Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.
~ Henry Ford

Teamwork is an important part of life. My team consists of my family, my girlfriend, my friends and my colleagues. Each person on my team has an important role and without them, I would not be where I am today. When life seems to be bothering me or if things just are not going so well, I can count on them to be there to lift up my spirits. If I’m happy, they are there to celebrate with me.

I love to set goals. How I meet those goals can sometimes only be met with teamwork.

If I could solve all the problems myself, I would.
~Thomas Edison, when asked why he had a team of twenty-one assistants

I would like to share a story from the book “Change is Good…  You Go First” about the power of teamwork.

A man was lost while driving through the country. As he tried to reach for the map, he accidentally drove off the road into a ditch. Though he wasn’t injured, his car was stuck deep into the mud. So the man walked to a nearby farm to ask for help.

“Warwick can get you out of that ditch,” said the farmer, pointing to an old mule standing in a field. The man looked at the decrepit old mule and looked at the farmer who just stood there repeating, “Yep, old Warwick can do the job.” the man figured he had nothing to lose. The two men and the mule made their way back to the ditch. The farmer hitched the mule to the car. With a snap of the reins, he shouted,

“Pull, Fred! Pull, Jack! Pull, Ted! Pull Warwick!”

And the mule pulled that car right out of the ditch. The man was amazed. He thanked the farmer, patted the mule, and asked, “Why did you call all of those names before you called Warwick?”

The farmer grinned and said, “Old Warwick is just about blind. As long as he believes he’s part of a team, he doesn’t mind pulling.”

Think of the people on your team who help you out the most; the ones that when you work together, you accomplish more than you would have if both of you had worked alone.

Who’s on your team?

They finished what they had to say and you’re sitting there clueless. All you can come up with is “Cool”. That should cover your butt, right? But what if the person you’re talking with just explained how their family member is sick in the hospital? You just said “Cool”. Smooth move. If you’re not in the mood to have a discussion, then tell them.

Listening in relationships is extremely important. I’m going to use my personal experiences as an example. When my girlfriend and I have conversations, I make sure I engage in them. I don’t just listen, I want to hear. I’m genuinely interested in what she has to say.

On many occasions it has come up when I recalled a specific date and she was surprised that I remembered. How did I remember? I listened wanted to hear.

People, especially women, will know when you’re really listening and when you’re not. The only reason why I know this is because my significant other always tells me she’s surprised I remembered what she said last week. Actually, at this point she’s becoming accustomed to the fact that I can remember so when I slip up on occasion she let’s me know.

Just remember this, listening is wanting to hear.

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.

I wish I knew where this quote came from so I could give credit. If you know, please share so I can update the article.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ‘I know why.’

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, ‘People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?’ The six-year-old continued, ‘Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.’

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

I would like to share the milestones I achieved in my 2008.

First, I’m thankful for my excellent health. January 1, 2008 I started to get back in shape and eating healthy. I lost 30 pounds and feel fantastic. I was rarely sick and had the common cold maybe twice. Keeping a good diet does wonders for your body. 2009 will be an even better year for my health and fitness. My goal is to reach below 10% body fat.

Second, my freelance work took a huge boost. 2008 marked my highest income for this side business. Granted it takes a lot of my free time on nights and weekends, but it’s totally worth the networking and experience that is gained. I already have 2 projects lined up for the beginning of 2009 and finishing up a huge project left over from 2008.

Third, family & friends. My parents moved into their new home this year – leaving memories of my childhood in South Plainfield. My grandparents moved in with them, leaving their house in Elizabeth. I sure miss that house too. New home, new memories and so far it’s been phenomenal. I made some new friends (from the Dominican vacation) and was able to keep in touch with my “old” ones.

What will 2009 bring me? Everyone makes resolutions for the new year. Last year mine was getting back into shape which I was successful in doing. This year I would like to a) get my body fat to less than 10%, b) spend some more time with my music and produce another album, c) maintain my successful side business as a web developer freelancer and d) maintain healthy relationships with my family and friends.

What do you plan to do for 2009?