Meaningful Mondays - Arrows Out

Desires, Priorities, Choices

"Desires dictate our priorities; priorities shape our choices; choices determine our actions."
- Dallin H. Oaks

Would you agree that everything we do influences future generations?

Many decisions are aspirational: "I want to be in good shape, spend more time with family, or grow my business." But choice happens in the NOW. The simple choice of hitting snooze or staying up late can conflict with our worthy desires or aspirations.

Let's go Upward, Onward, Outward, one choice at a time.

Why Experts Say "Goals Suck" (and what to do instead)

"The enemy of thriving is arriving."
- Lee Brower

"Vision without motion is frustration. Don't let the finish line rob you of the joy in the journey."

1997 NBA Finals - A Lesson Learned

"What does how I feel have to do with it? I was focused on what I did and how I could correct it."
- Kobe Bryant

Always make your future bigger than your past
- Dan Sullivan

Knowing what I know now, if I had the opportunity to re-live this moment, what could I do to make it even better?

"Failures and victories alike are tools for shaping us. Let's make 2025 a year where we embrace growth, create ripples of impact, and make our future bigger than our past."
- Lee Brower

How to ThRive in 25! Transforming VUCA into VOCA

"Do you want to be articulate and dangerous or vague and useless?
- Jordan Petersen

The ESSENTIAL tool for Th'rive in '25 is the VOCA Framework or mindset.
Make it a daily practice! VUCA = Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous vs. VOCA = Visionary, Ownership, Creates, Action Articulation is no longer optional -- it is essential! It is the bridge from VUCA to VOCA.

Articulation bridges a leader's intent with their audience's understanding.

The Spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah

The Christmas Day soccer game in No Man's Land. The Spirit of Christmas triumphed over conflict and fear, reminding us that light, hope, and love can unite even the most divided.

"Christmas reminds us to think of one another. We appreciate our families more. We renew contacts with old friends. We rise above the barriers that separate us at other times of the year. Strangers exchange greetings without embarrassment. Kindliness and consideration make a comeback. The spirit of Christmas brings out the best in us."
- Dallin H. Oaks

Lessons from a burned out bulb and a flat tire

“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
– Johann Wolfgang von Goeth

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
– Winston Churchill

“The past is behind; learn from it. The future is ahead; prepare for it. The present is here; live in it."
– Thomas S. Monson

Day-to-Day Character

"Character is the quiet discipline to stay true to the worthwhile commitments we've made long after the initial emotion fades."
- Lee Brower

An inspired purpose gives us the resolve to make decisions once and stick to them.

Challenge: This week, take one commitment you've made and bring it to life with small, consistent choices. Let your character define you, and watch the ripples of your actions inspire others.

"Character doesn't need emotion to thrive; it needs an inspiring purpose. An inspiring purpose will get you through most anything."
- Lee Brower

Making Your Dynamic Transformative Future

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Does how I spend my time restrict or enlarge my capacity to live, learn, love, and serve in meaningful ways?

Adversity? It’s either just left, it’s here, or it’s coming.

Warren Buffet reminds us that those who make it happen in life focus on three simple habits:

1. Go to bed smarter each day.
2. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.
3. Invest in yourself—because YOU are your greatest asset.

Happy Thanksgiving

"When you create a tradition rooted in gratitude, you’re not just celebrating the present—you’re choosing to invest in the future."
- Lee Brower

"By choosing gratitude and making it part of your family’s story, you create ripples of love and connection that will endure for years to come."
- Lee Brower

"What you don't change, you choose."
- Unknown

"I Choose..."

"Choices determine destiny."
— Lee Brower

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
— J.K. Rowling

"Life is the sum of all your choices. So what are you doing today?"
— Albert Camus

My "I CHOOSE STATEMENT: "I choose to live with purpose, not by chance; to be inspired, not influenced; to serve others, not be served; to create ripples of change, not excuses; to thrive through milestones, not just to compete. I choose self-respect, not self-pity. I choose to honor my true self, guided by enduring principles, not the fleeting opinions of others. I choose to be an Arrows Out™ beacon of Positive Generational Impact."
— Lee Brower