Think back. Why did you originally choose to attend Klemmer & Associates trainings in the first place? Were you looking for something more in your life, perhaps in the form of relationships, achieving goals, blasting past personal barriers that were hindering you? In our a previous blog we talked about a graduate, who had achieved a lot of his goals, yet still felt unfulfilled. Maybe you can relate to this graduate, having also tried to remedy that feeling by reaching for higher and higher goals and ending in the cycle of More, Better, Different. Or maybe your goals have eluded you. Your chosen direction has proven to be more difficult than you imagined and now you've pulled back and are not playing full out. Maybe you've given up altogether. When we try to fill ourselves up with something external to ourselves we eventually face these outcomes. How do we live then, instead, from our beingness? We begin by realizing why we operate from our mind and ego, rather than our beingness. Our ego is shaped starting at a young age when we experience pain. Pain causes us to shrink back and alters how we feel about ourselves. In a sense we then have "holes" in our wholeness. To help picture this, there is an analogy of a block of cheese. Each of us starts out as a whole block, but every time we experience a painful event, we pull back and that becomes a hole in the block of cheese. As we age and experience more painful events we eventually end up looking like a block of Swiss cheese. In an effort to feel better about ourselves, we fill up those holes with external things such as the love from another person, having a purpose, sex, work, money, going to church…The list is endless and depends on the individual. Then, if you could dissolve the real cheese, what you'd have left are the fillers, or what we call ego. Eventually these external fillers become our image, the identity we cling to. And because we find at least temporary relief from our fillers, we can be very protective about them. We avoid anything that threatens our identity. We attack things that don't agree with it. When we lose one of our fillers, we have to fill up the hole again. For instance, if we are jilted by someone we've received love from, we might blame them for not filling our needs, and again seek to fill that hole with someone else – or we might bail out emotionally altogether. The same is true for the goals we achieve. When gratification from reaching a goal wears off, we have to fill in that hole again. That is how we end up going back for something More, Better or Different. On the other hand, if we don't achieve a goal, we pull back in order to protect our image or we shift gears into something else. Either way, our willingness to play full out is hindered. As we become aware of our fillers, we can stop protecting them. Letting go of having to keep holes filled and guard a false identity all the time opens up our creativity. It frees us to take risks and ultimately to play full out from a different level: our beingness. This is the place of knowing we are whole, unique individuals who are intrinsically valuable. This is just the beginning. There are other aspects to playing full out that we'll discuss further when we pick up this subject again in an upcoming blog.

How do you communicate when you are angry with someone else? As discussed in If How-To's Were Enough We Would All Be Skinny, Rich, & Happy (page 52), there are responsible and irresponsible ways to handle resentment and let another person know that we are upset. When we are not used to expressing our anger or have allowed it to bottle up over a period of time, our communication typically takes on negative tones. Honest communication that is non-responsible may be manifested in several ways. You can communicate honestly, but non-responsibly by: 1) Blaming the other person for how you feel. 2) Embarrassing someone in order to get revenge. 3) Leaving the receiving person or team with negativity they can do nothing about. To illustrate this, imagine a garden hose that has lain dormant all winter. Then, on the first day of summer when you're thirsty and you drink from it — UGH! Have you ever done that? It's foul tasting! Sometimes we are like the dormant hose. If you, or a person you are supporting in open, honest, responsible communication, have not communicated negative feelings in awhile, these feelings may come out like foul water from a dormant hose. When learning to communicate open and honestly, try rehearsing your communication in front of someone you trust. Tell them what you are doing and request that they listen for blame versus responsible. We once received an e-mail from a Klemmer & Associates graduate who had an alcoholic, homeless father. During a Personal Mastery training, he determined that he was going to have an open communication with his dad. Fortunately he was wise; he chose to run his thoughts by his mother first. She recognized that her son was coming from a perspective of blame. As a result of his mother's input, the man changed his approach. He told his father how angry he had been and how sad he was that their relationship wasn't what it could be. All this was communicated without anger. According to the man's e-mail, he and his father walked down the beach and had one of the greatest conversations of their lives. Responsible communication always begins with I. The feelings you express are yours, so own them. How does this sound? One example is, "I felt this way when you did this." Actually come out and say that you are not blaming the other person. Express that the reason you are communicating openly and honestly is because you desire a better relationship.

Leaders change the situation instead of being changed by the situation What are you most like: a carrot, an egg, or coffee? A carrot starts out firm, but when you put a carrot in boiling water it becomes limp. An egg starts out with a hard shell and is soft in the middle, but place it in boiling water and the inside becomes hard. And when you put coffee in boiling water, it changes the water completely. What challenges have you been experiencing in your career, family life, physically or spiritually? Think of any of those situations as the boiling water. Some people are like carrots. Oh, they act tough enough, but the challenges of life soften them, they wilt and won't stand up for themselves any more. Other people are like eggs. As they confront challenges they get hard on the inside. They're calloused, they become unable or unwilling to feel and do not allow themselves to connect and relate with other people. Leaders are like coffee. When thrust into the challenges of life they actually change the situation. Have you been a carrot, egg, or coffee? Buy some coffee, even if you don't normally drink it, and put it in a bowl on your desk. Let that "trigger" you to be a leader who, like coffee, changes the situation you are in for the better. As a child, I saw people as one of two types: There were the nice caring compassionate people. They didn't seem to make much happen, didn't date the nicest girls or guys, and weren't movers and shakers. Then there were the people that made things happen, but they were often arrogant, hard, and self-centered. It didn't seem fair. I wanted to be compassionate and caring and yet able to change the world. I wanted to be what I now call a "Compassionate Samurai:" a warrior with a heart for service and contribution. That's what it will take to change things, like the fact that one out of every eight children drops out of school in the USA, rampant illiteracy in the world, a marriage that is not working, or a satisfying career in an uncertain economy. Carrots and eggs won't do it. This week, be like coffee. Be a Compassionate Samurai, a warrior with a heart for service and contribution who alters the world you live in. TAKEAWAY! Leaders change the situation, so even after they leave, things are different than when they arrived. Action Step #1 Buy a bag of coffee and put it on your desk as a trigger device. Action Step #2 Write a brief paragraph describing the biggest challenge you face in your life right now. Then, write another short paragraph on exactly how you'd like your life to be in that area right now. And finally, write a sentence that describes one specific action you will take this week–no matter how big or small it seems to you–to change your life to being exactly how you'd like it to be. An Example from Brian Klemmer Early in my career in the seminar business, my mentor sent me to San Diego to save the failing market there. The seminars were so poorly attended they were considering closing down our San Diego office. When I arrived, I noticed that a lot of teenagers were hanging around the office. The environment and feeling created by all those kids was driving away the more conservative, successful business people we also wanted to bring into our seminars. Like attracts like. The teenagers were good people who deserved to be supported and served, but it was hurting our bigger market. So I created another place for the kids to hangout and made it clear they were not to be around our office. It was not an especially popular action for many of our seminar graduates, but it changed how the rest of us thought about the organization and who we attracted. Within a short period of time, San Diego was a thriving market for our seminars. That is what coffee is all about! "What we are depends mainly on what we look for"–John Lubbock

Tanya’s journey with Klemmer Leadership began in 2021 when she attended her first Personal Mastery course. She remembers the lesson that has resonated with her ever since: “Choice is what has resonated with me since day one, that no matter what happens, what circumstances I get to choose how I react.” That principle has guided her through the last five years, shaping not just her personal growth, but her entire family’s journey. After years of applying these tools, Tanya attended the Advanced course in March 2024. She reflects on one exercise that transformed her marriage, “What I got out of that was just that no matter what, I will be happy. I can choose what I do, whether my marriage works, whether or not I get to grow and be who I am, and I’ll be happy regardless.” This choice has rippled through her family. Tanya’s husband eventually attended both Personal Mastery and Advanced, and her children have followed in her footsteps. “My son did Personal Mastery in February, Advanced at the end of April, and came to Heart with us in June. My daughter just turned 18, and she attended her first Personal Mastery in October. Even their partners have gone through Personal Mastery. Out of our close-knit family, all of us have now experienced at least one Personal Mastery course. That’s huge,” she shares. Amid these personal growth milestones, Tanya faced a life-altering opportunity. While working at a preschool, she was asked to share information about living kidney donation. Despite having no prior plans to donate, she made a decision that changed a life, “It was one of the easiest decisions of my life. I would attribute that in some way to the tools and teachings I’ve learned from Klemmer, like giving is what we should do. All of us just being kind, helping somebody out, helping our fellow man. Regardless of who it is, what it is…If we can do it, why wouldn’t we?” In June, Tanya donated her kidney to the man in need. The impact was immediate, “He’s doing amazing. I feel good. It was the best decision I ever made. I’m even planning to donate my liver someday, even to a random stranger. My family has joked, ‘Okay, can you slow down?’ but I want to continue contributing if I can.” Life, however, is never without challenges. Tanya’s husband suffered a major heart attack, arriving at the ER in a dire state. “He got two stents in one artery and one in another, and then he got released on Sunday. It was really severe, but he never went unconscious. He walked into the ER. The story is kind of crazy.” Through this ordeal, Tanya leaned on her personal growth tools. “The tools really helped him, and me, in this journey. He’s even said he couldn’t have made it through without it, knowing how to center, ground, and bring yourself back into the moment. It was huge.” Tanya’s journey has also fueled her passion for championing Klemmer courses. She explains, “Championing keeps me in the work, keeps me involved, and around people. It spreads this knowledge, helps people deal with circumstances so much better, and I want everybody I know to get it. My focus is on the youth. Getting these kids the tools early so they can learn choice, contribution, and growth.” What a Compassionate Samurai means to her is simple yet powerful, “Personally, a Compassionate Samurai to me is being responsible and committed. Living in contribution resonates with me. Courage and commitment are two (qualities) that I step into without even thinking about it. I’ve always wanted to give, and now I have a way and knowledge on how to do that and stay grounded.” Tanya’s story is a testament to the power of choice, courage, and contribution. From navigating personal and family growth, overcoming life-threatening challenges, to donating life-saving organs, she embodies the essence of living fully and giving selflessly. As Tanya says, “If you can, why not? That’s the mentality I live by. And it keeps me coming back, keeps me in the work, and keeps me striving to make a difference every day.”

“Coach” David Vrona has always been a man of action, intention, and heart. Over the last 21 years, he has built a life that blends purpose, health, family, financial freedom, and contribution. All while living by the principles he learned through Klemmer. In February and May of 2024, Coach faced significant health challenges. He had knee replacements on both legs, followed shortly by the discovery of skin cancer on his ear and back. Yet, even amidst these trials, he remained committed to his health, following physical therapy instructions and incorporating DDP Yoga into his routine. “I’m taking care of me and constantly dream building,” he shares. Coach’s journey with Klemmer began in July 2004. He recalls walking into a Champions Workshop, unsure of what to expect. “I looked at the brochure for Personal Mastery, Advanced, and Samurai Camp and thought, ‘No way,’” he laughs. Spending a single evening with the Brian Klemmer changed everything. He and his wife Kathy jumped in, embracing the tools immediately. Applying intention and mechanism, Coach transformed his PE classes. The students, some court-ordered to attend, quickly learned responsibility and ownership. “If they messed up, I taught them to acknowledge it, ask for forgiveness, and make it right. They took it on, and I eliminated 90% of the hassles in the whole building,” he says. “I went home energized instead of drained.” For Coach, being a Compassionate Samura i  is about bringing heart, awareness, and integrity into every part of life. “It’s the 10 traits of beingness,” he explains. “It’s about living intentionally, serving others, being responsible, and lifting people up. It’s not about looking good, it’s about showing up, giving your best, and helping others create what they want in life.” That mindset carries through his teaching, coaching, family, and community service. This principle of ownership didn’t stop in the classroom as it carried into Coach’s family life. With Kathy, he has cultivated a marriage that he rates a 15 on a 10-point scale. “We have a tremendous marriage, full of respect, joy, and partnership,” he says. Their family has grown closer, strengthened by shared experiences like guided fishing trips, vacations to Hawaii and Maine, all paid in cash, and countless moments of intentional connection. Financial freedom has been a key focus for Coach. “I am able to create $250,000, and it continues to be fun,” he says. “The last two vehicles I purchased were paid for with cash. That was fun!” He recalls one purchase vividly, “I had all the cash on the dining room table…$100 bills all the way for $13,750. The seller couldn’t believe it!” These choices have allowed him and Kathy to travel, give generously to charities, increase their tithing, and support causes they care about. “Our tithing has increased greatly, and I am more active at our church,” he adds. Coach’s commitment to “think to create” extends to health, fitness, and service. He maintains excellent personal health and even completed seven fundraising rides on his ICE Trike for His Home for Children, demonstrating his dedication to both personal goals and helping others. “Being able to contribute and help others is great,” he reflects. Fitness and personal growth remain central to Coach’s life. At 73, he began Black Belt training, achieving his first-degree black belt 11 days before his 74th birthday. He describes the thrill of training, breaking boards, and competing in tournaments, all while inspiring his youngest grandson along the way. “I choose to be ready. I never know when someone will need my help,” he says, citing moments as simple as offering a ride or as profound as mentoring someone in need. Even in business, Coach continues to thrive. He runs a coaching business helping others create what they want in life. He stays very involved with Klemmer, he regularly champions Personal Mastery and Quickening trainings and has attended 22 Samurai Camps! Reflecting on his life and growth, he sums it up simply, “A man or woman without a dream is dead. I am still 26…I started the 44th anniversary of my 26th birthday, constantly dream building. Every day is an opportunity to create, serve, and live full out.” From classrooms to family, from financial mastery to charitable service, Coach David Vrona exemplifies what it means to live intentionally, fully, and generously. He is an example showing living a quality driven life combined with the heart of a Compassionate Samurai, can transform every facet of life, no matter your age.

When Tania first came to Klemmer, her life was very different. Living paycheck to paycheck, struggling with anger, and unsure of her next steps, she didn’t imagine that one year later, she would be running a successful business, supporting her family more abundantly, and stepping fully into her purpose.   “I am so happy, financially, spiritually, mentally. I’m a better mother, a better friend, a better person to myself,” Tania shares. “Before Klemmer, I would get angry, even with my kids. Now, I don’t. I’ve committed to the work, and I can see the change every day.”   Her transformation didn’t just stop at mindset. Tania learned to keep commitments to herself, and the results were immediate. “Once I held myself accountable, my finances started shifting. I now have my own business with employees. Last month, my business did $37,000, and I saved $10,000 in one month…Something I never imagined possible. The tools and coaching from Klemmer made it real. It’s not magic, it’s the work, accountability, and commitment that produce results.”   Even her family has felt the change firsthand. “When I showed my kids that I saved $10,000 in a month, they were so proud. My daughter said, ‘You saved $10,000, now you think you’re Dave Ramsey!’ and they started cheering me on,” Tania shares. “Now they ask, ‘What’s the goal this month? How much are you ready to save?’ They’re excited and involved in this journey with me. It’s amazing to have them inspired by the change they see in their mom.”   Tania’s growth extends far beyond financial success. She embodies what it means to be a Compassionate Samurai, someone who not only does the work but models integrity, accountability, and empathy. As she shared, “I can give my kids better lives, and I can give myself a better life. I don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.” Her children witness this balance firsthand, reminding her, “Mom, you inspire us to do our best too!”   Tania’s dedication also influences her employees and community. She holds herself and others accountable with compassion, guiding her team toward growth and responsibility, just as she has been guided. She celebrates wins, learns from challenges, and remains committed to the process every day.   What It Means to Be a Compassionate Samurai For Tania, being a Compassionate Samurai isn’t just a title, it's a way of living. “A Compassionate Samurai is someone who truly does the work. I look up to Kimberly, Diane, and everyone at Klemmer because they model accountability and integrity every day. They don’t just talk about leadership, they live it. That example inspires me to do the same, and it’s why I continue to grow and dream bigger.” She explains how the Klemmer philosophy of win-win thinking has reshaped her life: “I’ve learned I don’t have to sacrifice my needs for others. I can create a win-win life for myself and my family. I can give my kids a better life while also giving myself a better life. My kids see me achieving goals and living with purpose. It’s teaching them what’s possible when you commit to yourself.”   A Legacy of Transformation What Tania experienced in less than a year is a testament to Klemmer’s 30-year legacy of transformation. From struggling to thriving, her story reflects the impact of decades of leadership principles and personal mastery being applied in real life. “Every facilitator, coach, and team member at Klemmer is a Compassionate Samurai, living the principles they teach. I’m grateful to be part of that legacy and to see my own life completely shift.”    Tania’s vision for the future is focused yet grounded. She plans to buy her home by next July and grow her business to $1.2 million. “I know these goals are achievable because I’ve seen the power of intention and the tools from Klemmer’s programs in action. The impact is real, it’s not just about success; it’s about purpose, integrity, and living a full, empowered life. My family sees the change, and it motivates all of us to dream bigger together.”  Tania’s journey reflects what it truly means to be a Compassionate Samurai. By embracing accountability, growth, and courageous action, she demonstrates that with intention and perseverance, challenges transform into opportunities, and dreams into achievements, for herself, her family, and her community.

What is a goal you will be working on this year? If you do not achieve that goal, how will you feel? Will you be sad, disappointed, or will you have that "Oh well, I tried" feeling? As detailed in chapter 2 of  If How-To's Were Enough We Would All Be Skinny, Rich and Happy , you must set your intention for that goal so high, that not reaching that goal is not an option. You can have conflicting commitments, but the bigger one always wins. For example, you may want to lose weight, but not want to be disciplined. You may want to grow your business, but not really want to take risks or in other words, be uncomfortable. Several options to raise your level of intent for what you want are 1) making commitments, 2) leveraging risk/reward, and 3) visualization. Let's go back to your goal as we consider making commitments. Who have you shared your goals with? If you haven't told anyone, then the odds are you want the result, but it isn't your intent. If you have children, try this. Make a commitment to them regarding what you will get done in two weeks. Now ask them what they want when you get it done in two weeks. Be sure to negotiate if they ask for something unreasonable! Explain to them that the family is a team and that everyone has different roles. Part of your role is to produce and part of their role is to be supportive of you. If you're like most parents, you would rather do many uncomfortable things than face your children at the end of two weeks and say, "You don't get what I promised, because I didn't get done what I said I would do." By committing to your children you have raised and clarified your intent. As an employee, you could make a commitment to your boss about what you will get done this week. If you are the boss, you could make a commitment to your employees about what you will get done this week or this month. Many people won't commit, because they are more concerned with looking good by never breaking their word than they are with producing. Never sacrifice the power you gain by committing just so that you can look good. It's a poor man's trade. Make the effort to raise your intention this year!

If you are ever looking for an indicator of how much success, notoriety, or influence you have, simply look at how many critics you've got.  I believe in free speech and the fact that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there are a lot of self-professed experts masquerading as critics who feel that all of us are entitled to their opinion.   When I write a book, make a movie, give a speech, or send out one of these weekly columns, I realize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and welcome to be my critic.  Having said this, I have a bit of advice for aspiring critics:  Avoid criticizing people who are merely expressing their opinion.  You are welcome to challenge my facts and even my conclusions, but my opinions are my own.  I am the undisputed world's leading authority on my opinion.  Furthermore, if you are going to criticize people, critique their ideas, thoughts, or opinions.  Avoid criticizing them personally.  People's appearance, demeanor, faith, spouse, or children should be off-limits.  You can disagree with someone without being disagreeable.   Criticizing people for changing their opinions is short-sighted and counterproductive.  People who have changed their positions or their opinions on issues are often called wishy-washy or accused of flip-flopping on the matter.  I maintain that principles and facts never change, but our outlooks and opinions regarding policies, procedures, and public affairs can and probably should shift as we gain knowledge and experience.    In my home state over the last several years, we have started experiencing a number of earthquakes.  As this is a recent phenomenon, relatively unknown in the past, it has been a topic of great debate and concern.  When someone speculated that the earthquakes were being caused by water wells near oil-drilling sites, I laughed aloud and boldly expressed the absurdity of the idea that mere human beings working with water wells could cause an earthquake that could be felt for hundreds of miles.  As more research and data has emerged, I have been forced to change my opinion as now the science conclusively shows that we human beings can, indeed, create an earthquake by merely injecting water into an existing well.  I don't feel the need to apologize for my earlier opinion as it was the most sound conclusion I could make based on the limited information we had at the time.   If we're not willing to adjust our opinions based on the growing body of information, we will be forced to cling to the conclusion that the world is flat, the sun revolves around the earth, and it is impossible for human beings to experience flight.   Be willing to listen to other people's opinions just as you are willing to share your own, but remember there has never been a monument erected to a critic.    As you go through your day today, hold on to your principles and reconsider your opinions.  Today's the day!

If you know a Klemmer graduate who is making a difference in the world, we’d love for you to nominate their story. Celebrating these acts of impact is one of the greatest joys of our work and a beautiful reminder of the power of community, generosity, and purpose. Dropping Ducks, Building Lives featuring Geoff Martin Geoff Martin’s journey is a story of intentionality, service, faith, and transformation. Based in New Hampshire, Geoff credits much of his personal and professional growth to Klemmer Leadership programs, particularly Personal Mastery. Before discovering Klemmer, Geoff describes his life as “a lot less structured and a lot more frenetic.” Working in construction, he relied on a physical therapist who suggested he attend a Personal Mastery workshop. Geoff recalls, “I trusted her implicitly…within the first 20 minutes, I knew I was going. I was a little aggravated that I had to wait another two hours before I could sign up.” Geoff even enrolled his wife Susan without telling her at first, navigating their prior $50 spending agreement with honesty and courage, a decision that initially caused tension. “I spent almost $800 on a workshop and when I told her, she blew up, stomped off into the house, slammed the door,” Geoff admits. Despite her anger, he persisted with respect and transparency, “I said, ‘I’m done being the Lone Ranger. I want to do stuff together.’ I waited, then I went in and shared why I thought this would be meaningful for us as a couple.” The breakthrough came gradually. On the first morning of the workshop, Susan sat arms crossed, hesitant and unengaged. By the next day, her posture had shifted, and she began leaning forward, opening herself to the experience. Geoff recalls the moment with awe, “By Sunday afternoon, she came up to me and said, ‘I think I want to go.’ I was absolutely shocked. That transformation sparked a whole nuclear reaction for our family, for us personally, and it spread out into the community.” Faith has been central to their growth. Geoff reflects that these tools strengthened not just their marriage, but also their spiritual life. “It just keeps getting better…it’s a huge part of our commitment to faith, our participation in the greater community, and raising our kids.”  Geoff and his wife Susan created a daily morning routine together back in 2010, coffee together between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., a consistent anchor that has strengthened their connection for over a decade. Geoff says, “Our communication has risen to a level that keeps rising by holding each other accountable, doing it with respect. This has been fueled by our faith, our commitment to family, and our involvement in the greater community.”  A lifelong golfer and community supporter, Geoff also found a way to channel his passions into philanthropy. One of his proudest initiatives is the annual Duck Drop fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club. Geoff explains, “One of my passions in life is golf. My business partner and I wanted to do something impactful for the Boys & Girls Club.” The result was an imaginative fundraiser where tiny rubber ducks are dropped from a chairlift at Mount Sunapee, engaging hundreds of participants. “Last year we put over 300 people up the mountain in less than four hours. With the support of sponsors providing prizes and funding, we will go over the million-dollar mark in combined funds raised and prize value this year,” he says. Geoff notes that it has become one of the largest fundraisers for the organization, creating a lasting impact for the children they serve. Geoff’s approach to leadership is deeply tied to service, compassion, and integrity. On being a Compassionate Samurai, he says, “Compassion is a huge part of what I am continuously bringing to mind and honing, so I’m not coming on as a know-it-all or trying to run your life. I want to communicate in a way that invites the other person into a safe space.” He emphasizes listening over talking, helping others discover their purpose, and empowering people to recognize their own capacities: “I genuinely want to understand other people and offer something that’s going to be helpful in their lives.” He also highlights the ripple effect of impact. “Some of these kids have grown up to be very successful, well-educated, and have come back to serve the Boys & Girls Club. My idea of impact is one that expands. It’s not just a one-off. It’s a domino effect.” This philosophy informs his personal mission: helping others discover and act upon their purpose. “Develop a perspective and belief that you are a limitless being. There’s so much more you can accomplish and give to make this world a better place.” For Geoff, the heart of his work lies in purpose and impact. “My life purpose is to help other people discover what their purpose is in life, to inspire them to look for that, find that, and act upon it,” he shares. He emphasizes cultivating a mindset that recognizes our limitless capacities: “There’s so much more you can accomplish and give to make this world a better place.” Geoff also embodies what Klemmer calls a Compassionate Samurai. For him, this means listening more than speaking, offering support without manipulation, and creating a safe space for others to grow. “I genuinely want to understand other people and what they’re going through. Where can I offer something that’s helpful? A perspective, confidence, a leg up, or just belief in them?” he says. It’s a servant mindset, grounded in integrity and humility, that guides both his personal relationships and community leadership. Through decades of learning, personal transformation, and community service, Geoff Martin exemplifies how growth in faith, family, and service can ripple outward, creating lasting impact far beyond oneself.

Do you want to open up possibilities in your life? There are crucial differences between living out of possibility versus probability. Living from probability takes place when you look at what you are capable of and what you have done in the past. From this perspective, you calculate whether you think you can do something and whether you can get incremental, or minute, increases for your life. Living from possibility, on the other hand, is the experience of knowing that you can create incredible results or miracles in your life that have no relationship to what you've done before. When you live from possibility, your future is not tied to the mathematics of your previous experiences and how feasible it is to create something. Everyone has lived from possibility when they created something from nothing whether it was learning to ride a bike, falling in love, or writing a first book. In the case of writing a book, something inside said, "That's possible," when everyone around was saying, "I think you ought to get a nine-to-five job." There's an energy in possibility that's not evident in probability. How do you nurture possibility in your life? Take small steps toward your dreams all the time. Get outside of what you normally would do and be willing to be uncomfortable in new experiences. Be committed to and consistent with it; keep after it. Seeing progress from the steps you take — coupled with believing — creates results. In this sense, there's also a lot of surrender in possibility. This means doing the footwork you need to do, and then turning the rest over to God. You're not quite sure how it's going to happen, but that's not necessary. You only need to believe that it is going to happen. Another way to nurture possibility is to hang around with people who understand this way of life. If you're around people who inhabit the smaller, more calculated world of probability, it's possible to lose your vision or become discouraged. If you want your everyday experience to be, "WOW, this is really possible!" then practice the art of living from possibility. It's a huge, amazing space that creates an exciting and fulfilling life.

What is your dream? Do you want to be the best in your field? Do you want to have a number ten relationship or marriage? Do you want to be in top-notch physical condition? Then remember this saying: Nothing great becomes great without overcoming great resistance. Why remember this saying? Because when you commit to anything that's significantly bigger than where you're at, your belief systems kick into gear to defend themselves. Resistance shows up. What do most people do when they encounter resistance? They resist resistance. They give up on their goal. They shut down. Instead of resisting resistance, overcome it. Here are three keys to help you succeed. The first key is, RECOGNIZE resistance. Recognize that when you commit to great things, resistance is a natural course of events. As a management tool for others and ourselves, we need to be aware that difficulties are a natural course of progressing to the next level. Perhaps your dream is to become presidential in a network marketing company, but your downlines are jumping ship. Or perhaps you committed to losing weight, but all of a sudden you've got a relationship problem on your hands. In any scenario, remember to recognize that these difficulties are part of the process. The second key is, WELCOME resistance. Our natural response to these complications is to become frustrated and perhaps even question why we are shooting for the stars. But when our attitude toward resistance is to surrender to and welcome it, we can flow through these problems instead of giving up. The third key is, STAY THE COURSE. This is much like encountering the resistance of weights. In order to build muscles, you know that you need to push through the weights, or the resistance. The fairy tale world is full of knights who desire to become king. But we all know it's impossible to get to the throne without slaying the proverbial dragon. So, if you want to become king – in other words, great in terms of business, marriage or your personal life — when problems arise, don't back down. Don't say, "I'll confront this dragon another day." First, recognize that difficulties are part of the process. Welcome them. And then, stay the course. Remember, nothing great ever becomes great without overcoming great resistance.

To Our Family and Friends, As we pause to celebrate Thanksgiving, we want you to know how truly grateful we are for each and every one of you. Your support, friendship, and presence in our community make all the difference. We hope your day is filled with gratitude, laughter, and the joy of gathering with loved ones around a special meal. As a reminder, our office is closed today and tomorrow in observance of the holiday. This year, we are honored to share a remarkable story from one of our graduates, someone who recently made a $1 million impact . Moments like these remind us of the legacy we are all a part of and the extraordinary ways our graduates live lives of meaningful contribution. If you know a Klemmer graduate who is making a difference in the world, we’d love for you to nominate their story. Celebrating these acts of impact is one of the greatest joys of our work and a beautiful reminder of the power of community, generosity, and purpose. A Million Dollar Impact Featuring Toby Fisher When Toby set out to make a meaningful difference, he didn’t just talk about it—he acted. His journey toward donating a million dollars for a home supporting women and children in need exemplifies vision, commitment, and compassion in action as a Compassionate Samurai. Toby shared, “I started by asking how much would I need to create to be able to donate one million dollars, and then put both numbers in my vision, yet led with the contribution.” He explained that meant holding two figures in mind: the one million dollars he intended to give away, and the larger amount of wealth he would need to generate in order for him to be able to donate the million dollars. In his 40s at the time, Toby described himself as flat broke after the 2008 crash, yet he explained, “I wanted to make a real difference that would last beyond my lifetime and create personal abundance during my lifetime.” He visualized and publicly declared many times his intention to make this one million dollar donation by age 65—which he completed by 58, seven years early! Toby openly shares that he was once a homeless addict and has now been clean for over 30 years. He reflects on how difficult it was for him, or anyone, to get off the streets, yet how much harder it can be for women who are so often victimized. “I can’t unsee the tragedies or lose sight of the miracles, and with that clarity this became my God-given assignment.” He describes how a vague idea took shape, growing clearer with time. It drew him like a magnet toward donating a specific property valued at over one million dollars to a particular nonprofit. Only recently did he realize that the same nonprofit had actually run his last detox in 1992. Toby added, “Just two months after completing the donation, I closed a deal that exponentially replaced that donation.” Chuckling, he said, “Maybe I should have committed to donating ten million dollars, and maybe I will.” He now envisions ten or more Klemmer graduates making a one million dollar donation or more within five years. Toby said, “Can you imagine the world ripple of a team with that capacity? If a homeless addict can do it, then surely anyone can.” The final property, still under construction and expected to open in a year, will be better than he had imagined—larger, more functional, and in a safe area that ensures a supportive environment for hosting 32 women and children. Toby recalls how natural and effortless it felt. “It was actually the easiest closing I ever did,” he said. “I felt really grounded, and the nonprofit taking it over already had architect plans, permits, and construction workers ready to go.” What It Means to Be a Compassionate Samurai “Compassionate Samurai do that,” he said simply. “I just think it’s the right thing to do. I’ve been blessed. It really wasn’t that complicated…It just kind of fell together.” Toby’s story is more than philanthropy; it is a blueprint for vision, resilience, and action. From navigating complex deals to supporting those in need, his journey demonstrates how clarity, boldness, and consistency create profound impact. A Legacy of Transformation “Hold on to the vision,” Toby advises. “Whatever is coming your way, it’s a test. Be committed to passing the test.” Through his work, Toby shows that courage and compassion, paired with strategic action, can transform lives, both his own and those of the women and children soon to benefit from his generosity. Happy Thanksgiving! In Gratitude, The Klemmer Team