August 17, 2009

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In This Newsletter:

Encouragement - Article

In the News

Inspire Greatness in Others - Team Discounts

Greetings!

On Monday, September 14th I will be hosting a free, LIVE tele-seminar on Positive Ways to Thrive During Waves of Change. DETAILS & REGISTRATION HERE. I hope you and your team make plans to join us!

- Jon

Encouragement

"How do you know if a man needs encouragement? If he is breathing." -Truett Cathy, Founder, Chick-Fil-A

With so many people in the world telling us we can't succeed, we need to hear people telling us we can. I remember my high school English teacher telling me not to apply to Cornell University because they wouldn't accept me and even if they did I wouldn't be able to do the work. (It's funny that I'm a writer now). I almost didn't apply but a few days later I saw Ivan Foldfarb, a former teacher, in the hallway and asked him about Cornell. He said, "If you get in, then you go. You can do it." His words made all the difference. I applied, was accepted and majored in Lacrosse :).

Too often we think it's our role to inject a dose of "reality" into someone's life. We think it's our job to protect people from the pain of failure and defeat. We think we must point out how bad the economy is and how horrible the job market is and how the sky is falling. We think that dreams were meant for others.

I say there are enough pessimists and "realists" in the world. The world doesn't need more negativity and impossible thinkers. The world needs more optimists, encouragers, and inspirers. The world needs more people to speak into the hearts of others and say "I believe in you." "Follow your passion and live your purpose." "If you have the desire then you also have the power to make it happen." "Keep working hard." "You're improving and getting better. Keep it up." "The economy is tough but you can still grow your business." "The job market is not great but I believe you'll find the right job for you." "We've hit a lot of obstacles but we'll get the project finished." "Even if you fail it will lead to something even better." "You're learning and growing."

When it comes to encouragement I know that everyone of us loves working for and with people who bring out the best in us. We love being around people who uplift us and make us feel great. And while we'll always remember the negative people who told us we couldn't accomplish something, we will always cherish and hold a special place in our heart for those who encouraged us.

Today I want to encourage you to be an encourager. So often the difference between success and failure is belief. And so often that belief is instilled in us by someone who encouraged us. Today decide to be that person who instills a positive belief in someone who needs to hear your encouraging words. Uplift someone who is feeling down. Fuel your team with your positive energy. Rally others to focus on what is possible rather than what seems impossible. Share encouragement. It matters and we all need it.

Stay Positive!
- Jon

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www.jongordon.com/newsletter-081709-encouragement.html

In the News

"Smith's book club aims to motivate"

Read the article about Jon and the Atlanta Falcons in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Inspire Greatness in Others

I just bought 1,000 Training Camp books (yes I have to buy them too) to give away to high school coaches. The heartfelt response I’ve received about this book has inspired me to reach as many coaches as possible. Coaches play such an important role in our society and every day they impact the lives of millions of children and young adults. If we can help coaches be their best, they will bring out the best in their students.

I hope you will join me and get just one copy for a coach in your community. You don’t even have to know this coach personally. Just visit their office, hand them the book and encourage them to read it. Training Camp also makes a great gift for teachers as well. Of course I’d love to hear about your experiences and feedback.

Team Discounts

For those who want to get Training Camp books for your office, school or team you can utilize this special discount order form below (because you are a subscriber of this newsletter). This form also includes discounts for The Energy Bus and The No Complaining Rule.

Download Discount Order Form