Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

"Pay attention to the movements in your soul." Fr. Jim Martin is an author, speaker, editor for American Magazine, contributor to the New York Times, Jesuit priest and consultant to the Vatican. SO MUCH in the marketplace is secular so I know this may feel unfamiliar. Actually, question #13 on the survey I give clients to help me prepare my presentation is this: "What topic do you not want me to speak to?"  Nearly each of the 1,500+ presentations I've given I've received the same answer: Religion and politics. My friends, if we are unwilling to even whisper about religion and politics - we'll never find common ground or live our best lives. Today's episode is much less about religion and much more about discovery and how to live our best life going forward. Today, Fr. Jim will help us better understand the movements in our soul... and why it's critically important that we stop and listen to them. SHOW NOTES: Fr. Jim did not grow up in a religious household.  He studied finance + took a job with GE. The first years were exciting: A yuppy with good money in New York. After a few years, he felt trapped, asking: How am I going to get out of this? He went to a psychologist to deal with the stress and also began reading the writings of Thomas Merton.  After a year, the therapist asked: What would you do if you could do anything you wanted to do? Every young person should be asked this question. Answering this question is how you make the leap from being miserable into discovering a new calling. He joined the seminary and 10 years later was ordained a priest and assigned to America Magazine where he's been since. He had no clue what he was getting into and his parents and friends were a mix of horrified and upset. A year later they got it. "God works through your desires. There's a push and pull to something else." "Desiring something more fulfilling, satisfying? Pay attention to those movements in your soul. That's the call." What do I want to do with my life? That's something everyone struggles with; if we let ourselves. Allow yourself to answer that question. "The hardest part of leaving the corporate structure is the money. But its ultimately really freeing." "The most freeing and fun thing is being able to be myself." Think of times you've felt moved. Everyone has these but they aren't encouraged to reflect on them, name them as God. Holding your first child, feeling the undeniable love and not knowing where it comes from? That's God awakening His love in you. Wanting more in life. That's God calling to you. Falling in love with your spouse. That's God calling you together. Fr. Jim has written 10 books, including: Searching for God at Ground Zero  Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect... My Life with the Saints  Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and the Saints. What do you say to people lukewarm to faith? The first step in the spiritual life for lukewarm people is the insight that the desire for God is actually God calling you. When you can at least consider that, it changes everything. It's not just a weird feeling. "That which you seek is seeking you." - Rumi Fr. Jim Martin's Live Inspired 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The 7 Story Mountain changed my life. The story of Thomas Merton, an American raised in France and the UK, who finds true meaning in a Trappist Monastery.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I'd turn the check right over to the Jesuits! 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? At the day of our vows, we're giving a medal cross, we keep it our whole lives and we are buried with it. I'd get my vow cross. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus! My first question would be, what would my life have been like if I didn't join the Jesuits. And I'd want to ask what was life like in Nazareth growing up - there is not a lot mentioned about his childhood. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Don't let anyone prevent you from becoming the person you want to be. A lot of times we react to people or try to be a person that is liked. That's not the person we're meant to be. We're meant to be ourselves. Trying to be the person everybody likes, that is useless. Be yourself. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Be yourself. Stop trying to be what other people want you to be.  7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He was a good Jesuit. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

“I wanted the same opportunities as the next person. I was no different, other than skin color.” In 1954, the Supreme Court decided with Brown vs. Board of Education that separate schools for black and white students were unconstitutional. In the spring of 1957, Little Rock, Arkansas was the epicenter of racial tension as Little Rock Central High School prepared for the integration of its first nine students of color.  Carlotta Walls LaNier was a member of the "Little Rock Nine." In the decades since, Carlotta was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a US citizen can receive, for championing freedom and persevering in the face of bigotry to earn equal rights for herself and others.  Join me and Carlotta to talk about her historic role in school integration and how she has been an inspirational leader for so many despite the challenges she faced. SHOW NOTES:  In the spring of 1957, at the age 14, she was the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine. Brown vs. Board of education (1954) was talked about in her home and church and it allowed her to set a goal to go to school closer to home. Sept. 23, she was taken out of school because a mob appeared and the 17 police officers protecting the "Nine" feared they could not handle the size of the mob. She came back Sept. 25. It was then that President Eisenhower decided to call in the 101st Airborne; giving her a guard walk her to class. Kids walked on the back of her heels until they bled. When she dropped a book, she'd be kicked when reaching to pick it up. Get a copy of her book, A Mighty Long Way: My Journey To Justice At Little Rock Central High School. Carlotta was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a citizen in the U.S. can receive. President Clinton asked to present it to her at the White House. “Education is the road to success.” "I knew I was doing the right thing." "I did not go there to be an icon or hero." She was determined to go to her 50th class reunion. Many were cordial, but also many were still stuck in the 50’s. “My parents never taught me to hate.” “I’m not going to waste my energy and time on ignorance.” "I’m disappointed in the lack of leadership in this country." "Know who you are. Once you're centered, you know what to do." CARLOTTA WALLS LANIER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A Mighty Long Way &  Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary. The legendary lawyer and Supreme Court Justice left an indelible mark on me. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? First, I’d make sure my family was taken care of and my grandchildren were set up for college. Then, I’d want to make sure the people of Puerto Rico have clean water and I’d give to NAACP Legal Defense Fund. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My Congressional Gold Medal. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Thurgood Marshall. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? You got a lot of work to do ahead. Stay true to yourself. Stay in the moment. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? When I make a commitment, I see it on to its' end. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Success leaves a blueprint." My friends success leaves a blueprint and we are lucky to have 10 amazing guests who shared their blueprint - trials, errors, challenges, wins, successes, joys - with us this season. Learning from their model, we will become more inspired in the way we lead our lives. I can't believe we get to hang out with these amazing friends. II’ll recap my favorite lessons, so you can be reminded and/or encouraged to go back to the episodes that are most relevant for you; so that you can live your most inspired life with a little help from our friends. SHOW NOTES: Ep. #45: SALLY HOGSHEAD, listen here. Sally typically shares her expertise on branding with major brands like Nike, Ikea and Target. On this episode, she helps us identify our best qualities, and those of our businesses, so we can better connect with others and live inspired. You'll love the simple Fascination Quiz she shares so you can dig deeper after the episode. Sally also told a story she doesn't often share, during which she said, "My dad gave me life and then 10 years later, he gave it back to me." You'll understand more about what she meant by the quote and what it means to each of us when you listen. Ep. #46 DENNIS GILLAN, listen here. This was a special episode for Suicide Prevention Month and one of the most emotional, yet joy-filled and humorous ones, we've had. Dennis has been to the darkest places and yet come back out to show us how we can live in the light. Dennis committed his life to reducing the number of completed suicides and removing the stigma around mental health after losing his two brothers to suicide. His story helps us break down the stigma around mental health and better care for ourselves, those we love and those in the wake of suicide already. Ep. #47 DANIEL SILVERSTEIN - listen here. So many of us are experts at identifying what is wrong in the world, aren’t we? On this episode we were joined by a guest who didn't just identify what was wrong in his industry, he created a solution to the problem… and built an inspired business around it. Daniel Silverstein will inspire you to look at your challenges as opportunities to make a bigger impact. My favorite quote was: "Why NOT me?" Why can't I be the change needed in my industry, neighborhood, family. Ep. #48 MARK SANBORN - listen here. “It was out of abject failure that I learned to professionally speak.” This was astounding to hear Mark Sanborn say as he hero of mine, giant in the speaking industry and author of the much loved The Fred Factor and just released The Potential Principle. Hang out with us to realize the truth in one of his popular quotes, "We enjoy our successes but learn more from our setbacks.” Ep. #49 DINA DWYER-OWENS - listen here. Dina is a new friend that I met through Rory Vaden, a self-discipline expert who joined us in Season 2 on episode 3x. Rory rocked. When he said "You gotta meet Dina" I was ALL IN. Dina is co-chairwoman of Dwyer Group, has 3,000 franchisees across North America and appeared on the CBS hit Undercover Boss. She runs her business by focusing on clients, employees and a clear core value system. Learn how to apply this 3-part focus in your life so you can live and work inspired, too. Ep. #50 CURT STEINHORST - listen here. Ready to learn hacks to save your attention for things that REALLY matter? Did you know that: Every 6 minutes people check their phones. Married adults spend more time online than with their spouse. People spend 1 – 4 hours loafing on the internet during a work day. Wow — it’s easy to see the problem!  Curt explains the solutions he shares in his new book Can I Have Your Attention? so you can live inspired in this tech-centered world. Ep. #51 EDIE LITTLEFIELD SUNDBY - listen here. On this episode we went on an amazing journey, spanning the 1,600 miles of the El Camino Real "Mission" trail from Mexico to California. Better than the journey we took was the guide who led us. Edie Littlefield Sundby is know as "the mission walker" and her mantra is "while alive, live." Edie took a devastating cancer diagnosis and turned it into an opportunity to follow her dreams and look at every day as a "bonus". This episode is for anyone touched by illness. Edie's spirit will inspire you in ways you didn't know possible. Ep. #52 JOHN RUHLIN - listen here. "Are you sowing seeds for 50-year relationships or 5-minute relationships?” John Ruhlin will help you better understand this question and the importance of how you answer it. He teaches generosity as a competitive advantage in business for clients like NASCAR and the Miami Dolphins and is the author of Giftology. Join us to learn how to give more inspired gifts this year and always. Ep. #53 OZZIE SMITH - listen here. Join me and one of the St. Louis Cardinals players who signed baseballs for me when I was 9 and learning to write again after my fire. [Don't know the epic story? Listen to Ep. #32 to hear how Hall of Fame Cardinals Announcer Jack Buck changed my life + rallied the entire Cardinals team to join in his effort.] Ozzie shared about being a hall of fame shortstop and man. This episode was so special to me we recorded a video of it, too. Ep. #54 Richard Bach - listen here. We ended the season with the legendary author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull - a book that spent 2 years on the New York Times bestseller list and one that many of our podcast guests have listed as their favorite book when asked in the Live Inspired 7 at the end of every episode. Richard's writing, embraced by millions since the 1970s, suggests we are born to fly, and, we are free.  Don't miss this epic interview with a man who doesn't often give interviews. It's an honor to have him on the show. Don't miss it.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday for the start of Season 6! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"We are so much more than mortals suffering on this planet." Each of the 50+ episodes of the Live Inspired Podcast I end by asking our guest the "Live Inspired 7 Questions." The first - What is your favorite book? - has been answered SO MANY times with: Johnathan Livingston Seagull.  So intrigued by the impact this little book had on so many of our amazing guests (and from a little research quickly learned on millions worldwide since it was published in 1970) I knew we had to have the author on the show. The beloved author, Richard Bach, has written 30 book, is a pilot, philosopher, seeker of love and doesn't often grant interviews. I am so honored to have him joining us to share about his writing, the accident that nearly cost his life and the nearly 8 decades of inspired living he's been granted thus far. Join me and Richard Bach today to talk about listening to the voice that calls out to you and a little seagull named Johnathan. SHOW NOTES: "When we ask we receive." Describing his famous book, "here is a little seagull who loves to fly. He can fly at extreme speeds. Because of this, he is thrown out of the flock." Johnathan Livingston Seagull was rejected 18 times before it was published. It then spent over 2 years on the New York Times Bestseller list, was translated into 50 languages, made into a movie and recently an app.  "Disasters can be blessings and blessings can be disasters." Richard's favorite line in Johnathan Livingston Seagull; “You have the freedom to be yourself. Here and now. Your true self and nothing can stand in your way.” "I’m so slow to learn. I need multiple lifetimes to become one with love." "It doesn’t matter what we do, it matters how much we love." Richard Bach's Live inspired 7. 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? It was a book that was given to me, Johnathan Livingston Seagull. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I couldn’t imagine the number of chocolates that I could buy with millions of dollars. The only inheritance I’ve received is the time/experiences I’ve had with people. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Dog food, a package of marshmallows, and a fork. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Ray Bradbury, he wrote Dandelion Wine & Zen and the Art of Writing. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Follow your highest right. Within ourselves, we decide the best thing for us to do in any situation. I think we would have a pretty good life if we follow that simple rule. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Try to fail at anything you don’t care about. Find out what you love and be successful at that. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Richard Bach loved the sky and with his books, he brought us there. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"Hard work and applying yourself to be the very best you can be everyday: That is what life is all about." Today my boyhood hero joins us. Introducing him as a friend is a dream come true. Ozzie Smith is a 13-time, MLB Gold-Glove-winning short stop for the St. Louis Cardinals. When I was burned as a 9-year-old, Cardinals' announcer Jack Buck promised me John O'Leary Day at the Ballpark when I recovered. At John O'Leary Day: I got to meet Ozzie for the first time. This summer, on the 30th anniversary of that day, Ozzie and I reconnected. Join me and Ozzie as we talk about humility, being a role model, baseball and how each has allowed him to lead an inspired life. SHOW NOTES: "People are looking up at you, they are watching. Give them an example that is worthy. Make sure you leave people better when they walk away from you then they were when they walked towards you." Watch Ozzie interview John on Cardinals' Insider here. From growing up in a single-parent home, to being the only African American player on his minor league team: Ozzie shares the greatest lesson he learned repeatedly in life: You are only going to get out what you put in.  Hard work, applying yourself to be the very best you can be everyday is really what life is all about. It comes from within, you gotta have that drive within you. You gotta be able to kick doubt out.  Failure wasn't an option. No matter what I came up against, I had to strive, to work hard to make it. I didn't know what making it was. But I knew that if I was successful, it would make life better for my family.  Winning is being able to help your team win psychologically. You give them confidence by being there.  Today, Ozzie is passionate about the PGA Reach Program. OZZIE SMITH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Charlotte's Web, one of the first books I ever read that I really enjoyed reading.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Kickstart the PGA Reach Program. Finding ways to help people who are less fortunate, John, because there is so much that can be done. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Rawlings gave me a trophy that has each year I won a gold glove. That would be the one thing I'd grab for my grandkids; something they could look at and refer to who their grandpa was. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus Christ that would be great; to sit and have a conversation with him. My first question: Why are we where we are, what happened?  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Be the best you you can be. That's as simple as it gets. if you adhere to that, good things happen. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Get involved in the tech world. It would give you the entree to do so much more for the world. You could do so much good. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? You were such an important part of my life! Watching you play baseball with my family - that is what we did. We enjoyed watching you and you brought us such enjoyment. It doesn't get any greater than that. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Are you sewing seeds for 50-year relationships or 5-minute relationships?" John Ruhlin grew up 1 of 6 kids on a farm in Ohio. He learned first hand that, when you're poor - generosity does not go unnoticed. When working his way through college, he met a mentor who shaped the trajectory of his life. The foundation for success in his mentor's relationships, business and life was: Generosity. Today, 15 years later, John teaches generosity as a competitive advantage in business for clients like NASCAR and the Miami Dolphins and is the author of Giftology.  With the holidays around the corner, join me and John to learn how to give more inspired gifts this year and always. SHOW NOTES: Are you sewing seeds for 50-year relationships or 5-minute relationships? When someone continues to do nice things for us with no strings attached, it is in our nature to want to reciprocate. We are all born with a gratitude muscle, some are bigger than others, you can work to grow it every day. John Ruhlin references 5 Love Languages; learn more here.  Want to impact and move others to action? Gift well. Most view it as a waste so the 5% that do it well stand out. Give a gift with no strings attached and be okay if nothing comes of it because you made their day. You have to have the right intention. We all hope good things will happen when we do good for others. Ex. When we treat our employees well, we hope they'll stick around. But they can tell when you don't have their best interest at heart.  Things we're doing wrong in gifting: Don't gift between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you give when everyone else is, no one will remember. Give in April when it might be the only gift they get. Don't send gifts after referrals. That is transactional you want to be relational. If a gift shows up just because, then it's a "wow"- they feel like you are honoring their time. The gift shouldn't reflect you; it should reflect the recipient. Would you go to a wedding with a vase engraved with "compliments of John O'Leary"? In business we do that and call it marketing. Marketing is about the giver. Gifting is about the recipient. Most people are craving appreciation, but feel they have too much stuff. Give an artifact; something people could pass down in their family. Not just more stuff. When gifting, most ask: What's the least I can get away with? Instead ask, "Whats the most I can do? Why not do it?" Ask what is the most I can do and how do I do it different than my competitors? Ex. Don't spend $100k at a trade show like your competitors, spend $1k on each of your top 100 clients. What would they not do for themselves that we can do for them? Give gifts that have more value then money invested. Get a copy of John's book, Giftology - it is his entire playbook!   Get the Top 10 Things NOT to give at Giftologybook.com/fire   JOHN RUHLIN'S Live Inspired 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Give & Take by Adam Grant how to leave a life of giving but be strategic so you aren't taken advantage of by takers. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Continue to do what I am doing right now. With the money itself, we would invest in other entrepreneurs to see their dreams come true and a portion would go to my church and causes. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Wedding photo album. Crazy $450 mug that captures my core values and represents who I am. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? I spent a lot of time early with my grandfather on a pontoon fishing. he was an entrepreneur and died when I was 16 before I was bitten by the entrepreneur bug. He's left a legacy and impression on me. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Tom Searcy at an event we spoke at and I was just getting started speaking. You're a great speaker hiding in a good speakers body. If you want to you could charge adult money and impact a lot of people if you would be more confident in your speaking. He mapped out the 5 points I should talk about if I was going to speak. I took it to heart. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? The best is yet to come. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He was a man who in all areas of his life gave more than was reasonable. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"I'd rather die on a mule in Mexico then on a bed at home." Edie Littlefield Sundby had just mortgaged her home to start a new business when she received a diagnosis of stage 4 gallbladder cancer. After months of treatment, she decided she needed to take a walk to "pour out her overflowing emotions.” She set out on the impossible: Walking the entire 1,600 miles of El Camino Real "Mission" trail from Mexico to California. Edie trekked - dodging drug smugglers, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and scorpions - and concluded with a new perspective that allowed her to see every new day as a bonus. Walk for a moment with Edie and me to hear her amazing lessons on living life, even one with devastating challenges, inspired. NOTES: Look at every day as a bonus. Refuse to live a diminished life. Get a copy of Edie's newly released book The Mission Walker  What do you do when life throws a devastating challenge your way? When Edie was given a grim prognosis; she knew she had to do something extraordinary to continue living her best life. Her long walk allowed her to turn to God and inward. We all walk alone, together, in life. We have to have meaning in life… a purpose. One thing cancer teaches us is: Don’t Delay. There is an Indiana Jones moment in every life, where you realize you can’t go back… you have to go forward. Fear is not in the moment. Fear is in the mind. What will be… will be. All is well. All is well, ALWAYS. I’m uncertain when cancer will come back, but I have faith that when it does: All is well. When you realize we're all dying, you can finally start living. While alive, live.  Edie Littlefield Sundby's Live Inspired 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible. Ecclesiastes to me helps with uncertainty. It reminds us while alive, live.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I'd have a Baskin Robbins ice cream with whip cream on top. Money doesn't change how we'd live. I'd buy a camper van! 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Not one thing. Nothing. Things are not what I hold in my heart.  4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My mother. I believe in angels, I believe in saints. I believe my mother was an angel and a saint. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? It is advice from my heart, Ecclesiastes, my mother..."While Alive Live." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? All is well. All is well.  7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?When she was alive, she lived.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

Every 6 minutes people check their phones. Married adults spend more time online than with their spouse. People spend 1 - 4 hours loafing on the internet during a work day. Wow -- it's easy to see the problem! But today, we're talking about solutions so you can live inspired in this tech-centered world. Curt Steinhorst shares hacks to better focus and communicate regardless of tech distractions and insights from his new book, Can I Have Your Attention? SHOW NOTES: Order Curt's new book Can I Have Your Attention? here. Our most precious resource, our attention, is divided because our brains are wired to say, "What will make me feel good now [and everything is at our fingertips on our phones]. " Set barriers to the access so you have reasonable time to be disconnected / focused on the important areas in life. Did you know that when you're away from tech for 5 days, your empathy levels go up? Don't allow tech to push you away from intentional moments with people you love. The "barriers" at our house: Hide phones when we walk in the door. Go on a family walk. When kids go to bed, my wife and I talk. Then, we watch TV and are free to pull our phones out. Did you know 2/3 of us feel worse when we leave Facebook then when we got there? But there was the time we saw something we liked, so we're wired to go back. Don't allow the world to dictate what gets your attention: Inboxes, Facebook, are you letting them drive you? Be realistic, intentional and proactive about the barriers you set. How do you get on the same page about these barriers with those you live and work with? First, acknowledge we're drawn to it scientifically. Second, don't shame. Third, start with grace: You want to better connect; this allows that to be possible. We use words to communicate, influence and shape the way other people behave. How do we make sure we do it for good We are the product of the narratives we choose to pay attention to. To overcome anxiety when speaking, etc., I take back the narrative with one of these phrases: My kids don't care. It's this feeling of "When I leave, my kid won't be impressed with how good or bad I did." I can help them and they don't need me to be perfect. Shifting from its "about me" to "it's about them and they don't need me to be perfect". I don't think every life stage is better, I think we just learn to enjoy the beauty where we are. When you ask: "Who am I?" don't tie your validation to external achievements. We need a little bit of discontent in our life to fuel performance. Curt's mentor is Mark Thompson, author of Success Built to Last CURT STEINHORST'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? John Steinbeck's East of Eden is about the complexity of life told through a fascinating story. It profoundly impacted the way I think and the way I see the world. Blue Like Jazz, offers a way to think about life by being patient, honest and vulnerable with ourself without an expectation of becoming better. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would not doing anything different, but would take a vacation and hire more staff! 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My grandpa for our 12th birthday would carve an animal of your choice. My carved longhorn is my most valuable possession. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Elon Musk. I'm fascinated by his mind, business approach, way of dreaming big 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? What my kids need to learn is wisdom, not rules. You want your kids to be wise you don't want them to be obedient. A friend shared this with me. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Take a break, relax, it's going to be okay. She isn't that cool anyway... 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?He gave his life and resources to help other people become more whole.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"Profits are the applause you get for taking care of your employees and customers." Dina Dwyer-Owens learned this lesson early when she took her first job working at her father's car wash at age 13. Years later, she took her lessons from the car wash and a leap of faith to drop out of college and join her dad at his new company: The Dwyer Group. She has never looked back. Today, Dina is co-chairwoman, has more than 3,000 franchisees across North America and appeared on the CBS hit Undercover Boss. On Live Inspired Podcast Episode #49, learn how Dina runs her business by focusing on clients, employees and an clear core value system. Even better: Apply this 3-part focus in your life so you can live and work inspired. SHOW NOTES: Lessons Dina learned from working with her dad: Never be afraid to ask. Always be honest with people. "Have clear goals and go for them. He squeezed 100 years of life into his 60 years because of this." To keep the special culture her dad created alive, they established, operationalized and gamified a code of values, so their employees got into it. 90-day beep game: Employees "beeped" executives as they tried to maintain values. Employees loved it + said let’s make it this our code of values! RICH CULTURE: Respect Integrity Customer focus Have fun in the process "We must re-earn our positions every day in every way." Surround yourself with people that are smarter than you + be okay with that. Know when it's time to step out of a role and let someone else step in. Our new CEO has grown the company 100%. Lessons from Undercover Boss: She gained even more respect for her front-line employees, the work they do and the care they give her clients. Just be you. Sometimes as we chase success, we pretend to be somebody we are not. People see right through it. Faith is what gives me the confidence to do what I do every day. Get a free Create Your Culture Workbook – to create clear values at work or at home - at www.DinaDwyerGroup.com. Keep up the God work. Order Dina's books: Values Inc.: How Incorporating Values into Business and Life Can Change the World and Live R.I.C.H. DINA DWYER-OWEN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7   1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible – the more I read the more I need to read. Right now I am studying the gospel of Luke. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would contribute to organizations that my husband and I care about, and get my kids involved by finding organizations they care about, too. Dynamic Catholic is one that I am really passionate about because it is helping Catholics to make bigger impacts in their communities and neighborhoods. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My father’s globe pendent because he wore it so proudly. To him, it represented his company’s original mission: Providing a world of specialty services. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Mother Teresa she would humble me and I need to be humbled sometimes. The first question I might ask her: What could I be doing better? 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Mother Teresa's quote, about how we worry about what others think about us… but do it anyway. I carry it in my purse. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Why don’t you do more to support mom around the house. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? I pray for this everyday: That Dina was a good and faithful servant. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning   

"It was out of abject failure that I learned to speak." My friends, today we get to hang out with a legendary speaker. Mark Sanborn has spoken around the world 2,500+ times, authored the wildly popular Fred Factor and just released The Potential Principle.  Mark will share his story about being a boy in 4H Club who failed at presenting a 5-minute speech... and how he transformed that failure into a successful speaking career. As Mark says: "We enjoy our successes but learn more from our setbacks." Join us and get read to transform challenges into an inspired life. SHOW NOTES: Nobody can prevent you from choosing to be extraordinary. It was out of abject failure that I learned to speak. I bombed so badly giving a 5-minute speech in grade school it made me want to learn to write and deliver a winning speech.  When someone says it doesn't matter, usually they're just minimizing disappointment.  We enjoy our successes but learn a lot more from our setbacks. Look for the pain in your life; often there's an opportunity there.  Lock in greatness, fame is fickle. Greatness is about contribution and that is where you have control. If you blame your failures on others, you can't own your successes. Leaders take responsibility but give credit. Managers try to be heroes. Leaders try to make heroes. Often you become extraordinary inspite of not because of. In the face of a challenge, that's when people become great. We are responsible for living in a way that shows others what we we truly believe. Integrity is the distance between what you think and do. Your beliefs, values and purpose manifest in your work. Couple your actions with intentions; too often we say something but don't do anything about it. Narrow the gap between what you know you should do and what you actually do. Leadership test: Is anything/one better because of you? We all know how good we've become. None of us know how good we can be. Try to achieve a little more of your potential so you don't miss the great opportunity of life. The Potential Principle, Mark's new book, share a process to help you go from where you are to where you want to be MARK SANBORN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible is the underpinning of my worldview. The River Why, is one of the greatest works of fiction. It really impacted me. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Meet with my financial planner and make sure my family's needs are met so they can get by, but not so much they don't have to do anything. Invest the rest in institutions that will outlive me. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A handful of books and our computer with photos. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? The Apostle Paul who called himself the chief of the sinners, but was also one of the greatest influencers of the Christian faith. I can relate to a really flawed guy who is doing his best. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A congressman told me at a young age that anytime you give a speech, people always want to be entertained. I've replaced "entertain" with engage. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Lighten up. I can be a pretty intense dude. Be serious about what you do, but don't take yourself to serious. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? If you want to be successful do whatever you do a little better than anyone else who did it by working a little bit harder than any one else did.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning