Weblog – Blog, My Space, Facebook, what do these words have in common? They’re all words used to describe new methods of connecting, methods that are rapidly changing the communication norms in America and around the world.

New social trends are sweeping the planet and reshuffling cultural norms that have been in place for centuries. Experts now tell us that there could be over 150 million bloggers world-wide. On top of that, there are now over 350 million Facebook users - and growing.

So by now you may be asking, “Just what is social media? How does it affect me? Here are a few thoughts regarding the rise of social media and the sudden shift of communication methods:

1. Our Mobile Society Has Demanded It.

Centuries ago most families remained geographically connected. They generally lived in the same neighborhood and frequently in the same household. Not today! Most live hours, if not days away from family and loved ones.

It only makes sense to connect using the most convenient methods available.

2. Competing Demands for Our Time.

As strangely as it sounds, many are too busy for regular sit down communication. (Please understand I’m not advocating this kind of lifestyle!)

Consequently, we buy into the cultural norms that best fit our life and schedule.

3. Technology Now Allows Us to Connect Differently.

Technology has been on an endless pursuit to connect mankind. Wireless, Bluetooth, and fiber optics, tweeting and texting are just a few of the tools mankind now uses to stay connected.

However, remember, even in a technological world, mankind needs relationships.

Conclusion:

I can’t help but believe that the prophet Daniel somehow caught a glimpse of this day when he penned the words, “many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall multiply. Daniel 12:4 YLT

While blogs, Twitter and FaceBook continue to carve out new connecting norms in America culture, unfortunately many in the religious world continues to respond basically the same way it did in Jesus' day when he penned these words in Luke 16:8, “The sons of this world are shrewder in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.”

Like Jesus, I’m concerned that the sons of this generation might be out-doing us. Think about it.

Coach John

Works cited: Technatori Blog Research, www.technatori.com

Vacation time rolls around every year, however, many never take advantage of it. Surprisingly, relaxation is not a natural for countless leaders.

Preconditioned mindsets and unrelenting pressure to succeed produces a drive in leaders that doesn’t equate with relaxation.

Ironically, the scripture reveals that Jesus never condemned mankind for relaxing. As a matter of fact Jesus himself always seemed to be fresh and relaxed, almost as if He was on a vacation.

So how do we learn to relax? What are the keys? Here are a few that will hopefully help.

1. Don’t let yourself feel guilty for taking time off.

Have you ever found yourself feeling guilty for taking time off? I know I have. My advice is-don’t!

In the book of Mark, Jesus told His disciples to, “come apart for a while.” The implication is that if you don’t come apart for a while you will come apart in a while.

2. Don’t let yourself live in a hurried state of mind.

It has been said that hurry is the pace of the 21st century.

We have to understand that there is a huge difference between diligence and hurry. We must learn to pace ourselves.

I like what Joyce Meyer says, “Rushing begins in the mind, just as all actions do. “I have to hurry” is a thought pattern we must avoid.

3. Learn to schedule regular relaxation into your life.

Relaxation is a discipline.

It’s planned and scheduled, anyone can do it. It’s as simple as allowing your self the freedom to have a little get-away; whether it’s geographical or simply a frame of mind.

So, have you scheduled some relaxation time?

Conclusion

How about it, are you vacating this year? Go ahead plan that little get-away. You’ll have no regrets. Ahhh, how nice it is to relax.

Coach John

Works cited: In Pursuit of Peace, Joyce Meyer

The coaching movement is building up a head of steam as it becomes an increasingly hot topic in today’s world. Hot, because it focuses on the issues that are pivotal for most post-moderns, primarily the issues of personal growth and development.

However, it seems that not everyone whose using the term coach, has a clear sense of what it means. Do you?

It's frequently been confused with its first cousin, counseling. Or often its interchanged for the word mentoring. Although coaching is closely related, in the truest sense, it is neither. What is it? Here are a few items of clarifications that will hopefully help us grasp a true understanding of the concept of coaching.

1. A coach is a change expert who helps leaders take responsibility to act and maximize their potential.

2. Coaching is an ongoing relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organizations.

3. Coaching is not new discipline, however it is a fairly new vocation.

4. Coaching is the second fastest growing vocation globally, second to IT.

5. Coaching is a first cousin to mentoring and counseling, yet with different outcomes.

6. Coaching is not so much fixing people rather, its about helping them take stewardship of their own life.

7. Coaching is not about telling people what to do, it's about helping them discover what to do.

8. Coaching is about pushing the client for answers.

9. Coaching forces people to do the thinking.

10. Coaching produces leaders rather than followers.

Conclusion

Admittedly, coaching is not the only skill needed to navigate the complex landscape of today's world, yet it is a very important one.

 Do you coach? Do you have one? Need more information? Contact us heycoachjohn@ymail.com .

Coach John