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Get motivated to live, work and persevere
archived from: 2010-03-15
by: Fr. Rich Jones

On Aug. 11, 2009, I joined more than 17,000 people at Mellon Arena in attending “Get Motivated Seminar Inc.” There were 32 people from my parish who accompanied me. We had to climb to the rafters in Section E to find a seat. I thought to myself, “What if church attendance was like this?” There were people from all ages and walks of life: business, finance, health care, education, communication, sales, negotiation, religious and leadership.

St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870) said, “Christian perfection consists in three things: praying heroically, working heroically and suffering heroically.” I learned from the Get Motivated speakers these traits: the spiritual dimension of life, strong work ethic, and the ability to learn from the losses and pains of life.

Peter and Tamara Lowe are the architects of this dynamic speaker and success seminar organization. We heard from some of the likes of:

• Rudy Giuliani, the mayor of New York City during 9-11, to offer strength and stability, reassuring a nation. He spoke on conviction (have strong beliefs); courage (take a risk); positive approach (be an optimist — they have a better chance of winning); ethics (to set the course, one must do what is right always); accountability (responsible team commitment); work ethic (be well prepared, ready for the surprises in life); and have fun (whatever we do in life, we must have fun in the process).

• Colin Powell, a retired four-star general, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State; a legendary soldier-statesman.

He was a passionate, vibrant, motivating, inspiring speaker, who encouraged attendees to congratulate and thank people, make them part of your team from least to greatest. Leaders must touch and trust each person on the team.

• Zig Ziglar: A great motivator, author of more than 25 books. In his book “How to Stay Motivated” he wrote, “Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street. It’s your attitude, not just your aptitude, that determines your ultimate altitude.”

He told us to make “quality time” our highest priority. “Home-court advantage” starts with the family — husband and wife should love and respect one another. Then not only do you have a great marriage, but a great career. Have a sense of humor; tell the truth all the time, go to church — admission is free!

You must love people. When you have to make a decision, remember: weddings are discretionary, but funerals are necessary. If you ever have an option to go to a wedding or a funeral, attend the funeral. People need you more at a funeral than a wedding. Be there when things are bad, and people will always come through in helping you. Live the Golden Rule: treat others like you want to be treated.

• Troy Polamalu: The hard-hitting and lightning fast Pittsburgh Steelers safety is called a “one-man wrecking crew.” He spoke on having a commitment and passion to be a champion.

Polamalu belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church, and his spirituality and humility are the center of his life’s joys. He taught us the importance of being mentally and spiritually prepared for the physical game of football. His spiritual life is a disciplined skill. He said, “A failure is a person who is selfish, arrogant and lazy.” A successful person is “one who sacrifices, struggles and perseveres through adversity.” He said, “Remember, I work for my family and not Mr. Rooney.”

After listening to these inspiring speakers, singing and praying, sharing space where I usually enjoy the Penguins, it was good to drink in the wisdom of this seminar. At the core of each talk was the importance of heroic spirituality, heroic work ethic and heroic suffering.

Historian Benjamin Barber said, “I don’t divide the world into the weak and the strong, or the success and the failures, those who make it and those who don’t. I divide the world into learners and non-learners.”

Each of the presenters instilled in us the importance of being the best version of ourselves we can possibly be.

In any field of study, one must pursue ongoing education and training. So, too, as disciples of the Lord, we must be life-long pupils. Perhaps Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said it best, “God does not call us to be successful, but to be faithful.”

Father Jonesis the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Coraopolis. His reflections and homilies can be downloaded at www.saintjosephparish.net.

At the core of each talk was the importance of heroic spirituality, heroic work ethic and heroic suffering.

 

 

 

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