Life in Small Bites

• Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.
• Keep skunks, bankers, and politicians at a distance.
• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
• A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
• Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
• The best sermons are lived, not preached.
• If you don’t take the time to do it right, you’ll find the time to do it twice.
• Don’t corner something that is meaner than you.
• Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.
• It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
• You cannot unsay a cruel word.
• Every path has a few puddles.
• When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
• Don’t be banging your shin on a stool that’s not in the way.
• Borrowing trouble from the future doesn’t deplete the supply.
• Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.
• Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
• Silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Don‘t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.
• Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
• If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.
• Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
• The biggest troublemaker you’ll ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin’.
• Always drink upstream from the herd.
• Good judgment comes from experience, and most of that comes from bad judgment.
• Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
• If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.
• Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.
• Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
• Most times, it just gets down to common sense.

Below is a summary written by Brian Johnson, CEO of Heroic Benefit Corp, of Gen. Colin Powell’s book, “It Worked for Me”.  See more info on Heroic at: https://bit.ly/4c0nDBS

The demobilization of all AmeriCorps teams — particularly those under AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), which are often deployed for disaster response — would have serious short- and long-term implications on the U.S. disaster response landscape. Here are some key effects to consider:

 1. 

Reduced Surge Capacity During Disasters

AmeriCorps teams are often first responders during major disasters, especially for:

• Debris removal
• Shelter operations
• Sandbagging
• Damage assessmentsWithout these teams, local emergency managers may lack the surge manpower needed in the first 72 hours after a disaster.

 2. 

Slower Recovery Timelines

AmeriCorps NCCC and other service programs often assist in:

• Rebuilding homes
• Volunteer coordination
• Long-term recovery operationsWithout their support, recovery will likely:
• Take longer
• Cost more (due to need for private contractors)
• Increase stress on local governments and nonprofits

 3. 

Increased Vulnerability for Underserved Communities

AmeriCorps teams frequently serve vulnerable populations who might otherwise be overlooked:

• Elderly residents
• Low-income families
• Rural or isolated communitiesThe absence of these teams could widen inequity in disaster response and recovery outcomes.

 4. 

Strain on Partner Agencies

Agencies like FEMA, the American Red Cross, and local VOADs (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) rely heavily on AmeriCorps for:

• Logistics
• Volunteer coordination
• Community engagementLosing AmeriCorps means these partners must either:
• Overwork their staff
• Leave gaps in response
• Divert funds to cover what AmeriCorps volunteers did for free

 5. 

Loss of a Trained Civic Workforce

AmeriCorps teams are trained in:

• CPR/First aid
• Incident Command System (ICS)
• FEMA certificationsDemobilizing the program means losing a pipeline of future emergency managers and disaster volunteers.

 6. 

Long-Term Impact on Community Resilience

AmeriCorps often engages in mitigation and preparedness work:

• Educating residents
• Strengthening infrastructure (like fire breaks or flood control)Without them, communities may face more severe impacts from future disasters.

Possible Mitigations (if demobilization is unavoidable):

• Expand funding to other national service partners (like Team Rubicon or state-level Conservation Corps)
• Establish local Civilian Climate Corps or community resilience hubs
• Offer incentives for retired professionals or faith-based groups to help fill the service gap

It is often said that changing your thinking can change your life, but true transformation occurs when you also change your actions. My coaching approach is designed to help you do both, while holding you accountable to operate from your “Best Self.”

ABOUT ME. https://lifeinsmallbites.com/about-the-author/

I have worn many hats in my life – Athlete, Warrior, Businessman, and Coach. Through both successes and setbacks, I have gleaned valuable lessons that I am eager to share with you for your personal growth.

In today’s fast-paced world filled with increasing uncertainties, traditional practices in business, relationships, and personal development are being put to the test. I believe that adapting to new attitudes and actions is essential for meeting today’s challenges. By guiding you to enhance your personal resourcefulness, I aim to spark your inner potential.

Having lived and worked across different continents, I have been enriched by the diverse perspectives and wisdom of various cultures. As a Businessman and Personal Effectiveness Coach, I have studied what strategies work effectively across different cultures and learned the importance of flexibility and creativity.

Whether on the athletic field, in the classroom, or in the boardroom, I have found success in coaching individuals to achieve higher levels of resourcefulness, effectiveness, and accomplishment. Being referred to as “Coach Jim” has been a privilege, and I take pride in helping others realize their full potential.

Learn more about me here:

APPROACH

My Formula for Success is PG + PC, where PG stands for Personal Growth and PC for Personal Contribution. Through tailored exercises and insights, I aim to guide you in uncovering your “Best Self” by focusing on personal growth and making meaningful contributions. As your coach, I am here to support you in developing core competencies, self-reliance, and resilience, leading you towards your highest potential by cultivating effective habits and discarding unproductive ones.

Resourcefully implementing effective habits is the key to success in all aspects of life – be it work, play, or relationships. I believe that information and wisdom only translate into valuable skills when they are actively practiced as habits. Effective coaching requires mutual accountability between the coachee and the coach to ensure consistent progress.

WHAT IS COACHING

Coaching is a collaborative, solution-focused, results-oriented process where the coach facilitates personal and professional development, self-directed learning, and enhanced work performance of the coachee. Throughout our partnership, expect direct, personalized, and sometimes challenging conversations that encourage growth and development. Successful coaching requires active engagement and cooperation from both the coachee and the coach.

It is important to note that coaching is distinct from therapy and does not aim to address psychological issues. However, alternative tools and techniques such as NLP, Hypnotherapy, and Time Line Therapy may be utilized by the coach. The coachee is required to disclose any past or ongoing psychological treatments, and should any psychological concerns arise during the coaching process, the coach may recommend seeking assistance from a qualified specialist.

All information shared during coaching sessions and any written documentation remain strictly confidential to uphold the trust and integrity of the coaching relationship.

As your coach, I commit to:

– Clearly outlining the coaching expectations and parameters

– Coming prepared for each session

– Providing relevant materials to support your progress towards your goals

– Ensuring complete confidentiality, unless explicit permission is given to share specific issues with others

DEVELOPING PERSONAL LEADERSHIP

“Vision without Action is merely a daydream,

Action without Vision is a terrifying nightmare.”

– Japanese Proverb

Leadership embodies a “can-do” attitude, teamwork spirit, and a relentless commitment to success. If leadership is more art than science, my coaching guidance aims to help you cultivate and refine the skills and tools necessary to become a more adept and effective leader.

As you explore the following concepts, envision how these principles can be integrated into your personal toolkit through practice:

– Timely Decisiveness

– Bias for Action

– Trusting Your Instincts

– Enhanced Observation Skills

– Effective Communication and People Skills

– Synergizing Courage, Action, and Responsibility

Despite the plethora of management and leadership techniques documented in countless books, I maintain that effective leadership is an art form that can be honed through practice. Effective strategies must be flexible and adaptable to different cultural contexts while staying attuned to ongoing changes and challenges.

Our coaching sessions will focus on sharpening your awareness and mindfulness to discern the nuances of complex situations, providing a foundation for making sound leadership decisions. Embracing timely decisiveness, intuition, and a proactive mindset are essential elements in honing your leadership skills.

In the words of Colin Powell, achieving success often involves gathering essential information and then trusting your instincts to guide you forward. As your coach, I am here to empower you with the skills, insights, and confidence to trust your judgment, make informed decisions, and take decisive action.

In conclusion, effective leadership requires a harmonious blend of management principles, observation skills, and interpersonal acumen. By embracing courage, initiative, and accountability, you can pave the way for personal and organizational success.

Below is a summary written by Brian Johnson, CEO of Heroic Benefit Corp, of Warren Bennis book, “On Becoming a Leader”.  See more info on Heroic at: https://bit.ly/4c0nDBS