May 2007

Self-Start, Kick-Start, and the Living Dead

Humans arrive in three basic flavors: self-start, kick-start, and the living dead. Self-starters do what needs to be done without being told. Kick-starters need to be told. And the living dead-are mentally dead.

What causes humans to mentally die? Fear of change is one. Which is really silly because everything in the universe exists in a continual state of change—including rocks. We cannot see a rock change, but carbon dating proves otherwise.

The real question worth asking: Are we growing or dying? Growth occurs when we're involved with something we love, stretching for something we want, and learning new things every day.

Death begins when we close our mind, stop growing, and give up on our dreams. Life can be a grand adventure, but we must make it that. What are you doing to make sure you're growing?

Dick Warn, author of the Miracle Minute series
www.themiracleminute.com



Character First! Spotlight

What is Character First! Education, Character First! Business, IACC? Learn what Character First! is doing around the world. Watch introduction videos online!

Videos available:

  • Character First! Businesses Introduction
  • Character First! Education Introduction
  • International Association of Character Cities Introduction
  • Police Dynamics Introduction

Or order your Introduction to Character First! DVD (Item # 02596).



Making a Difference

Jeff Meeks, Speech-Language Pathologist, Navajo County Special Services Consortium writes:

"I have a [difficult] student that is in high school with a hearing impairment. Today I decided to use the Attentiveness materials for our therapy lesson. I saw a visible difference in his behavior and level of interaction. Thank you very much for the information and training. It is already making a difference!"

Whether at work, at school, or at home, you can overcome many challenges by focusing on character. Emphasize personal integrity—doing your best, taking personal responsibility for your actions, and developing life skills. Encourage co-workers, family members, and students by pointing out the good character qualities that produce success.

To read more testimonies or to share your own, visit our testimonials page.



Program Works on Building Character

The following article was featured on the front page of the Coloradoan on April 11, 2007.

CHAMP is part of the Greater Fort Collins Community of Character Initiative and is a joint effort involving Colorado State University, Poudre School District, the city of Fort Collins, Healthier Communities Coalition and Character Fort Collins.

"If we can start with the young groups, these kids will learn this at a young age and carry it with them throughout an athletic career," said Sandi Martin, Poudre School District's athletic coordinator for the past 17 years. "It's not just about sportsmanship; it's about building character for their whole lives."

Said Bergmann, the Kinard eighth-grade coach and a science teacher at the school: "I'm very pleased with how the CHAMP program has influenced our basketball team. As a coach, I believe that class, hard work, and teamwork are necessary qualities for a successful team. No matter how many wins show up on the scoreboard, how much character you develop during the year determines whether you've had a successful season."

"This was a good program for us. It was awesome!"

To read the whole Coloradoan article, visit the Coloradoan website.