Maurilio Amorim

Month: September 2010

  • All You Need Is a Little Inspiration

    When we find ourselves in a difficult place in life seems like one of two things happen: we either give up and accept the situation making the most out of it with the fatalistic “it is what it is” attitude, or we decide to fight, crawl, push, and shove our way out, however difficult that might be. Yesterday I saw this video for the first time, and I cried like a baby watching it. I have seen it several times since, and every time it still moves me. Ben’s story resonates with my own. Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to watch it:

    While I was never as big as Ben, I was on the same path and one day decided to do something about my health and so I went for a run. Since then I have done several races, a marathon and a triathlon. If Ben can do it, if I can do it, so can you.

    If you’re struggling with your health or your weight, let me encourage you to tie your running shoes on and take a first step into your new life. I’ve never regretted it. I know you won’t.

    What area of your health or fitness you’re thinking about taking to the next level?

  • Yet Another Reason Men Need Women

    Men need women. I know that’s a broad and general statement emotionally and philosophically charged, but it’s true. We all know Adam was lonely because he couldn’t find a companion so God created Eve. But in His infinite wisdom, God knew that Adam left alone would probably do a lot of stupid things, that, with Eve in the picture, could be avoided. Women after all have enough sense to know when something is utterly stupid, which most of us men, don’t have.

    My theory is that God decided to add the that’s-stupid-don’t-you-dare-do-it skill to Eve’s DNA after he spent time with Adam.  I know some of you who read my tweets and Facebook posts believe that I lack an inner monologue and self-editing skills. Trust me, without my wife, it would be worse, much worse. Not sure what I’m talking about? Well, let me illustrate:

    I rest my case.

    What’s the worst idea you (or your husband, son, father, boyfriend) have ever tried to pull off? What happened?

  • Why I Love Social Media

    Critics of social media abound. There’s not a week, maybe even a day, that goes by that I don’t hear someone complain about the “pseudo friendships” and “virtual and meaningless” relationships that are forged and maintained online. We all have heard, some of us even have said it, “If I want to talk with someone, I pick up the phone and call them.” Interestingly, in the days prior to the digital revolution, the telephone itself had its critics for being, well, impersonal. But regardless of where you stand on this debate, I am thankful for my social media friends and here’s why:

    Yesterday it was my birthday and before the day was over I had nearly 200 messages, tweets and texts from friends from all over the globe. I couldn’t have talked to a fraction of them even if I wanted to, but their love came through strong, even through a digital medium. I felt loved and appreciated living in a global village connected by the internet.

    I have met interesting, funny, committed, smart, wise, spiritual and successful people through Twitter, Facebook, Orkut and LinkedIn that outside social media I would have never known. They have impacted my life in a real and practical way with their posts, suggestions, resources and encouragement. Many of them I have never met personally, but their contribution is no less appreciated or needed than as if they were sitting across from my desk.

    My business has benefited from clients I’ve met online and whom my company serves now. I can quantify a significant amount of projects that are directly tied to my social media involvement.

    I have reconnected with friends I hadn’t seen in decades and that are now part of the ongoing narrative of my life story and I of theirs. Without social media, those connections would have been lost as they were until Facebook and Orkut began connecting us all.

    I know there are privacy and personal risks with being an active member of these communities. But for me, the advantage far, far outweighs the liabilities.

    What about you? How has social media impacted your life?

  • Have You Settled for Good When You Can Achieve Greatness?

    I don’t know what it is about the human spirit that often finds itself restless with the status quo. I’m not talking about ingratitude, that elusive never-pleasing, never-ending quest for affirmation, money, power, control or prestige. That, I’m certain, is a condition of the human heart searching for fulfillment outside the Creator. I’m talking about reaching a point in your career, business or even in your relationship with your family that by most standards would be considered successful; however, deep inside you know you could do better. You’ve settled for good when you know you could be great.

    I’ve been through this cycle so many times in my professional life: I reach a new comfortable plateau and decide that there’s nothing wrong with setting up residence there. After all, my reasoning goes, this is a much better plateau than the one before and some would love to have it. But in the process of establishing permanent residency “it” happens. The nagging feeling of restlessness grows to the point I know I can no longer stay. I must move on.

    For me, the process has more to do with the potential than with expectations. After all, I have gone beyond my parents’ expectations, I have a very supporting, low maintenance wife, and a fairly comfortable life. But deep down, I know I’m not finished. I know there’s more that I can accomplish, there are dreams that I need to bring into reality and new lands to conquer.

    Good is the enemy of great. You and I shouldn’t be happy with only good, if we know we can reach greatness.

    I have been living on a plateau lately. But as I write this post, I know I have to move forward. It’s not good enough to look back and enjoy what has been done. I must seek what’s ahead and climb to the next level.

    What motivates you to move on? How do you do it?

  • Running at the Pace of Life

    I just finished my long run, usually 10-12 miles, on a beautiful cool Fall morning in Nashville. And as I finished feeling great I said, “I’m a much better runner during my Fall runs because of the miserable sticky summer runs.” But as I considered the implications, I realized that’s not only applicable to my run, but also to the rest of my life.

    I can move faster in my business,  and in my relationships because of enduring and getting past troublesome spots, much like an endless run on a hot and humid southern morning. I can enjoy seasons of growth and harvest because of the lessons conditioning I learned through the rough days of just “plowing through” in life.

    In your business or personal life, what season are you in? How are you dealing with it?

  • Fashion Friday Dilemma: Pleats or No Pleats?

    Fashion Friday tackles one of man’s most troublesome fashion issues: pants. Nothing will make you look bad faster than ill-fitting, unfashionable pants. This dilemma is unique only to the American male (the rest of the world has moved on about 10 years ago.) Pleats or no Pleats, that’s the question.

    That’s an easy one for me: No pleats.

    First of all, the US is the only country left where yo can find pleated pants for sale outside the Goodwill stores. But let’s put that tidbit aside since, we Americans value our uniqueness and strong individuality. Blah, blah, blah. If we disregard fashion trends and focus on what looks best on a man, the flat-front trousers would win most every time.  Here’s the problem with pleats:

    1. BBS. Big Bottom Syndrome. Pleats put extra material around your waist thus creating a larger-than-real-life look. Trust me, but most of us don’t need to look any bigger around our rears.

    pants, well fitted

    2. DBS. Diaper Bottom Syndrome. Often pleated trousers will have deep pockets requiring extra material. This extra fabric tend to create the diaper effect, making you look like, well, you’re carrying a diaper. It’s called “the seat” and droopy seats are difficult to fix.  Unless you’re younger than 18 months or  81 years and older, you shouldn’t go around carrying more junk in your trunk than necessary.

    3. SLS. Short Leg Syndrome. Flat fronts help pants look streamlined, therefore longer. Pleats work just the opposite. Unless you have extremely long legs and a tiny torso, then you should stick with flat front trousers. If you have short legs, than the flat-front pants are your best friends.

    Bonus tip: No cuffs. Not even in suits.

    So where do you stand? Pleats or no pleats?

  • How to Live a Better Story

    Yesterday I spent the morning interviewing college kids for a video project my company is working on in partnership with Living a Better Story Foundation, Belmont University and Donald Miller, the author. It was a culmination of a 21-day program where Belmont’s Sophomore class attended Don’s lecture a few weeks back. At the end of the lecture, students received an envelope with either 5, 10 or 20 dollars. They were asked not to spend the money on themselves but to pray first and then seek to help someone else with the money by the end of 21 days. I honestly didn’t know what we were going to hear, but I certainly didn’t expect what I got.

    Interview after interview I heard stories of how prayer led to the realization that this “given” money was God’s. “But so is everything else I have,” said these students, “including what I thought was my money.” Those who “got it” were transformed. They multiplied their money, some hundreds, a few even thousands of dollars. Some bought goats, chickens, ducks, fishes, and seeds through the Samaritan’s Purse catalog that will help create sustainable lifestyle for families in developing countries, others created care packages for unwed mothers, some made and sold bracelets, cup cakes, and all sorts of goods, one kid even stocked piled Second Food Harvest with tons of canned goods. You can read some of their stories here. But their greatest lesson was learning to trust God with everything, including the little money they thought they had and in the process started living a better story. One that focused outwardly, maybe for the first time ever.

    As I interviewed Dr. Bob Fisher, Belmont’s President, I asked him about the impetus of doing this program on campus. “It started with a question from one of our Trustees,” he said. “What are we doing to teach college kids to give, not only of their time, but also of their money?” Dr. Fisher didn’t have a good answer a year ago. He does today.

    As parents, leaders, entrepreneurs and role models what should we be doing to impact a generation that has been described as over-indulgent? How can we help our children, students and employees to live a better story?

  • Confessions of a Lousy Father

    I got a called from Gwen this afternoon. We had our first teenage car accident. Our 15-year-old son had just backed up his mom’s Infinity SUV into a neighbor’s mailbox crushing the truck’s bumper and destroying the mailbox on his first attempt at driving after getting his permit on Friday. “We just spent two thousand dollars on body work this summer! How are we going to make him pay for the damages? ” were the first words out of my mouth. I was furious and my main concern was with the cost of fixing the car and the mailbox. It wasn’t until later, much later, that I thought about my son, his feelings and the trauma he might be facing. Now as I reflect on today’s event, I so wish I had reacted differently.

    Even after all the years of reading the Bible, listening to numerous messages, reflecting, praying and “growing” as a person, I still find myself reacting in ways that I hoped I would not. Today is an example of the less-than-altruistic person who shows up from time to time in my life. I know him well. He’s selfish, judgmental, and unforgiving; the antitheses of the Jesus whom I’ve pledge to emulate. As I drove home tonight, I kept thinking about my upcoming conversation with Marcus. What can I teach him? How can this be a teachable moment for him?

    But I realized that I needed this teachable moment more than he did. It will be a while before the boy’s nerves will allow him to  drive again, and he’s upset enough to the point he doesn’t need a lecture on his driving skills. I, however, had to face my own inner demons and come to grips with the fact when I had a chance to be the person I wish I were, I failed. Instead of being a gracious and loving dad, I reacted like a lousy and selfish father.

    Why share this weakness publicly on my blog? I’m not sure I should, but if by exposing the side of me I’m not proud of, will hold me accountable to change it, than maybe it’s worth the embarrassment. For me it’s more important to be authentic than to create an image of authenticity.

    Thank you for letting me indulge in this post.

    Those of you who are parents, have you ever feel like a parenting failure? If so, where have you found help?

  • Can The Local Church Help Save Christian Publishing?

    Traditional publishing is not what it used to be.  The digital revolution has now reached book publishers and for the first time ever, electronic titles outpaced hardcovers on Amazon.com. Publishers everywhere are downsizing, and even long-time NYC headquarters are being moved away from the city to cheaper rent  in nearby Connecticut.  Christian publishers are not exempt from this industry-wide shake up. I’ve sat through many meetings, taught seminars and have consulted with several different Christian publishing houses. I believe the Church is going to play a key role, if the role, in keeping publishers afloat.  However, publishers better deploy the right strategy or they won’t prevail.

    Christian publishing church strategy

    Over 56 million people attend a Christian church  (excluding Catholics) every week in America. That’s a lot of resources needed for preachers, teachers and small group leaders,  and a lot of money for publishers and content providers. With the digital revolution flattening the distance between authors and end-users, the church is literally a gold mine of opportunity for publishers. Every week, Christian content consumers look at their churches for guide in their search for resources.

    In this month’s edition of FastCompany Tony Hawk talks about his successful ride not as a sport’s figure or cultural icon, but as an entrepreneur who controls a very lucrative brand. Speaking about one of his greatest challenges in working with corporate types, Hawk says:

    “The real problem is that some people put in charge of product development and marketing aren’t beholden to their products–it’s just their job. But passion really shines through.”

    Tony’s assertion resonates with my experience in marketing to and for churches. It always amazes me that people who have never worked on a church staff, some of whom don’t even attend church regularly are in charge of product development or marketing efforts of church-related resources. There are serious differences between a small church and a mega-church dynamics when it comes to product development and sales strategy. Like any other sector, if you are not actively engaged, or as Tony said it, “beholden” than you’re not likely to be successful.

    If you came to me and asked me to market you widget that helps ordinary violins sound like a Stradivarius, my first question would be: where can I find the most violin players? It’s a simple and obvious question. You know where this is going.

    But even if Christian publishers understand the need to reach out to churches, they will not break into that market by deploying the same tactics they do for their trade products. They will not likely succeed if they put their church strategy on the hands of people who often don’t attend church, much less understand mega-church dynamics. If Christian publishers are going to be around in the near future, they’ll have to successfully address the church market opportunity. And they won’t make it happen by buying a full-page ad in Publishers’ Weekly.

    Have you ever had someone try to sell you something they obviously knew nothing about? How did that make you feel?

  • When Did I Get Old? Undeniable Signs of My Aging

    There are some rights of passage in life I look  forward more than others. During my run this morning, I noticed that I might have been going through yet another stage. I’ve heard we become more “eccentric” as we age. I’m not wealthy enough to garner the title of “eccentric.” I’m just getting old and peculiar. Here’s a few signs that point to my aging status:

    • I can’t run, workout or pretty much leave the house without at least 800 milligrams of ibuprofen, metabolic and thermogenic enhancers and a couple of pills I’m not even sure what they do but I’m afraid to stop taking them.
    • I must check the weather as soon as  I wake up. First I was just interested in the local weather, but it has now expanded to cities all over the globe including entire regions in the Pacific rim and western Europe.
    • My growing fascination with my lawn is now to the point of creating my own blend of grass: tall fescue, Kentucky blue, and rye. This morning I almost knock on someone’s door at 6 am to find out what grass blend they used. I curse Bermuda grass at least once a day.
    • I’m convinced that adult wet wipes is the best invention of the 20th century. Don’t judge me until you’ve tried it.
    • I get up at 4:30 am
    • I go to bed at 9:30 pm.

    What about you? What are the signs that you’re becoming increasingly old?