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The 3% Club: It’s Just About… Life.

May 11, 2013 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

3 percent green“By choosing to participate in this program, you have separated yourself from almost everyone else – or at least the remaining 97 percent of the population that don’t give thoughtful contemplation to their life’s desires, nor chart a proper course to take their life in that direction.

Most people are more diligent about making their grocery lists than they are about designing their lives. That is why it is so easy to get ahead in life, stand out and move ahead. Most people – 97 percent of them -couldn’t be bothered.

Sad but true… but not you. Here you are. Congratulations!

Is it that easy to step away from the herd and step ahead of everyone you work with, compete against, live around, associate with and meet on the street? The answer is yes.”

– Darren Hardy, Author of Living Your Best Year Ever

Yes the words above are not mine. But how about that? Do those words make you stop and think? They did for me, and I am taking part. I have been doing it this year and even a few months before, because you don’t just flip a switch and hit the ground running, you need to at least stretch a little.

And yesterday, I was honored to have the opportunity to take this club to a whole new level. What I have already briefly described to my wife as one of the top five experiences of my life. The 3% club, in person.

Thirteen of us, joined together by one purpose, to tap into the synergy of others promoting individual growth, enlightenment, empowerment, breakthroughs… I could go on and on. The bottom line is we are all working on one goal, getting our inside right, so the outside will follow.

The 3% club is simple to explain, (in fact it was laid out fairly well at the beginning of this blog), easy to maintain, and life changing and life affirming, if you just get going. These thirteen men, myself included, are doing just that. Ideas shared yesterday are just scratching the surface of what is possible.
For example, here are just a few ideas we shared about the definition of success:

Success is the pursuit of worthwhile goals. Understand at the end of the road your life is summed up in a dash, the dash on your gravestone between the year you lived and the year you died. It’s up to you how you want that dash to be remembered. It’s not about how hard you worked, it’s about how many lives you touched. – Rich Myer

Finding a way to enhance other people. Give and receive. – Tim Mucosmanaj

Much of success is invisible to the outside world. It’s service work. Do good things for people and good things happen. – Kevin Regan

What can I do to help other people? Being able to sleep at night is important. Did I do the right thing? Treat people the way you would want to be treated. – Scott Mattingly

Be authentic. Be passionate. Do what you love. – Pete Kohalsch

Having an abundance of choices and freedom in life. Enjoy being around good people. Have a flow and balance. – Mark Pallack

Complete peace of mind. Follow your gut and your feelings. Have the power to know yourself – Tim Foley

Consistent pursuit of growth and personal achievement. Identify what is important in your life. Find out who you really are as a person. – Jeremy Walsh

This is just a sampling of the thoughts and ideas which were shared as we went around the room and talked about success and personal growth. Hard not to be inspired by hearing, moreover listening, to other achievers and doers, sharing their vision, their mission, their purpose and their desires.

The theme I found, the thread which ran through and connected me to every person in the room, is the same one which I am trying to do every day and learning to embrace: Identify what your gift is, take the time to learn your purpose, your WHY, then find a way to use it to help, to motivate, to educate, to inspire… to empower other people. Reach that pinnacle and you are fulfilled.

If you can find what it is you are passionate about, then the universe will conspire on your behalf. Like I said if you get the inside right, the outside world will beat a path to your door. For me it’s the door leading to my heart, because when you live there, when you speak from that place, everyone who has one buys in. As a matter of fact, others will be all in.

That group meeting was the start to my day. Imagine having the opportunity to kick-off your weekend sitting around talking with people who are not only embracing life, but every day working to make themselves better than the day before. Even if it is only one-tenth of one percent. It’s the compound effect. Do what most people don’t, or won’t, and do it consistently over a long period of time, and watch your life begin to change in ways you might never have imagined.

Like I said before, how can you not be inspired? How can you not want to go out and make yourself better? It’s a lot easier than you think, if you know what you are all about, recognize what your gift is, then use that gift to make this world a better place for the people you love and others who will learn to love you because of who you are, because of who you become. Because you helped them become more.

I want my “dash” to be remembered for the heart I brought to this world and found a way to share and inspire others to do the same. Just imagine what the world would be like if we went from 3 percent to 100 pecent.

Just imagine…

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Comments

  1. Marilyn Lefkowitz says

    May 11, 2013 at 8:56 am

    Very uplifting Mark. Quite enjoyable to read. Great way to start the day- any day!!

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      May 11, 2013 at 8:57 am

      Thank you Marilyn. Happy Mother’s Day in advance. 🙂

      Reply

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Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

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I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

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This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

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In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

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It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

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This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

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A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

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This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

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There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

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September 25, 2013

 

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

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Go Ahead, Resist This: It’s Just About… Life

“Hold up, I’ll get to it. I’m going to do it, I swear, I’ll start tomorrow.” They call it procrastination. Even better, they call it Resistance. Maybe the one thing that is guaranteed to kill your dreams. Right now I am reading the War of Art, by Steven Pressfield. Sometimes it’s the little book no […]

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