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The Road Less Traveled
by August Turak
Taking heat for taking the road less traveled is what makes the road less traveled the road less traveled. However, taking the heat is what makes taking the road less traveled worth taking in the first place.
We are hopelessly spoiled today. We want all the adventure, thrills and potential admiration that comes with taking the road less traveled without paying the price for the privilege.
At 20 I walked away from a bright future and every semblance of "normality" to take my own road less traveled. I was usually ignored, often pitied, sometimes ridiculed, and on more than a few occasions even threatened with violent attack. I mostly just felt lonely, alienated, and misunderstood, but it never occurred to me to...
We are hopelessly spoiled today. We want all the adventure, thrills and potential admiration that comes with taking the road less traveled without paying the price for the privilege.
At 20 I walked away from a bright future and every semblance of "normality" to take my own road less traveled. I was usually ignored, often pitied, sometimes ridiculed, and on more than a few occasions even threatened with violent attack. I mostly just felt lonely, alienated, and misunderstood, but it never occurred to me to...
Enjoying Business Secrets at Mepkin Abbey
by August Turak
Throwback Thursday - In the summer of 2014 the monks of Mepkin Abbey dedicated a new retreat center to my hero and the hero of my book: Fr. Francis Kline. The retreat center is an architectural and engineering marvel with its own common area and chapel. It is worth a trip to Mepkin just to see it.
As a result I was especially moved to get this note a few days later from one of the men who built the retreat center. "Mr.Turak - Good day, Jamie Kilgallen from Charleston, SC here. Truly enjoying your book, "Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks". I work for Jimmy Hightower, President of Hightower Construction Co, - a 56 year old Charleston General Contractor that aspires to be '"selfless" - Jimmy is for sure - and...
As a result I was especially moved to get this note a few days later from one of the men who built the retreat center. "Mr.Turak - Good day, Jamie Kilgallen from Charleston, SC here. Truly enjoying your book, "Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks". I work for Jimmy Hightower, President of Hightower Construction Co, - a 56 year old Charleston General Contractor that aspires to be '"selfless" - Jimmy is for sure - and...
Education and Achievement
by August Turak
I was a sophomore in college and I was strolling across campus with a graduate student in engineering who I had just met. He asked me my major and when I told him that it was Russian history he said disdainfully,
"What are you going to DO with it?"
...
I didn't like the question or his attitude but I played along.
"I don't know. I'll probably be a Russian history professor."
"Do you know how many jobs open up each year in this country for Russian history professors? Maybe three."
"That's great," I said. "That's two more than I need."
Every so often I remember that incident, and I always wonder where I got such self confidence at such an early age. I am an...
"What are you going to DO with it?"
...
I didn't like the question or his attitude but I played along.
"I don't know. I'll probably be a Russian history professor."
"Do you know how many jobs open up each year in this country for Russian history professors? Maybe three."
"That's great," I said. "That's two more than I need."
Every so often I remember that incident, and I always wonder where I got such self confidence at such an early age. I am an...
Wisdom for the Ages
by August Turak
I recently joined a group of elite speakers at the WISDOM for Modern Workplaces Retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico, October 3 - 4, 2017. It turned out to be an incredible landmark conference on workplace culture and wellbeing, and I met A plethora of wonderful, wonderful people.
It seemed as if each person I met was even more interesting than the last. I spent two whole days wishing I had more time to spend with the person I was currently talking to!
I think it is safe to say that my talk was well received since I sold every book I brought along as well as taking orders for 15 more.
I have lost count of how many conferences of this type...
It seemed as if each person I met was even more interesting than the last. I spent two whole days wishing I had more time to spend with the person I was currently talking to!
I think it is safe to say that my talk was well received since I sold every book I brought along as well as taking orders for 15 more.
I have lost count of how many conferences of this type...
Fear and Loathing and the Crusades
by August Turak
One of the many and sundry calumnies hurled at Christianity today is the myth of the Crusades. The current popular narrative (echoed recently by the president) maintains that the Crusades were just another example of Western "imperialism" and Christian hypocrisy: Expeditions mounted under the cynical pretext of religion (by vile white men of course!) for booty and women against an innocent and peace loving Muslim world.
In fact the Crusades... were not an attack: They were instead a COUNTERATTACK. Most Americans are so blissfully ignorant of history that we don't know that all of North Africa and the Middle East including modern Israel, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey and Iran were once solidly CHRISTIAN.
Over hundreds of years and at the point of the...
In fact the Crusades... were not an attack: They were instead a COUNTERATTACK. Most Americans are so blissfully ignorant of history that we don't know that all of North Africa and the Middle East including modern Israel, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey and Iran were once solidly CHRISTIAN.
Over hundreds of years and at the point of the...
Life, God and Carpet Installation
by August Turak
I spent most of my 20's on my knees installing carpet. My brother Tom, our truck and tools would accompany me on my pilgrimage from city to city and eventually from house to house. Often we would be greeted at the door by a beaming couple brimming with excitement over the fact that our arrival meant that their endless remodeling Odyssey was finally at an end.
Inevitably they would insist on giving us the Cook's Tour of their home spun home improvements replete with stories of how it all came about.
These tours always left me feeling sweetly melancholy and sad. Why? Because to a man and woman they were invariably wonderful people who had obviously worked long and hard on the...
Inevitably they would insist on giving us the Cook's Tour of their home spun home improvements replete with stories of how it all came about.
These tours always left me feeling sweetly melancholy and sad. Why? Because to a man and woman they were invariably wonderful people who had obviously worked long and hard on the...
Want To Be Successful Without Selling Your Soul?
by August Turak
I was featured on the 1 Simple Thing podcast with Dave Kirby recently. We talked about finding meaning and authenticity in our business. It's a five day series where I spend about 10 minutes each day - Monday through Thursday - sharing one simple thing listeners can do to make a lasting change in their life. Friday's show is a recap of the week and the simple things you can do to be more successful in your personal and professional lives. Join us! http://bit.ly/1STiTunes
Below are link's and overviews of each episode. Monday, August 31, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT76ws Tuesday, September 1, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT77ws Wednesday, September 3, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT78ws Thursday, September 3, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT79ws Friday, September 4, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT80ws
We're so grateful that August was a guest on the 1...
Below are link's and overviews of each episode. Monday, August 31, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT76ws Tuesday, September 1, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT77ws Wednesday, September 3, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT78ws Thursday, September 3, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT79ws Friday, September 4, 2015: http://bit.ly/AT80ws
We're so grateful that August was a guest on the 1...
The Life Worth Living
by August Turak
"Man is a mystery. If you spend your whole life trying to puzzle it out do not say you wasted your time. I occupy myself with that mystery because I want to be a man."
Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote this in a letter to his brother when he was just 17. I have had this quote pasted to every fridge I've rented or owned since I was about 20.
I especially love that Dostoevsky is arguing that the path to becoming an authentic human being lies in trying to solve what may very well be an insoluble mystery.
Secondly I am astounded that a boy so young could realize that "becoming a man" is the highest aspiration one can aspire to. Though in a...
Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote this in a letter to his brother when he was just 17. I have had this quote pasted to every fridge I've rented or owned since I was about 20.
I especially love that Dostoevsky is arguing that the path to becoming an authentic human being lies in trying to solve what may very well be an insoluble mystery.
Secondly I am astounded that a boy so young could realize that "becoming a man" is the highest aspiration one can aspire to. Though in a...
A Secret to Success
by August Turak
Great people don't just do what is asked or expected: They ANTICIPATE by doing things WITHOUT BEING ASKED.
For example: If your boss EVER has to ask you for a status report on something you are working on you are FAILING. Yes, you are failing even if you are actually doing great work and are ahead of schedule.
Like Radar O'Reilly in the old TV series MASH, the secret to success is proactively getting out in front of things.
For example, if a man's wife has to ask/remind him about their anniversary he will end up buying twice the roses for barely half the credit!
If I have to ask you for the five bucks I lent you then even if you quickly produce...
For example: If your boss EVER has to ask you for a status report on something you are working on you are FAILING. Yes, you are failing even if you are actually doing great work and are ahead of schedule.
Like Radar O'Reilly in the old TV series MASH, the secret to success is proactively getting out in front of things.
For example, if a man's wife has to ask/remind him about their anniversary he will end up buying twice the roses for barely half the credit!
If I have to ask you for the five bucks I lent you then even if you quickly produce...
God Speaks
by August Turak
Is God a Taoist? written by Raymond M. Smullyan in 1977 is hands down one of the coolest things I've ever read and it is hilariously funny to boot. It is a conversation between God and a mortal man who wants to be freed from his own free will. It was written by a logician and later in the Socratic dialogue God talks about evil and the way things must be as well. I go back to this over and over.
Here is a sneak preview! . . .
Mortal: And therefore, O God, I pray thee, if thou hast one ounce of mercy for this thy suffering creature, absolve me of having to have free will!
God: You reject the greatest gift I have...
Here is a sneak preview! . . .
Mortal: And therefore, O God, I pray thee, if thou hast one ounce of mercy for this thy suffering creature, absolve me of having to have free will!
God: You reject the greatest gift I have...
Brother Robert
by August Turak
Mepkin Abbey recently lost my friend and Hero Br. Robert. It was Br. Robert who in my book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks, tells me, "You know everyone wants to die like a Trappist, but no one wants to live like one."
Br. Robert was an incredibly hard worker.Every day for many years he collected eggs in the chicken houses; rapidly scooping them up with both hands three at a time and then gently depositing them in 24 egg flats stacked in columns six... flats high. Then he would load them into an old truck and drive them to the "eggery" or "grading" house where we would wash them, grade them, put them in cartons, and send them off to...
Br. Robert was an incredibly hard worker.Every day for many years he collected eggs in the chicken houses; rapidly scooping them up with both hands three at a time and then gently depositing them in 24 egg flats stacked in columns six... flats high. Then he would load them into an old truck and drive them to the "eggery" or "grading" house where we would wash them, grade them, put them in cartons, and send them off to...
It's Good To Be A Saint
by August Turak
Several weeks ago my brother Tom and I went to Myrtle beach to see our Aunt Helen and her children our cousins.
My Aunt Helen is my father's younger sister and I simply adore her. When I was a kid we couldn't afford vacations, but for me spending a couple weeks every summer visiting my Aunt Helen and my Uncle Rudy was all the vacation I needed. * * *
She was more than a second mother to me. For example, she would insist on tucking me in about five times every night, and with each tuck she added another blanket until I would wake up the next morning tired from the weight of all the blankets! I still love to tease her...
My Aunt Helen is my father's younger sister and I simply adore her. When I was a kid we couldn't afford vacations, but for me spending a couple weeks every summer visiting my Aunt Helen and my Uncle Rudy was all the vacation I needed. * * *
She was more than a second mother to me. For example, she would insist on tucking me in about five times every night, and with each tuck she added another blanket until I would wake up the next morning tired from the weight of all the blankets! I still love to tease her...
The Power of Transformation & Personal Trainers
by August Turak
August Turak recently took his own advice when he embarked upon a personal journey to physical health. You can read about his journey in the YMCA of the Triangles article, One Secret to Success: Hire a Personal Trainer.
The proof is in the pics. Here are the before and after photos of Turak' s journey and ultimate progress. Congratulations on the transformation!
Before Turak's Physical Transformation.
After Turak's Physical Transformation
The proof is in the pics. Here are the before and after photos of Turak' s journey and ultimate progress. Congratulations on the transformation!
Before Turak's Physical Transformation.
After Turak's Physical Transformation
My Mom
by August Turak
In loving memory of Peggy Kelly Turak
In 1984 my mother died. It is now 2015. She has been dead for 31 years. I am now just one year older than she was when she passed away at 61. My mother married at what was then the ripe old age of 28 and went on to have 10 pregnancies and 8 children in the ensuing 12 years. I am her first born and my mother was always my champion and full time cheerleader.
Back in the 1970's I was racing from Washington D.C to Cleveland Ohio on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. When I saw the exit for Pittsburgh I impulsively pulled off and took a 50 mile detour just...
In 1984 my mother died. It is now 2015. She has been dead for 31 years. I am now just one year older than she was when she passed away at 61. My mother married at what was then the ripe old age of 28 and went on to have 10 pregnancies and 8 children in the ensuing 12 years. I am her first born and my mother was always my champion and full time cheerleader.
Back in the 1970's I was racing from Washington D.C to Cleveland Ohio on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. When I saw the exit for Pittsburgh I impulsively pulled off and took a 50 mile detour just...
Glad Tidings of Great Joy
by August Turak
I am thrilled to announce that my book, Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks: One CEO’s Quest for Meaning and Authenticity has just been released in paperback by Columbia Business School Publishing. It seems to be doing well since Business Secrets has rocketed back up the Amazon charts of best sellers.
If you could be so kind I would appreciate any help I could get in spreading the word.
Any social media help---Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, etc. --- would be extremely helpful.
Here's the link to my book on Amazon. Thanks to everyone for buying my book!
Service and Selflessness Spotlight: A Wise Community
by August Turak
The Spirit of Community
Sense of Pride Teamwork Kinship
Worthwhile Goals Leadership Shared Sacrifice
Sense of Purpose Self-Reliance Involvement
Community Culture Resiliency Dedication
Can-Do Attitude Mission Resourcefulness
Dedication of New Building: WBC Homecoming 2014 ...
Dedication of New Building: WBC Homecoming 2014 ...
Business Secrets: Get it at Audible.com today!
by August Turak
I am delighted and excited to let you know that Business Secrets of the Trappist Monks is now available in audio at Audible.com. Audible, an Amazon company, is the leader in spoken word entertainment. Now you can enjoy my audiobook on your smartphone, Kindle, mp3, tablet or desktop… Get it at Audible.com today and tell all your friends!
Thanks to all of you who argued so strongly for me reading my own book. I've received a number of compliments like this one, forwarded to me... Almost done with Business Secrets of the Trappists Monks. I have been listening to it on Audible Books. Especially cool because August is reading it. Really enjoying it. Feels like he speaking directly to me - literally and metaphorically....
Thanks to all of you who argued so strongly for me reading my own book. I've received a number of compliments like this one, forwarded to me... Almost done with Business Secrets of the Trappists Monks. I have been listening to it on Audible Books. Especially cool because August is reading it. Really enjoying it. Feels like he speaking directly to me - literally and metaphorically....
Movies, Monks, and Heros: Turak Teaches a Summer Course at Saint John's University
by August Turak
Are you looking for more meaning from your summer than a trashy novel and a few days at the beach can deliver? If so, join August Turak at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota on July 21-25 for Movies, Monks, and Heroes: Finding Meaning and Success through Authenticity.
Anything but a typical “class,” Turak has used his experience as a highly successful entrepreneur and award winning author to create a highly experiential learning experience: An experience that will send you home with the economic and personal benefits that are only achieved through becoming a more authentic human being.
So make this summer a summer you’ll never forget. Get more details and a full course description below and start looking forward to four...
Anything but a typical “class,” Turak has used his experience as a highly successful entrepreneur and award winning author to create a highly experiential learning experience: An experience that will send you home with the economic and personal benefits that are only achieved through becoming a more authentic human being.
So make this summer a summer you’ll never forget. Get more details and a full course description below and start looking forward to four...
From Russia with Love
by August Turak
Several years ago I met Masha in St. Petersburg, Russia while there for my friends Dina and Slava's wedding. She was working the front desk of my hotel, and when I returned the following year we renewed our friendship. But soon she hesitantly told me that she needed a serious operation and despite working two jobs did not have the money to pay for it. Russia offers government funded medical care but the service is so terrible that she was determined to pay cash instead at a private hospital. She told me that she had scraped, saved, and borrowed but was still hundreds of dollars short of what she needed.
Despite the fact that I hardly knew her and we had...
Despite the fact that I hardly knew her and we had...
Turak Presents at Saint John's Theology Day
by August Turak
Join August Turak at The Minneapolis Club for Saint John's Theology Day Event on May 6th, 2014...
Click here to Register Now!
Click here to Register Now!
Click here to Register Now!
Click here to Register Now!