Bob McDonnell *


What do you like most about your job?
Hmmm....its one of those questions people might take a couple seconds to think before answering, right?
I'm the same way... except after last night, cut out those couple seconds of pondering!
Ask me again.
Okkk.....?
What do you like most about your job?

L to R: Sarah House,
Kent Emmons, Bob Donnell, Bob's friends

I love the new people I always get to meet! I do. I seriously always get to meet the greatest people!
Thursday night Kent tells me that we're having a dinner guest over, Bob Donnell. After a strange car I didn't recognize followed me up into our neighborhood, I met him out on the driveway and greeted him with a "You must be Bob", in reply he said, "And you've gotta be Sarah."

Nick Vujici @ Calvary Community Church
April 23, 2012

24 hours later, we were like old pals attending a Nick Vujicic event and afterwards we grabbed dinner at BJ's where I got to meet and visit with a great group of Bob's friends, the majority belonging to his Association by Next Level Live.  Man, it is always refreshing to meet a group of people who are continually working on "becoming a better me", so refreshing!
This morning I told Bob I would wake up and make coffee before he leaves (early morning of 5:00 am -eek !) While I listened to the coffee brewing, I sat down and wrote down some of the things that popped out at me last night. After dinner when we got home and discussed the things we took in from the night's events. I asked him more about "his people" and learned more about his story and how's he come to where he's at today. Bob has a phenomenal story and a true passion for what he does. It was not only fun to hear his story but I got some great lessons.
I wrote down some of the notes over our conversation....

When the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change...
example: If a doctor says, "if you don't eat better, you're going to die." It then makes you contemplate the pain of staying the same and heading down the road towards DEATH.....is that pain really greater than skipping the next McDonnell's (there it is! ;) Combo Meal?
What is your greatest pain / fear?
What is your pursuit of happiness or you most desire in life?
Some people say, I want $250,000. Okay, here's $250,000. Put it under your bed. Are we good now? You happy?
Oh wait, you wanted to spend that $250,000?!
Well, what are you going to spend it on?

• Debt
• Daughter's college loans
• New car for wife

And why these things?
Debt to create less stress, peace of mind.....security. Daughter's loan to teacher my daughter independence and get a college degree so she's stable .
I want to my wife to feel safe in her vehicle and know that I can provide for her.
So what it gets down to is self worth or significance. This dude really wants significance. Significance that he provides for his family, has self worth, accomplishment, etc.. Is $250,000 the solution or is teaching him a way how to feel significant the solution?

Lessons:
#1: Find the problem, not the symptom.

Lesson #2:  Let people stay at your house. Right before you go to bed or arise are some of the greatest times to visit and really get to know someone.

#3: When the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change...
#4: Always work to connect people! Also welcome the opportunity to always be meeting new people.

*In this 24 hours, I also emailed Bob and mistakenly said McDonnell instead of Donnell - hey, and now we have our own inside joke!