justin-constantine

How Can I Thank Hundreds of People at the Same Time???

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:51:35 GMT

A handful of friends recently did something incredible for and started a GoFundMe campaign to support my wife and me through this stage of our cancer journey. The purpose of the fundraiser is to ensure I can spend as much time as possible at The Block Center in Chicago, which is an integrative cancer center that I believe will be a major factor in my recovery. I am committed to pushing through this and having a very healthy body. In fact, during one of my IV infusions there I rode a recumbent bike, which helps eliminate any pin during the process. I had never heard of that technique before, but it worked!! And I also spent time in the hyperbaric chamber which helps fight cancer in a number of ways.

I had no idea what to expect when they launched the campaign last week. I just know that we are seriously financially invested in this health plan (it is a private facility so all costs are out of pocket.). What happened blew me away - at this point over 750 people have donated to the campaign and we are getting very close to our goal of $130K!!!

Please note that while I am friends with a lot of people who donated, there were literally hundreds whom I do not know and who just want to help us through this challenging time. I think that is pretty incredible - and the emotional effect on me was overwhelming.

So, how can I thank so many people at one time? Because I think it is important for each of the donors, no matter how much they contributed, to know that I value their support and well wishes. This post is the most public way I could think of making that public announcement and thanking everyone for their incredible support. If I could do something larger and grander I would, but I hope that everyone knows just how appreciative we are of the overwhelming support.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed financially, is keeping us in their prayers, and has provided support in other ways. You are inspiring, and none off it is lost on me.

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Justin Constantine is an inspirational and motivational speaker who speaks (live and virtually) to companies, nonprofit organizations and universities of all shapes and sizes. He focuses on thriving in the face of change, resilience, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that you are stronger than you think you are.

Sometimes, People Are So Incredibly Nice

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:05:55 GMT

As I have described in other blog posts, I was diagnosed a couple of years ago with Stage IV prostate cancer, and this past November things took a rough turn. So, my wife and I are redoubling our efforts around natural, holistic solutions while still working with my oncologist.

Last week we spent three days at an integrative cancer center outside Chicago called The Block Center. But before I describe how warm and caring the folks there are, the list of incredibly nice people on the journey to Chicago started much earlier in the day when we got to the DCA airport.

I had not arranged for a wheelchair, but when one of the American Airlines staff saw that I use walking sticks to help me walk, she immediately found a wheelchair. And the man who pushed me through the airport could not have been more polite or patient. And this is just the beginning. Here is what happened once we got on the plane.

There were a number of empty seats on the plane, and I received an upgrade to first class. That in itself, considering some of the challenges I am currently facing with my legs, was a blessing in and of itself. But then the stewardess who checks everyone in as they board the plane somehow arranged for Dahlia to get an upgrade as well. And then three different people shifted around their first class seats to allow for Dahlia and me to sit together. Their collective kindness literally brought tears to my eyes.

Once we landed in Chicago, another gracious American Airlines employee was waiting for me with the wheelchair. She took us to baggage claim and then all the way to Rideshare area which was pretty far away.

I am going to save my description of The Block Center for its own post, but just to provide a quick highlight about the staff, I can’t imagine them being any nicer, caring, empathetic or just plain old interested in me and my wellbeing. They treated my wife and me with such care, and as I will describe later, made us feel so welcome and part of a family.

I have never experienced a whole day of people I don’t know being so nice to me and demonstrating that even though we may not know each other, they care about my comfort and well being. I am not going to forget that day any time soon, or the lesson that I can probably make a difference in the lives of many others around me by paying a little bit of attention to what they may be struggling with and then supporting them. I hope we can all do that a little bit more often.

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Three Lessons I Learned During Marine Corps Officer Candidate School That are Helping Me RIGHT NOW in my Health Journey with Cancer (and they may be able to help you too!)

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 16:41:02 GMT

The Marine Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) 10-week program is a grueling one, as it should be. This is where potential officers are officially screened and trained to start leading troops. I don’t know which was harder, the physical or mental aspect, but both were certainly very challenging. And although it has been almost 25 years since I completed the program on my way into the Marine Corps, I can still remember how tough every day was and how much I wanted to make it through and move on. Ultimately, and although I certainly did not realize it at the time, OCS was a searing experience for me that has influenced much in my life, particularly when it comes to mental fortitude and working with others.

Right now, I am in what I euphemistically call a health journey with cancer – in January 2020 I was diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer. Recently I have had to step up to a stronger dose of chemotherapy which really had a strong impact on me, and I also recently finished 10 days of radiation which tremendously helped to eliminate the cancerous lesions on my back that were putting pressure on my nerves and making me unable to walk.

As my wife and I go through these challenges now, I realized that a lot of what I learned at OCS applies right now. That being said, here are three lessons that are helping me, and likely can help you if you are facing a particular challenge right now as well.

1. It’s impossible to do it alone. In fact, at OCS if you are not able to very quickly start collaborating with the other candidates and work closely with them during various exercises, you will likely be dropped from the program. Small unit leadership demands a collaborative mindset and outlook. But from just a personal perspective, there are simply not enough hours in the day to finish everything on your own, so it is imperative that you make friends with those around you and pool your resources.

The same is true with the challenges around cancer. My wife and I knew nothing about prostate cancer before my diagnosis, and have had to work closely together to keep pushing forward. We have also grown quite used to quickly highlighting any emerging issues to the doctors we work with and rely on their experience. But it has actually been my wife who has been so incredible after my recent hospitalization – her superhuman efforts to coordinate an unbelievable amount of medicine and supplements throughout the day, prepare food that is specifically designed to help me gain back weight (something very hard to do during chemotherapy with significant appetite loss), synchronize so many appointments, and being an intimate part of my everyday care.

2. You have to push yourself every day. At OCS, every candidate is judged every day, officially and unofficially, by not only the sergeant instructors, but also their fellow candidates. “Peer evaluations'' are an important part of the overall grading scheme, and of course the instructors never seem to miss anything! But you simply won’t keep up if you sit back on your laurels – the physical demands are so high that you have to keep improving or you will be left behind. And who would have it any other way? This is the Marine Corps’ opportunity to determine whether each candidate is fit to lead Marines, and if you can’t push yourself for 10 weeks, you just won’t be good enough once you get out into the “real'' Marine Corps.

With cancer, at least where I am right now, I also need to stay on top of a lot of physical therapy, medicines, appointments, and exploring new resources. I am actively involved in learning and participating in a variety of practices that I was heretofore not familiar with at all, including Reiki, Qigong, Tai Chi, and keeping a miracle journal. I am also getting ready to sign up for mental health counseling. All of this requires significant daily effort.

3. You will make a lot of mistakes. At OCS, I happened to struggle with close order drill. I still remember one of the sergeant instructors taking me round the back of the building so that we could call out the various rifle positions and I would have to comply. We were out there quite a while, but I realized later that close order drill isn’t just about being able to put your rifle where you want it while you are marching, but more about immediate attention to orders and responding immediately to those in charge. In Iraq and Afghanistan, following orders and doing exactly as instructed sometimes meant the difference between life and death.

I know that I am not doing everything perfectly right now regarding my cancer journey. This is a very confusing time, and some days go by where I have accomplished nothing. However, I truly am trying to view my mistakes as learning opportunities - the more I can streamline how I spend my time and find other things to focus on than simply being a patient the better. While getting ready to write this article, I realized that I already have a lot of tools in my tool chest based on previous experiences that can help me in this exact moment - I am sure you do too!

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Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Talks with the Defense Media Activity About Resilience, Leadership and Thriving in the Face of Change

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 18:35:02 GMT

Building Resilience to Stay Motivated When Times Are Hard

I recently had the honor of sitting down with my friend (and former Navy Admiral) Hal Pittman, who is the CEO of the Defense Media Activity. The Defense Media Activity is the agency of the Department of Defense that provides a broad range of high-quality multimedia products and services to inform, educate, and entertain Department of Defense audiences around the world. So, this was a big deal for me.

Over 30 minutes, we discussed a range of topics including my recovery after being shot in Iraq, what corporate America can learn about leadership in a remote environment from the military, resilience, staying motivated during challenging times, and how I am staying positive despite a Stage IV cancer diagnosis.

Below is a quick (and unofficial!) guide to the 30-minute interview. I hope you enjoy it!

1:00 – Introduction with Defense Media Activity CEO Hal Pittman

2:00 – Details of gunshot wound to the head

5:00 – Details of recovery

7:30 – Advice for people dealing with hardships

10:00 – Resiliency

11:00 – Military lessons for corporate America

15:00 – My two mentors and leadership figures: Col Todd Desgrosseilliers and Marc Andersen

18:00 – Details around my Stage IV Cancer Diagnosis

20:00 – My health and wellness routine

22:00 – Health and wellness in a corporate environment

25:00 – The power of a positive mindset

27:00 – Stress around the withdrawal of the war in Afghanistan

30:00 – Workforce development in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Community

Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine's Alive Day

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 17:14:16 GMT

A Painful Discussion About Survival - My Alive Day 15 Years Later

Today is my Alive Day, which is the “anniversary” of when I almost lost my life in Iraq and only survived being shot in the head because of the amazing courage and skill of Navy Corpsman George Keiran Grant, Colonel Todd Desgrosseilliers, Corporal Jordan Buhler, the rest of our Marine squad, and the incredible doctors and nurses who operated on me 30 minutes later. In the past I have written on this day detailing why I am so grateful for those actions and to be here today to celebrate, but this year I feel like addressing something quite different.

Like many other wounded warriors from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, incredible advances in battlefield medicine and training allowed me to survive that attack on October 18, 2006, and in previous wars and conflicts I certainly would have died. In fact, Corpsman Grant told me that when he first rolled me over, I was no longer breathing. The flip side of that is our recoveries are so long and arduous, and for many of us, life-long. They are often not easy, typically painful, and usually milestoned by a significant amount of continuing surgeries that, while are all steps in the right direction, often inflict more pain, stress and challenges on the individual warrior and his/her family and loved ones. This struggle is what I want to address today.

As a motivational speaker, I try to focus on the positive and to continually better myself. My wife and I spend a lot of time on self-coaching, professional development, and reading material about people who have made incredible lives for themselves and have so much to teach us. But the truth is, life is constantly so challenging compared to what it was like before I was shot. For instance, when I was shot in the face, the bullet knocked out almost all of my original teeth. It took almost 15 years and many surgeries before my upper jaw was strong enough to support dentures. So, up until just a couple of months ago, I could not bite into any food – I had to cut everything up (pizza, apples, celery, etc.), and push it to the back of my mouth where I still have four molars. And I have to wear a bib or large napkin at every meal because of the huge mess that I make every time (despite the new dentures, that still happens today). That may not sound like a big deal, but imagine knowing that before you start every meal you will make a mess, that almost every drink you take will somehow spill onto you, and that you cannot possibly talk until your mouth is once again completely empty.

This is just one example. Also imagine what it must be like to consistently recognize curious stares from strangers, to face constant pain despite years of rehab, and always wonder what life would be like if you had just done one small thing differently on that fateful day. I could also detail having to wear an eye patch when I play golf because of extensive eye damage and what it feels like knowing everyone is wondering why the hell I do that. I could talk about how frustrating it to have to constantly repeat myself because I can’t (and never will be able to) speak perfectly clearly. And while I have worked through a lot of my PTSD due to some really helpful counseling over 18 months, I still struggle with certain topics and thoughts. But I hope that you get the point that while I try hard to inspire and motivate other people, there is a constant drumbeat in the background of harsh reality that colors everything.

So, on my 15 ^th Alive Day, I want to start with the fact that I am so grateful to still be here, but to remind the American public that many of are still suffering, and the wars ending in Iraq and Afghanistan won’t end that. My heart broke recently at the very end of the Afghanistan withdrawal which was accompanied by bomb blasts that killed American servicemen and women, and also permanently and violently injured more of our own. I know what they are going to go through, as much as one wounded warrior can understand the pain and frustration of another. To that end, I hope that we as a nation don’t merely look with pride at our wounded warriors who have pushed through their challenges and found a “new normal,” but also remember that they (or at least some of us), are still fighting battles you will never see.

I am not looking for pity – far from it. I want the American public to stay in the fight with us, to continue supporting nonprofit organizations that provide critical resources for our wounded warriors and caregivers. I want the public to understand that while we do put our best face forward on social media, we often may need a hand up, even if it has been 15 years since our injury. And I want everyone to appreciate that it truly does take a village, and your nation’s wounded warriors need support. I am blessed with an incredible wife who has been the cornerstone of my recovery, but we periodically still need help from others. Perhaps “Thank you for your service” should be followed by “Is there anything I can do to help?”. I am not the same as I once was, and that fact is still painful.

If you have made it this far, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your interest and caring. Please know that I recognize how lucky I am to still be here on “the right side of the grass”, and strive to help others who are facing adversity in life. Together we can make a huge difference in the lives of others who are facing daily challenges and may not have easy access to the resources they need and deserve.ph

Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Provides Three Reasons All DE&I Candidates Should Use JobPath's Free Resume Generator

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:57:54 GMT

When It Comes to Workforce Development and Your Resume, Turn to JobPath.

Writing a resume can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before or it has been quite some time since you last did so. But not if you turn to JobPath .

JobPath is a tech-based workforce development platform, with its roots in supporting military veterans and those who want to hire them. Now they are a full DE&I provider, and also support people coming home from prison, people with disabilities and youth.

In this short video, I discuss the three main reasons DE&I candidates should take advantage of this COMPLETELY FREE resource:

1, It is incredibly easy to use;

2. You can take any of 250 job training courses right there on the platform, and upon completion, those new skills are automatically added to your resume; and

3. Once you create your resume, you can apply for any of the jobs on the system by simply pressing the "Apply" button, and the computer takes care of the rest. Gone are the days *(thanks to JobPath!) where you have to fill out each application - the algorithm pulls all your relevant information from your resume and completes the resume for you.

Bonus point - you can now create a Federal resume on the JobPath platform simply by answering a few more questions. I don't think that option is available anywhere else.

Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Discusses Your Mind is Your Strongest Muscle

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:54:06 GMT

When It Comes To Health and Wellness, Your Mind is Your Strongest Muscle.

I can tell you from personal experience, that your mind is more likely to quit or become complacent far sooner than your muscles when you are exercising.

Especially in today's environment where you may be working out alone more than before or finding new ways to exercise due to closed facilities, it is important that you stay mentally strong and focused.

Take a quick listen, and think about how you can do the exact same thing!

Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine's Four Tips To Help Reduce Stress

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:54:02 GMT

Reducing Stress is a Critical Part of Health and Wellness

Our health and wellness are critical to every aspect of our lives. But all of us face stress at some level, and that probably hasn’t been more true than during the COVID-19 pandemic. In my case, I didn’t even realize how much stress I had in my life before I was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, but then upon closer inspection it was pretty obvious. I was on the road for work all the time (which often included eating unhealthily and not exercising properly), worrying about financial issues, slowly gaining weight and not spending enough time on personal hobbies and family life.

But there is nothing like a serious health diagnosis to “strongly encourage” you to take a close look at your life, and figure out what you can do better! Together, my wife and I spent a lot of time revamping our lives (personal and professional), identifying how we could be far healthier, and diving into reducing stress in my life which was having such an adverse effect on my body and mind. Now, my life looks completely different than it did 18 months ago, and I also look and feel completely different. Most importantly, I have been able to reduce (and sometimes eliminate) a lot of the stress in my life, and have also learned to identify when I am feeling stressed and feel comfortable verbalizing those reasons.

There are some excellent books and studies out there about reducing stress, and I continually turn to them during my health journey. In that vein, here are four basic tips I have implemented to help reduce stress in my life:

1. Sleep 8 hours per night (and create a healthy sleep environment) . Studies show that the appropriate sleep duration for adults is between 7 and 9 hours per night. I have found that 8 is the right number for me, and that is what I aim for (and typically achieve every night). But it’s not just about the hours. I also follow suggested practices including keeping the temperature at around 70 degrees, having my phone off or in another room so it can’t bother me, and not watching TV or using devices for at least 30 minutes before I go to bed. I also try to get into bed by 10:00pm (I read in bed for a little while), and then also do a 7-10 minute gratitude/prayer/connection exercise right before I turn the lights out.

2. Meditate every morning . I definitely do not come from a background of meditation, but this is one that my wife really encouraged me to try and has helped me get back on track when I needed help. There are a wide variety of ways to meditate, including duration, body positioning, and type of meditation. Because I really focus on energy healing now, where I believe my mind can create health change in my body and that the universe only wants the best for us, I listen to guided meditations from experts such as Dr. Joe Dispenza and Louise Hay . I get comfortable on my couch (either sitting up or sitting down), close my eyes, and follow the meditation while really working to keep my mind clear and push out the everyday thoughts and concerns that try their hardest to stay front and center. I have found this helps me start my day in a very calm way where I am focused on my health and wellness, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

3. Exercise every day and nourish your body . Naturally while I was in the Marine Corps I was in very good physical shape, but it can be difficult for any of us to maintain a high level of exercise when we are no longer part of a team or organized sport. That being said, there are now more resources available to us than ever before, from the comfort of our own homes to community centers and gyms that offer a wide range of classes and equipment. The day after my diagnosis, I changed from working out when it was convenient, to making it a top priority. I now exercise 7-8 times per week, including lifting weights, swimming, Peloton bike and exercises, cardio and ab classes, and stretching. I also drastically changed what I put into my body, and now follow something very similar to a Mediterranean diet. This meant immediately cutting out all soda (I used to love Diet Mountain Dew and had it every day!), alcohol, processed food, dairy, sugar, gluten, and most meat. We really do “eat the rainbow” now, with our meals including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as my delicious morning smoothie (recipe to be disclosed at a further date!). The extra weight I was carrying around flew off of me, and I am now healthier than I have ever been.

4. Get outside . I try to spend time outside every day, and that can range from reading in my back yard, going on a hike with my wife, walking around the neighborhood, or playing a round of golf. The health benefits of being outside and in nature are legion (and perhaps have never been as necessary than during this pandemic), and the most notable include: Vitamin D from the sun improves your health, and is also essential for bone growth, regulating your immune system and helping to battle depression; it helps clear your mind and is also linked to higher levels of concentration and creativity; hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline (which are typically very important to keep at a low level), are naturally lowered by spending time in nature; and it lessens your anxiety, improves your focus, and helps you sleep better.

These tips are relatively basic, but incredibly important. While studies back up each of these points, I am speaking from personal experience here. I practice each of these tips every day – they are no longer tips for me, but part of my daily routine. If you are not already following each of these, I highly encourage you to raise your quality of life today and make yourself and your health and wellness a true priority.

As a Motivational Speaker, Justin Constantine Keeps a Close Eye Out For Inspiration and Change

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 14:40:29 GMT

Who doesn’t love thriving in the face of change and a great entrepreneurial story all wrapped into one???

As a motivational speaker who often focuses on change and the progress it brings, I try to keep an eye out for these topics. Sometimes they pop up when you least expect it.

Recently I was down in Harrisonburg, Virginia visiting my alma mater, James Madison University. My wife and I enjoyed walking around the campus, and then went to a coffee shop right off campus. As we pulled away, I looked up a side street and saw two flags hanging in front of a small building a ways away – the U.S. flag and the Marine Corps flag. “Come on,” my wife said. “I know you want to investigate that so let’s go check it out!”

Of course I did. As a former Marine myself, I wondered what was down there. And I am glad we spun around to take a look.

As background, when I was an undergraduate there (almost 30 years ago!!), there weren’t many restaurants, bars or coffee shops right around the campus. But that has definitely changed now, and I am jealous of all the options today’s students have. As it turns out, another Iraq War combat Marine and his brother (both from Philadelphia) opened up Urgie's Cheeseteaks , an authentic Philly-style cheesesteak joint right there in Harrisonburg several years ago, and another one more recently in nearby Bridgewater. Tommy and Steve Urglavitch have done a fantastic job bringing a taste of Philly to the Shenandoah Valley, and I really enjoyed my delicious meal at Urgie’s Cheesesteaks.

Although I didn’t get a chance to meet either of the brothers, I did spend a few minutes with the waiter learning about how the business started, and all the support they provide military members and first responders. I am so glad I looked up that street and wish them the best of luck going forward. Change is progress, and it is happening all around us!

As a Motivational Speaker, My Wellness Starts Now, and So Can Yours

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 11:29:29 GMT

Wellness Can Be So Motivational and Inspirational, and You Just Need Faith.

As some of you know, after being diagnosed with cancer last year, I spend a lot of time on health and wellness, and my own health journey. The thing is, I know I am going to have a complete remission. I don’t know when or how, but it will happen.

Starting from day 1, I changed my life radically, physically and mentally. My diet is now mostly vegetarian, I exercise every day, I meditate every day, I practice intermittent fasting, and I see an acupuncturist, naturopathic doctor, and integrative chiropractor besides my oncologist.

The biggest challenge for me has been Faith. This is probably been due to a non-religious background, and a career as an attorney where I need to see evidence of something to believe it. But as they say, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. So now I am thinking deeply on this, and giving in to a greater being. I know that I am a small part of something much bigger than myself.

I just have to look at the world around me to see that. I just need to raise myself up a little bit higher, and it’s obvious. I am looking past the political bickering, past the wars between nations, past everyday issues, and focusing on the natural world around us. Look at our perfectly round Earth, our tides connected to the moon so far away, a sun that warms us from millions of miles away, an ecosystem where everything is perfectly connected. All of this without me or any other human’s influence.

Faith. It is growing for me every day, and that even includes my business life as well as my personal life. I choose to reject the labels from my doctors, and to accept the fact that I have a long, healthy life ahead of me!

Let Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Inspire You To Make One Small Adjustment

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 16:20:43 GMT

How One Small Adjustment Can Motivate You to Keep Doing More.

I had never been to a chiropractor before, but was recently in such pain that it was not even an option. But I am so glad I did!

In just one short 15-minute session, the chiropractor changed everything for me through one "adjustment." Now I have am focusing on other adjustments I can make, personally and professionally, that will allow me to simplify things and be more healthy.

Take a quick listen, and think about how you can do the exact same thing!

Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Is Thriving in the Face (No Pun Intended!) of Change

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 23:09:51 GMT

Even a Motivational Speaker Can Continue To Learn About Change Management

As a motivational speaker, I often talk about thriving in the face of change. It is a concept I take very seriously, and believe that we are all capable of doing exactly that.

However, very recently I had major oral reconstructive surgery, which hopefully is the last surgery related to my war injury from 2006. The upside is that now I finally have upper dentures that ultimately will work as well as regular teeth (I lost most of my teeth when I was shot in the head in Iraq), and although have had bottom dentures since about 2008, I haven’t had upper teeth this whole time). The downside is that it has been quite an adjustment, and I feel like I am taking a step backwards so that I can move forwards.

My wife has really stepped up and makes food that not only is consistent with the special diet I am on because of my cancer diagnosis from 2020, but is also soft enough so that (for now) I really don’t have to chew it much while my mouth recovers. And, it also tastes delicious! But it is hard for me to pronounce some words, and the dentures cause more drooling than before.

So, I am going through significant change right now myself, and in the face of that, I still feel like I am thriving. The doctors were actually able to do a lot more during my surgery than they originally anticipated (it lasted 4.5 hours), and they were very happy after my first post-op appointment a couple of weeks ago. Of course, my mouth is not the same as it was before I was injured, and never will be. But that is not how I measure success. More importantly, I can eat, speak, smile, and my mouth is adapting every day.

If you look around, you are likely going through some sort of change yourself right now. I suggest that get to decide what success looks like, and what it will take to get there. For me, it isn’t being exactly how I was before, but a different version of myself that can still accomplish everything I need to do. Different doesn’t mean bad, worse or problematic. It just means different. Which is fine with me as I work through this change and end up in a better place!

The Cicadas Are Coming! The Cicadas Are Coming! (And Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine's View on This)

Fri, 28 May 2021 21:04:44 GMT

What Can We Learn About Motivation and Inspiration From Cicadas??

Okay, so maybe the onset of these crazy little bugs here in Virginia (and other parts of the country) is not as important as Paul Revere notifying the American colonists about the British Army coming to attack, but I have been watching them during my morning walks and thinking about them a lot. And trust me, they are EVERYWHERE!!!

Although there are different types of cicadas, here in Virginia they come out of the ground every 17 years, make a bunch of racket (that’s how the males attract the females), and then breed before dying after a few weeks. Compared to humans, that seems like a lot of build up to a very short time above ground enjoying life!

But what if aliens are watching us right now who live to be 1000 years old? Would they think the same thing about us? Would they feel that many of us prepare a long time for some pivotal event, but then live very inconsequential, fleeting lives? The real question is, are we living up to our potential, dreaming big and then making it happen?

I have been thinking a lot recently about dreaming big, and moving away from short-term goals. Those certainly have their place, but so does imagining what you would do if cost and resources weren’t an issue. That helps you identify what you really want, and can motivate you to actually put together that dream vacation, start a small business that you always wanted to pursue, make a big purchase (e.g., buy an RV and tour the country), or a hundred other choices.

I know a lot of these cicadas find each other and get a chance to breed before they their time is up, which is in a Darwinian sense quite an achievement. However, I want much, much more, and never want to feel that I wasted time going through the motions and then wondering where the time went. As the country opens back up as we push through COVID, this is a fantastic time to go for it and enjoy life!!

Justin Constantine is an inspirational and motivational speaker who speaks (live and virtually) to companies, nonprofit organizations and universities of all shapes and sizes. He focuses on teamwork, resilience, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that you are stronger than you think you are.

Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine's Thoughts on How Business Development is Like a Peloton Ride

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:10:52 GMT

What Do a Motivational Speaker and an Exercise Bike Have in Common?

I just finished a 30-minute Peloton ride, and couldn't help thinking about how similar it was to the work I do around business development. Take a listen - it's just 3 minutes!

Military Veteran and Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine's Purpose Isn't What He Thought It Was

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:00:03 GMT

My Purpose is More Than Being a Motivational and Inspirational Speaker

I recently finished reading Dr. Bernie Siegel’s book, The Art of Healing. Many portions of the book spoke to me – not just because of my cancer diagnosis in 2020, but for the guidance he imparted that I wish I had already been thinking about before I truly reevaluated my life. I found it personally inspirational, and it helped me understand how I could motivate and inspire others.

One of Dr. Siegel’s points is about your purpose in life, and how identifying that can really help you focus on what you want to spend your time and energy on. This is certainly not the first time an author has mentioned this, and of course Simon Sinek coined the phrase “What’s Your Why” years ago to get at the same root issue. But it wasn’t until I finished reading this book that I took a closer look at what I think my purpose is.

Because I have survived a gunshot wound to the head that objectively should have killed me, I previously thought my purpose was to help others overcome adversity in their lives. To that end, I gave several TEDx Talks about i t, and speak to a number of corporations every year about this topic. However, I now know that my purpose isn’t about overcoming adversity, but much more about helping other people. In fact, even my mission in Iraq was to lead a Civil Affairs team of Marines to help rebuild destroyed infrastructure to better the lives of the Iraqis there. Inspiring, motivating and enabling others is what I really like to do, and that is something I am good at. While I have overcome significant obstacles in life (haven’t we all?), that is not what I spend my time on, what I plan to continue doing, or what I do best.

I Can Help So Many More With Workforce Development

After closing my eyes and thinking about what is important to me, what I like doing, and how I can have the biggest impact, I understood my purpose. I have always enjoyed helping others in one way or another, and most recently have done so time and time again through making introductions, identifying resources, and being a good listener. The work that I do for my job at JobPath is simply an extension of that, where our workforce development platform helps disadvantaged jobseekers, such as people with disabilities and those with criminal records.

Going forward, I will be finding more and more ways where I can impactfully support others, both individually and in larger audiences. Not only do I really enjoy it, but seeing the tangible, positive results creates a natural high for me. And truth be told, knowing what I should be spending my time on during my time here on Earth is a pretty incredible feeling!

So, naturally, my question for you is, “What is your purpose?”

Justin Constantine is an inspirational and motivational speaker who speaks (live and virtually) to companies, nonprofit organizations and universities of all shapes and sizes. He focuses on the power of change, teamwork, resilience, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that you are stronger than you think you are.

Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Addresses How Technology Can Support Those Coming Home From Prison

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:44:45 GMT

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community (DEI) Deservers Powerful Technology, and

JobPath is the Solution

If you focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), you are likely aware of the ever-growing challenges facing those coming home from prison and reintegrating back into their communities. But for those not involved in the criminal justice community, you may be shocked at how many Americans actually have criminal records and are adversely affected by their interaction with the criminal justice system long after their arrest. Here are some quick statistics:

Nearly 50% of black males and 40% of white males are arrested by the age of 23.
There are about the same number of people with criminal records in America as there are with 4-year college degrees.
Holding hands, Americans with arrest records could circle the earth three times .
he United States has 5 percent of the world's population but 25 percent of its prisoners .

The formerly incarcerated, both youth and adult, are rarely provided the same tools and resources as those who do not have that kind of history. And that just is not fair. There is no reason why we can't use powerful technology to support this disadvantaged population, as well as the organizations that support them. Obviously, recidivism rates are drastically decreased when individuals are able to find fulfilling careers, and everyone deserves a chance to be contributing members of society and find their own success.

At JobPath , we are a technology platform that matches candidates from diverse backgrounds with jobs and careers. We have already partnered with a number of nonprofit organizations that provide services to the DEI community, especially those with a particular focus on those coming home from prison. In this short video, I discuss some of the technological tools and resources we provide, which are especially impactful in a COVID environment where so much has to be accomplished virtually.

Justin Constantine is an inspirational and motivational speaker who speaks (live and virtually) to companies, nonprofit organizations and universities of all shapes and sizes. He focuses on the power of change, teamwork, resilience, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that you are stronger than you think you are.

What Does Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Say About Motivation and Time Management?

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 21:52:51 GMT

A Motivational Speaker's Quick Thoughts About Time Management

First things first... I love going to Costco, and have been a member for many years.

But last week I drove past one that included the Costco gas station (I didn't need gas), and couldn't believe how long the line was at each of the pumps! You can see from the pictures I took (above and below) that there were at least 10 cars in each line, to the point where the cars were starting to line up in the street.

From doing a little research online, it seems that Costco prices are certainly cheaper than neighborhood gas stations, but only by 5 or 10 cents per gallon. So, maybe customers save a couple of bucks (literally), but have to wait in line for potentially 20-30 minutes. The question is, "How much is your time worth?"

I like to motivate people to use their time wisely and to make smart decisions for themselves around the issues they can control. In fact, when I was invited to be the commencement speaker years ago at my alma mater (James Madison University), the underlying theme of my comments to the members of the graduating class were to use their time wisely. Here is a small clip of what I said to them:

"And if you were to go back and ask that person what is one thing they wish they had more of, I can guarantee you that it wouldn’t be money, it wouldn’t be some material good, and it wouldn’t be power. To the person, I bet they would say they wish they had more time. Time to spend with you, time to experience the world more, and time to give back. Nobody goes to their deathbed wishing they had worked more – they always wish for more time."

One thing that COVID has reinforced for me is the value of time, especially when it comes to ensuring we CHOOSE to spend our time on things that are important to us and those close to us. And although I really do love Costco, saving a couple of bucks is not worth 20-30 minutes of my time. And I imagine the same is probably true of everyone who was in that line, but they instinctively waited in it because of the cheaper price. But when you think about it, that "cheaper price" actually comes at a high cost.

Justin Constantine is an inspirational and motivational speaker who speaks (live and virtually) to companies, nonprofit organizations and universities of all shapes and sizes. He focuses on the power of change, teamwork, resilience, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that you are stronger than you think you are.

Military Veteran and Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Says That If You Are Motivated to Have Great Weekends, You WILL Have Great Weekends

justin@justinconstantine.com (Justin Constantine) — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:07:56 GMT

Have you found yourself working on the weekends more than ever before?

Do you have trouble staying away from emails between Friday afternoon and Monday morning?

Has COVID made it harder and harder to draw a line between work and free time?

It takes focus and strategy to draw a hard line after work, but when you do, your free time will feel pretty incredible!

Justin Constantine is an inspirational and motivational speaker who speaks (live and virtually) to companies, nonprofit organizations and universities of all shapes and sizes. He focuses on the power of change, teamwork, resilience, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that you are stronger than you think you are.

When Working Harder Isn't The Answer

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 16:04:17 GMT

My wife recently reminded me of something I told her about working as a lawyer. I had told her, and I guess I particularly felt this way when I worked at the Department of Justice and I was surrounded by colleagues with diplomas on their walls from very impressive schools, that "I may not be the smartest person in the room but I I can work harder than any of them." I had prided myself, based in large part on my Marine Corps training, that I could work long hours and finish ahead of many others.

That was not the right mindset, and I have moved far away from that now. And it doesn't just apply to me. I think that because of COVID-19, as more people have been working from home and have more control over their own schedules, it is becoming more obvious that how you spend your time, based on strategic thinking and a clear vision, is far more effective than simply logging in more and more hours.

And we are all familiar with the age-old expressions: work smarter, not harder; measure twice, cut once; and by failing to plan you are planning to fail. And of course, Abraham Lincoln's quote that, "If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first four hours sharpening my axe." There's a reason those lessons have withstood the test of time.

Here are five tips I have practiced over the least several years that have helped me increase my productivity while actually working fewer hours:

Spend 30-60 minutes per week (ideally on Friday afternoon or Monday morning) planning out my schedule for the upcoming week. This includes time blocking for categories such as business development, exercise, networking, admin, exercise, etc.
Invest time and money in yourself, even if your company won't. I highly recommend professional development regardless of your profession. For instance, I focus a lot of my time on business development and sales, and have greatly benefitted from Sales Evolution' s Guess Free Selling Program.
Join organizations that can help you personally and professionally, where the other members are people that you actually like and want to spend time with. For instance, I belong to the Global Good Fund , NationSwell , Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program , Truman National Security Project , and the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program . I have learned so much from my friends in each of these organizations that I never would have known but for putting forth the effort to join and participate.
Incorporate the basic tenets of healthy living into your daily life - sleeping the right amount each night (for me it is 8-9 hours), drinking lots of water (I aim for 80-100 ounces every day), exercise in some capacity, and eat well. Of course, this will not only help your physical and mental health, but keeps you productive throughout the day add brightens your outlook.
Do not work in a vacuum -- have someone you can talk through ideas with who will give you honest feedback. This can be an official relationship with a coach, a co-worker whom you trust and enjoy spending time with, a partner at home, or anyone else you are comfortable discussing what you are working on.

Ove the last year we have all had ample opportunity to re-prioritize how we spend our time and determining what is truly important to us. For most, the answer isn't working harder, but really focusing on what we want to accomplishing in discrete blocks of time - that ends up freeing up space for other opportunities that help us grow in many other ways.

Leadership Includes Being There For Others

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 15:14:25 GMT

In 1624, English poet John Donne wrote that “no man is an island.” He was exactly right, and to succeed in any aspect of life, we need help from others around us. This is true from not only a financial perspective, but also emotional, personal and spiritual. Connecting and contributing to our community is essential to our well-being.

I have learned this lesson firsthand a number of different times, but most obviously after being injured in Iraq. I have had a very fortunate recovery, but it is only due to the incredible efforts of my wife, numerous friends and family members, and various organizations that have provided me services and resources. But over this past weekend, I was reminded again of how critical a supportive community is for all of us.

I played rugby for four years in college, and then for another 10 years after that. While on active duty, I played on a number of Marine Corps teams. So a few years ago when I heard the Marine Corps Old Boys team was coming to play in a tournament in Brooklyn, I was excited to go cheer them on and show my support. Several times throughout the weekend, this team paid homage to other Marine rugby players who had been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan over the last 12 years – this is something I really admire about them.

The team did really well, but what really grabbed my attention was the very emotional response from one of the players at the end of the final game. This Marine had several combat deployments under his belt, and has now been out of the Marine Corps for a few years. He suffered a personal tragedy when his daughter died three years ago from brain cancer. And he rarely is around other Marines who can relate to his experience, and this affects him at work.

This rugby tournament was the first time he had been around a team of Marines in years. All the emotions that had been trapped inside his mind and body over the last few years came flowing out of him as the last game wound down. He started crying, not due to any mistakes he may have made, but because he clearly missed his “community” and the brotherhood of the Marine Corps. He needed other Marines to talk to, and that had been missing in his life.

I was proud of my new friend for not being embarrassed by his spontaneous reaction, but owning that he needed others around him he could relate to, and that he missed that familiarity. Like a number of the other Marines there, I reached out to him, shared some thoughts about a way forward, and let him know I wanted to help however I could.

We all have opportunities to make differences in the lives of others around us. People are social beings, and the value of human interaction is immeasurable. I am going to make more of an effort to proactively support others who may simply need a sympathetic voice or a helping hand. Can you commit to the same?

Leadership 101 - Maintain Your Integrity At All Costs

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 16:28:51 GMT

As a leadership principle, the importance of integrity cannot be overstated. We know that those who perform at high levels are very clear about what they believe in. Those who perform at an average level are blurred as to their beliefs. The high performers will not compromise their values and principles. Others will compromise for even the slightest advantage.

So here are the questions for you: What are your values? What do you stand for? Most importantly, if you ask other people around you, would they say that your values are evident in how you deal with others?

Integrity in the Marine Corps and the other Services means an uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles. As we often say, having integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. It encompasses the qualities of truthfulness and honesty. A Marine’s word is his or her bond. For Marines, nothing less than complete honesty in all their dealings — with subordinates, peers, and superiors alike — is acceptable. As I described in my leadership book, I have heard retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace say on several occasions, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”

Effective and impactful leadership demands sterling integrity. From operating in the streets of Fallujah to working the boardroom in New York to taking care of your family, you should approach whatever you do with a long-range attitude, a focus on the future and maintaining the moral high ground. There is nothing more valuable in this day and age than people who accomplish what they say they will.

There is no reason that we cannot consistently be honorable in our own little spheres of influence. We will reap huge gains if we demonstrate to those around us that they can depend on what we say. Keeping your word will only make you more successful in the long run, no matter what you undertake in work or life. That simple practice may be the highest degree of integrity any of us can exercise.

Finding Inspiration by Reaching Out to Others

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:41:36 GMT

A few years ago I had a quick layover at a busy airport. At the food court I bought a soda and started heading over to my connecting gate. As I stepped past the tables and chairs for those eating, I noticed a veteran.

He was probably in his mid-60’s and had a ball cap on. On one side of the rim it said, “Disgruntled Veteran” and on the other side it said, “Leave Me Alone."

I am normally one to accommodate other people as much as possible. However, I leaned over to him and said, “Good morning, Sir. I know you may not want to talk with me, but I just wanted to thank you for your service and tell you I appreciate what you did for us.”

He quickly stood up, looked at me and asked, “Did you put some time in?” “Yes Sir,” I responded. And then quickly added, “Marine Corps.”

A big smile broke across his face as he grabbed my hand and gave me hug as he said, “Semper Fi. Welcome home.”

“Stay safe, Sir” I said and left him to make my way over to my gate.

It sounds like a tiny, unimportant encounter, but it actually meant a lot to me. So much so that I actually had tears in my eyes as I walked away.

How could our great country have created an environment where somebody donned the uniform to fight on our behalf and returned home to a place that did not respect and appreciate him? Why do so many veterans from the Vietnam generation still feel isolated from the rest of the American public? What is daily life like when you have gotten to the point when you wear a hat to discourage people from talking with you?

I certainly have my theories about all of these questions, but those are for another day. Today though, I focus on the power of even the briefest human interaction. I have no idea if our conversation made a difference to my fellow Marine, but in those 20 seconds he had quite an impact on me. And I know that for at least a very short time I brought him some joy by simply saying, “Thank you.”

We need to show each other more empathy. We need to say “Please” and “Thank you.” We need to treat others as we want to be treated, and default on the side of respect and dignity. Basically, we need to remember that we are all in this together. Despite a generation between us, that Vietnam Veteran and I had an instantaneous connection which will stay with me for a long time.

Reaching out to each other is important. I am going to do more of it. And when someone reaches out to me, I will start being a lot more receptive. I hope you will do the same.

A Cancer Diagnosis But Thriving in the Face of Change

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:58:07 GMT

This is naturally a time to think about how the year went, and to identify goals and plans for 2021.

Obviously, COVID has cast a long shadow over 2020, and in my case, so did a diagnosis of Stage IV cancer.

Be strong. Thrive in the face of change. Look for the positive. 2021 will be better.

Stay Motivated, And Don't Be Intimated By Others

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 19:59:12 GMT

Here are some quick thoughts of mine about exercise and not comparing yourself to the instructor!!

What are you great at that you might take for granted?

Virtual Workforce Development in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Space

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:00:01 GMT

Do you focus on workforce development?

Does your organization support the various diversity, equity and inclusion communities?

At JobPath , we are very pleased to announce that we are building the workforce platform for the NYC Mayor’s Office For People With Disabilities. And this initiative is also supporting similar departments and efforts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Boston. Our software provides hundreds of training courses, resume building, mentorship, job searching, a skills assessment and more.

Please contact me if you represent a nonprofit organization or government agency that would like to see our proven and customizable technology.

It's Your Motivation, and Nobody Else's

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:01:13 GMT

Nobody can take your fun away because they didn’t give it to you.

That was one little message that popped up during my Peloto n ride today, but it is a really powerful one that puts you in the driver’s seat. Thank you Dan Satifnoff for inviting me to the FireEye group ride!

Find Your Motivation - Don't Run From The Challenge, Embrace The Challenge

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 20:02:32 GMT

Don’t run from the challenge. Embrace the challenge!

That was the message from the workout instructor this morning, and I realized it’s an important lesson for all of us in our personal and professional lives.

I have had to reinvent myself as an Inspirational Speaker due to the restrictions of COVID-19, but it has been an exciting metamorphosis. The same can be true for changes you are addressing right now. Your personal motivation will make a huge difference in whatever challenges you are facing.

2020 Word For The Day

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 19:54:11 GMT

What is my word for 2020/2021????

PIVOT

We have all had to pivot this year, personally and professionally, emotionally and physically.

With the right mindset, we can embrace this pivot and head into 2021 focused on opportunity and progress.

justin-constantine

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Military Veteran and Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine's Purpose Isn't What He Thought It Was

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﻿ I Can Help So Many More With Workforce Development

Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Addresses How Technology Can Support Those Coming Home From Prison

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community (DEI) Deservers Powerful Technology, and

﻿ JobPath is the Solution

What Does Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Say About Motivation and Time Management?

A Motivational Speaker's Quick Thoughts About Time Management

Military Veteran and Motivational Speaker Justin Constantine Says That If You Are Motivated to Have Great Weekends, You WILL Have Great Weekends

When Working Harder Isn't The Answer

Leadership Includes Being There For Others

Leadership 101 - Maintain Your Integrity At All Costs

Finding Inspiration by Reaching Out to Others

A Cancer Diagnosis But Thriving in the Face of Change

Stay Motivated, And Don't Be Intimated By Others

Virtual Workforce Development in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Space

It's Your Motivation, and Nobody Else's

Find Your Motivation - Don't Run From The Challenge, Embrace The Challenge

2020 Word For The Day

I Can Help So Many More With Workforce Development

JobPath is the Solution