Meaningful Mondays

Welcome to this week's episode of Meaningful Monday Message. In today's discussion, I delve into a universal concept that transcends various boundaries - the significant role of preparation. This episode is majorly inspired by the wisdom of the esteemed Coach John Wooden, a man I had the privilege to learn from during the last years of his life. His definition of success revolves around self-assurance and knowing you have done your best to bring out the best version of yourself. The journey to becoming the best isn't an instant achievement. It is a sum of our continuous past efforts, the work we did yesterday, and the build-up to the present moment. Our past endeavors inform and build our confidence. The essence of this journey isn't just about reaching a destination but also fostering growth and character. Coach John Wooden never prioritized the victory; instead, he emphasized the journey towards it. According to him, genuine success lies in the peace of mind you gain from being optimally prepared. This etho

Welcome to another edition of Meaningful Monday with your host, Lee Brower. In this refreshing episode, Lee discusses the profound concept of a spontaneous legacy, emphasizing that a legacy is not something we leave behind, but rather something we live every day. This episode begins with a compelling story about Mr. Big, a high-paced businessman, illustrating the domino effect of negativity and the sometimes unseen impact our actions may have on others. Lee uses this narrative to press the importance of the ripple effects we create daily, both negative and positive. Focusing on the transformative power of positive actions, Lee shares personal experiences about "paying it forward." From surprising people by paying for their meals anonymously to small acts such as placing a quarter in someone else's parking meter, Lee encourages us to create a spontaneous legacy by appreciating what we have and sharing it with others. He emphasizes these relatively small actions, when done without expectation or need for acknow

In this week's edition of Meaningful Monday, host Lee Brower shares a moment from his childhood where the word 'stop' played a significant role in his life. He shares an incident when he, a curious explorer, strayed too close to a busy highway and the frantic moment his mother experienced realizing he had ventured into a dangerous area. A 'stop' lesson was learned that day, but its value extended into his later life. Life, as it mimics the busy highways, often goes by in a rush. Brower encourages us to stop and appreciate the moments, for it is in those pauses that we can truly be present. By pausing, we give ourselves a chance to 'stop' and savor the experience of 'here and now'. The word 'look' goes beyond mere seeing - it implies observing the wonders around us, the comfort of our homes, the smiles of our loved ones, and the miracles that subtly mark our everyday lives. 'Go' is not just about moving forward but doing so full of gratitude. It embarks upon the appreciation of the moments in our lives which a

Welcome to a new edition of Meaningful Monday's with Lee Brower. In this episode, we delve into some insightful content aimed at sparking reflections about our life and the unique journey we each embark on. Lee shares some thought-provoking questions brought forward by Earl Nightingale in his book "Your Success Starts Here". These enquiries challenge us to reflect on whether we're content with our lives as they are, or if we secretly wish to walk in another's shoes. Lee recounts a touching and impactful story involving his son, Nick, during his battle with cancer, which ties into a poignant quote by Regina Brett. The experience and Brett's quote combine to probe the human tendency to compare our circumstances with those of others. The underlying message is about developing a deeper appreciation for our own unique path in life and finding a sense of contentment and gratitude amidst our struggles. Lee sets a challenge for listeners to ponder about their burdens and to find within themselves the strength to say,

Welcome to this week's episode of Meaningful Monday with Lee Brower where we discuss the idea of how stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to great personal growth. This episode challenges the traditional idea we hold about pain and discomfort - far from being solely negative experiences, they can be powerful catalysts for our personal, relational, and societal development. In our fitness journeys or while competing in sports, we often encounter pain and discomfort along the way. However, we push through it due to the vision of the gain we hope to achieve. We use examples of enduring the pain of going to the dentist or running a marathon to illustrate this idea. Through these examples, we invite listeners to view moments of discomfort as opportunities for growth rather than signals to retreat. We share an inspiring story about a man who overcame his physical exhaustion to keep pace with an older hiker, motivated by his strong vision of the future. This is a perfect example of how our perspective on pain

Join Lee Brower in this week's Meaningful Monday as he shares incredibly valuable insights he gained from a one-on-one interaction with world-renowned billionaire investor, Warren Buffett. Brower reflects on an inspiring lifetime experience where he had the opportunity to sit with Buffett and ferret out the secrets behind his enormous success. In a fascinating conversation with the Oracle of Omaha, Brower learned about Buffett's unique ability to see opportunities where none apparently exist and his strategy of strongly saying 'no' to anything that doesn't align with his main objectives. Here he discusses how Buffett's secrets are less about financial acumen and more about possessing the right mindset. Brower shares that Buffett attributes much of his success to building and cherishing his cheerleaders; the leaders within his 62 companies. Brower further reflects on an incidental expression of profound gratitude from Buffett who claimed that one of the reasons behind his astounding success is being born in Am

In this episode of Meaningful Monday, Lee Brower dives deep into the concept of reflecting upon our past and the experiences that have shaped and defined us. The first essential question he opens with is "Who owns your past?", indicating that oftentimes we consider our pasts as an inherent part of our individual identities. However, the more weighted question he brings up is whether we approach our past as an asset or a liability. The key lies in how we utilize our past experiences and reframing it can transform our past into an impactful asset. Lee shares an inspiring story about Larry, a hardworking friend who grew from poverty to prosperity. Despite his family's previous financial instability, Larry worked relentlessly to support them, which eventually led to him owning a successful chain of retail stores. Yet, Larry's children were unaware of their father's journey and struggles, thus, they only perceived him as being a workaholic. Upon Lee’s advice, Larry shares his life journey with his children, turnin

"Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another." - Angela Duckworth "Every choice we make today is either a deposit or withdrawal from our future."  - Lee Brower "Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality." - Angela Duckworth

What two words are way more important than "I love you"? "The gift of gratitude does not diminish our own happiness; it amplifies it." The more we give it away, the more we possess. "Thank you" conveys a level of humility and appreciation that is foundational to strong, enduring relationships. It implies a recognition of the other's contribution to one's life, whether big or small. This can be particularly powerful in the context of enduring wealth, where the focus is not just on material success but on the richness of relationships and gratitude for the non-material aspects of life. While "I love you" is a powerful expression of emotion, "Thank you" can sometimes speak even louder, carrying with it the weight of gratitude, recognition, and an acknowledgment of the value of others in our lives.

What would it take for you to show up as the very best version of you, each day? What does it mean to be truly SPICE FIT in today's world? F.I.T.= F - Focused, Integrated, Transformative. Focus on your essentials. Integrate - as you improve one area, you automatically improve the others. Transformation is the result. You are on a constant journey to become yourself. S.P.I.C.E. Spiritual Focus Physical Focus Innovation Focus Compassion Focus Emotional Focus

"As we get older, we get smarter, and we slowly understand that whether a clock is worth $30.00 or $300, they both show the exact same time. Whether we drive a $150,000 car or a $2,000 car, we arrive at the same destination." - Steve Jobs

"I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach me!” - Scrooge. Every Morning, ask these 2 questions: What deliberate choices can I make today that my future self will say thank-you for the wisdom and foresight? Can I be the answer to someone's prayer today? (don't answer it- let your subconscious mind guide you) As you reflect at the end of each day, ask the following: What vital lessons have I learned that will guide me towards being a more compassionate and wiser person tomorrow?

"What if one of the greatest gifts you could give someone wasn't something you could wrap in a box but something far more precious? How can you transform everyday interactions into meaningful connections by simply being present? This year, let's take on a transformative challenge. Let's commit to being present, to truly listening, to giving the people in our lives something that no money can buy — our undivided attention. Can you imagine the impact? The deepened relationships, the shared understanding, the genuine appreciation that comes from being wholly there for someone?"

Did you know guilt and worry light up our brain's reward centers? Does that mean it is a good thing to feel guilt and worry? Maybe, for a moment. But we all know that is not a long-term solution. So, what is the one thing we can count on to strengthen our emotional intelligence and stimulate our most powerful, long-lasting reward centers? Imagine leading a life where your quest leads you to feel more happiness and, shall we say, control.

"Character is Destiny." - Heraclitus. (About 1500 BC) "Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike." - Theodore Roosevelt In 1835, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote, "America is great because she is good, but if America ever ceases to be good - America will cease to be great." Knowing the Good (Head); Desiring the Good (Heart); Doing the Good (Hands)

"Pride must die in you, or nothing in heaven can live in you." – Andrew Murray. "Asking for help does not mean that we are weak or incompetent. It usually indicates an advanced level of honesty and intelligence." – Anne Wilson Schaef "The "Arrows Out™ philosophy is also a way of asking others for help, as it allows them the opportunity to give and share." – Lee Brower "A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment." – David A. Bednar

What is more important the destination or the journey? Actually, it is neither. According to Tiny Dragon-- it is the "company"- the people we surround ourselves with who share our values and vision and inspire us to ascend to greater heights. A vision that does not involve others is not a true vision. A vision with a destination is not a true vision... it is a finish line. Let's not forget the people we surround ourselves with as the big difference makers when we align with a true vision and virtuous values. Our life's journey will be most meaningful.

“Gratitude is the flowering of a seed of kindness; ingratitude is the dead inactivity of a seed dropped on stone.” – William George Jordan. “Have you ever taken a moment to think about the countless small acts of kindness you receive daily that go unnoticed or unacknowledged?” “When was the last time you felt truly grateful for something someone did for you, but you never actually expressed it? What stopped you?” “Can you recall a time when someone’s effort or kindness towards you went unrecognized? How might that have made them feel?”    “Do you find yourself feeling disappointed or unappreciated when your acts of kindness or hard work aren’t acknowledged? Why do you think that is?” “How often do you do something nice for others with the expectation of being thanked or recognized, and how does it affect your motivation to do good?” “Have you ever caught yourself helping someone primarily for recognition or reward rather than from the heart? What does this reveal about our need for external validation?”

Gratitude, in its truest form, goes beyond a simple thank you. It is not merely a transactional acknowledgment. How do you shift from a self-centered appreciation to a "you" - centered acknowledgment? Let's challenge ourselves to truly see the person behind each act of kindness. When we put the "you" in "thank you" we do more than express gratitude; we create a current of appreciation that flows through our lives, nurturing everything it touches.

Choices are difference-makers. The choices we make not only influence our future but also affect the futures of those we love and serve. What are the four R's of the best choice-makers? What are the three questions you can ask yourself every day that will guarantee you will be a better choice-maker and consequently have better results? You are always free to make your own choices. But you are not free to choose the consequences of what choice you have chosen. "Your voice matters; your silence condones." - Lee M Brower "Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; that has made it possible for evil to triumph." - Haile Salassie