their personal best and develop new strategies and an outside the box thinking.

The link below will take you to my store where you will be able to purchase the PowerPoint presentation and the lecture notes. The audio will also be included for convenience. As a bonus I will be including a product called "Brain Bursts" which can be used right in a classroom, boardroom, family room, or any room where your want to help improve the mental focus of the participants.

Well it’s good to have something to do every day for sure but more importantly it’s good to know what you are going to do, how you are going to do it and how long something will take. This is known as setting goals, and with every goal there are objectives. The objectives are the baby steps we take to reach our goals every day. We also have to figure out what we want to do and why we want to do it. That’s purpose. please stay with the podcast to the end as I share some activities for you to use as you practice Consistency.

 We all like to be heard; and some of us like to be heard a bit too much. We can have a tendency to inundate a conversation with our own interests and just love communicating to people how smart we are or how we solved some large scale problem at work. If you happen to be with someone when this is going on it can be sad to watch the expression on the listeners face when they are interrupted or when the speaker almost starts another conversation that is totally off the topic that was being discussed. Most people like to listen to respond. You can see it in their eyes and body posture. They discovered a link in a conversation and want to talk so bad that they are practically leaning into the speaker. Look, this is an easy one: below I am going to explain the five types of listening. You decide which one you are and then make adjustments. The trick is be consistent and be a good listener.

I made the mistake of having a couple of newspapers and other news outletsdeliverer headlines and breaking stories to my inbox daily. I must say I keep in touch with what is going on in the world. The problem is that 90% of it is so negative, sad and at times slanted based upon the political philosophy of the paper or cable network. At times I can get burned out from just reading and listening. Do yourself a favor and read or listen to something inspirational everyday. It beats the doom and gloom we listen to and watch in the news.

 Let’s say you have a piece of wood, a nail, and a hammer. Pretend the wood is a person, and the nail is a nasty rumor about that person. If you hammer in the nail, you’re obviously hurting him or her. If you then pull out the nail…well, there’s still a hole in the wood, and the damage has been done.  Rumors and Gossip can cause us to make some really bad decisions and bad choices.

For some reason people believe they can multi task. Well guess what; they can’t. Brain research tells us that we can’t focus on more than one task at a time. Think I’m crazy? Well try singing Amazing Grace while the car in front of you is doing 20 miles an hour on a major highway. You see good and evil can’t occupy the same mind, at least not at the same time. All that really happens is we task switch, we just go from one task to another and think we are multi tasking. All that’s really happening is we are doing two tasks only half as well.

Whether we want to believe it or not, as adults, we are significant to others right now. It’s time to realize how much we mean to our children, our spouse, and other friends and family members. How much does it really mean to you to mean that much to another person? It doesn’t matter what you have said or done in the past; a life can be changed with the right words at the right time. Often, we allow our past to dictate how we are going to treat others; don’t let it. Start writing those letters now and do it consistently.

It is important however to do one thing every day, and ifeverybody does one thing a lot will get accomplished. I am not talking about large scale projects I am referring to daily things that need attention. As an example I empty the dishwasher every morning. I know my wife appreciates it, so when she wakes up the kitchen is clean and ready to use. It’s not doing the task; it’s doing it and adopting the task as your own. The issue arises with children when we don’t assign them a task and they don’t adopt anything as their own. They never seem to pay attention to detail and how to get things done effectively and efficiently. Listen in as Jim detaisl in chapter 5 of The Power Of Consistency why this doing just one thing is so important.

Chapter 4; Do Something Nice For Your Spouse, Your Children, Or Your Parents. Don't wait until you feel like doing it, just do it and the good feelings will come.

 Dianne Kosto Dianne Kosto is a mom on a Mission and a leading expert dedicated to making Neurofeedback accessible to all. For over 14 years the profound impact of her work has brought hope and healing to families struggling with ADHD, impulsivity, anxiety, depression, and many other mental wellness challenges.

Dianne has an intimate understanding of the emotional journey that parents face when their children's brainwaves are dysregulated. For over a decade, her son's impulsivity wreaked havoc in their home, leaving her searching relentlessly for a solution. Finally, she unlocked the power of Neurofeedback—a game-changer that transformed their lives.

Listen in for a rewarding and inspiring experience

Rising early has it's benefits. Join Jim in chapter one of "The Power Of Consistency" and discover what you can do when you put your feet on the floor a bit earlier than you might be used to.

For the next several podcasts I will be posting an audio version of my book "The Power Of Consistency." This will be done a bit at a time so todays short podcast is only the intro. My goal is to get you 12 things that when done consistently can really change your life. I am attaching a link to the hard copy of the book that you can purchase from my website. My hope is that you will find the reading compelling enought to get a copy. Thanks

Dr. Recker spent the first half of his life doing what he thought he had to do.  Puttinghis nose down and enduring the grind. But it was never quite enough. Through experiences with triathlon, mountain climbing, owning a dental practice with a team of 20, becoming a pilot, and extensive travel, he learned that what he was searching for wasn’t at the top of the mountain.

 In the second half of his life, he is committed to helping people learn to live present in their own lives and find a life of fulfillment, not just accomplishment.  Through his coaching, speaking, and writing, he is working to help as many people as possible learn to #WINtheNOW. Eric, his wife Amy and their two kids proudly live in a small town in Iowa.

LINKS

Change is a step of faith and with more faith change may come a bit easier. But, that depends on us and our patience because truly God my have a few lessons to teach us before he answers our prayers. Join me as I get vulnerable with you and share my faith and how I discovered what faith can really do.

Well if you weigh more than you should you need a few more steps in order to lose those extra pounds. Any activity is good but if you are trying to get rid of some body fat this is a case where more is better. 10,000 is nice but 15,000 steps might be the number for you.

From a parents perspective it is critical to deal with their child using rules and regualtions and compassion and understanding.

From an adult child's perspective the same needs to be accomplished with our parents and visa versa.

From the schools perspective at times parents have to be managed like one of the kids.

From all perspectives everyone needs to ge consistently fit.

Happiness comes from the word "Happens," so what happens in life can make a difference as to whether you are going to be happy or not. So when anyone says these things will make you happy, try and understand why they won't. We are all only a compilation of what people have said to us and what people have done to us. So if happiness eludes you try and determine what negative thoughts you have kicking around in your mind from your childhood. Join me as I help give you some ideas on how to scrub the past and shine up the future. By the way the article that I used in this episode was excellent and I credit the author below.

Stop working out. Make a lifestyle change and just walk everyday. Do it in small bits and pieces and before you know it you will be at 10,000 steps. Research has proven that those who walk between 6-9000 steps per day reduce their chances of a heart attack and stroke by 60%. Get moving.

Contact Jim: besimplyfit23@gmail.com

Do we fear the spiritual dimension or do we embrace it and use it as a tool to help us overcome fear, worry, and anxiety? This episode of Consistently Fit addresses the need for the spiritual dimension but also helps the listener understand the need for change from the inside out and why permanent help is far more important than temporary relief.

Also please consider taking the 5 hour course on Stress Management Through Balance. Just click on the link below.

Although I refer to items in this episode of Anti Bullying 101 as tips and strategies they really should be viewed as a way of life for any teacher or administrator. These insights can be used by anyone in education as a survival guide and it will help them with the onslaught of disrespect and irresponsibility that we see in students, parents, and yes at times some of our colleagues. We all need a new voice, a new outlook, and a new approach; truthfully we need hope, the hope for change

 The teaching profession today isn’t attracting people it’s driving them off. Student behavior, lofty expectations that are imposed governmentally, parents who have grown physically, but emotionally are still whining and arguing for the weaknesses of their children. Something has to give and it is my sincere desire that this podcast episode will make a difference in your life both professionally and personally. Enjoy.

After the Central Regional incident some weeks back I decided that it might be a nice idea to do an interview with a middle schooler. It was pretty easy to do because I had a pretty good natural resource in the house and that was my daughter Zoe. Her thoughts didn't surprise me; she hasn't been jaded by the trials of life and still believes that love, joy, peace and patience is the answer. I encourage everyone to listen to this one because we will all learn something. Thanks to Andi Kay for the packet we used. Please take the time to click on the links below to check out her information packet and to listen to the interview I did with Andi last week.

Andi Kay is the founder of The Bloom Foundation which is a 501c3 organization designed to  help teen girls overcome bullying and build emotional resilience and bloom into confidence as leaders. Instead of preventative measures, Bloom exists to help girls process and cope in a safe and supportive space so they can grow through what they go through. Working with licensed therapists, the foundation create curriculums for both caretakers and children to address the impact of bullying, helping girls build emotional intelligence and resilience, so they can bloom with confidence. Please listen in and hear the passion and empathy that this young woman has for the many who are being bullied and excluded. Take the time to download the link below as this is an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, and schools in general. 

info@hellobloom.org

http://www.hellobloom.org/

Growing up with Hydrocephalus took the ordinary out of Kate’s childhood. Numerous surgeries, countless doctor visits and relentless recovery periods had become her norm. But through it all, one thing kept her thriving – the power of resilience in extraordinary circumstances. Building her life around finding incredible possibility on the other side of challenge has kept her driven and ultimately helped her find her true calling.

Dr. Lund is a licensed clinical psychologist of 17 years, peak performance coach, best-selling author and TEDx speaker. Her specialized training in medical psychology includes world-renowned Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, all of which are affiliated with Harvard Medical School.

She uses a strengths-based approach to help her clients improve their confidence in school, sports and life while helping them to become more resilient and reach their full potential at all levels. Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and twin boys, exploring the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest, and these days can often be found on the golf course.

Ann Purcell is a philanthropist, award-winning author, and songwriter. Her latest publication is Tender Flower of Heaven, which is a collection of 130 poems.

Ann has been a full-time teacher of Transcendental Meditation since 1973, teaching Transcendental Meditation and advanced courses in many countries around the world. In addition, she has worked on curricula and course development for universities and continuing education programs.

The superintendent of the New Jersey school district where a 14-year-old freshman died by suicide 48 hours after video of bullying surfaced online has resigned, a day after funeral services were held for teenager.

Listen in as Jim shares some ways to keep things simple when it comes down to getting and staying healthy. A healthy person has better self esteem and is less apt to bully harass or intimidate others. Keeping aware of where you stand everyday in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual areas of your life. Take advantage of the course link below: 

Well it's nice to be here with my listeners. Considering the alternative I am grateful to be be here and to continuing doing what I love most. Just last Monday I went through quadruple bypass surgery known by many as CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting). For me that was four grafts. No heart damage, and a new lease on life. Please listen in and get the details of why everyone needs to understand that self care is not selfish. 

The Spiritual Dimension Of Life

Proverbs 30: 17 KJV

"The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." 

What does this mean in very practical terms? If an individual grows up in life with a mocking and contemptible attitude toward their father and despises to obey their mother they will lose their perception on right and wrong behaviors and even the smallest decisions that need to be made will create confusion in their life. Our relationships with our parents can determine future success for ourselves and as we mature for our families. Honor Your Father and Your Mother is the first commandment that has a blessing attached to it: “That you will live a long full life.” NLT. As we mature the imprint from our upbringing can affect the relationship that should mean the most to us; the one with our parents. When we mock our father and despise our mother we lose our perception on life and may miss many of the blessings that God has for us. Take advantage of the FREE journal linked below. 

Also please hit the support button and become a listener supporter. This will help to enhance this podcasts frequency and quality.

Often we don't consider how important we are to our family and at times our friends. Whether we want to believe it or not we are the goose that lays the golden eggs. We can't become so anxious and impatient for all the eggs that we kill the goose in the process. We need to care for ourselves and help our family care for one another. We also need to teach our children some lifelong skills that will help them manage the stressors of life, manage relationships and develop resiliency as the deal with bullying behavior in their lives. Listen in as Jim shares some ideas on how to care fore the goose. 

It never ceases to amaze me how we can believe that an actor/actress on a commercial is really the character he or she portrayed on a sitcom. I was watching TV some years ago and Roseanne Barr was doing a commercial on Retro-TV talking about the importance of having dinner at the “family table.” So the commercial flashed back to her and John Goodman on a Roseanne episode sitting at the dinner table engaged in an argument which was supposed to be funny to the viewer. The point of the commercial was that it doesn’t matter what goes on at the family table as long as you have one. I disagree especially during the holiday season. As a kid, we had a family table. It was a war zone. I’m sure that many people can relate to my family table, and I am sick of calling it that, too. (What is this new term –family table- anyway?) During the holidays we can find ourselves surrounded by people we don't like and kids who are discourteous and disrespectful. 

The holiday table is not the time or the place to deal with issues that are to raw to discuss. We need to spend the time nurturing relationships with our friends and those of our extended family over the course of years so when the time comes to break bread we can do so in a loving and kind way. Please take the time to become a listener supporter and help take Anti Bullying 101 to another level. Just click on the link below. 

From a disadvantaged youth to a successful entrepreneur, Tyler Copenhaver-Heath cut his teeth learning what it takes to succeed in the world of small business. With an MBA behind his name and the formal scientific experience of a biochemistry undergrad, Tyler Copenhaver-Heath has cultivated a multi-disciplined mastery that helps him think outside the box. In 2013, Tyler started his first company Apex Customs with his lifelong friend, Elliot Hutchens. They scaled their business into Arizona’s top-leading custom automotive shop with household name clients such as the Rolling Stones, NFL, CNN, and more.

Tyler is a published author, podcast host, world adventurer, and MMA corner man. He has previously held small city offices and volunteered for the children's home and animal shelter.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Toby Karten on The RTC Teacher Toolbox podcast and discovered during this interview that her knowledge base about inclusion and bullying is off the charts. Toby is one of the most positive and passionate people you will ever meet and she can truly turn lemons into lemonade. 

Toby is an award-winning special educator, dynamic presenter, and author who is passionate in sharing her knowledge with others. She has taught students ranging from preschool to graduate level across the least restrictive continuum. Toby works with school districts across the country and internationally as a staff developer, inclusion coach and educational consultant, author and adjunct professor. Toby focuses on creative, practical solutions for helping ALL students gain not only access, but also ongoing successes in inclusion classrooms. Please do take the time to listen as her advice can be life changing. Also visit her website and social media outlets that I have shared below. 

Email: toby@inclusionworkshops.com

My daughter who is twelve participates in a variety of different sports, and activities. She is attending middle school right now and is involved with cheerleading both at the school and community level. What never ceases to amaze me is that every sport hands every participant a book on sportsmanship. In other words how should we treat members of the other team and our fellow teammates? What is even more interesting is that you get the feeling that the behaviors like respect, and responsibility, kindness, caring, and other character qualities are only deemed important when the individual is on public display because they don’t want to make the team look bad. As an example one handbook reads:

All students who represent ___________ School on an athletic team are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit upon ________School.

I think what is a concern here are the words; on an athletic team. Suppose you are not on an athletic team? Student’s need to work on reflecting credit upon themselves, that will in tern help credit the school for contributing to the student’s life. Listen in as Jim explains why sportsmanship should be a way of life and not something that is ceremoniously displayed on a field or a court. 

Yes that is me in the picture. Probably eight years old or so. Husky for sure. How did I know? Because everyone told me so. Listen in and read the articles associated with this episode. 

Oh yeah, I was an overweight little boy. So much so, that when my mother took me to buy clothes I went to what I thought was a special clothing store for boys like me, fat. Why did I think this? Because when I walked into the store, the opened tie, crossed arm, wrinkled shirt, cigarette smoking salesman, took one look at me from head to toe, looked at my mother, pointed to the back of the store and said, “Husky.” Gee did I feel special, until I discovered that the store I was in was one of the only stores around that sold clothes for fat kids. Sure, I said it, for fat kids, because that’s how I felt like a fat kid, and that’s how I was treated. Special stores for special kids who were fat. My skinny friends bought clothes from all kinds of stores; I was relegated to one store, and one style. I certainly was not one of the cool kids, and at times felt isolated and excluded.

You would think adults would know better and after all these years learned that stigmatizing young kids because of size, shape or weight does nothing but impact a child's self concept and esteem. Not so fast, it's still going on. Listen in and discover why one NJ school district is being sued because of the insensitivity of a football coach. I am including a link to the article below. 

Rebecca Burd believes bullying is an epidemic we can end. As the CEO of Create Change Productions & Co-Founder of Speak Life Performing Arts Company, she leads a performing arts team to combat bullying in our schools. In 2001 she co-wrote Speak Life End Bullying the Musical, an engaging musical featured in secondary schools across the country. Since the first live performance, more than 375,000 students have been impacted.

Today Rebecca is launching a national Movement of Moms to become Mombassadors. Moms can bring solutions by offering  the Speak Life End Bullying's film and comprehensive lesson plans to their local schools. As an industry leader in end bullying solutions for schools for over 25 years, Rebecca and her team create culture shifts in schools across the nation by teaching students to speak life for a lifetime.

Please visit the following links and take advantage of the many resources that are available to you, your family, and your school. 

Speak Life MAIN WEBSITE & Trailers:

There is an 800 pound gorilla in the room and he is being ignored and the path of least resistance is being taken. What are these things that educators, parents and society know but for some reason won’t discuss or won’t even admit? This podcast will not only be an eye opener as covers 10 topics, but it gives the listeners an opportunity to purchase the entire 10 hour self study course that provides solutions to the problems with lecture notes and additional presentations and podcasts. Just click on the link below to get started. 

 As a kid the dream was to become a professional baseball player and do it for a living. I am sure that kids today have those same dreams and can see themselves hitting the homerun that wins the World Series or pitching a no-hitter. It was such a fantasy fest and we all did fantasize, but alas none of us made it. We played in and out of uniform, organized and pick up, honed our skills, took batting practice and we all thought we were so darn good, but not good enough. There were some guys in the town that I lived in that were so good that we figured we would be watching them someday playing for the Yankees. Not so. Often kids have so  much undue pressure put on them by parents that they lose their love of just playing the game. Parents have to be more focused on helping their children become responsible adults and people of character.