Helen Walton was once quoted saying “It’s not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.” Married to the founder of Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, she certainly knew a thing or two about wealth but more importantly, the significance of living a life of influence and positively impacting others. Writer Gail Rodgers shares a similar message reminding us our words and actions touch lives far beyond the boundaries we think they go.

On Wednesday evening the ESPY Awards were held recognizing individual and team athletic achievement. The winning streak continued for the Cleveland Cavaliers off the court as they received several awards, and the careers of retirees Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, and Abby Wambach were celebrated. As athletes were recognized and admired for their determination, commitment, and confidence throughout the season, an individual “on the sidelines” provided the greatest inspiration that night.

Jessica Herrin, CEO & Founder of the Stella & Dot Family of Brands and author of Find Your Extraordinary, recently published an article after meeting with a new college graduate in search of landing her “dream job.” With two job offers in front of her, she was concerned that they weren’t all she had hoped they’d be after obtaining her degree; one could be too tedious, the other could be too challenging. Her goal was to begin her career in a position she was very passionate about without compromise. The words of wisdom Jessica shared are valuable not only to those entering the workforce but each one of us as we are reminded those that look for easy will never find extraordinary.

Aside from picnics and parades, Independence Day is a time to reaffirm God’s vision for America while we reflect on the reason for celebration. As we honor our nation’s birthday this weekend, we remember with gratitude the many men and women who have served in the military so that all Americans can enjoy the freedoms we cherish.  Army Sergeant Bryan Anderson is one such veteran.  But it is not just his service that inspires us; it’s what he has done since then to encourage all who know him, or his story, to live lives with courage, passion, and greatness.

They say there is always a lesson to be learned from every experience and the NBA finals were no exception. LeBron James had been tasked with delivering a promise – a championship to his hometown. But even leaders need to learn to be led and in this week’s message we share words of wisdom that helped the Cavaliers bring the championship trophy home to Cleveland. 

Charles Plumb, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was a U.S. Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. It was not until years later he realized the impact that experience would have on him and ultimately those he shared it with. 

With the 2016 Memorial Golf Tournament around the corner, we share with you a golf enthusiast’s inspiring and thought-provoking story. His training reminds us that it takes more than physical ability alone to reach desired results, no matter your course of life. His secret?

Banker turned entrepreneur Kim Pong Lim reinvented his second half of life by selling a business he birthed to become a core leader of the Halftime Institute. It is through Halftime Asia he speaks in a way for others to realize that the very best of who they are is the source of the very best that they can be. 

Virginia Tech may not be a March Madness contender, but head coach Buzz Williams shared with his team a valuable message for us all to remember during this exciting (and competitive!) time. While the fate of your bracket may rest on the final minutes of the game, let’s remember the most important moment occurs before the game ever begins.

Praising our spouses in public is one of the most important investmetns we can make in our marriage, our family, and our role as a leader. Here’s why…