Pep Talk: "We'll Win Often"

Peyton Manning’s emotional words during a retirement press conference still resonate almost a week after he walked away from professional football following 18 seasons. Especially ones concerning what will be missed most about playing football at all levels: youth, high school, college and the NFL.

The certain Hall-of-Fame quarterback did not mention any particular game, play or pass when speaking of the most difficult adjustment to life after the gridiron grind: “I will miss relationships forged in the locker room, weight room, film room and training room.” Relationships. For most of us, easy to initiate but challenging to sustain. Because of life-altering situations, like ocean tides, they seem to rise and recede.

Manning was a gifted quarterback. However, the Louisiana native’s greatest skill is the spirit he brought to football and brings to life. Success, money and fame born from #18‘s ability to dissect defenses pales in comparison to an ability to relate with others in a genuine and caring way. The 39-year-old talked about a “reverence” for football. He has it for relationships too.

My younger brother Matt possesses similar skills. Your knucklehead scribe had the pleasure of being reminded of this recently during a visit to south Florida to play in a tournament with the nine-handicap golf enthusiast. The father of two, grandpa to one and his lovely wife own a winter home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My darling bride and I spent four wonderful days with them in the warm tropics playing golf and hanging out. Two brothers channeled the spirit of our late golf-loving father in winning our flight of the Coral Ridge Country Club’s annual member/guest tournament. We had a blast.

What’s it take to forge healthy and productive relationships? What is it about Manning, a sibling, his wife, my wife and others who, like magnets, seem to draw adoration and respect? It’s just one simple dude from Missouri’s opinion but it starts with their devotion to adoring and respecting others. The law of circulation rearing its beautiful head.

What’s the old adage? Treat others the way we’d like to be treated? I can only speak for myself, yet suspect it’s true of everyone referenced in this Pep Talk, but during formative years treating others with respect and dignity was emphasized and expected by parents and other mentors. All children need and deserve such wise counsel.

It’s a foundational principle to Victory’s A Stronger Cord wellness outreach movement. It does not matter where we live, color of our skin or nature of how we become involved with one another. We’re flawed and as we like to joke, “One step from stupid.”  However, ASC’s a program designed to encourage all to become more fit, connected and giving. Healthier. It starts with how we treat one another.

Desire dignity and respect? Start with reverently delivering those traits to others. I know, simple, not easy. Venues differ but the strategy’s the same. Never grow weary of it because we’ll win often. In football, golf, business and life!

Pep Talk: "Walking The Proper Path"

It has been an absolute blast walking neighborhoods on Denver’s near east side in the quest to get on the ballot in seeking to replace term-limited Lois Court in Colorado’s House District 6.

I think it appeals to the journalist buried within your knucklehead scribe and an innate curiosity to how people think. This much I know in meeting folks on the street, at their door or being invited into their homes: not many are happy with the state of politics in our communities, local and national.

But that’s not what this Pep Talk is about. It’s a message of thanks to those who take the time to walk with me. Not only for this campaign, but also in life. Canvassing’s a great way to get some exercise, talk about the issues and meet some new friends. If you’d like to join me, let me know.

I also learn a ton from friendly residents who open their doors and from those who stroll alongside. On a recent spectacular and sunny day a dear friend did just that for two hours. He heard the “pitch” presented to those who opened their doors and listened. It’s a simple message about, at this time, trying like heck to gather the necessary 1,000 signatures from registered Democrats in the district to gain entry onto the June 28th primary ballot. We’re just asking for a chance to compete for their vote.

The man who walked with me had a successful career in business and great acumen when it comes to sales. After listening to the RISE UP with Mark message for a few hours he offered some smart advice about the presentation. I took it to heart immediately. It’s wonderful to have a coach sometimes, right? Someone you know has your back and truly desires to help? It’s comforting and inspiring.

Toward the end of our walk, my mentor also pointed out something that troubled him. Quite frankly, it was laziness on my part. I had become sloppy and would occasionally walk across a lawn to the next house. “Mark, think about it. You’re not the only one walking on their lawn. Be respectful. It will leave a good impression.”

The devoted Kiwanian was spot on. I had temporarily lost focus in the rush to reach as many people as possible. It comes down to attention to detail. Doing the little things right. The two hours we spent together was fruitful for catching up on our lives and collecting signatures. But also, at least for me, of fine-tuning the canvassing game and more important, being reminded about a critical lesson of life: Attention to detail and walking the proper path.

This week seek out a mentor, spend time together and welcome a critique of your game. It might be just what the doctor ordered to help you become superior to your former self and keep you on the path to success!

Pep Talk: "Big Mac Attack"

“Where I come from we call those things “Big Mac” conversations.” The statement from a visitor to our weekly Friday morning gathering of knuckleheads stimulated a unanimous nodding of the head from dudes assembled around the conference table.

The words flowed from the lips of a dear friend, Chester, visiting from our shared hometown of Kansas City. He’s a smart guy, devoted husband, attentive father and one of those “brothers from another mother” of mine. I love this man dearly. We’ve known each other from our college days at Mizzou.

The successful medical sales pro had spent the night before visiting with the men, women and children who had assembled for our weekly Thursday night A Stronger Cord wellness outreach movement. There the 57-year-old shared thoughts about the importance of relationships and, always, trying like heck, “To take the high road.” Simple, not easy, right?

It has certainly worked for him in a long and successful business career, long and successful tenure as a husband, father and friend. The HUGE Kansas City Royals’ fan credits his father, now 88, for showing him the way with a very simple but highly effective strategy about life: “Hang out with the Positrons, avoid the Negatoids and recruit the Tweeners.”

It’s not as if Chester’s life has been without its struggles. Each hip has been replaced, back and neck issues have led to several surgeries and hamper his mobility. Familial, professional and friend relationships have ebbed and flowed over time, but this man’s spirit about life has never wavered from the teaching of his father. A man I know and respect like heck too. We all would benefit if, especially when aggravated, somehow figuring out a way to, “Take the high road and be a positive influence to those we touch.”

Now back to his comment about “Big Mac” conversations. The devout Missouri Tiger fan was talking about the critical importance of participating in “meaningful adult conversations,” or MAC. To put it another way, addressing the big ol’ elephant sitting in the middle of the room. 

For instance, in running for Colorado House District 6, I’m encouraging everybody to understand we need to have a meaningful adult conversation about having a Constitutional convention to clean up the mess that is the Centennial State’s most important document. I’ll get off my soapbox now. 

When is it time this week to devour a Big Mac? According to Wikipedia, the tasty burger was first introduced by McDonald’s in the Pittsburgh-area almost 50 years ago. It contains more than 500 calories and is high in fat and sodium. Bad for us.

However, when talking about “Big Mac” conversations, it would be very healthy for us to consume all the saturated fats and salt we can handle. Meaningful adult conversations make our lives better at home, work and wherever else we roam. They cost much less than the burger and add great social value.

Feast on Big Macs this week through inquisitive, respectful and constructive adult conversations. An overindulgence there broadens the mind and does no harm to the waistline.