Did you know many people would lead a better life if only they could let the past remain where it belongs—in the past? Did you know past failing experiences, disappointments and/or fumbled dreams and relationship, if focused on, have the ability to not only limit ones potential to have fulfillment but can also destroy creativity, ability to develop new relationships and chances for work and life balances?

In my presentations, I have used a chair to demonstrate how past detrimental experiences can be the main obstacle to the future or present life of fulfillment one wants to have. You stand up from your chair to go to the door. However, before you take a step you pick up the chair and place it in front of your path. That chair becomes the obstacle between you and the door.

Millions of people in the workplace and other settings of life have limited their opportunities for growth because they are too attached to: a past of mediocre performance, past negative criticisms, or purely past failing experiences. After ten years of working with hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life and from all continents I have been overwhelmed by inspirational stories of people who have overcome devastating pasts. Some are so drastic that it sounds like you are listening to a narration of a fiction movie.
Yet, other stories are disheartening. Those are stories where an individual’s present and future hope, vision and goals are blurred by a past they can’t change.

Thinking about this brings a story I read to mind. It was about two monks who vowed never to talk to a woman. As they were traveling they found a young girl who couldn’t walk and was stranded. One monk had pity on the girl and carried her to her home that was along their path.
A few hours later, he realized that his friend had not talked to him and asked him why he was silent. The friend answered and said, “You messed up our vows when you carried that girl.” That is when the merciful monk said, “I am sorry you are still carrying that girl. I left her five hours ago.”
Are you still carrying your past?

Here are some key ways to leave your messed up past behind.
 

Remember, you have the ability to start living the life of your dreams now so long as you are willing to leave your “chair(s)” where it/they belong—in the past.

THANKS to our sponsors for making our 10th Anniversary an experience to remember for all the 300 attendees. We have been inundated with emails, cards and phone calls. They are all talking about how the activities, refreshments, networking and the special guest speakers added value to their experience in learning How to Overcome Buffaloes at Work and in Life.

Here is one participant wrote:

“Dear Dr. Kituku, I, too, am a "blessed man" because of the opportunity to be at your 10th Anniversary seminar last Tuesday. From what Sarah Minnis had told me about you, I knew to expect a blessing, and it was. And, after just a brief conversation with you, it was so tempting to head this letter with, "Dear Vincent,"

Often the smallest of details can make the biggest impressions. Such is the case with meeting you. I found it fascinating how you greeted your "guests" at the seminar. Typically, when people are approaching to meet someone new, you can notice them instantly evaluating and judging each other; in that fleeting moment deciding just how much to offer of themselves to the other. Vincent, I watched you for a while and never saw you doing that. You seemed to be instantly open and available to connect, and to me that makes you seem immediately to be a friend. It's a beautiful quality!...

You have a beautiful family. I understand from Sarah that when your wife comes into the room you "just light up". You are indeed a blessed man.

Again, sir, I am thankful to have met you and joined in the seminar.
Sincerely, Paul Myers”
 

Another participant wrote to a friend the following:

“ Michael, WOW! What a great seminar! Vincent delighted us all day with wit, wisdom and inspiration….The icing on the cake was Vincent's obvious passion and appreciation for Toastmasters and he was able to convey that to the crowd perfectly. He offered to pay $10 of the sign up fee for new members who attended his seminar! YEAH!...Thank you Vincent, it was an energy charged day!
Cheers! Deborah Whitman
 

We want to say a Special Thank You to our clients, sponsors and readers. Because of your continued support, trust and partnership, we have been able to give presentations to more than 800 groups (both private and public organizations) and over 350 schools. There would have been no 10th Anniversary for Kituku and Associates without you. Thank You!

3 Must Know Strategies to Make Your
Presentation Authentic

5 Top Styles to Capture Audiences and
Leave Them Wanting More

From the beginning of your presentation use:

5 Ways to Include Each Participant in Your Presentation

Do you really love what you do? Is your love for what you do evident in the service you provide for your customers? Loving what you do, understanding the purpose of doing it (hopefully not for the money) and enjoying how you do it are the factors for: (1) Creating a following of loyal customers (2) Job security (3) Reduced job related stress and (4) Having a life beyond just making a living.

You wake up with an uneasiness because you can’t wait to be at work. The next thing you do it’s look at your watch and is time to go home but you have no clue how time just disappeared. However, your spirit is invigorated by what you have accomplished by the end of the day and inspired by the hope of coming back tomorrow and continuing.

That’s living a life of fulfillment. Your customers feel your enthusiasm and are not only ready to be back with their money, but will also bring their co-workers, family members and friends to experience the contagiously positive environment you have created.

Take Cecil, the Boise, Idaho based barber and co-owner of Talk of the Town Salon. After 30 years of visiting barber after barber, I found Cecil, the first barber to ever take a moment and tell me the history of hair cutting (did you know it was performed by doctors?). He explained the difference between African’s hair and that of European’s, thus the need to use different maintenance programs and items.

What was strange was his explanation that I need not wash my hair daily. “That affects the hair’s natural oil and makes it bristle” he said. Cecil demonstrated the natural lining of my hair on different parts of my head and how it should be combed to enhance “its youthfulness.” Those are things my mother never said as she trained me on how to use soap and water to keep lice from my hair.

Exceptional customer service is so rare and so valued by those who have experienced it that they would defy logical thinking just to receive great service. Cecil’s salon has 3-4 people waiting in line for their hair cut, every hour when the shop is open. I drive close to 20 miles, leaving other “barbers” to have my hair and that of my son’s receive Cecil’s special service—he is also the most expensive barber that I have ever had. Cost, in most cases, becomes a secondary consideration when customer service is outstanding.

It is astonishing to hear a CEO, manager or business owner ask me, “Dr. Kituku, what can I do with my people so that we can beat the competition?” My response is what the late Paul Reynolds told me, “Think of the help line first.” What is it that you do better than anyone else? How can you present it to customers in a way that makes them feel valued as opposed to being processed or pushed to buy? Can you tell the story behind your product or service? Is there information you have that will help customers make informed decisions?

Dwayne Speegle, Vice President, The Leavitt Group-Boise, believes he has to provide clients products and services he would use. He alludes to the fact that they think of building a relationship first. They want their clients to know what The Leavitt Group knows before they (clients) make a decision to the variety of services provided by The Leavitt Group-Boise. The mutual trust they develop is the crucible from which all transitions are incubated and hatched.

Another approach used by Suzi Boyle, American Home Mortgage and top expert with a national recognition, is educating clients and prospects on the current trends of the industry.

Because of great customer care, I drive for about 45-60 minutes to have my family van serviced by Bronco Motors in Nampa while there are other service providers, some within 7-10 minutes from my garage.

Most people are engaged in activities that pay their bills. When you take a moment to provide wisdom they would not normally receive from your competitors, you have just beaten the competition.

Read Dr. Kituku’s newest articles online at: www.kituku.com, Idahopress.com, Casper Star Tribune Idahostatesman.com, Argus Observer, Business IQ, Post Register, Idaho Catholic Register, Idaho Press Tribune, Idaho Senior Citizen News, and Presentations Magazine.

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