Going the Distance

Posted on March 19, 2014 by MarleneMB

“We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

A friend of my son took a picture of him standing at the top of the trail of a mountain. I thought what a great shot and wished I was there also. Then it brought to mind that many people want to be at the top. Yet, are they willing to do the work it takes to get to the top? Are they willing to put in the sweat equity?

Henry Ward Beecher’s statement rings true to me. We often see winners at the top of their game, but we don’t take the time to see how hard they worked to get there. It is Wednesday also known as Hump Day. Let’s strap on our own hiking boots and start walking our journey to the top. Let’s start going the distance! See you at the top!

Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose. Learn how in my new book: Diamond Cutters.

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It’s a Boy! It’s a Girl! No, It’s My Book! Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters

Posted on March 17, 2014 by MarleneMB

Marlene M. Bryan — Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters

The phone rang. I picked it up with some annoyance that it interrupted my preparation for my next meeting. It was the security guard in the building letting me know a package is waiting for me. I rushed downstairs to get it. With nervous fingers I ripped open the package like a kid on Christmas morning. I pulled out both my first book and workbook, cradling them like newborn babes. The guard smiled at my excitement and said “Congratulations. That is a great accomplishment.”

Hmmm. I never that of it that way: an accomplishment indeed. After two years of dilly-dallying, I have finally completed the first book in the Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose series along with the workbook. When I started speaking about living a Diamond Life, I did not envision writing a book. I learned from my audience that they wanted to read about how to Live a Diamond Life; thus, I was compelled to write about it.

I didn’t do it alone. I had many people that helped me along the way. It is so great to know that so many good folks are willing to give time, feedback and encouragement because they believe in uplifting another human being. I am humble by their love and support!

Here is the description of the book:

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? You have a good job, house, car –all those material things that society says should make you happy. You still feel empty and wonder – What is my purpose in life? Many people struggle with these questions. Marlene M. Bryan utilizes the Diamond as a metaphor to demonstrate how you read more…

Click on the images to purchase your copy of the book “Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters” and the workbook.

Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters Workbook

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Phyllis: The Diamond on Her Way

Posted on March 3, 2014 by MarleneMB

“Phyllis, you will be a contestant in the club’s Table Topics Contest,” I informed her as she entered the meeting room. “Marlene, I don’t think I can do it.” She replied. Knowing that she doubts her ability I insisted, “Yes. You can. I know you can. You have what it takes.” She smiled and said, “If you think I can do, then I will do it.”

Phyllis has the ability to speak, but she is fighting years of being told that she doesn’t have the potential to do anything well. Yet, each time she is given a gentle nudge to speak, she does it and better than she thought she could. I saw the opportunity to give her more self-confidence through the experience of competing in the club’s contest. Phyllis not only entered the contest, she won first place.

She went on to represent the club in the Toastmasters District 47 Area 12 Table Topics Contest. Watching Phyllis using the tips (body language, vocal variety, eye contact) that we gave her along with her smile was a proud moment for me. Knowing how much she doubts her ability and to see her take on the challenge of speaking in front of a room full of people is special to me. Phyllis won the second place award!

We hugged afterwards and she said, “Marlene, I want you to continue to coach me. I want to be just like you.” I told her, “No, Phyllis. I don’t want you to be just like me. I want you to be the best Phyllis you can be, the Diamond that I know you are.” She smiled broadly as though a light bulb went on above her head. She excitedly repeated, “I will be the best I can be.” Phyllis is on her way…shining bright like a Diamond. Are you on your way?

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Quit Holding Back

Posted on February 24, 2014 by MarleneMB

Recently a young lady shared with me that she knows that her purpose is to help others learn about his/her purpose. I asked her what is her next move. She said she wasn’t sure. She is holding herself back because of her doubts. This probably sounds familiar to some of you reading this, like it did for me.

Self-doubt can block us from moving forward. We doubt whether we have what it takes. We doubt if we are worthy of our calling. We doubt what people will think about us. We doubt our success. Yes, the doubts and what-ifs that we build up in our minds can paralyze us.

Well! Quit it! Quit holding back! Quit preventing people from being blessed by your talents, gifts and guidance. Imagine if someone like Steve Jobs had quit, because he thought that the iPhone wasn’t possible. What if March Zuckerberg didn’t develop Facebook, because he was worried what others thought of him and his idea? Leaders have doubts and doubters around them, but strong leaders move ahead despite their doubts and doubters.

Quit holding back from living your purpose. I am. I invite you to do so also.

Until next time, keep Living a Diamond Life, Living a Life of Purpose!

Visit www.marlenembryan.com to learn more about Living a Diamond Life.

3 Ways to Think Like a Champion

Posted on February 4, 2014 by MarleneMB

Think Like a Champ Origion Photo by: CBS Sports — Think Like a Champ
Original Photo by: CBS Sports modified with text.

“Why not you?” “Why not us?” “We play like champs everyday.” These are three things that Seattle Seahawks’ young quarterback, Russell Wilson, said on Sunday as some of the reason for the team winning the Super Bowl. These are simple statements with powerful impacts.

1) “Why not you?” This is what Russell’s father asked him when Russell doubted whether he would be able to enter the NFL at 5’11.” Russell’s dad saw his son’s potential and planted the seed that erased his doubts. Most importantly Russell believe what his dad said about him and acted upon it. He changed his way of thinking. He made it to the NFL and as starting quarterback. Ask yourself “Why not me?” when you have doubts about your abilities to achieve a goal or dream.

2) “Why not us?” Russell, being one of the leaders of his team, used the lesson he learned from his dad and taught it to his teammates. He challenged them to see themselves as champions, even when others doubted that they could or would be. His teammates changed their way of thinking about themselves. They started seeing themselves as champions. How do your thoughts and beliefs affect others around you? To become a champion, you have to be able to positively impact the folks around you. You have to infect them with your championship thoughts!

3) “We play like champs everyday.” This is the championship thought in action. When you accept that you are a champion, when you infect others around you with championship thoughts, then you must play like a champion in order to win and win big! Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl in a dominant fashion. They won BIG!!

Proverb 4:23 GNT ~ “Be careful what you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

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