How many times have you wanted to change a behavior but found it too difficult and got discouraged? Perhaps you quit, or you tell yourself it’s not important or it doesn’t really matter. Behaviorists have suggested using a “trap” to make changes in our lives. We can take a lesson from Trapper Dan: 1)    Identify your prey—what personal/social areas do you need the most help with? Be sure to target behaviors that are relevant, functional, and that lend themselves to frequent practice opportunities. 2)    Find... View Article

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An Uber Story

November 10, 2020 By upshot

A Guest Blog by Jeff Porter Jeff is a Focus graduate from twenty years ago, and he is a driver for Uber. He uses his job as a ministry, talking to passengers and encouraging them to love themselves for who they are. Below is a story from one of his experiences. I picked up a young lady named Jordyn. She was a very sad and nervous person. As we talked on the 18-minute ride, I went through some things that I thought would help her... View Article

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Spring Training

March 9, 2016 By upshot

Many of you (especially Focus Graduates) know my friend and Focus trainer, Ryan Lefebvre, the voice of the Royals. Well, Ryan will soon be making his way to beautiful Arizona to begin spring training with the Kansas City Royals. Tough gig, huh? Yes, while we finish out the winter (which has thankfully been very mild), Ryan and the Royals will be suffering in the near perfect conditions of Arizona. Have you ever thought about what they are going there to do? The professionals, who are... View Article

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The Art of Reframing

February 20, 2016 By upshot

“The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make a Heaven out of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.”  ~John Milton One of my favorite people in Kansas City is Joe Colaizzi. Joe runs the KC Rescue Mission. I have never known Joe to do anything differently since I have been in Kansas City, and Pam and I have lived here for 23 years. During those years, he has championed the cause for homeless men and their needs (Emotional, Mental, Physical and Spiritual). Tirelessly... View Article

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You are a GIVER!

February 14, 2016 By upshot

You are a GIVER! Well, at least at our core we are made to give. We have a natural ability to give to each other. In fact, scientist has demonstrated that giving actually produces positive changes in our body chemistry. We really didn’t need a study to tell us that, because we can all feel that positive feeling when we do give to others. However, there is usually an exception to the rule and that is when we are “enabling.” When giving hurts, it is... View Article

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Is your life Love Based or Fear Based?

February 9, 2016 By upshot

Loved Based or Fear Based? When we’re asked that question, it can be immediately sobering because we have to go inward to assess before we can answer. At times, so much of our life is in “auto pilot,” and before we can answer that question accurately, we must do a “check-in.” So, “check-in” right now. If you have been coming from a fear based perspective, you will, of course, have a feeling of anxiety or anger, sadness, or even numbness. Keep in mind–it isn’t easy... View Article

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