New Joe Gibbs book-Game Plan For Life

On Friday, August 31st my neighbor Jeff and I went to Charlotte to a breakfast at the Weston hotel to hear my friend, Coach Joe Gibbs speak about his new book hot off the press: Game Plan For Life, co-authored by Jerry Jenkins.

I'd say there was a pretty good turn-out. Over 1200 people, to be exact! We sat at the table next to Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. There were several former NFL players there and some NASCAR folks too. Joe was introduced by his son J.D. who is now the President of Joe Gibbs Racing.

Joe always has a great sense of humor and some wonderful stories from his football days on the gridiron.

So here's a guy who was a physical education major from San Diego State University. He goes on to be offensive line coach at four major colleges before moving up to the National Football League. For seventeen years, he served as assistant coach to the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Diego Chargers before getting the call to become the new head coach for the Washington Redskins.

In spite of losing his first five games with the Redskins, Joe went on to lead the team for 12 seasons and led them to eight playoff appearances, four NFC titles, and three Super Bowl titles.

In 1996, Gibbs was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He was one of the winningest coaches in NFL history, at that time having a record of 124 wins and 60 losses, and a post-season record of 16 wins and five losses.

If that were not enough, upon retiring (the first time) from the Redskins, in 1992 Joe focused his full attention to his NASCAR race teams and now boasts three Nascar titles. Driver Bobby Labonte holds one title and Tony Stewart won two championships. And this season is looking strong with his newest drivers, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Bush and Joey Logano. Joey is the youngest driver in Sprint Cup history to win a race at just 19 years old.

So it is certainly an honor and a privilege to know Joe and his wife Pat personally. I first met Joe when the Lake Norman Young Life area was birthed, splitting off of the Charlotte area eleven years ago. My wife and I were honored to chair the adult leadership committee of this non-profit high school youth organzation. www.younglife.org We often held our monthly meeting at the Gibbs home where Joe would be walking around with one of the grand babies on his shoulder with a burp cloth. Joes' son J.D. and wife Melissa joined the committee and also continue to actively support Young Life.

So Joe has been on this grueling whirlwind tour promoting his new book, Game Plan for Life for about a month now. His fierce determination and focus that are reminiscent of his coaching days is apparent as he travels the country getting the word out.

How did this book get started? Thanks for asking. He commissioned a study that essentially asked the question, What are the key topics that will lead people to a "successful" life?

He put together an amazing list of Christian men (Josh McDowell, Chuck Colson, Ron Blue and many others) to write on a variety of topics, which is woven together by Joe's personal testimony. He will also be interviewing for video all of these authors (each committed to do four hours of interviews with Coach Gibbs over the next year). Gibbs considers this his legacy work.

The foreword is aptly written by former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy who has also won a Super Bowl.

The book is interwoven with many fascinating stories from Joe's colorful career and abruptly begins with the shooting death of Redskins player Sean Taylor.

This is a must read for anyone serious about true success. I highly recommend it. However you can't have the copy that Joe signed for me... unless you name is Dave. Not.
******************

About the author: David Henning is the President of the Freshstart Company, LLC and has over thirty years experience as a radio talk show host, radio and television copywriter, newspaper editor and public speaker. Dave is a freelance copywriter and has authored hundreds of articles about helping people get a fresh start in life.

What's Your Excuse?

Okay, so my neighbor across the hall in the office building where I spend most of my life sends me this "interesting, must see" video clip.

This amidst 68 emails that came in just this morning.

If you're like me, you get a gazillion forwarded emails a day with someone wanting you to "check this out." Usually it's a ridiculous political opinion forwarded from "who knows where" attempting to raise your blood pressure and turn up the "anger and outrage thermostat" a notch or two.

Or worse yet, they want you to forward it to ten people you know for good luck or blessing and if not, who knows, you might be in for something dreadful.

Well, I stopped playing that game a long time ago, if I ever really did. You see, I choose who and what to let into my brain. Without being "pie in the sky" or "pollyanna," I choose to try to see the best in others and the best in even bad situations. Medical and University research confirms it's better and a healthier lifestyle.

It has been shown in clinical studies that unresolved bitterness, anger and unforgiveness does not hurt the person or issue that has ticked you off or made your blood boil. Not one bit.

Who it does hurt is you. Don't take my word for it. Do your own due diligence and PRIMARY research. There are cases of high blood pressure, strokes, heart attack and even cancer that can be traced back to what I call "Ebenezer Scrooge Syndrome," or E.S.S. ( I just made that up.)

So what's my point? Thanks for asking. If you think you have an excuse for not being successful, or feel you've gotten a raw deal... or better yet... you're waiting for the federal government to take care of you or improve your situation....

Then watch this incredible video from a guy who makes no excuses and has taken what he's been dealt in life and made the most of it. Whether or not you like or play golf, this is a must see. Be encouraged, there is hope and yes, there is light at the end of your tunnel!

And TAKE ACTION today to get out there and make a difference!

Check it out: http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/meet-butch-lumpkin-9477/?ref

Don't worry, its from the Golf Channel, so its safe. Your thoughts?
**********************************************

GROWING THROUGH FAILURE

"Can you name 10 people you know that have never had any set-backs, struggles or failures?

How about 5? Okay, name 1.

I'll bet you can't do it, because EVERYONE has faced some kind of struggle in their life. Money, career, relationships, whatever. I've had my share.

The truth is, I feel sorry for someone who's had it easy...WHY? Because the things you go through can turn into the best thing that's ever happened... IF YOU LET THEM!

You probably think I'm joking. Nope. I'm dead serious. And Ican prove it.

There are so many people I've met, read about, heard of or know personally who will tell you point blank... 'I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything in the world...'

These people are actually THANKFUL for what life has thrown at them. Right away? No... it takes time.

According to the psychology stress charts, I SHOULD BE DEAD!...if you add up my stress 'score' based on all the STUFF that came at me through the years.

But I am super excited today to let you know that we have a choice and I chose to get healthier, better, stronger and more successful, IN SPITE OF IT ALL!" How about you?