Meaningful Mondays - Arrows Out
About
Available on
Community
522 episodes
Hello everyone, and welcome to this week's Meaningful Monday with me, Lee Brower. I'm thrilled, as always, to join you at this most wonderful time of the year. It's the perfect time to reflect on the power of gratitude. Its transformative effects permeate our daily lives, often in ways we don't fully appreciate. Whether it's the spirit of renewal from Easter celebrations or the reflections of freedom symbolized by Passover, these occasions are powerful reminders to appreciate and share our gratitude. Gratitude is often underestimated. A simple 'thank you' has far-reaching effects. The problem lies in our tendency to limit the expression of this powerful emotion, especially in our workplaces despite its potential to nourish our personal and professional relationships, much like a river irrigating our fields. Gratitude fuels productivity, personal growth, and enriches our communities. A study once showed that by simply expressing gratitude, a group's productivity increased by 50%. This goes to show that gratitude is more than just a courteous gesture - it's a catalyst for growth and self-improvement. Authentic gratitude enhances our virtues such as patience, honesty, self-control, determination, kindness, and compassion. Leadership and gratitude hold a deep relationship. At the core of authentic gratitude is humility. Effective leadership is contingent upon the ability to express sincere gratitude. Through celebrations like Easter and Passover, we are reminded to appreciate and recognize the strengths of others. It's less about ourselves and more about the collective - less 'me' and more 'we'. So, I challenge us all to start each day by asking ourselves empowering questions like 'Who can I express gratitude to today?' or 'How can I express gratitude in a unique way today?' Let's create a transformative wave of gratitude and positive change. It's not just about the small ripples we create but the potential of creating a tidal wave of change. Start your week with the power of gratitude. It is, after all, the willpower of the heart. Let's carry this forward and make a difference in our everyday lives. Join me again next week for another Meaningful Monday. Until then, have a gratifying and transformative week!
In this week's installment of Meaningful Monday, Lee Brower explores the difference between being a garbage truck, filled with anger and frustration, versus being a gratitude truck, driving around filled with light and seeds of growth. Brower challenges the listeners to dissect the instinctive reactions they have when confronted with negativity, and urges to strengthen a personal growth-centered perspective, rather than picking up the garbage — disappointments and frustrations — scattered by others. He underscores the omnipresence of 'garbage trucks' in our society, including social media and news agencies, that incessantly spout any forms of negativity. Brower then shifts the focus onto the idea of being gratitude trucks or garden trucks, laden with seeds, sunlight metaphorically speaking, that are vehicles of enhancing positivity and nurturing growth. Through this discussion, he asserts that gratitude and negativity cannot coexist, emphasizing the power of a single spark of light to pierce the engulfing darkness. Further, Brower shares some illuminating insights imparted by the legendary Coach John Wooden on pursuing growth. To shed light on these ideas, he cites three principles — focusing on self-improvement, learning from others, and continually striving to be the best version of oneself. He cautions against getting embroiled in what's not within one's control, while accentuating the elements one could nurture and develop. Seeing life through the lens of gratitude is not only beneficial for ourselves but also has a ripple effect on those around us. Brower challenges his listeners to be gratitude trucks, spreading light and positivity, and not succumbing to the garbage — the negativity and pressures surrounding us.
In this week's episode of Meaningful Monday, we delve into the fascinating world of our brain. Presenter Lee Brower shares mind-blowing facts about this vital organ, such as its weight representing about 2% of your body weight and it using 20% of your total energy and oxygen intake. With 400 miles of blood vessels and 86 billion cells, the brain is an intricate system that stores one apostrophe followed by six and a half miles long of zeros of data bits in a lifetime. While the average person has 50,000 thoughts a day, 95% of our decisions are made in our subconscious brain. The second brain, the intestines, functions with 100,000 neurons and produces 30 essential neurotransmitters, even producing serotonin, the happy molecule. Nothing ever gets erased from your brain - everything stored in your subconscious lasts a lifetime, even if we can't voluntarily access it. But how can we best use our subconscious mind? Brower compares it to a flower pot, something that does not decide on what seeds (thoughts) to nourish or hinder. Our conscious mind, however, does have somewhat of a control over what we allow into our subconscious mind. The interesting part? Our subconscious mind can't ignore a question. This leads us to reconsider how we plant our ‘seeds.’ Turning statements into questions may yield better outcomes. For instance, instead of saying "I need to strengthen the relationship with so-and-so," ask "How can I strengthen the relationship with so-and-so today?" Brower emphasizes the importance of consciously guarding what we plant in our subconscious. The movies we watch, the language we use, the people we associate with - these all play a crucial part in molding our subconscious, and ultimately, 95% of what we do, say, and think. He encourages us to become the 'gardeners of our minds,' nurturing our conscious thinking and subconscious influences. The challenge for this week is to consciously think about what we allow to inhabit our subconscious mind. How can we nurture it and make it stronger? Can we be better decision and choice-makers by carefully selecting the seeds we allow in? Brower is keen to hear your thoughts and challenges you to have a meaningful week focusing on the seeds planted in your subconscious mind.
Welcome to this week's episode of Meaningful Monday Message. In today's discussion, I delve into a universal concept that transcends various boundaries - the significant role of preparation. This episode is majorly inspired by the wisdom of the esteemed Coach John Wooden, a man I had the privilege to learn from during the last years of his life. His definition of success revolves around self-assurance and knowing you have done your best to bring out the best version of yourself. The journey to becoming the best isn't an instant achievement. It is a sum of our continuous past efforts, the work we did yesterday, and the build-up to the present moment. Our past endeavors inform and build our confidence. The essence of this journey isn't just about reaching a destination but also fostering growth and character. Coach John Wooden never prioritized the victory; instead, he emphasized the journey towards it. According to him, genuine success lies in the peace of mind you gain from being optimally prepared. This ethos of preparation became the underlying theme of a key philosophy Coach Wooden put forth in 1997 - his eight keys for success. These keys centered around advancing various life aspects like respect, attention to detail, hustle, character, composure, diligence, self-analysis, and hard work. Embracing this preparation mindset implies committing to your journey, not just the destination. It redefines the narrative around the phrase ‘doing your best’, which isn't about the result, but lies in the good position you put yourself in when you show up. So as we delve further into these principles in the subsequent episodes, remember that good preparation is instrumental in positioning yourself for success. It isn't about accolades or scores, but the satisfaction and self-assurance of knowing you’ve made your best efforts to reach your potential. Remember, preparation is the key to unlocking your best self. Here's to a meaningful week, and see you in the next episode.
Welcome to another edition of Meaningful Monday with your host, Lee Brower. In this refreshing episode, Lee discusses the profound concept of a spontaneous legacy, emphasizing that a legacy is not something we leave behind, but rather something we live every day. This episode begins with a compelling story about Mr. Big, a high-paced businessman, illustrating the domino effect of negativity and the sometimes unseen impact our actions may have on others. Lee uses this narrative to press the importance of the ripple effects we create daily, both negative and positive. Focusing on the transformative power of positive actions, Lee shares personal experiences about "paying it forward." From surprising people by paying for their meals anonymously to small acts such as placing a quarter in someone else's parking meter, Lee encourages us to create a spontaneous legacy by appreciating what we have and sharing it with others. He emphasizes these relatively small actions, when done without expectation or need for acknowledgment, can trigger a chain of positivity and appreciation. With this concept of a spontaneous legacy, Lee urges us to create a ripple effect of positivity and kindness that can change thought patterns and inspire others to pass along the joy. He concludes the episode with an inspiring call to action: to live deliberately, meaningfully, and create spontaneous legacies that will continue to live on. Join Lee Brower next Monday for more insights on how to live a meaningful life!
In this week's edition of Meaningful Monday, host Lee Brower shares a moment from his childhood where the word 'stop' played a significant role in his life. He shares an incident when he, a curious explorer, strayed too close to a busy highway and the frantic moment his mother experienced realizing he had ventured into a dangerous area. A 'stop' lesson was learned that day, but its value extended into his later life. Life, as it mimics the busy highways, often goes by in a rush. Brower encourages us to stop and appreciate the moments, for it is in those pauses that we can truly be present. By pausing, we give ourselves a chance to 'stop' and savor the experience of 'here and now'. The word 'look' goes beyond mere seeing - it implies observing the wonders around us, the comfort of our homes, the smiles of our loved ones, and the miracles that subtly mark our everyday lives. 'Go' is not just about moving forward but doing so full of gratitude. It embarks upon the appreciation of the moments in our lives which are priceless gifts offered to us each day. Brower emphasizes the importance of gratitude, viewing it as a secret ingredient which transforms everyday moments into meaningful memories, connections into bonds, and life itself into a joy-filled masterpiece. Brower inspires us to stop amidst life's chaos, look around with eyes brimming with gratitude, and equip ourselves with a renewed purpose of joy. Let gratitude be a constant reminder in our pockets of the endless gifts that life has to offer. Embrace every moment with gratitude; for life has presented them to us as beautiful opportunities. Join us next week for another episode of Meaningful Monday, filled with lessons, reflections, and reminders to make your week even more special.
Welcome to a new edition of Meaningful Monday's with Lee Brower. In this episode, we delve into some insightful content aimed at sparking reflections about our life and the unique journey we each embark on. Lee shares some thought-provoking questions brought forward by Earl Nightingale in his book "Your Success Starts Here". These enquiries challenge us to reflect on whether we're content with our lives as they are, or if we secretly wish to walk in another's shoes. Lee recounts a touching and impactful story involving his son, Nick, during his battle with cancer, which ties into a poignant quote by Regina Brett. The experience and Brett's quote combine to probe the human tendency to compare our circumstances with those of others. The underlying message is about developing a deeper appreciation for our own unique path in life and finding a sense of contentment and gratitude amidst our struggles. Lee sets a challenge for listeners to ponder about their burdens and to find within themselves the strength to say, "I would take mine back," in relation to their problems, signifying acceptance and gratitude. Can we live life with constant gratitude regardless of our situation? Hard as it may sound, Lee believes it might indeed prove to be a force that propels faster growth and greater influence on others. To aid in this journey, Lee shares a personal tradition of starting each day with a moment of gratitude and inspires listeners to do the same. Embrace the challenge. Live life deliberately. Get ready for a meaningful week as you tune into this week's episode of Meaningful Monday.
Welcome to this week's episode of Meaningful Monday with Lee Brower where we discuss the idea of how stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to great personal growth. This episode challenges the traditional idea we hold about pain and discomfort - far from being solely negative experiences, they can be powerful catalysts for our personal, relational, and societal development. In our fitness journeys or while competing in sports, we often encounter pain and discomfort along the way. However, we push through it due to the vision of the gain we hope to achieve. We use examples of enduring the pain of going to the dentist or running a marathon to illustrate this idea. Through these examples, we invite listeners to view moments of discomfort as opportunities for growth rather than signals to retreat. We share an inspiring story about a man who overcame his physical exhaustion to keep pace with an older hiker, motivated by his strong vision of the future. This is a perfect example of how our perspective on pain can transform our experiences and outcomes. The episode urges us to choose our pain wisely because if the vision is strong enough, it can trigger a mindset shift that can bear rewarding fruits in the long run. Finally, the episode ends with a meaningful question for our listeners - "What discomfort are you willing to endure today for a better tomorrow?" This question invites our listeners to reflect on their current situations and consider where they might avoid discomfort that could lead to personal growth. Embark on this journey with us as we use our shared experiences and wisdom to make our weeks more meaningful. Enjoy this week's edition of Meaningful Monday with Lee Brower, and do not forget to tune in for our next episode. Wish you all an impactful and meaningful week!
Join Lee Brower in this week's Meaningful Monday as he shares incredibly valuable insights he gained from a one-on-one interaction with world-renowned billionaire investor, Warren Buffett. Brower reflects on an inspiring lifetime experience where he had the opportunity to sit with Buffett and ferret out the secrets behind his enormous success. In a fascinating conversation with the Oracle of Omaha, Brower learned about Buffett's unique ability to see opportunities where none apparently exist and his strategy of strongly saying 'no' to anything that doesn't align with his main objectives. Here he discusses how Buffett's secrets are less about financial acumen and more about possessing the right mindset. Brower shares that Buffett attributes much of his success to building and cherishing his cheerleaders; the leaders within his 62 companies. Brower further reflects on an incidental expression of profound gratitude from Buffett who claimed that one of the reasons behind his astounding success is being born in America. The discussion takes a deeper dive as Brower shares three practical lessons extracted from the life of Warren Buffett: going to bed smarter every day, associating with people who are better, and investing in oneself. Brower masterfully elaborates on these three tenets, explaining how they can lead a more meaningful life, full of learning, growth, and continuous improvement. Brower ends the episode with an motivating challenge for listeners: to make the upcoming week a time of intense learning and growth. He encourages the audience to live deliberately and to make life more than just meaningful - to make it truly exceptional. Join us in unleashing your potential and becoming the best version of yourself. "I don't look to jump over seven-foot bars; I look around for one-foot bars that I can step over." - Warren Buffett "You've gotta keep control of your time, and you can't unless you say no. You can't let people set your agenda in life." - Warren Buffett "The most important investment you can make is in yourself." - Warren Buffett
In this episode of Meaningful Monday, Lee Brower dives deep into the concept of reflecting upon our past and the experiences that have shaped and defined us. The first essential question he opens with is "Who owns your past?", indicating that oftentimes we consider our pasts as an inherent part of our individual identities. However, the more weighted question he brings up is whether we approach our past as an asset or a liability. The key lies in how we utilize our past experiences and reframing it can transform our past into an impactful asset. Lee shares an inspiring story about Larry, a hardworking friend who grew from poverty to prosperity. Despite his family's previous financial instability, Larry worked relentlessly to support them, which eventually led to him owning a successful chain of retail stores. Yet, Larry's children were unaware of their father's journey and struggles, thus, they only perceived him as being a workaholic. Upon Lee’s advice, Larry shares his life journey with his children, turning the “under the porch” experience into a valuable narrative, a bridge of understanding between him and his children. This story sheds light on how the past can be transformed into an asset when it is shared and becomes a component of the legacy we leave behind. Therefore, the podcast concludes with a thought-provoking challenge: Is it more valuable to leave a monetary estate or the capability to make wise decisions based on lived experiences? The Cardinal message is the potency of capturing and capitalizing life experiences and employing them to positively impact the future generations by sharing profound life lessons. This is how one turns the past experiences into an invaluable asset.
"Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another." - Angela Duckworth "Every choice we make today is either a deposit or withdrawal from our future." - Lee Brower "Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality." - Angela Duckworth
What two words are way more important than "I love you"? "The gift of gratitude does not diminish our own happiness; it amplifies it." The more we give it away, the more we possess. "Thank you" conveys a level of humility and appreciation that is foundational to strong, enduring relationships. It implies a recognition of the other's contribution to one's life, whether big or small. This can be particularly powerful in the context of enduring wealth, where the focus is not just on material success but on the richness of relationships and gratitude for the non-material aspects of life. While "I love you" is a powerful expression of emotion, "Thank you" can sometimes speak even louder, carrying with it the weight of gratitude, recognition, and an acknowledgment of the value of others in our lives.
What would it take for you to show up as the very best version of you, each day? What does it mean to be truly SPICE FIT in today's world? F.I.T.= F - Focused, Integrated, Transformative. Focus on your essentials. Integrate - as you improve one area, you automatically improve the others. Transformation is the result. You are on a constant journey to become yourself. S.P.I.C.E. __ __
"As we get older, we get smarter, and we slowly understand that whether a clock is worth $30.00 or $300, they both show the exact same time. Whether we drive a $150,000 car or a $2,000 car, we arrive at the same destination." - Steve Jobs
"I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach me!” - Scrooge. Every Morning, ask these 2 questions: __ __ As you reflect at the end of each day, ask the following: What vital lessons have I learned that will guide me towards being a more compassionate and wiser person tomorrow?
"What if one of the greatest gifts you could give someone wasn't something you could wrap in a box but something far more precious? How can you transform everyday interactions into meaningful connections by simply being present? This year, let's take on a transformative challenge. Let's commit to being present, to truly listening, to giving the people in our lives something that no money can buy — our undivided attention. Can you imagine the impact? The deepened relationships, the shared understanding, the genuine appreciation that comes from being wholly there for someone?"
Did you know guilt and worry light up our brain's reward centers? Does that mean it is a good thing to feel guilt and worry? Maybe, for a moment. But we all know that is not a long-term solution. So, what is the one thing we can count on to strengthen our emotional intelligence and stimulate our most powerful, long-lasting reward centers? Imagine leading a life where your quest leads you to feel more happiness and, shall we say, control.
"Character is Destiny." - Heraclitus. (About 1500 BC) "Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike." - Theodore Roosevelt In 1835, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote, "America is great because she is good, but if America ever ceases to be good - America will cease to be great." Knowing the Good (Head); Desiring the Good (Heart); Doing the Good (Hands)
"Pride must die in you, or nothing in heaven can live in you." – Andrew Murray. "Asking for help does not mean that we are weak or incompetent. It usually indicates an advanced level of honesty and intelligence." – Anne Wilson Schaef "The "Arrows Out™ philosophy is also a way of asking others for help, as it allows them the opportunity to give and share." – Lee Brower "A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment." – David A. Bednar
What is more important the destination or the journey? Actually, it is neither. According to Tiny Dragon-- it is the "company"- the people we surround ourselves with who share our values and vision and inspire us to ascend to greater heights. A vision that does not involve others is not a true vision. A vision with a destination is not a true vision... it is a finish line. Let's not forget the people we surround ourselves with as the big difference makers when we align with a true vision and virtuous values. Our life's journey will be most meaningful.
“Gratitude is the flowering of a seed of kindness; ingratitude is the dead inactivity of a seed dropped on stone.” – William George Jordan. __ __ __ __
Gratitude, in its truest form, goes beyond a simple thank you. It is not merely a transactional acknowledgment. How do you shift from a self-centered appreciation to a "you" - centered acknowledgment? Let's challenge ourselves to truly see the person behind each act of kindness. When we put the "you" in "thank you" we do more than express gratitude; we create a current of appreciation that flows through our lives, nurturing everything it touches.
Choices are difference-makers. The choices we make not only influence our future but also affect the futures of those we love and serve. What are the four R's of the best choice-makers? What are the three questions you can ask yourself every day that will guarantee you will be a better choice-maker and consequently have better results? You are always free to make your own choices. But you are not free to choose the consequences of what choice you have chosen. "Your voice matters; your silence condones." - Lee M Brower "Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; that has made it possible for evil to triumph." - Haile Salassie
"I believe the first test of a truly great man or woman is their humility. I do not mean, by humility, doubt of their own power... All great leaders have a curious feeling that the greatness is not in them- but through them... And they see something Divine and God-made in every other person they meet, and are endlessly, selflessly, and incredibly giving." - Lee Brower
__ __ And the two words that just might have saved Steve Howe's life are (...___________...)
Our only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." — Marianne Williamson. "Adaptability is the key to unlocking our full potential; it's about being like a river—flexible, open to new ideas, and always in flow."
"You are the CEO of your own life, start making executive decisions today." "Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be." — David Bly "Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives." — Steven Spielberg "The first step to getting what you want is having the courage to get rid of what you don't."
We are witnessing an ever-greater movement toward polarity. The middle-ground options are being removed from us. Don't let it happen to you. Choices must be made. Not making a choice is a choice. Do not be seduced by the Four P’s of False Happiness: Popularity, Possessions, Power, and Pleasures. To go, you must first STOP four boulders that are in your way of authentic leadership: 1. __ __
"Every act of kindness, no matter how small, creates a ripple that spawns endless waves." - Lee Brower What do you think the flight attendant values most? She puts others above even her own needs - or better said - comfort. Her selfless act embodies the essence of what we refer to as an "Arrows Out" mindset. I like this quote by Princess Diana: "Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."
Yes, we are passing the torch, after 16 consecutive annual WACKY charitable softball tournaments filled with love and hope. Over those years thousands of young softball girls have played in the tournament, and each team is assigned a cancer Cutie (a young boy or girl living with cancer- which may include those that become angels). These girls love on those Cuties... they play their hearts out and often stay in touch year-round. A quote was shared at a banquet we held before the tournament and so many have asked for a copy. We share that quote with you: "This is what passes for hope: Those we have lost invoke in us feelings of love that we didn't know we were capable of. These permanent changes are their legacies, their gifts to us. It is our task to transfer that love to those who still need us. In this way, we remain faithful to their memories." - Gordon Livingston, MD Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart
