RichardStep: Self-Help to Live By

Calm Down in the Lord, Jesus Christ

Richard — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:49:43 +0000

I’m not an outwardly super-duper religious person, but I have a military grade fortress when we’re talking internal strength. I’m more of an “ask and you shall receive” than a “let me tell you all about it even though we’re talking about baseball” kind of guy.

But man oh man are there those days where I just want a quick boost to help lift me up.

Below are some quick blurbs and scripture quotes I’ve come across that have been especially useful in calming a shaky soul.

Check them out and see if they help you.

“Yes, You are my Rock and my Fortress; therefore for Your name’s sake lead me and guide me.”

“”Out of my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.”

“”Lord, guide my stride.”

“”Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” -1 Peter 5:7

“”When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice: (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget thee.” -Deut 4:30-31

“”For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is a storm against the wall.” -Isaiah 25:4

“”Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” -Joshua 1:9

Have any more quick and powerful foundation settling quotes?

Please share them!

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Jungian Myers Briggs 16 Type Personality Test – A Super-Charged MBTI

Richard — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:47:11 +0000

A few years back, I sat in a training course that started off with something interesting. No, it wasn’t a bunch of bad jokes or annoying safety tips, it was a personality test.

“Oh now this is interesting. Not sure how this could possibly help me out, but hey I’ll give it a shot.”

It was the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and was facilitated by a certified MBTI administrator. Huh?! It was quite a mouth-full to say the least but I was still interested.

I picked up my pencil, open the packet, and starting going to town on the questions.

Nothing too terribly surprising or hard here – it was just a bunch of “how do you like this” or “which would you prefer that.” Easy, simple, and quick. That’s talking my language!

I anxiously waited for the administrator to run us through the results and scoring process so I could figure out what this was all about. And here it came.

Brand new fresh, engineering degree me got a big: INTJ type (I’m not INTJ anymore, by the way). Cool! Now what do I do?

I still have that original results packet and it’s useful to look at to see how much I’ve grown over the years. It did provide me some great tips on how to super-charge my next steps to growth.

How to Share this Powerful Personality Test with Others?

Fast forward a few years and what do you know… I’m very interested in this psychometric assessment again. But not from the MBTI / certififed administrator frame of mind.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great program and I looked into it VERY hard. But it was $175 for each ...Click to read the full story...

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The Secret Power of Your Eyebrows

Richard — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:11:26 +0000

Here’s a little secret of the new body language field of study. Your eyebrows can make people talk! Watch this video to see how this little tip can help you help others be a little less introverted.

I’m no body language expert, but I love to read and try this stuff! Check it out.

(Can’t see the video? Click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgm6mqm0vB4)

Know any other quick and easy, little-known body language tips? Share ‘em!

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Free Strengths Finder Test Must Cease & Desist

Richard — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:17:03 +0000

I just got back from Home Depot with 1,200 pounds of concrete blocks. Tired, a lot-bit sweaty, and looking to save my car from the death of over half a ton of junk (okay, 2 loads of 600 lbs), I started toward the front door.

Oh what’s this? I have a letter.

Overnight.

From Gallup.

The folks who made the StrengthsFinder test.

You know, that test that I made a free version of to help folks discovery themselves.

…crudola…

I want to make it clear to ya’ll, I want to help folks out, but I don’t want to get in the way of the work the Gallup people are doing. Of course, getting to #5 on page 1 of Google for the “strengthsfinder” term probably didn’t help my cause at all.

But anyway, since a lawyer is probably saving this for evidenece, let me cut to the chase.

I gotta’ take the test down. At least in the form that it’s in.

I will definitely make a new version that gives tips on making your life better, but it will have absolutely ZERO association with the Gallup/Clifton StrengthsFinder tests.

As far as I am concerned and think is safe, I won’t even mention the StrengthsFinder again. Ever.

So, it’s coming down VERY soon. Take it now if you want to, but know I will comply with the cease and desist order because I like to live in my house.

If you’d like to see the letter, here it is.

Lessons Learned

But since I want to focus on the positive of having learned a very good lesson here, I have a nice little reminder from someone who’s probably wishing the real Strengths Finder test was free for everybody.

Have a good day folks.

...Click to read the full story...

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Stand Up or Your Brain Might Leave You

Richard — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:42:37 +0000

It’s 2 o’clock and you’re beginning to doze off at your computer. Typing away at yet another email isn’t exactly your idea of a good time. Interest wanes. Breathing slows. Eyelids get heavier. Ruh-roh… here it comes. The big yawn.

Yup, your day is pretty much toast. A little too full for another cup of coffee? Reconsidering staying up so late at night? Or maybe you’re thinking it’s time to switch to an all lettuce and no dressing diet. Ahem. Maybe not. But there is something so easy you can do right now.

Stand up! No seriously. Get off your butt and reach for the ceiling. This is not s stick up – this is a wake up. Put your mouse down, move your chair back, and get them smooshed cheeks breathing.

This is a Science Stand-Up!

Research by Max Vercruyssen, Ph.D at the University of Southern California showed that subjects asked to stand had an increased heart rate of about 10 beats-per-minute (BPM) on average. Standing up also increases your ability to pay attention, speeds up your ability to process information by 5% to 20%, and increases blood flow (and oxygen) to the brain by 10% to 15%.

The next time you’re feeling funky, your audience is dozing off, or you’re in a mini-rut, just stand up. Take a 5-minute stretch or walk-to-the-breakroom trip and notice the difference it makes. All the sleepy people in the house please stand up, please stand up!

Wake up and share this stand-up tip with your friends!

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What is the DOPE 4 Bird Personality Test?

Richard — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:55:27 +0000

Want a quick way to get a better understanding of your personality? This “DOPE Bird Personality Test” (the dove, owl, peacock, eagle test – a personality test and not a drug-test) is a very useful tool for gaining some quick insight into your inner workings.

However you use it, the key is to find the positive points of this self-discovery exercise. It’s like having a good friend help you experience your life from the outside. It’s hard to notice that pimple on your nose without someone mentioning something (or a mirror). This test is the mirror.

Know that you are the unique you and you’re loved for that. Use the results of this test as a starting point for your next “self-improvement” step. It is not a judgment and is not a psychological evaluation.

What are the 4 Bird Personality Types?

And here’s the second-to-last moment you’ve been waiting for – quick and simple definitions of what the four bird personality types actually are. Here goes:

DOVE:

The peaceful dove. The dove is people-orientated, loyal, friendly, hard working and a great team player but tends to avoid change, confrontation, risk-taking and assertiveness.

PEACOCK:

The showy peacock. The peacock loves talking, being the center of attention, has passion/ enthusiasm and is happy/ optimistic. Peacocks can be accused of talking too much, and ...Click to read the full story...

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10 Lessons Kidney Stones Teach You About Life

Richard — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:33:45 +0000

Have you ever got a Dorito stuck in your throat? No, not just a little piece, I mean a big honkin’ chunk of a sharp Dorito chip. Extra spicy and extra pointy.

It seems like no matter how hard you swallow, no matter how much water you drink, and no matter how much you try you just can’t get it out. And it fargin’ hurts every bit of the way down. Ouch!

Now picture this on a slightly smaller scale in an area 800,000 times more sensitive to pain. Kidney. Stones. I’m saying this is not a fun time.

But, after I stopped rolling around the floor, groaning like an injured cougar, it did give me the chance to learn some valuable lessons.

Yup. I learned something from the meanest little urethral-ninja-star I’ve ever encountered.

Here are 10 lessons passing a kidney stone can teach you about life:

1) Surprise: you’re on the ground

There I was, walking around in the bedroom when a sudden, sharp pain hit my lower right back. “What the…” squeaks out of me as my wife asks if it’s my back. I do some flexing to check the muscles and things seem fine. “Uh oh…” was my next thought, as well as a wash of fear over my face. Wait a second… I’m too young for kidney stones, right?!

No matter what you’re doing or where you’re at in life, something can throw a kink in your plans. Do your best to be prepared, but don’t let it keep you down. Check your resources and figure the problems out as they come along. I learned some very valuable health tips and treatment plans.

Minimize down time : maximize learn time.

2) Small ...Click to read the full story...
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Welcome to Self-Help to Live By

Richard — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 05:58:48 +0000

I hope you’ll find this site useful. If this is your first time here, here are a few hints on what goodies are here to share:

Self tests to help discover your personality, behavior, motivators, and top-strengths.
A whole series of posts on improving your strengths.
And a plethora of resources and tool to enhance your life.

Thank you for staying and see what interests you. Have a good day! (PS: this is a sticky post – new content is below)

Discover 64 Ways to Live Your Passion Using Lotus Blossom Brainstorming

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How-to Think Like a Child and Enjoy Life Again

Richard — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:32:01 +0000

My wife and I recently took my four year old son to tour his new school. He was so excited the day before, I didn’t know if he’d be able to make the threee mile trip down the road.

We pulled up to the rather drab looking building, it was a bit rainy outside, and there was no sun in sight. Did it dampen his spirits any? No way.

We hopped out of the car and made our way over to the main entrance to start our tour of this new educational adventure. We stepped inside and all the little man could let out were gasps and sounds of awe. It was truly awesome to him.

The entire time, I couldn’t get my mind off of how much he really enjoyed every bit of this little taste of the many years to come. It was now, clean slated, that he could really take it all in without any type of bias. He was making his own judgements in light of pure optmism and joy. He was ready to learn. He was ready to take it all in. He was ready to get down to business!

He went home that day even more excited about the school days to come. I went home with a renewed sense of awe at just how much we can be interested in things, if we choose to be. If I allow myself to see the good in what’s coming, I’ll make it so.

It was a good trip – for everyone.

I was so exctied at the time I had to capture about 1 minute’s worth of me sharing the awesomeness. Please check it out:

...Click to read the full story...

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Useful Links Page Added (+Constant Updates)

Richard — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:08:52 +0000

I usually tack a useful links or source down in my fancy journal and check up on it later that same day. But I’ve been in the bad habit of not sharing some of the real winners with you guys and gals. Sorry!

I’ve put together a Links page and published it. Please check it out when you get a chance or are looking for some great resources.

I’ll keep adding the “winner sites” to it as I come across them. There’s so much out there, and I’m trying to capture the best of the best. I’ve listed the blogs and sites I check with regularly to keep fresh on the pulse of several subjects.

Head over to the useful Links List page and see what tickles your fancy.

Oh and I will accept suggestions if you’ll send them my way via the “Contact Me” page. I’ll have to check them over, of course, but I’m sure I missed some real gems!

Photo by: cogdogblog

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Looking for Good Books to Read? I Read 213 Last Year, Let Me Help You

Richard — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:23:04 +0000

I’m a huge fan of Half Priced Books. I still say hi to the employees when I come through the door, but let me tell you I look immediately for just one thing. Those lovely purple background, yellow lettered signs that say CLEARANCE. My cheap old discount tree-book Heaven!

You know why I love it so much? I read a whole friggin’ lot! I hate to see what kind of bill I’d have if I bought everything I read retail. That’s scary to imagine. But slap a $1 sticker on it? Yes, please!

Well I decided to challenge myself for 2011. I committed to reading at least 200 books throughout the entire year. 200!!! Was I nuts or what?

I did it! And I did it right. I read 213 books in 2011 and it has proved to be the year of self-growth. I think I can actually feel the extra weight all of the new brain-wrinkles added to my head. I don’t mind at all.

Maybe this doesn’t sound like much of an accomplishment to you, maybe it sounds completely and unbelievably wacko. Either way, it was a huge goal and I knocked it out of the park. This post is part celebration and part sharing.

How this Can Help You

I’ll have a post in the near future sharing some hints and tips on how to read more quickly, find what you’re looking for, and save some money doing it. All in the name of self-improvement, of course!

Below is a list of all 213 books. I’ve separated them into categories as best I could. I also added my rating in parenthesis after the author’s name (on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 ...Click to read the full story...

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