Oscar Pistorius- A True Champion for a Cause!



Oscar Pistorius during 2011 World championships Athletics in Daegu.
Photo use courtesy of: Eric von Leeuwen.

I had the pleasure of watching Oscar Pistorius; the double amputee runner from South Africa compete in the Olympics. Oscar is known as the “Blade Runner” and “the fastest man with no legs.”

Through the use of technology with legs built of carbon fiber blades (a product available since 1996); Oscar was able to finish eighth in the finals of the 400-metre race. It’s an amazing feat to have “world class” speed without legs.

At the end of the race, as athletes fell to the ground (to catch their breath) and celebrate; I watched Oscar walk away and congratulate various competitors. I couldn’t help to think the most victorious runner should have been Oscar.

Sometimes finishing the race is just as important as winning.

We’ve come a long way with technology in a short period of time. Athletes have become bigger, faster and more competitive. But to witness a man run a race without legs in the Olympic Games is something many of us thought would be impossible.

Oscar had to seek permission from various committees (the gatekeepers) in order to be eligible to compete. Surprisingly, the committee granted him permission.

So, if a double amputee can run in the Olympics what’s stopping you from living your dream? Oscar has been training for years, what’s your excuse?

Most of us have all of our limbs but stopped ourselves from believing we can accomplish our goals long before the race.

Some of us started to pursue our dreams only to turn away at the first leg of the race, because things got tough.

Far too easy to walk away then battle the competition, controversy and gatekeepers.

Not Oscar.

Mr. Pistorius overcame the physical and mental odds along with the controversy. Nothing stood in his way to achieve his goals. The message sent to other amputees was one of hope, inspiration, and freedom.

That same message should resonate with all of us, in all we do.

Never give up hope, succeed to reach your dream.

Oscar Pistorius became a world-class Olympic athlete.

Starting is the only thing that matters. We’re never finished because there is always another race. The long term results are a culmination of everything we do.

Oscar’s perseverance, desire and passion displayed something meaningful that matters!

Congratulations to: Oscar Pistorius, a true champion for amputees, technology, South Africa and mankind!



Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. *Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The American Dream

Here in the Rust Belt, the train left the station a long time ago.

I’ve witnessed companies being sold, downsized and relocated. I’ve seen people suffering, foreclosed on their home; families being torn apart and incomes obliterated all because they bought into a dream. The American Dream.

 I’ve read about CEO’s slowly bleeding companies dry, retiring and managing to receive a golden parachute deal and a hero’s pat on their back from board members who profited from decades of side deals.

The Government bailouts and buyouts were all designed to make someone else wealthier, a reward for playing the end game. You weren’t considered nor included. No trickle-down theory at work here; more a slow motion tsunami wave.

Photo used courtesy of: Earl-Wilkerson

When the Great train called The American Dream pulled away from the station, the cars weren’t full of people; the rows of seats were filled with common sense, hope and dignity.

The American worker is nothing more than a pawn. We were merely tools. The scheme we bought into is nearing its run. It’s time to take back our pride.

Discover your passion and calling, follow your heart and dreams. Build something new, design something innovative or write something provocative. Research a problem and discover a solution. Find something people need and fill the demand.

Start your own business or revolution. Make the world a better place.

Leave a legacy.

Do something!

Just don’t go near the tracks.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Thank you.

When to Quit?

It’s tough when you cannot be creative. Feeling like a dog at the end of its leash; waiting for the owner to pull you back into your limited territory. After a short while you begin to wonder what the point is. Why bother?

The ride along the scenic route isn’t enjoyable if you must wear binders. Criticism is hard to swallow if you are unable to taste success. You reach a point where you feel the hammer before the hit. Years of allowing people to exert their power on you takes its toll emotionally and physically.

Those repetitive scenarios eventually remove self esteem, like a lamb to the slaughter. Technically the process becomes mechanically void of any human emotional reward.

Allowing oneself to be manipulated, controlled,  and bullied is a complete waste of precious time. Guaranteed misery is the only path if you choose to repeat the same steps. A transitional movement is the logical step towards moving to a safer environment. That process requires time and sometimes time isn’t our friend.

Sometimes, quitting what you are doing is the only sensible option.

Quitting is not comfortable, easy, or popular.

We were taught winners never quit.

The truth is- winners know when to quit.

The “wisdom to know the difference” is all that is necessary.

It is only then- you will be able to achieve something that really matters!



I highly recommend- Quitter: Closing The Gap Between Your Day Job & Dream Job written by best-selling author Jon Acuff. Jon was a serial quitter shuffling through eight jobs in eight years. At one point, Jon held a full-time job and travelled the country speaking, often changing clothes in the airport on the way back to his “other” job. Jon obtained his “dream job” when he was hired as a member of the Dave Ramsey team.

If you’re leading two lives between working two jobs or want to find out how to transition to your dream job, order a copy of this book. Jon has solid advice on how to achieve your goal and do what you love to do.  It may be the difference between stress and success!

PS. Don’t miss out on the Quitter Conference  with Jon Acuff - September 20^th and 21^st at The Financial Peace Conference Center in Brentwood, TN.

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies for purchased products. I only recommend products, brands, charities and businesses that I strongly support. Thank you.

Until We Meet Again,

 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com

Keep it Simple!

One of the weaknesses in the business world is the inability of management to easily identify a problem. Minor situations become overblown by having too many people involved. Often quick solve issues are escalated far beyond the scope of the issue.

When management has too much time on their hands, feels insecure or needs too appear to have solved a problem, the solution can be quite costly, time consuming and accomplish nothing.

Photo courtesy of: Seattle Municipal Archives

Loosely identifying a problem doesn’t necessarily justify spending hours in meetings and complicating matters with ideas that create additional work, manpower and expense. Overkill is often a symptom of a bigger issue within larger businesses or corporations.

Running a full-blown drill to get noticed is not a sign of strength within a business. This type of posturing is common in law enforcement, politics and use of military force. Trust me, it is viewed as silly, unnecessary and diminishes your respect from others.

In this instance- the real problem is the new problem you’ve just created.

Perhaps it’s time we spoke with someone who works directly with the situation daily or actually do the work ourselves to properly assess the matter. It isn’t rocket science to learn the actual facts. Neither is a decision.

If you don’t have the time to evaluate properly- you’re already over your head.

Photo courtesy of: Show Us Your Toqwotee

No need to circle the wagons or call on the cavalry.

 Keep things simple!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

Will the Circle be Unbroken?

I was born and raised in the Rust Belt. My parents instilled the notion of working hard and being honest and polite. As I began working, those principles seemed to be the best way to stay out of trouble and keep a job.

I spent years believing those basic principles would somehow lead me to a deserving future. My reasoning was people would recognize those strengths and somehow my efforts would be justly honored.

Photo used courtesy of: Tony Fischer Photography.

It certainly wasn’t the case once I was hired in a factory. Employees were just a cog in the wheel, nothing more. The expectations were to produce as much as you and a machine could yield. Anything less in production was grounds for a tongue lashing from the boss and if production didn’t improve you would be fired. If you met or exceeded expectations- the only guarantee was more of the same and a paycheck.

Most of the people I worked with drank alcohol to escape from reality. I was no exception. It was far easier for people to drown their misery, dreams and future with alcohol or drugs. Many of my co-workers lived in poverty, didn’t have a GED, or any hope for a better future. Most of those workers lived on the poor side of town.

They had resigned themselves to a dead-end job and a lifestyle of disease and early death- all for a lowly paycheck! Their kids would become part of the vicious cycle; often dropping out of high school in order to receive a weekly paycheck at the same factory Dad worked; purchase a souped-up car with big tires and soon marry their pregnant girlfriend.

Will the Circle be Unbroken?

Eventually, I landed a non-factory job and received a promotion to become part of management. I thought my hard work had finally paid-off. I was excited to implement my ideas and improve the functionality within the area of my responsibility and possibly further improve employee relations.

My excitement slowly turned to dust when I approached my boss with ideas and he just looked at me and changed the topic entirely. After attempting to get his approval several more times, I learned to do whatever I could change on my own to improve processes.

The realization that I was just a cog in the wheel and nothing more led me to believe it was his style of management. Do what you are asked and you will be rewarded with a paycheck and benefits. If you attempt to innovate, stand-out or create change, you become a problem.

Sadly, it has taken me years to understand the true nature of this concept. I was naive and wanted to believe I could make a difference. I spent years wondering why any business would operate in this fashion with so much at stake. Why wouldn’t you want to be all you could be?

What I learned is the same concept that infiltrated the manufacturing industry was no different in the non-industrial workplace. The exchange of a paycheck for hours of conforming was all that is required. Nothing less, nor anything greater is appreciated. Mediocrity- at it's finest!

I believe we can do better. We must do better or our businesses will suffer the same fate of the dying “industrial age.” An outdated business model that served to pigeon-holed employees to be a “cog in the wheel” and nothing more- ensures our failure to innovate and implement change within existing businesses. It negates our ability to create a new working business model that rewards effectiveness and linchpin behavior. 

If you are just working for a paycheck, you’re really not living.

Trading time for pay- solely to exist- isn’t our future!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells-

The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com

The Rust Belt Chronicles: What is your Company Culture?

The Rust Belt Chronicles: What is your Company Culture?: Do you work for a company that operates out of fear? Do you report to work wondering if you will be laid off today? Does the mindset appe...

What is your Company Culture?

Do you work for a company that operates out of fear? Do you report to work wondering if you will be laid off today? Does the mindset appear to be:  keep your head down… don’t look up… don’t ask any questions or else…work harder? Start a few timely rumors and keep the workers in a flux. This is the ultimate corporate recipe for disaster.

Photo courtesy of : laverrue.

Some companies keep their work force in fear for their jobs. They believe if they control their workers emotions the business will benefit from increased job performance. Too often, Management equates fear with power. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Businesses that choose to operate in this manner eventually burn people out and they seek employment elsewhere. This old fashion industrial-age method increases costs to the employer through constantly hiring and retraining replacement workers. Morale bottoms out and affects everyone, including your customers. Once customer service is affected your company is in the tank.

Fear is never a good motivator for any organization. People loose respect for an organization and lose sight of what truly matters. Anyone can walk into a business and within a few minutes of observing employee attitudes determine if a healthy work environment exists.

Fear erodes your business reputation from the inside-out!

Great businesses stand out immediately and the vibe is exciting, which extends to the customers.

The fact is… if your business operates using fear as the motivational tool; the problems are far more serious and deeper than how your employees are treated!

What is your company culture?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells-The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com
www.bestofvegaswebsite.com
www.paradisefitgranola.com