Make It Happen
You are it. You’re the one that can make it happen. Not me. Not them. Not some stranger. Not us. You. A team of one.
First Impressions
“I don’t know if she understood, dad” says my daughter. “And, why do you do that to people?” I pondered this for only a few seconds before answering and then my answer was clear…
Gave a Quarter and His Order…
“He gave a quarter and his order, small fry, Big Mac, you be illin…” – anyone remember that Run DMC song? Doesn’t matter for this story, but it kind of does as it involves a quarter and McDonald’s…
I’ve Never Been to a Hooters
When most people think of branding, they think of colors and logos. Branding is the core essence of your existence. It’s what your brand represents. It’s what your brand conveys. It’s the imagination your brand ignites. It’s the experience and feelings and atmosphere. It’s the floors, tables, dust, and lighting. It’s the menu & word choices, the food, the speed, and the smile that comes with it. It’s the bathrooms and the soap and the garbage and the type of toilet paper. It’s the system that works to remind you that you’re there for a reason. It’s what gets you to talk about it over and over and over.
Check Engine Light for Your Body
What would life look like if we had an internal check engine light that others could see? What does this mean and is it possible that we’re heading in this direction?
The Road To Successful Coaching
Coaching is much more than just winning. Here you’ll learn 20 of the top strategies for successful coaches and have your own playbook for truly making an impact as a coach.
Volcanic Interruption?
What would happen if a large chunk of the Canary Islands did, in fact, break off? How much water would there be? How large would the tsunami be? Who would it impact and when? I explore all these thoughts and more, here.
Goodbye to the Net
Goodbye to the Net #BlackOut #SolarFlare #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #AreYouReady by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Have you ever stopped and thought about what runs on the Internet nowadays? (this is important). I mean, really, if there happened...
In This Moment
In This Moment #InTheMoment #PickYourBattle #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN I’m paying attention, yet detaching. I’m preparing more, yet letting go. I’m watching other’s more, yet closing my eyes more. I’m...
See For Yourself
See For Yourself #SeeForYourself #PickYourBattle #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #GGGGG #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Just received this text from a friend in the Tampa, FL area. Based on my recommendation to “see for yourself”, he did and...
Level 1
Level 1 #Level1 #KnowMoreStuff #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #ChemTrail #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Level 1. 50 “good-to-know” questions that I put together for a friend. The feedback I received was that they found it super helpful...
Sight for Soar Eyes
Sight for Soar Eyes #ClearSkies #KnowMoreStuff #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #ChemTrail #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN This is the first time in the last 3 weeks that there were ‘normal’ looking clouds and it’s quite the sight for “soar”...
Salsa Verde: Tomatillos
Salsa Verde: Tomatillos #WholeFoodsPlantBased #PickYourOwn #FreshIsBest #SalsaVerde #Tomatillo #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN 3 years ago we started with a single tomatillo plant and a bit of hope. Today, we have 15 super-healthy,...
Leveling Up
Leveling Up #StateChamp #GirlsGolf #Stress #PlayingUnderPressure #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #Breaking70 #HighSchoolAthlete by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Yesterday was the 2A State Championships in Owensboro, KY and it just so happened to be a big deal. You’ve...
Cold Brew In the Afternoon
Cold Brew In the Afternoon #ColdBrew #AfternoonCoffee #LittleThings #DIYCoffee #Cooking #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Last week, while traveling, we ended up with a cold brew at a coffee shop ONLY because their regular coffee machine...
When the Topic Matters
When the Topic Matters #TimeCrunch #TheClockIsTicking #Stress #WhatIsImportant #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #ImportantStuff #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN There was a time when I had to make & set agendas. Every topic had a time limit, or if it was...
What IS That?
What IS That? #WildThing #GrowlingTire #CountryLiving #EyesOpen #Awareness #MysteriousSound #Lesson #Learn #Nature by SHAWN TRAUTMAN *Read the short story THEN watch the short clip.* “Grrrrrrrrrrrrr” – that’s the sound that made me jump as I walked past my...
This Could Get Heated
This Could Get Heated #HotTopics #VerifyYourSources #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #WhoDoYouTrust #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Although this could get heated, it needs not get this hot (see yesterday’s ridiculous unedited pic after we...
Something Extra-Ordinary
Something Extra-Ordinary #SomethingExtraordinary #HoleInOne #BigDeal #HailMary #HugeMoment #ReadyForIt #Athlete #GreatGolf #Learn #CanIGetAWitness #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN I’m not a huge fan of witnessing things first-hand that end in injury, humiliation, death,...
I Don’t Think..Or Do I?
I Don’t Think..Or Do I? #SmoggySkies #ChemTrails #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #SomthingBigIsGoingOn #Lesson #Learn #Preparedness #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN I don’t think there’s something going on we should worry about. I don’t think there’s something...
The Sky is the Limit
The Sky is the Limit #TheSkyIsTheLimit #NoLimits #Stress #OptimumPerformance #Awareness #CompetitiveAwareness #Choices #Lesson #Learn #SportsTraining #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Is the sky the limit or are you limited in some fashion? If you feel limited as a coach or...
Radiant Blue Skies
#EMF #BlueSkiesAbove #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #ResearchRadiation #Lesson #Learn #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Can you see it? I took this picture of our sky a moment ago to use as the basis for what we can’t see. My response here is based on a comment I...
But I Didn’t Know
But I Didn’t Know #ButIDidntKnow #PickYourBattle #Stress #YouNeverSaid #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #Parenting #TVOff by SHAWN TRAUTMAN “Good news! Your youngest has been located!” – Joanna I took a screenshot of our FaceTime conversation...
Big Stories on the Green
Big Stories on the Green #FirstEagle #MakingPar #KidsGolf #EyeOnTheBall #Coaching #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Big moment today. Two firsts for these two, and it happened on the SAME hole. A short 281 yard Par 4 where Paxton’s high and...
High of 79
High of 79 #Breaking80 #OnlyGolfInThe70s #EyeOnTheBall #Goals #Progress #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #Golf #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN Huge Congratulations to Breanna! For two years now she’s scored in the 90’s and then 80’s and has flirted with the 80 mark time...
Can’t See The Forest
Can’t See The Forest #CantSeeTheForestForTheTrees #PickYourBattle #Stress #EyesOpen #Awareness #Options #Choices #Lesson #Learn #ChemTrail #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN What’s riskier… Arguing about something or just letting things go? Depends, right? Are we...
To Another Year
To Another Year #HappyAnniversary #19Years #CheersToAnotherYear #Mindset #Rebound #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman It just so happens today’s our 19th anniversary. I could go on and on about life as we know it and have lived it, but it’s...
Independent Thoughts
Independent Thoughts #IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly #Mindset #Freedom #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman O say can you see? Bright Stars. Broad Stripes. Bombs bursting in air. Proof through the night that our flag was still there. Happy...
Time Under Tension
Time Under Tension #TimeUnderTension #Router #FathersDay #Awareness #Options #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman I think I’ve got it. “It?” Yep. But “it”’s not what you think. If ever there was a post that everyone should read, it’s...
Being Duped
Being Duped #Duped #LookingFromDifferentAngles #Stress #Mindset #Awareness #Options #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman Admitting I’ve been duped on something is really tough for me as it is for most people. And, it makes sense. Even when...
Are You With Me
Are You With Me #AreYouKiddingMe #Checkmate #Stress #Mindset #Awareness #Options #Lesson #Learn #Life #Choices by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman “You’ve gotta’ be f*cking kidding me!” That’s the exact phrase I’ve joked about for years saying that it’s going to be the...
Hiss & Herss
Hiss & Herss #Check #Checkmate #PhotoBomb #Mindset #Awareness #Options #HealthyEats #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman Hiss and herss. The other night we made pizza and bread sticks. Joanna left the room right when I started to cut...
Lady’s Stinky New Friend
Lady’s Stinky New Friend #StinkyDog #HappyEaster #Skunked #Mindset #Awareness #Options #SkunkStink #Lesson #Learn #Life #Clean by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman > Easter dinner this year with my parents was extraordinarily delicious and everyone and everything...
Plumbing, Filtration, Cutting Granite
Plumbing, Filtration, Cutting Granite #Projects #Problems #Stress #Mindset #LittleThings #Success #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman This is SO COOL!! After 8 days of plumbing nightmares, burnt cartridges, stripped screws, cracked filters,...
AT-AT in the Yard
AT-AT in the Yard #AT-AT #StarWars #BlusteryDay #PointOfView #Awareness #WishISawThat #Perspective #Lesson #Learn #Life #Laugh by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman I thought for sure we were about to be under attack from one of those Star Wars AT-AT Walkers when I walked...
Not So Welcome
Not So Welcome #tolerance #diversity #dunedin #Mindset #SmallTown #MakingADifference #NotSoWelcome #Lesson #Learn #Life #Change by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman This sign is on the front door of a restaurant just over a mile from where we lived in FL. 4 years ago we...
F.E.A.R.less
F.E.A.R.less #Fear #FEARless #Stress #Mindset #Anxiety #Options #Dance #Cooking #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman What FEARs do you have? I mean, real FEAR? Fear is natural and is critical for survival. Fear keeps us alive as it...
Infringement 101
Infringement 101 #FiveSenses #ThreeOptions #Infringement101 #SeeHearSmellTasteTouch #Connect #Divide #Choices #Lesson #Dance #Partner #Connection #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman Can you make sense of this? Any one (1) of the five (5) main senses...
Grading on a Curve
Grading on a Curve #GradingOnACurve #RealLife #Success #Mindset #Awareness #Options #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman What would life be like if we were graded on a curve? Would the room where we painted 3 of the 4 walls yesterday...
Who is That in the Mirror
Who is That in the Mirror #Self-Image #Reflection #Stress #Mindset #Awareness #Like-Point #Strong #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see your own beauty or do you immediately look for...
People are Like Golf Balls
People are Like Golf Balls #GolfBall #GolfWisdom #Diversity #Mindset #Awareness #Inclusion #PerfectShot #Lesson #Learn #Life by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman People are like golf balls. Different colors. Different styles. Different brands. Different strengths....
The Birthday Gift
The Birthday Gift #BuildingThings #BirthdayGift #SoManyLessons #Mindset #Teamwork #Options #HomeSchool #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman This one’s worth the read (and the video’s good too, but don’t do one without the other). —...
Self-Love… Taking Care of YOU
Self-Love… Taking Care of YOU #SelfLove #Stress #Mindset #SelfWorth #SelfEsteem #SelfCare #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health #OxygenMask #Confidence #InputOutput by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman An interesting discussion yesterday about self-love took place in our...
Masks and Critical Thinking
Masks and Critical Thinking #CriticalThinking #Research #Mask #Mindset #Awareness #Options #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman Wait, what?? I spent the last 6 hours today at a college campus. I observed students, by the hundreds, and watched...
Getting What You Paid For
Getting What You Paid For #GettingWhatYouPaidFor #DeliveringOnPromises #BirthdayEarrings #Tenacity #Awareness #Options #Balance #Lesson #Learn #Life #Parenting by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman Here’s a story about getting what you paid for (getting what you want),...
Job Well Done
Job Well Done #JobWellDone #CheckYourWork #AsLongAsItTakes #Mindset #Awareness #Homeschool #LearnToLearn #Lesson #Learn #Life #CleanKitchen by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman Y’all have no idea how big this moment was for me. “What’s going on?” you say. Well, this is...
Tackling Big Projects
Tackling Big Projects #BigProjects #GettingItDone #KidPower #CrownMolding #GoodbyeAvocado #ItsGoingToBeHuge #ElbowGrease #Lesson #Learn #Life #TeamWork by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman For the first time in nearly 4 years we actually enjoy looking out this set of...
Customer Satisfaction
Customer Satisfaction #JustForLaughs #SomeAssemblyRequired #WinterFun #SnowDay #Balance #IKEAAdventures #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman We got a notification from UPS that our Igloo, Snowmen & Snowballs were all delivered from IKEA....
Is Seeing Actually Believing?
Is Seeing Actually Believing? #SeeingIsntAlwaysBelieving #Truth #FakeNews #Mindset #Awareness #TrustButVerify #ChallengeBeliefs #Lesson #Learn #Life #ReadTheFinePrint by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman I believe what I believe is, for the most part, correct. You...
Moment of Silence
Moment of Silence #PowerfulSilence #TooMuchNoise #Stress #Mindset #Awareness #QuietThoughts #Resilience #Lesson #Learn #Life #Creativity by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman A moment of silence. Perhaps for our nation? For our current leaders or future administration?...
Participation at Its Finest
Participation at Its Finest #ParticipationAward #PresentToWin #PresentNotPresent #ParticipationFail #DistanceLearning #HomeSchool #RealLife #Lesson #Learn #Life #ProudPapa by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman We had a first yesterday. And, before I share the story, let...
Quality Time Worth Remembering
Quality Time Worth Remembering #QualityTime #Mindfulness #LovedOnes #Mindset #Awareness #SharedExperience #SharedGoals #Lesson #Learn #Life #TeachingKids by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman Spending time versus spending quality time. This looks like it could be me just...
A Neat little story about cards
A Neat little story about cards #ThankYou #NeatStory #CustomerAppreciation #ArtBiz #LifeLessons #LearningTheRopes #Lesson #Learn #Life by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman Here’s a neat little story… I watched, on-and-off, as my two eldest girls spent nearly 20...
Searching for a Support System
It’s not as easy for humans to find, tap into and use strong foundational pieces in other humans. You can’t just buy a tool…
What does it matter?
What does it matter? #Reaction #Decision #Stress #Mindset #Check #Checkmate #Awareness #Options #Rebound #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN@shawntrautman “What does it matter?” “What’s the point?” Twice this week I’ve had these questions hurled at me...
CHECK! What’s Your Move…
CHECK! What’s Your Move… #Check #Checkmate #Stress #Mindset #Awareness #Options #Rebound #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman What’s the right move? Sometimes we’re in situations where there’s not a good solution. A no-win...
Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way
Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way #Lead #Follow #Balance #Leadership #Lesson #Role #Dance #Life #Team #Family #Disaffiliate by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman A leader cannot lead followers who won’t follow. Think about it. But, first, what is a leader? What is a...
Fighting Gravity is a Losing Game
Fighting Gravity is a Losing Game #Gravity #Posture #Stress #Mindset #Problems #Progress #Attitude #BabySteps #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman Fighting gravity is a losing game. Naturally, we all fight it from the day we’re born. The longer we live, the...
What is a bad word and why?
What is a bad word and why? “Different strokes for different folks” – I’m using this picture to illustrate differences of opinion on a single topic. The story that accompanies this was not between Joanna and I, it was a guest we had for Christmas. Please read...
The Balancing of Life
The Balancing of Life #Balance #Worry #Stress #Cortisol #Dopamine #Serotonin #Endorphins #Lesson #Learn #Life #Health by SHAWN TRAUTMAN @shawntrautman Ebb & flow, yin & yang, give & take, plus & minus, positive & negative, left & right,...
What do you learn from others?
What do you learn from others? What do you learn from others? In other words, where do you get your stories? Stories that are worth telling others. Meaningful encounters are so much more than small talk. Talk. Ask questions. Real questions. Not “how’s it going?” with...
The Law of Unintended Consequences
The Law of Unintended Consequences The Law of Unintended Consequences Ever heard of it? In simple terms, a single change in a complex system will have a ripple effect, or consequences, downstream. The changes can be both positive or negative and the ones that...
Etiquette (Dance Partner / Dance Floor)
Etiquette (Dance Partner / Dance Floor) Partner Etiquette When you are dancing, the two most important people on the dance floor are yourself and your dance partner. The following rules will make your joint dancing experience, especially during the learning period,...
The Agony of da Feet!
The Agony of da Feet! Do you have back pain? A lot of people do. Mine wasn’t as bad 3 weeks ago as it is today. I’ve done a LOT of walking (probably 4 to 5 miles a day) as I’m in the process of building my legs back up after a couple of weeks of being on the road and...
You can’t win ’em all
You can’t win ’em all Playing the hand you’re dealt doesn’t mean you’ll win. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes you have a really good hand and get beat by someone with a better hand. Sometimes you win with a hand you shouldn’t have. It all...
It’s all about perspective
It’s all about perspective Well, which is it? 1/2 full or 1/2 empty? The answer is all about perspective. Recently, I poured a 1/2 of glass of orange juice for my youngest daughter and she completely threw a fit. She was in no frame of mind to be short-changed...
Why is he going so slow?
Why is he going so slow? My daughter pulled out and onto a highway the other day as we had about a 15 minute drive to get back home. She quickly accelerated only to find herself hitting the brakes within seconds as the car directly in front of her got super close,...
What kind of person are you?
Dancer or Regular Guy/Gal but Loves to Dance? As those that know me know, I am passionate about helping people learn new things and dancing has been a huge part of my life…. but it’s because I love the social ends of dance and helping others, not because I love...
The Growth Spiral
What if the proverbial ladder of success wasn’t really a ladder at all?And, that we all have our own? I’m starting to think the ladder of success as a ladder of growth and man, it’s quite the sight.
What’s the point of Christmas?
What’s the point of Christmas? Okay, I’d love some input. We got into a heated discussion the other night about Christmas . “What is the point of Christmas?” I asked . “It’s about Jesus!” one of them said ....
Rhythm & Music for beginner dancers
Rhythm & Music for beginner dancers Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to know much about music to be a great dancer. Assuming you know very little about music, I’ll get you started here with the essentials that will have you feeling like...
Introduction to Social Dancing
Introduction to Social Dancing Social dancing is the bomb-diggity. Social dancing, in and of itself, though, encompasses a wide variety of couples dances, as well as various styles of dancing. So what all is it? In general terms, social dancing includes everything...
The perfect coffee cup
The perfect coffee cup I now have the perfect coffee cup! This morning, for no reason at all, our black cat (the mischievous one) walked by my coffee on the counter, looked at it, tilted his head back and forth, and then proceeded to “help it get over it’s fear of...
Were things better when things were worse?
Were things better when things were worse? “Everything was better when everything was worse” I heard this in a Ted talk once (the paradox of choice) and it stuck with me… so here’s my take. The reason things were better when things were worse was that when...
The true reflection of one’s self
The true reflection of one’s self To see the true reflection of one’s self (oneself?), one must have a calmness equal to that in nature. Only when the conditions are right can we clearly see a mirrored image of the true reality to be seen. It’s these truths...
Thanksgiving Thoughts
Thanksgiving Thoughts Quiet introspection may just be one of my most utilized self-examination tools of 2020. Come to think of it, I’m not sure what other self-examination tools I use. Maybe a bathroom mirror? A looking glass? Photos? Yeah, no, it’s the...
This could have ended so differently
This could have ended so differently This was the exact moment we got home yesterday and, while taking a deep breath, I realized just how fortunate we’d been. I shared a small part of the story yesterday, but it really didn’t capture the whole story and what made it...
Fog vs. Clarity in our lives
Fog vs. Clarity in our lives I’m impressed with how clear this picture is compared to what I just saw with a naked eye. I could barely make out the telephone pole and, though I probably should wear glasses when reading, I don’t have any trouble seeing things at a...
Struggles we don’t understand…
Struggles we don’t understand… This was quite the turn of events… 34 minutes before my eldest daughter’s tee-time in the opening round of the High School State Championship… I had just finished working with her at the range and we were...
How & Why these videos rock
1) The layout is a perfect setup for *****
2) We include ***** that make learning SIMPLE
3) Unique ******* format allows you to dance along with instructors
4) Includes ***** unlike “Date night” programs designed for quick “Show off” moves…
Lessons Learned
Lessons Learned I had a lengthy conversation with my family the other day about keeping track of lessons in all we do. You see, I was fortunate enough to be a part of some fascinating teams at Raytheon, EDS & the VA and also in some of the small businesses...
Intent matters (be careful out there)
Intent matters (be careful out there) Rarely do I have an empty back seat. I carry a lot of people and drive a LOT. Yesterday, I made a quick trip, alone, to the nearest gas station and I had my windows down. It’s a small 4 pump BP station and I just wanted to fill up...
A problem worth solving
A problem worth solving “Now that’s a problem worth solving!” Solving problems is how I spend most of my time so it’s no surprise that a picture like this (with my ‘analyze then solve’ face) surfaces. And, it’s where I get the most satisfaction. Truth is, we all have...
Random Acts of Kindness
Random Acts of Kindness This guy completely caught me off-guard today at a Wal-Mart. At first, I thought he was mad. He looked angry and his eyes were glossy. He walked up to my youngest daughter and said something that thoroughly confused me. She didn’t know what to...
Why Trust Me? (Shawn Trautman)
Learning to dance should be easy, but most instructors make it hard. Shawn Trautman removes barriers and makes lessons fast, simple & fun.
Fault Vs. Responsibility
“It wasn’t my FAULT!!!’”
We had a long conversation, as a family that started last night and made it’s way to the breakfast table this morning, and then to the couch.
Our talks was on the difference between fault and responsibility.
Delegation Vs. Empowerment
Delegation vs empowerment… at home and at the office.
Being a leader isn’t the same as being a manager.
Managing people isn’t the same as being a leader.
Appreciation for Life’s Basic Experiences
The older I get, the more I grow appreciation for life’s basic experiences.
In a five minute period here a short while ago while standing near an open window I wrote a few things that truly bring a smile to my face.
