My 5 year old son Ryan learned to ride his bike without training wheels this past weekend. I am not sure if he will remember the moment, but it is one that my wife Suzanne and I will never forget.

The morning of the big event I asked Ryan, “Is today the day you are ready to take the training wheels off of your bike?” His reply was “Yeah, I think so, I am five-and-a-half now.” After that reply he then followed up with a series of questions.

“Dad, what if I fall down?”

I answered, “Ryan, if you fall that’s okay because we all fall down when we try something new, the important thing is to get back up and try it again.”

“Will you and mom be behind me?” he asked.

“Yes, we will be right behind you but at some point we will have to let you go and you have to trust that you will find your balance.”

“How fast will I be able to go?” he said.

“You will want to take it slow at first but as you get more confident and more experience you can go as fast as you want.”

As we watched him pedal down the driveway with his new found freedom I realized that finding your balance in life is not always easy and you can learn a lot from teaching a little boy how to find it on a bicycle for the first time.

Finding your Balance is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog

After many requests from parents and students over the past several years I am so excited to announce my brand new 4-Week Coaching Program for Teens.

“Play Big in the Game of Life”
4-Week Coaching Program for Teens

This is an exclusive opportunity to work with me where I give you the game plan to play big in the game of life. For over 18 years I have shared this powerful message with teenagers across North America. Now, I’m taking all of these experiences and lessons and have put them into a fun, high energy virtual coaching program done by teleconference that helps teens change their attitude, find direction, and discover the power they have to be leaders in school and in life. For all of the details please feel out the form below and they will be e-mailed to you immediately.

“Play Big in the Game of Life” – 4-Week Coaching Program for Teens is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog

Recently a high school student named Kelly asked me the following question: “I have this big problem, Ed. People are calling me names and saying I have no friends and no one likes me… I’m starting to think that it’s true. My self esteem is going way down. Please help.”

Kelly is not alone – there are thousands of teenagers who feel this way every day. The best thing Kelly did was ask for help. It is important to remember and know that as teens and even as adults you are not alone. There are people to help you and support you if you are willing to look and have the courage to ask for help and advice. The biggest challenge is then putting into action the advice or support that is offered to you.

Here’s the advice I have for Kelly, she has to ask herself some questions and then take the time to really answer them at a deep level.

Who is the source?

You always have to consider the source of where negative information or comments come from. If they are coming from someone whom you do not respect or trust, then you can disregard the comments as nonsense or as another example of a coward or bully trying to tear someone down to make themselves feel better. This will help you keep things in perspective.

Who is one friend that you trust and can count on?

There are plenty of people who claim or give the perception that they have a lot of friends. However, it is the quality of friendships in your life that will help you get through difficult or challenging times. Nurture a friendship with even one person that you trust and can talk to. When you have a great friendship with a person who supports you, encourages you and is there to pick you up when you’re feeling down it will make a world of difference, versus a crowd of superficial relationships.

What are you grateful for in your life right now?

Ask yourself what you are grateful or thankful for in your life right now? Start with one thing and then list five things. When you begin to really reflect on what you are grateful for in your life you cannot help but begin to focus on the positive.

What challenges and obstacles have you had to overcome in your life?

Self-esteem does not come from looking in the mirror and saying to yourself ‘you are incredible’! Self-esteem comes from looking at your life and seeing how much you have grown, what you have experienced, and had to overcome. It’s about looking at the successes you have had in your life so far and also seeing how you’ve persevered through challenges. Take the time to look back to see just how far you have come. Then look ahead and focus on all of the wonderful things that are possible. This is what will carry you through the ups and downs of life.

Is that it? Just focus on these questions and answers and everything will be better?

I wish it was that easy and the answer that simple. The truth is that there are always going to be mean people who are cruel and gossip about others. It does not stop in high school or in college. There are bullies everywhere and at almost every age. That is why it is so important to surround yourself with positive people and positive things whenever possible. What you focus on – you attract. What you think about – you become. Don’t let negative people bring you down, don’t let them hold you back from being kind and from dreaming big. The fact is that you are an amazing human being who has gifts and talents – many that are still to be discovered – that are going to help you create an extraordinary life and make the world a better place.

Can Gratitude Increase Your Self-Esteem? is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog

A giant storm hit our town last week and knocked down one of the largest trees in our yard.

When we cut it down it was amazing to see the distinct pattern of concentric tree rings. A tree ring represents a layer of wood that is produced during one tree’s growing season. By counting the tree rings you can estimate the age of the tree. By my count the tree was 80 years old.

In looking at the tree rings I could not help but think about all the things that the tree had been through. From giant snow storms, windy days, hot summer days, and other challenges. Each ring told a story.

When you think about it our life is just like that. Each year we grow and become another year older. Our life expands and another ring is added.

With spring time approaching, also known as the growing season I think it’s a great time to ask the question…

If you were to draw a picture of tree rings that represented each year of your life what would it look like?

Have the roots of your spirituality grown deeper? Are your relationships stronger? Have you branched out and tried new things? Do you have big goals and dreams that reach the sky?

I know that in looking at the tree rings of my life I have a lot more to do. There are areas of my life that need improvement, experiences that will help me grow, and certain dreams that will take time and patience to achieve.

Where are You Growing? is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog

On a recent flight from Boston to Phoenix I sat next to this amazing person. I did not know it at first, as is often the case on an airplane the person next to you is a stranger. We exchanged hellos when she first sat down and that was it until about 30 minutes into the flight I asked her if Phoenix was her final destination. She said no, and that she was flying to LA to go to the Grammy Awards as her partner had been nominated for one.

“How cool is that!” I said to her and then I asked if she was excited, and for what category he was nominated. The pleasant conversation continued from there.

It turned out that the woman I was talking with was the best-selling author of the book The Art of Possibility – a great book about transforming your entire world and living your life in the universe of possibility.

Rosamund Stone Zander and I had an amazing conversation and it made the 4.5 hour flight to Phoenix a short one.

What if I had never bothered to say hello to her when she first sat down next to me? What if I never asked her a question? What if I just ignored her, put on my iPod, and read my book?

I would never have made that connection and I would have missed out on an opportunity to learn from her experiences and life lessons. It’s easy to mind your own business when you are traveling, to just talk on your cell phone and text away as if there is no one around you. When we do that we miss out on meeting someone that could help us personally or professionally. We miss out on making a connection with perhaps a new friend.

If you are one of those people who are shy about meeting new people. Here are three things that you can do to improve your social skills.

1. Smile- It’s the one universal thing that we can do to let another know that you are friendly.

2. Be Present- Really listen to the other person so they know you care about what they are saying. Ask them questions about what they are passionate about.

3. Don’t complain- There is nothing worse than meeting someone for the first time and listen to them complain and whine about something. People want to be around people that are positive and upbeat.

The next time you find yourself in an opportunity to meet new people, take a positive risk. Smile. Say hello. You never know who is sitting next to you.

Who is Sitting Next to You? is a post from: Copyright 2010 Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog