God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.

Have you used one to say “thank you? ~William Arthur Ward

November is the “Thank You month”. In the United States most of us say a special “thank you” once a year. Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional North American holiday to give thanks.

Brief history of the “Thank you” holiday:

The Plymouth settlers (or “Pilgrims”) set apart a holiday immediately after their first harvest in 1621. They held an autumn celebration of food, feasting, and praising God.

In 1789 Washington designated a national thanksgiving holiday for the newly ratified Constitution, specifically so that the people may thank God for “affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness” and for having “been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed… “

President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a Federal holiday as a “prayerful day of Thanksgiving” on the last Thursday in November. Since then every U.S. President has always made an official Thanksgiving Proclamation on behalf of the nation.

Traditional Thanksgiving celebration

Growing up as a kid in the United States, I always loved Thanksgiving. It meant a time to get together with family, eat really good food, and of course, no school! Thanksgiving has always been a four day weekend which usually means schools and colleges have a break, and banks and post offices are closed. It’s a time when friends and family get together for a reunion, a day of thanks, and a festive meal.

Thanksgiving meals are usually family gatherings where certain kinds of food are served. Turkey is featured in most Thanksgiving meals (so much so that Thanksgiving is also known as “Turkey Day”).

At our house we’d have the biggest turkey mom could find (got to have left-over for sandwiches), stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes casserole with apples and marshmallows, string bean casserole (my favorite), cranberry sauce, corn, pumpkin pie and apple pie. Thanksgiving guests may bring dishes of food or help with cooking as part of a happy, shared and grateful meal.

In keeping with the holiday theme of giving thanks, during the meal, people talk about what they are thankful for or tell about experiences during the past year which have caused them to feel grateful.

What does it all mean?

Why do most people only give thanks once a year?

Mind power awareness of gratitude, appreciation and giving “thanks” beyond Thanksgiving day is what truly works!

1. Say “Thank You” every day for the life you have

2. Acknowledge and praise the love you feel in your heart, and share it with others

3. Tell people in your life that you appreciate them, while you can

Thank You Business

§ Say thank you to your co-workers (especially the one’s that don’t notice you). Their reaction might surprise you.

§ Be grateful for the job you have (even if it’s not the exact one you want). Opportunities open when your heart is open.

§ Remind your self how blessed you are to love what you do. Find something pleasing about your job, or consider your options.

Thank you GOLF

§ Let your current shot be your best shot. Appreciate the ability you currently have to play an amazing game, and allow your gratitude to flow.

§ “I love these greens, they are perfect” vs. “I hate slow greens”. Appreciate what is presently in front of you, just be thankful.

§ Tell your partners know how much you appreciate playing with them. Your round will start and end more agreeable and fun.

Thank you LIFE

§ Tell your husband or wife, mother or father, sister or brother, “I love you” when they least expect it.

§ Hold open a door, tell a stranger “good day”, and thank your postman for delivering your mail.

§ Get your morning “GLO”. Wake up saying, “what a fantastic day to feel Gratitude, Love and Opportunity!”

Today is your day to be thankful. Every day you have a new opportunity to think, say and do something good. It starts with being thankful, grateful and appreciating your life. November is the “thank you” month. See what happens when make gratitude a daily practice! It’s a mind power with the strength to move mountains for you.

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

Published in August 31 2007, by Charlene Schosser

~ Have you ever wondered why

your golf game never improves? ~

You might be surprised to learn that it’s all in your mind! Randy Friedman, an experienced LPGA and Cobra staff golf teaching professional, as well as Motivational mind power Speaker, has a unique perspective for taking your game to the next level.

After years of teaching golfers how to improve their swing or perfect their putting, she has turned her focus to hypnotherapy. According to Friedman, most golfers win or lose their game in their mind. She’s taken her perspective that “golf is 90% mental” and refocused her approach by helping golfers improve their game through the real stopping point: the mind.

Okay, so some of you skeptics are asking, “Does hypnotherapy really work?” The answer is “yes”—when you truly believe you can change your way of thinking by knowing and changing your self-limiting beliefs.

Golf hypnosis is a simple and effective method that will improve your game by allowing you to deeply relax your body and elevate your mind to a higher place of consciousness. It gives you permission to make changes without changing a thing about your swing! You bypass the conscience mind (the critical factor) and enter the subconscious mind (the non-critical, computer-like) mind. It’s there that you’re able to squash those old ideas and replace them with new ones.

On a scientific level, hypnosis allows the brain waves to slow down to an alpha or deeper theta state (which is what we do when we sleep). At this level of relaxation, your subconscious mind is open and more receptive to suggestions for change.

Hypnosis will also help you deal with the fear of failing and enable you to focus more effectively at the task at hand. Do you want to improve your game? Hypnotherapy is a great way for you to understand and get in touch with your body, enjoy the game and the course, and feel the grass!

Golf courses are some of the most beautiful places in the world, yet we’re often so focused on making each shot that we forget to look, smell, and take in the world around us.

So why did a seasoned pro make the switch in her teaching techniques? She knows hypnotherapy works. In fact, some of her favorite clients to teach are children. “Children enjoy the game as a game, because they are just playing—without any fear or baggage. Their minds are cluttered with over-thinking. It’s simple for them, and they really enjoy it.”

Friedman now wants to give us seasoned pros a chance to embrace that same spirit of simplicity. Prior to her years as a golf pro, Friedman was a personal trainer and massage therapist. That means she understands the body from the inside out.

And if golf is not your game, Friedman can tackle any block you might have, from overcoming a fear of flying (how can you play at some of the best golf resorts around the world?), to becoming more successful at your job. So if you want to find a new way to take your golf game to the next level, hypnotherapy might be your answer.

Friedman offers private sessions, keynote presentations, golf retreats, and half-day workshops. The workshops average $250 per person, which includes a mind power workshop, chipping/putting interactive drills, and a powerful group hypnosis session. For upcoming workshops, check out her Web site. Visit GolfMindPower.com for more information, or email Randy@golfmindpower.com

Combine…“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be” by Grandma Moses and

from the movie Forest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get!”… and it sounds like:

………………………………

“Life is a box of chocolates, even when you don’t know what you are going to get, you can always make the best of it!”

We all have the power to decide how we react in life, no matter what it is filled with! Yes, “life” happens to everyone. It is the attitude of appreciation (of self), allowing (of love), gratitude (for abundance) and forgiveness (to all healing), that enhances our own best creation of life.

The law of attraction states, what you think about, you bring about. Like a magnet draws its energy towards it, we create what we have and where we are going either consciously or subconsciously. It is through our thoughts, feelings and how we treat others in life that brings us to a higher place of good. The power of gratitude is one of the strongest forms of guidance for attracting what you want, by appreciating what you have. This is an article of gratitude, in so many ways!

There is something in my life (a product) that I started using when I was around 12 years old that I still use to this day. I am grateful for this and wanted to share it. When you read the “About Randy” page, you’ll know that at that time I was playing competitive racquetball. My Dad, who introduced me to the game, has always been an advocate for using the right tools in any sport you play. (That’s probably where I picked up the line I’ve said to my students, “you’re only as good as your equipment will allow you to be”).

My Dad introduced me to my first pair of Thorlos! If you have never heard of them, keep reading. This is a sock to be grateful for and I feel the need share with the world why I still wear them. It’s funny, anyone I have met over the years that wear Thorlos, swear by them. You’ll see why!

Back in the 70’s, “tube socks” were hot! Yes, I had every color tube sock Thorlo made (white with a color stripe at the top). They were beautiful and rode all the way up to just below my knees! (Can’t imagine wearing a tube sock now, but it was in then… and I looked cool!). The bottom line, in racquetball my feet took a serious beating, and I never got blisters! When other competitors were complained that their feet hurt, mine were always happy. So I thought it was time I spread the word in the hopes of saving agony of your feet.

Fast forward to the present, thirty plus years later, this is the one constant I still have around in my life. That’s pretty amazing! I have my thick one’s for the gym, medium ankle socks for golf, and love the hiking crew for playing golf with pants when it gets colder out. I really think my lack of back pain is due to taking care of my feet. I know of many back sufferers that do not take care of their feet. The correct fitting shoes are really important, but I also found when I wore a sock (other than Thorlo), my feet hurt at the end of the day. Teaching golf all day requires standing most of the time. Thorlos made such a difference in my energy level by how my feet felt.

< ——————- >

What really hooked me was reading about Thorlos support in the cure for breast cancer! “Now this is a company that cares about people” … they are giving their socks away (along with funding) so “people can help people” to make a difference. THAT’S POWERFUL! That’s what it’s all about!

Here are some inspirational quotes from the 3-Day walk:

“Being a Survivor myself, it is so great to see Thorlo get involved with the 3-Day Susan G. Komen events. For walking & working out, Thorlo is the sock to wear.” A. Aiken. Huntersville, NC

“I have been wearing my THORLO socks while training for the breast cancer 3-Day walk. I LOVE THEM!! They are by far the most comfortable socks I have ever worn.” S. Sutliff. Eagan, MN

“I LOVE these socks… This is my 3rd 3-Day and I have struggled with blisters each time, this time….no blisters…Thank you!”. Christensen. Kirkland, WA

“…after walking 10 miles in them. I didn’t suffer fatigue, or blisters, or hot spots. I LOVE THEM and have already ordered my 6pk.” D. Schwichtenberg. Palm Harbor, FL

“Nice height, pink is fun and they work exactly like they should. These socks wick the moisture so I don’t even feel sweaty. They also have superior cushioning…these are my new favorites and I have been wearing Thorlos for about 8 yrs” P. Billman. Keller, TX

“Thank you Thorlo! I am so appreciative and grateful for your incredible product that has lasted over 30 years! It is my pleasure to pass it on.” Randy Friedman

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~ Albert Schweitzer

Mom has participated in the “Race for the cure” in Palm Beach, Florida for the last 12 years or more. Her sister, (my aunt) died of breast cancer years ago, so there is a personal connection she has to the cause. This past January 20^th, I felt an unusual compulsion to walk in it for the first time. From the minute my alarm clock went off to arriving at the site filled with enthusiastic volunteers, my blood was pumping with a positive excitement of being part of something larger than life.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Thousands of men, women and children of all ages were participating in this incredible event to walk in support of finding a cure for breast cancer. From survivors to relatives of survivors, they all made themselves known with signs posted on their backs. It was incredibly moving and I now understood why my mother always looked forward to doing it.

Hundreds then thousands upon thousands more, all wearing the bright colors of their new Race shirts. Everything seems to explode at once. On stage, the music gets going, it was jazzercise time. A time to warm-up, get people dancing, stretching or just observing.

Then it was time get walking. Many people with teams cheering proudly, dogs walking too, plenty of spirit was in the air! As people pass, I noticed every sign that they wore because the back-signs say it all: “In Celebration for…”—“In Memory of…” Some people had one or multiple names, and many signs said “ME”.

When we got back from our walk, at mid-morning, along with thousands we assembled near the stage. This is where all of this leads. Ten o’clock is the time for the point of it all and the reason for why we are all here.

Nancy Brinker, the founder of the Komen Foundation was there and spoke to us about how far they have come with relentless research after 25 years. It was incredibly moving to hear her personal story of why she started it all, in memory of her loving sister that died of breast cancer. Her unwavering challenge to find a cure and determination to help others is most inspirational. She introduced the next segment and it was nothing short of an awakening.

The Survivors Celebration had an amazing power that could make the strongest men cry and strangers hug. The pink caps and pink shirts scattered throughout the crowd now began to come forward. I had no idea what my emotions were in for next, and then I understood. Through the cheering crowd, they were given an open passage to walk through and towards the stage. As many as could fit, walked up the steps to the stage. They just keep on coming, hundreds upon hundreds, surpassing a thousand—so many survivors. As I applauded their courage, their hope and desire for life, my eyes were filled with cheerful tears. My mother then leaned to me and said, “it’s truly amazing how many more survivors there are now, compared to when I first started walking.”

Next year Mom will be wearing the pink survivor’s shirt and hat. She always said to us growing up, “God works in mysterious ways”. You see a week after my first “Race for the Cure“, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I now know why I felt compelled to be of part of my first walk, of many to come. Thank you Nancy Brinker for an incredible vision. It is because of people like you who (inspired by the untimely death of your sister) has given Hope, Dreams and Life to my mom and millions of other grateful people! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so grateful!

Imagine the day when people have this conversation:

• “Oh, honey don’t you feel well?”
• ” I’ll be okay. I just woke up with a silly ol’ breast cancer.”
  
• “I understand how you feel, this cold has been lingering for hours!”

…IN OUR LIFETIME!

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

Why leave a donation?

“Women need lighter and more flexible clubs than men”…

… ok I know, tell us something we didn’t know! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize most women are not as strong as men, nor do we try to be. As a women and one who has studied anatomy and physiology in depth, women are not “made” to be as physically strong as men. That being said, women need clubs that suit their physique. Cobra was one of the the first to realize this years ago, and they made the industry jump on board.

One of the big issues I witnessed teaching women, is that if it wasn’t fun for them right from the start, they weren’t coming back! Although disheartening, I understood. For women (or men) to improve their golf mind power, they must believe their clubs are going to work for them.

If the equipment does not match up to the persons physical body type and strength, it’s almost impossible for them to improve. You’ve got to get the ball in the air. It’s just not fun to hit “worm burners” all day.

Key issues in golf clubs for women:

• Light overall weight (with a feel of head weight)
• Correct Flexible shaft based on the swing speed
  
• Pretty works! Don’t laugh, this is important for us gals!
  

Army green is just not what most women golfers want to to show up to the course with. Pink, lavender, a nice sky blue… now were talking! And don’t forget the shoes to match!

Cobra has done a nice job for the women’s golf market for many years. They make all the clubs a female golfer needs, all designed with the specifications to suit women golfers. It’s a beautiful thing, (pretty too)! Plus, they have captured a market that doesn’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money on themselves… well shoes are another story in itself!

Cobra was founded in 1974 and in the early 90s began making specialized Lady Cobra Golf Clubs. Located in Carlsbad, California, Cobra (as well as Titleist) is part of the Acushnet Company, that is owned by Fortune Brands, (NYSE:FO).

GET FIT!
It is important to have a proper fitting when choosing new clubs. You wouldn’t go to the shoe store and say, “that’s a pretty color, I’ll take that one”, without trying them on. Golf Clubs are no different. There are many variables that come into play in buying a new set of clubs. A fitting professional can help you with what you need.

Steel vs. Graphite
Steel shafts are great for those with a powerful swing and a low handicap. Graphite is lighter and gives your swing an easier feel. In all the years I’ve fit women with golf clubs, I only fit one with steel, Me. Most amateur women don’t swing the club fast enough to generate the club head speed needed to warrant steel shafts. If you are just starting out, go with graphite shafts rather than steel. Although more expensive, they are much easier for the beginner, high handicapper or women that prefer the lightness of graphite.

Some ladies choose the more expensive but low weight yet hard titanium. Stainless steel is cheaper, but it is also heavier. An alternative is an alloy head which is made from a combination. There are many combinations using different metals.

Beginner Ladies Sets
I can’t tell you how many starter sets I sold to women! Yes, you are allowed 14 clubs in your bag, but you don’t need them all when you are just starting out. You have enough to think about when you just starting the game, that fewer clubs choices makes the decision easier and faster when you are on the course. (Trust me playing faster is a good thing in the beginning.) I started many women with a 5, 7, 9 iron, and sand wedge plus a 3, 7 wood and putter. Seven clubs is more than enough to get you started. What’s great about Cobra and many other companies is you can always fill in your set with the missing clubs later, when you are ready. At some point you may want to add a driver and some other clubs depending on your how you are progressing and if you have some gaps in yardages.

Sets for Better Players
Believe it or not, most people that play golf, don’t break 100! Here’s the good news, if you shoot a score less than a 100 you can be considered a mid handicapper! Golfers who play close to 10 over par or less would be considered to have a low handicap. When choosing a new set of clubs at this stage there are many things to consider such as what clubs you feel you need, would you prefer a used set of expensive clubs rather than new cheaper sets?

This is where you really want to take the time with a Golf Professional to get fit properly. A pro can explain about the different materials and take things like loft and lie of each club into consideration when buying a complete set. Most pro shops will also carry a variety. The major club companies are: Cobra, Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, Ping and Nike.

Do it right the first time!
Whether you are a complete beginner or a low handicapper, buying golf clubs are part of the business. Get the clubs you need that will work for you, whether its a few or the complete set. When you start out with the right “tools” you can pour your foundation and build a strong game that will last a lifetime!

Let me know thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

Are you aware that nearly 90% of

Fortune 500 CEO’s, play golf?

It is the international sport of business. In certain industries, clients and prospects play golf as a way of doing business. If your clients and prospects play, then you need to be out on the course with them. It is important to understand how the game of golf can help you develop your business, as well as benefit you personally.

Have you ever been the one stuck in the office, while others are out playing golf? Doesn’t that just make you wonder what all the fuss is? You get the invitation, but you turn it down saying, “no I just can’t”. To be perfectly honest, you can! Saying You Can’t has two meanings:

1. You either don’t know how to, or
2. You don’t want to.

The questions I have for you here are … where is your career heading and where do you want it to go? Golf is the only game you can play and develop a conversation at the same time. Not only that, you gain an understanding of the persons personality you are either doing business with or about to do business with. The game of golf is more popular than ever. Understand the importance of golf in business, so you aren’t left out of the business meetings held on the golf course.

Let’s look at these four important points:

1. Discover the professional and personal benefits of golf.
2. Learn another language of business—“the game of golf”.
3. Learn how playing business golf can save you time.
4. What you can learn about your playing partners.

1. Discover the professional and personal benefits of golf.

Golf is one of the only sports you can play and do business with at the same time. Think about it. It takes you 30-60 seconds to assess the situation (the distance, carry, lie, and wind), take a club out of the bag, take a practice swing, setup and hit the ball. The rest of the 4-5 hours you’re walking or riding in a golf cart with the undivided attention of your client. Need I say more!

Personally, golf is an exceptional sport for many reasons. Since you don’t need anyone to hit the ball back to you, and it’s just you and the golf course, you are not competing against anyone. That being said it physically makes for an inviting sport for spouses, siblings and families to play.

2. Learn another language of business—the game of golf.

Have you ever found yourself at work listening to your co-workers having a conversation that you could not be a part of? If you don’t play golf, you are likely to come across one of those talks. Golf talk happens everyday in offices around the water cooler and world. Just pay attention after a Major, like The Masters, US or British Open. I guarantee golf talk is occurring around the water cooler. You need to be a part of that conversation! The game of golf contends with the game of business! Learn the language and you will be invited to the next company outing.

3. Learn how playing business golf can save you time.

A day of golf with three clients in one place will get a lot more done than you think. Not only will you be with them on the course for an extended period of time, but there is likely breakfast or lunch before the round and lunch or drinks after the round. Now you’ve created a new relationship and the phone call tomorrow has a different tone! It’s a beautiful thing.

4. What you can learn about your playing partners.

Here is where everything happens or not. You can learn so much from your playing partner by the actions he or she carries out on the golf course.

Some things to observe are:

1. Cheating
2. Misrepresenting their score (ahem, cheating)
3. Shouting absentees
4. Throwing clubs
5. Stomping feet
6. Mistreating the caddy
7. Neatness in appearance

You can learn a lot by observing what they do and don’t do. Many top executives will not do business with someone until they play golf with them. Now you understand why.

How you can get started in golf:

1. Take lessons with a professional golf instructor
2. Understand the important rules and etiquette of golf.
3. Play with friends until you feel comfortable enough to entertain on your own.
4. Join the EWGA (an executive women’s golf league). It forces you to get out there and play
5. Subscribe to a golf magazine (Golf for Women, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine)

The Bottom Line
Learn to play golf and you will learn to play better business!

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy

The word “mind”, is any thought conscious or subconscious.

“Power” means strength or having strength.

So Mind Power is having a strong thought. For our purpose in golf (and life for that matter) I am talking about your strong subconscious thoughts.

When most students came to me to take a golf lesson they already had a preconceived notion of what they wanted to learn. We would spend the first ten minutes (five if I cut them off) of the lesson discussing what they thought I should teach them. I often thought to myself, “Why do they think they need me if they already know all the answers?” Of course in reality they usually weren’t close to knowing what the needed to improve their golf. I guess that’s human nature to want to assist the learning process.

Over-instructed and over-technical!

Many students of the game have either taken too many lessons (from different instructors), watched the golf channel to learn and apply literally everything they could, or read too many golf instruction (swing) articles. Then they bring the new knowledge to the course the next day to “try” to implement it. It may work for a day, but won’t work for good unless it is ingrained for 21 days or more.

Golfers need less technical instruction on the range, more mind power programming, and to just play! I gave most of my students lessons on the golf course. That is where the game is played. Of course beginners need the fundamentals, and instruction needs to given on the range and especially short game area, but please get out and play! I heard a Ben Hogan quote years ago that always stuck with me. When he was asked what was his secret to success? His comment was, “You’ve got to dig it out of the ground”. Meaning, get out there and figure it out. I am not saying to spend every waking hour trying to find your game on your own. I believe what Hogan was saying, was what Mind Power really comes down to. Get the information, apply it, work at it so you own it, then believe it and just do it! Your conscious thought (the analyzer) MUST quiet down at some point in order to play “in the zone”. Playing in the zone or on automatic pilot is when your subconscious mind takes over and frees you to get out of your own way!

When you own a thought, it’s yours (good or bad)! You can always change your mind later. When it comes to playing golf, in that moment of impact, you better believe “you can” or you wont! The minute you change your mind, you change your actions. The Law of Attraction states, “what you think about, you bring about”.

Have you ever hit a 75 yard shot over water that somehow found the water instead of the green? “Now how did that happen?”, you said after the fact. What do you think your thought was? If it was anything but “hit the target”, you were doomed.

The subconscious mind does not judge your thoughts.

Whatever your thought was before you hit the shot you tend to believe. If the last time you missed a two foot putt you told yourself your an idiot, the next time you have a two-footer, your subconscious mind will remind you that your an idiot… kind of like an obnoxious parrot! “You’re and idiot, you’re an idiot, raahh… you missed this putt last time, you’ll miss it again, raahh!”

Be your own best cheerleader!
What would you tell your buddy if he or she missed a two foot putt? “That’s okay, you put a good roll on it” or “Wow, I thought you had that one!” Guess what? That’s the voice you need to give yourself when you miss a shot. Remember, your subconscious will respond accordingly to what you say and think. “Yeh, I did put a good roll on that”, or “hmmm, that felt like a great putt… oh well”. And next time you have that same putt, you now have a chance to make it!

Learn more about how to control your own golf mind power, by controlling your thoughts, feelings and emotions on the inside!

“In body, mind power and spirit”
Randy