Tips for Teens

The next pillar of the 7 Pillars of Manhood is Vision (see the first pillar here). When I say "vision" I'm not talking about the ability to see physically. In order to be an effective man, you need to have vision as it relates to foresight, insight, but you must watch out for the dreadful oversight. Let's take a look at each of these. Foresight-It's the ability to see ahead. It's kinda like watching a trailer before actually seeing the full-length movie. Having a preview of w

In the last tip, I wrote about understanding your identity, why you are the way you are, and what makes you you. In this tip, I want to take a minute to talk to you about where you're headed in life, aka your destiny. Some of you may eventually become teachers, doctors, lawyers, laborers, entertainers, singers, etc. You have also been given gifts, talents, and interests that prepare you for, or may even make your journey. But many of you might find it hard to understand what

A few months ago, I had a chance to visit some really good friends in Seattle and celebrate one of my former students graduating high school. While we went to run errands, my former student and I headed to Old Navy to spend my Super Cash. We knew the general location of the Old Navy but we didn't know how to specifically get to it. While we were in the mall, walked to the mall directory and looked for the big, "YOU ARE HERE" arrow in red. Sure enough, we found out exactly whe

The other day, I decided to put a puzzle together. I hadn't done a puzzle in a long time but I had a few hours to kill while working with the kids at school. I started with a basic 75-piece puzzle and finished it in about 25 minutes. I moved up to a 504-piece puzzle (a montage of parrots in a jungle) that seemed pretty difficult. The last time I put a puzzle together, I don't remember having a strategy. I just tried each puzzle piece until it fit. This time, I had a strategy.

It took me a while before I recognized what I was good at and passionate about. Stuff I enjoyed and passed off as just hobbies or things to keep me busy, I now realize these are God-given gifts and talents. Everyone has been given gifts and talents but recognizing what they are, developing them, and using them to be of service to others can take some time. Take a look at this video (it's just over 14 minutes and I know it's long but watch it when you have time): Derek, alt

One thing that bothers me is laziness. Someone waiting for the next person to do everything for them is a drain. Another thing that gets under my skin is when a person half does a job or does it carelessly. You've probably experienced that disgruntled customer service rep that doesn't want to be on the job. Or you may have been partnered with with someone on a group project that's known for being a slacker. It's annoying right? No one wants to receive someone's half best or w

One reader asked me to write about moving on and forgetting about the past so here goes. I heard a Pastor once say that the windshield of a car is bigger than the car's rear view mirror. He used the analogy to illustrate the point that what's in front of you is much more important than what you see behind you. He also said the windshield is a lot larger than the rear view mirror. Through the windshield, you can see where you're headed while the rear view mirror shows a glimps

I was talking to my cousin and her husband the other day and we got into this conversation about setting goals and having a vision. In the conversation, I told them that if my goal is to get to New York, I need to make sure I count up the costs, have a mode of transportation, and have a road-map (or GPS) for starters. Then I need to hit the road (that's if I'm not flying). I have to go through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina...you get the point. I'll have to stop alon