Peek Performance

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Peek Performance

A Sixty-Word Short Story: *

Charlotte learned a mental trick when she was very young. She learned how to look ahead and see herself in a future state of existence, meaning that if she could concentrate on what she wanted to be and see it in her mind’s eye, she would eventually become what she imagined. When she arrived, she bubbled with gratitude and cried.

And more…

Have you ever had that feeling of exultation and joy of realizing a dream come true? The moment that the car on your vision board was parked in your garage. The time a glance across the room sparked an enduring relationship. The moment when the stars aligned and your life exploded with abundance. And my favorite: The absolute surge of adrenaline and goosebumps you get when you realize that everything you ever wanted had always been in reach and that what “things” you got in life paled in comparison to who you had become, who you actually ARE in life. That’s why Charlotte cried with tears of gratitude. She understood the power of self-awakening.

Here’s the epiphany and its essence is found in a Japanese Proverb: “Vision without action is a daydream and action without vision is a nightmare.” What Charlotte discovered, and is within each of us to tap into, is that living with purpose – having a clear vision for our life – turns every action into a steppingstone, bringing us closer and closer to becoming whatever it is we choose to become. Our purpose, vision, raison d’être, dharma, or whatever we choose to call it, sets our GPS and activates our autopilot so that we live with intention all the time. This creates the power to transform, transcend and transport us to a place and time where dreams literally come true.

This is a state I call “Peek Performance.” It’s a mindset that lets us look ahead, peek if you will, into our own future. When we are clear and focused on our purpose, anything we put our attention to has greater relevance. Our actions and how we perform in life become a reflection of who we are and how we see ourselves. And when our internal vision is aligned with our actions, we connect the cosmic dots. Living in peek performance is the key to creating a fulfilling life’s story and it starts by identifying one’s purpose, not just why we are here, but why we want to be here. Find your “why” and you’ll find your “way.”

The Final Thought: When what we tell ourselves about who we are becomes true we’ve arrived.

* The Premise (Opening short story): Always 60 words. No more. No Less. For more stories like this and information about my books, please visit www.szenzone.com

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by: Gary Szenderski

The Search for Solace

A Sixty-Word Short Story: *

Carl struggled with the waves of negativity that seemed to pour into his psyche on a daily basis. He tried to ignore the news, the social media feeds, and the sometimes-serious complaining about the state of the world overheard in checkout lines. He looked to escape the noise, find a respite, and calm his weary heart. He found refuge within.

And more…

Sometimes it seems that the world is spiritually bankrupt, often barren of joy and full of doubt. Not a great place to be, yet here we are. But as Alexander Pope famously said in 1734: “Hope springs eternal.” And with it a chance to escape today’s ennui and find a moment of inspiration and peace of mind. Today, Hope and its big sister Faith are alive and well as we find ourselves in the midst of Passover and Easter. These very holy days are not only filled with ritual, prayer and history but they celebrate a new life where God wins and we’re all able to tap into the power of peace, and fellowship – a time and space where true solace can be found.

All of us need a way to escape the burdens of life and distress and each of us follows our own path to find what Carl from our story desperately needed. He eventually went inside himself to calm his own inner turbulence. Like Carl, when we find ourselves stuck with bad news all around us it’s hard to just turn it off. In fact, we can’t. We’re encased in an onslaught of negative news and distress where social media is playing with our minds, feeding us untruths, products that don’t work, and digital traps that steal our identity, money and sense of self. Whew! Sorry. I didn’t intend to be so negative but wow it’s hard to ignore.

That being said, fortunately, we have a gift from our Creator which gives us the ability to change the narrative for ourselves. It’s called free will and it’s the most powerful tool known to man. It enables us to choose not only what we experience but how we absorb it into our psyche. We get to decide how “things” good or bad will affect us. It’s not so much ignoring things as it is filtering and categorizing them. Our free will is designed to help us take charge of how we see our world and put a positive spin on whatever needs to be spun. This whole paragraph is my spin on how to frame the moments of our life in such a way that fits with who we are, not who we’re told to be. When we access our power to be the master of our thoughts, we gain the upper hand. We emerge from the darkness, and we create our own sanctuary. A place where solace can be found and we’re in charge of what happens next.

The Final Thought: Prayer, meditation, mantras and ritual open a channel to the unknown where we can connect to our source and ask for what our heart seeks. It’s the fertile ground where all things are possible and we’re in the driver’s seat.   

* The Premise (Opening short story): Always 60 words. No more. No Less. For more stories like this and information about my books, please visit www.szenzone.com

Szenzone – Stories of life and the power to change yours – is sent via email by request and is published weekly or thereabouts. For back issues or to receive this publication directly please email [email protected]  © Gary Szenderski 2025 All Rights Reserved. Gary is an author, branding specialist and teaches at the University of California in Irvine. He specializes in helping people and organizations navigate change – if you or your company needs assistance contact Gary directly.  Gary resides in Southern California and welcomes your comments.

Luck of the Roll

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by: Gary Szenderski Luck of the Roll My New York Adventure Part 2 Recap: On my very first trip to New York via Philadelphia, I had hitchhiked and arrived with very little money, no clue of the culture and after one night staying at the YMCA realized something about New York that I would carry […]

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When Things Go Bad

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by: Gary Szenderski
From the Book of Szen

When Things Go Bad

“So, I’m down and so I’m out but so are many others. So I feel like trying to hide my head ‘neath these covers.” *

Sometimes things come at us and we feel helpless and simply want to hide. We wonder what we did to deserve the bad times and how in the world we will survive. It’s just one thing after another in waves of disappointment and fear and even the strongest of us lose faith. And of course, when we lose faith, we lose everything.

For example… a father was taking his two young girls to school. He had to stop on the way to buy some gas. He looked in his wallet and saw seven dollars – five and two ones. The ones would go to his daughters for lunch, and his last five dollars would go into the tank. As he watched the gas pump counting out the last pennies he possessed, he looked at the car he was driving (a very old Oldsmobile with no air conditioning, power steering or radio and bald tires to boot) and wondered how in the world he would be able to take care of his children. Business was horrible and the rent was late. The click of the pump brought him back to the present and he had to hurry to get the kids to school on time. He jumped into the car and sped off, but he had neglected to take the hose out of the gas tank and pulled it right out of the pump, dragging it behind the car as a metaphor for his own personal nadir. He wanted to cry…

“But I’ll keep my head up high although I’m kind of tired. My gal just up and left last week, and Friday I got fired. I know it’s kind of funny, but things can’t get worse than now.” *

Bad things can happen to good people. Negative things can happen to positive people. And unexpected things can happen to people that plan. Such is life and often the yin and yang of our existence treat and exposes all of us to situations that beat us up, bring us down and zap all remnants of positive energy right out of our psyche. How we react in these situations determines to what extent we can be controlled by what’s going on “outside” versus what we know to be true about ourselves on the “inside.” We could lose money, love, and people in our lives and begin to feel that somehow, we deserve the bad luck and that it’s entirely our fault. We also know the pain of not being able to help someone we care about navigate through difficult times, perhaps we even have first-hand experience: Be it divorce, family death, illness, job loss or whatever, it often feels like the pain, stress and sorrow will never end.

However, even though we may slip into an ennui of pity and desperation, we can’t forget that the engine inside of us is still beating with a force of will that is legendary. The same willpower that creates heroes from POW’s and inspiration from darkness works inside each of us to bring us through the challenges we face. An inner sanctum of positive power is available to help us succeed in the midst of defeat and thrive amongst the barren landscapes we sometimes face. Not my law; God’s law.

I’ve been told and I believe that life is meant for living and even when my chips are low, there’s still some left for giving.” *

In the face of a mental, physical, financial or emotional meltdown, here are two things to remember:

1. You are not alone. You may feel like you want to be alone or maybe that no one understands or cares, but that is shortsighted and just plain poor thinking. There are people in your life that care and can help, even if it’s just listening to your plight. Invite them into a dialog with your inner and truer self and you’ll be surprised at the positive outcomes you can create.

2. Seriously, you are not alone. ‘Nuff said.

* Lyrics from the song entitled “Cycles” performed by Frank Sinatra.

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The Final Thought: If any of you are reading this, feeling like you’re on an island and want to talk, please respond to this email and we’ll have a chat. I’m all ears.

Reinventing Ourselves

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By: Gary Szenderski

Reinventing Ourselves

A Sixty-Word Short Story: *

For as long as Debbie could remember, she had approached her job and her life with great purpose and process. She knew what she wanted to do, and she had a way to get it done. This formula had served her well but lately she was feeling bored and suddenly recalled the famous quote: “The less routine, the more life.”

And more…

The quote that Debbie recalled in our story comes from Amos Bronson Alcott, a 19th century American educator, writer, and philosopher. The subject of routine is interesting to me because on one hand by doing the same thing over and over and repeating a formula or process it allows us to accomplish more. Being repetitive and following a game plan typically translates into being more efficient. I know that all of us have our routines and perhaps we don’t even think about them too much and so we tend to simply be going through the motions. After some time, the brain wires itself so that we can actually become unconscious of what we’re doing. This frees up space in our mind to think about other stuff as we methodically join in with the generations of multi-taskers all around us.

On the other hand, what are we missing? Good question. I guess the simple answer is opportunity. Whenever we replace one mode of operation or disengage from a habit, we’ve formed we open the door of change. This door is incredibly wide with lots to explore once we enter. Change is the driving force of reinvention and the catalyst of personal growth. Without change we can’t grow. This is our nature and if we set out to try something new, different, or even scary we activate our inner compass, and this allows our heart’s desire to emerge and come into focus. Focus is what gives us our sense of purpose. Focus energizes. Focus clarifies. Focus activates. Focus sets the GPS toward our future.

When is the best time for us to recalibrate, repurpose, reprogram, and reinvent our life? The simple answer is anytime we’re ready. For me, that time is now.

The Final Thought: When we embrace change, we embrace the unknown, but we activate an internal guidance system that removes the fear and replaces it with courage.

* The Premise (Opening short story): Always 60 words. No more. No Less. For more stories like this and information about my books, please visit www.szenzone.com

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Thank you for being a loyal reader. Below are links on how to learn more about my books and how to create positive change in our lives. For previous postings and information and book reviews go to www.szenzone.com Other links to reach me appear below. Stories of life and the power to change yours – is sent via email by request and is published weekly or thereabouts. © Gary Szenderski 2026 All Rights Reserved. Gary is an author, branding specialist and teaches at the University of California in Irvine. He specializes in helping people and organizations navigate change – if you or your company needs assistance contact Gary directly. Gary resides in Southern California and welcomes your comments.To subscribe for free, email me at [email protected]

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Wishful Thinking

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Wishful Thinking

I think that thinking about anything changes that thing. Our thoughts on whatever the subject might be, have an influence on it. Our thoughts surround the subject and somehow rearrange it. For example, this week I have a deadline of Tuesday for some research. I’m behind a bit and really wish I had a few more days and today I was granted a couple of days. Wishful thinking works.

We all have examples of things we think about or concentrate on that come to life. That’s because in the process of thinking we establish a focus and focus channels our thoughts not only on the subject but also on ourselves. Pondering is a way for us to extrapolate the best course of action or develop a better perspective in the process. In both cases we win. And that’s the point. Focus and perspective can form a belief. And a belief becomes our own powerful ambassador in opening our minds and options. We end up getting exactly what we believed we would.

This is powerful and we can apply it right now and to all of the “nows” to come. Belief is a force that even nature can’t ignore. So, believe in positive life changing outcomes and they will happen; believe that you’re stuck, and wishful thinking doesn’t work and that will happen too. It’s your choice. Make a wish.

Szenippet: Our minds create the outcomes in our life. What we see inside becomes a reality outside. What do you see?

 

Going With the Flow

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Going With the Flow

Sailing on the Waves of Life

It’s Thursday, January 23, 2025, a day at sea, and I am writing this while on a cruise amongst the islands that populate the Bahamas, because we never know when an “ah-ha” moment will occur, and I just had one. I am reading a book by Oliver Burkeman entitled Meditation for Mortals, a book about embracing our limitations and making time for what counts. In the book he quotes Ann Patchett who shared a perspective which I’ve paraphrased many times, but didn’t know the source. She says: “It helps when you can realize that this part of life, when you don’t know what’s coming, is often the part that people look back on with the greatest affection.” The truth is we can’t know for sure how reality will unfold and even though we think we have things under control, we don’t. This fact is essential to enjoying life and the foundation for the open-ended philosophy of “going with the flow.” The lesson being that getting what we desire usually doesn’t happen the way we think it should. Seems that the universe has its own way of making dreams come true. I learned this axiom from someone who taught me that control is an illusion; unfortunately, I leaned it too late to keep her as a friend, which is a story for another time.

The metaphor I use with clients and students on this topic is that control is like grasping an ice cube. You think you have it, but the more you squeeze it, the faster it melts away. And when it does, there is no way to salvage its previous form. I think most of us have experienced some aspect of life where love or fame or riches or whatever is within our reach but not in our grasp. Those moments can be life changing and very often worth talking about. That is what my ah-ha moment has been today. To quote an adage of uncertain origin, almost everything that happens is either a good time or a good story and this trip is turning out to be both.

Szenippet: Going with the flow, letting go of our need to control, allows for infinite possibilities, both good and bad. Either something magical happens or at worst we’ve got a new story to share. And strangely enough, by sharing our stories we often create the magic we seek.

Making Magic

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Magic Making

Abracadabra

This is the time of the year when we list all of the things we resolve to change or do or create for ourselves. Then we get a magic wand (any brand will do) and wave it appropriately with our own special magic mantra and voila we’ve changed. We could perform this over and over as many of us do, until we almost believe that it will happen. So why don’t those things, that we so desperately want never arrive? I mean I really could lose the extra weight, get more sleep, read more, exercise etc. – All good stuff and for some reason they just don’t happen. The answer is that we’re not waving the magic wand right. It’s very clearly stated in the instruction manual that we must have faith and believe in our self in order to create what we seek.

Nothing happens until we see it in our mind first. That vision is a goalpost and sets the direction of our actions. And it’s those pesky actions that actually do all the work. Action creates energy and acts like a magnate for that which we desire. Even if we take itsy bitsy baby steps toward reaching our goals, we will feel the draw and soon, what we seek, will begin to move toward us. It’s a win win scenario, and all it takes is action. Not ordinary action like going through the motions, but real actions that we believe will bring our dream to life. Belief is the fuel that makes the action work, and it is embedded in each of us. It’s the creation tool that comes with us when we’re born, and we learn how it works through practice.

If you watch a baby or toddler build something or playing intently, you’re witnessing their practice time for building up their belief muscle. If they can see it, they can do it, or at least they will try. Of course, they get frustrated but that doesn’t stop the effort or the action. I like to believe that we still have that power, and it just needs to be energized with a new vision, destination, or resolution that through faith we can bring to life.

So, before you throw out the magic wand, try it again and this time try it with the faith that whatever you seek will manifest and proceed from there. Faith lessens the strain of work, and it builds confidence. It’s the human secret sauce for living the life of our dreams. Abracadabra. Poof! We’re almost there.

Szenippet: Anything we want, we see first in our mind. That mental picture represents the finished product, like we might see on the outside of a box of a do-it-yourself project. The instructions are inside and even though they may seem daunting we know we can make it happen.

Un-Done Things

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Un-Done Things

Seeking Comfort in Closure

The un-done things of life include two distinct categories: Things never started and yet to be done, and things started that can’t seem to get done. If you ponder this for a second, you’ll understand what I mean. The first one includes everything on our bucket list: the places to visit, the sights to see, the people to meet, the concerts to attend, and the ever-present improved health through exercise. These are on our list of intentions, resolutions and honey do’s. These all have a good chance of happening and some will join the second list.

The second list of un-done things in life includes all of those projects we started that never got completed – they’re just not done, over, ended, terminated, transformed or finished. It includes the promises we made and failed to deliver on. It includes the relationships that are left unresolved, and it includes any memory that continues to surface that generates a “woulda, coulda shoulda” response. This second list desperately seeks closure, especially when it’s a memory that needs to rest.

Closure is defined as the act of closing, bringing to an end, conclusion. Closure can signify celebration. When we have achieved and have completed the task and arrived at our intended destination, that’s closure. When the whole story is finally told and a dark memory is allowed to subside, that’s closure. To be able to set aside the “what ifs” and accept “what is” is closure. Closure closes doors so others may be open. Closure is the friend of the open minded and its cousin completeness. Closure is required to learn and to grow.

Whatever our un-done list may look like, it is exclusively our list. We alone get to manage, modify, and manipulate what gets done and what doesn’t. When we feel the need for closure, it’s important that we act, because when we do reach closure, it can generate a calmness and peace – a sense of completeness like nothing else. And from there, anything is possible.

Szenippet: Feeling a need for closure is normal. Actually achieving closure is complicated. And life without closure can be chaotic. So, when that one unresolved thought pokes at our psyche, let it go and move on. We need the room to grow.

Many Happy Returns

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Many Happy Returns

 

Getting a gift from a person you didn’t expect to, or a gift big- ger than the one you thought was appropriate or getting a gift you didn’t need or want at all, can be stressful and make you feel a little uncomfortable. This time of year, this happens a lot. It happens to you and it happens to the person that you just gave a gift to.

 

Knowing how to receive is as important as how to give. The way you take it, embrace it and acknowledge it is as meaningful as any gift you could ever give in return. The art of receiving is a gift unto itself. And in many cases, accepting a gift the right way is the very gift you give back to the giver.

Children don’t know the right or wrong way to accept a pres- ent, they simply react to it. Remember the innocence and won- der you felt as a child and how you loved the fact that you got everything that you told Santa you wanted. Or conversely how you’d scrunch your nose at the new clothes you always got from Grandma. Remember too, giving your hand-made “do-dad” to your Mom and how she beamed with delight and how you swelled with pride.

This Christmas think about how to receive as well as give. Be gracious. Be honest. Be happy. The look on your face, the twin- kle and spark from your eyes will say it all. People know when you don’t like what you got. They can tell by the shift in your aura. By the twitch in your smile. By the lack of eye contact.

Open up. Let people give. Let them be happy with what they wanted you to have. Let them feel that you care and appreci- ate the effort. Remember there is no gift that you will ever ever receive that has not been considered and thought about and maybe agonized about before its presentation. And for each of us that receive that extra special and thoughtful gift there is a gift giver that swells with pride with your reaction. Their gift is truly in the giving and that’s what makes them happy. So take it, don’t spoil their fun, and know that you are giving them the best gift of all, your gratitude.

Merry Christmas. May every gift you give be the right one.