Steve Weber - Writings

Archived May, 2012

Smart Is As Smart Does?

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

Joshua Foer’s book Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything suggests that grand chessmasters have only average cognitive skills for most things. Their analytical skills are not superior to other people’s abilities. Rather, their passion for chess and the hours they’ve spent practicing result in memories that can be accessed quickly. This super memory bank of data that they’ve accumulated from hours of practice is used to find the best move for any given chess situation. Here is an excerpt from Foer’s book at delanceyplace.com.

Forrest Gump didn’t have superior intelligence. In fact, his IQ of 75 was considered below average.

But Forrest did have passion for the things he did in life.

Forrest did spend hours practicing ping-pong to become a champion.
Forrest did work hard at the shrimpin’ business before becoming successful.

Malcolm Gladwell in Outliers suggests it takes 10,000 hours to master a particular subject or skill.

So maybe smart is over-rated. Maybe hard work and passion are a lot more important then raw intelligence and cognitive skills.

How hard are you willing to work?
How passionate are you for your work?
How many hours are you willing to dedicate to master your life’s purpose?

Next Blog Title:

Next Blog Date: June 4, 2012

Steve Weber is a speaker, Forrest Gump tribute artist, facilitator, blogger, and author. The three principles of Gumption are specifically designed to get you (and your team) to Function with Gumption. Steve uses the simple, yet powerful, life lessons from the movie Forrest Gump to bring positivity back into the workplace. Learn more at SpeakingGump.com.

Tags: Delancey Place, Forrest Gump, Joshua Foer, Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers, Steve Weber, stupid is as stupid does
Posted in Life Lessons | 1 Comment »

Have you ever seen it done that way?

Thursday, May 24th, 2012

The other day KJ asked me, “Have you ever seen it done that way before?”

The question stopped me momentarily, and I had to honestly answer, “No.”

That shook me a little as I started to question my strategy and myself. Was I making a mistake? Should I reconsider and do it the way others have done it before?

I decided to use my own three principles of Gumption to get myself regrounded. I need to follow my own instincts in pursuing this important project.

Over the past year, I’ve consulted with countless experts and read more than my bloodshot eyes can remember – it’s now time to take 100% personal responsibility and Function with Gumption … as opposed to following what someone else has done before me.

So here is what I’m going to do:

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Tags: Do it Your Way, Follow Your Instincts, Function with Gumption, Gumption, Motivational Speeches, Steve Weber
Posted in Business, Gumption, Steve's Journey | 1 Comment »

The Life Journey of Forrest Gump

Monday, May 21st, 2012

In the movie Forrest Gump, Forrest neatly moves from one life chapter to another.

First, he’s a boy.
Then he’s in high school.
Then he’s in college playing football.
Forrest then joins the Army as a foot soldier.
He becomes a ping-pong champion.
After being discharged, he becomes a struggling shrimperman.
Then he finds success as a shrimperman.
A wise investment in a fruit company makes him a gazillionaire.
Forrest then runs across America.
He reunites with Jenny (again) and learns he’s a father.
He marries. Jenny dies. And the feather floats off.

Your own life journey is similar when the perspective of time is used as the barometer. Movies have the ability to orderly group events. Real life comes at us in never ending waves.

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Tags: Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump Movie, Function with Gumption, life chapters, life journey, Steve Weber
Posted in Life Lessons | No Comments »

“You’re Gonna Have to Figure That Out for Yourself”

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Momma couldn’t tell Forrest what his destiny was.

When Momma Gump is on her deathbed, an anxious and concerned Forrest pleads, “Momma, what’s my destiny”?

Momma replies, “You’re gonna have to figure that out for yourself. Life is a box of chocolates, Forrest. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

We all want answers, just like Forrest wanted his momma to answer his question about his destiny.

But it doesn’t work that way.

And it especially doesn’t work that way for something as important as your own destiny. Your own life purpose. Your own special mission and the reason that you’re on this earth.

Most things, and certainly all the important things in life, are things we have to figure out for ourselves.

Are you asking others to do the hard work that only you can do?
Are you hoping someone else will figure it out for you?
What’s your destiny?

Next Blog Title:
Next Blog Date: May 21, 2012

Tags: Destiny, Forrest Gump, Function with Gumption, Life's Purpose, Montana Speaker, Motivational Speaker, Steve Weber
Posted in Gumption, Life Lessons | 1 Comment »

What Feathers Do You Need To Let Go?

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Feathers don’t have to be held on to forever.

At the very beginning of the movie Forrest Gump, Forrest bends down to pick up a feather that had floated out of the sky and landed directly at his feet.

In my presentations, I use the feather to make the following points:

Life’s randomness. There are an awful lot of things swirling around us that we have no control over.
Opportunities. Opportunities come into our life unexpectedly and randomly.
Choices. An opportunity sitting at your feet doesn’t become real until you pick it up.
Letting go. Just as the feather floats off at the end of the movie, some of the feathers you’ve been holding on to should probably be released so they can fly away.

What new feathers are currently floating around and about to land in your life?
What feather is currently sitting at your feet that you need to pick up?
What feathers are you holding on to that you’d be better off if you let go?

Next Blog Title: “You’re Gonna Have To Figure That Out For Yourself”
Next Blog Date: May 17, 2012

Tags: Feather, Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump Movie, Function with Gumption, Gumption, Letting go of the past, Motivational Speeches, Steve Weber
Posted in Gumption, Life Lessons | No Comments »

Three Invaluable Life Lessons I Learned From My Mother

Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Rita M. Weber (1927-2001) circa 1945

With Mother’s Day approaching, I’d like to reflect on three invaluable life lessons I learned from my mother.

But first, I’ll mention that next month it will be eleven years since she left us. Last year, I reprinted the eulogy given at her funeral. I miss my mother. But I’m the person I am today because of these three very important life lessons that she lovingly and generously gave me: independence; making choices; and responsibility.

Thanks, Mom! I love you and miss you!

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Tags: Decision Making, Independence, Mother's Day, Personal Responsibility, Steve Weber
Posted in Life Lessons, Steve's Journey | No Comments »

Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They’re Hatched – Part 1

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

How many chickens will I get from 24 eggs?

This timeless expression suddenly has taken on a very real, new meaning for me.

“Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.”

If you’re a regular reader, you probably know that one year ago I ended up with eight chickens. Specifically, eight hens. Here is that story. My lovable girls have been both a great source of amusement and delicious eggs.

Here is why literally the expression, “Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched” as taken on a new meaning for me.

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Tags: Don't Count Your Chickens, Gumption, Montana Speaker, Raising Chickens, Steve Weber
Posted in Life Lessons, Steve's Journey | No Comments »