Yer Out!!!

The famous Babe Ruth was the home run king; he was also the strikeout king.  

He finished his illustrious 22-season career from 1914 to 1935 with 714 home runs and 1,330 strikeouts.

The key to his success?

He was comfortable enough with hearing “Yer Out!” that he kept coming back to bat again, and again, and again.

Ironically

The key to being successful is to be comfortable with the discomfort of feeling unsuccessful.

The key to being strong is to be comfortable with the discomfort of feeling weak, confused, fearful, and sad.

Such self-awareness helps us to:

• Let go and listen.
• Let go and learn.
• Let go and grow.

The great Paul of Tarsus (c. 47-67 AD) wrote: “I will boast of my weaknesses…I am content with weaknesses…for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Leaders’ Lesson

Beware of Power Posers who can’t admit failure.

Instead, be intrigued with empathetic and trustworthy leaders who are comfortable with themselves and kind and clear with others, especially when things get uncomfortable—at work, home, or inside of themselves.

Batter up!

Best re-Arghs,
Cap’n John

     

Preface: I asked AI to write and then fix this post for me. (No paid actors were used to fix this.)

“In a Bit of a Fix: How One Word Repairs, Ruins, and Rules Our Lives”

If you’re ever in a jam, a pickle, or a bind, you probably need a fix. But be careful—“fix” is the word that can mean you’re solving a problem, causing one, or just desperately in need of coffee. Let’s take a wrench to this word and see what we can tighten, loosen, or accidentally break.

1. The Home Repair “Fix” (a.k.a. The Duct Tape Olympics)

“Don’t worry, I’ll fix it!” These are the famous last words before a minor leak becomes a backyard water feature. If you’ve ever tried to fix a wobbly chair and ended up with a modern art sculpture, you know the thrill of the DIY fix. My neighbor once tried to fix his mailbox with a bungee cord and a prayer. Now, every time the mail carrier opens it, it launches like a catapult. The neighborhood kids call it “The Daily Mail Launch.”

2. The Culinary Fix

Hungry? “I’ll fix you a snack!” In my house, that means a sandwich with whatever’s left in the fridge—half a pickle, a slice of cheese, and something that might have been ham in a previous life. If you can fix dinner without setting off the smoke alarm, you’re already a culinary legend.

3. The Furry Fix

Pet owners know that to “fix” a pet is to ensure you don’t wake up to a surprise litter of puppies. It’s the only fix that involves a trip to the vet, a cone of shame, and a week of your cat plotting revenge.

4. The “In a Fix” Fiasco

But “fix” isn’t always the solution. Sometimes, it’s the problem. “I’m in a fix” is code for “I’ve made a series of questionable decisions, and now I need an adult.” If you’ve ever tried to fix your own haircut, you know exactly what this means. (Pro tip: hats are always in style.)

5. The Quick Fix (a.k.a. The Temporary Disaster)

We all love a quick fix—until it unravels faster than a cheap sweater. That “temporary” patch on your car’s muffler? Now it’s a percussion instrument. That “quick fix” for your relationship? Now you’re both in therapy. Sometimes, a quick fix is just a slow-motion fail.

6. The Daily Fix

Let’s not forget the “fix” you can’t live without. Coffee, chocolate, reality TV—whatever gets you through the day. Some people need a caffeine fix, others need a Netflix fix. If you need both at once, congratulations: you’re living in 2025.

7. The Shady Fix

And then there’s “the fix is in”—which means someone’s cheating, usually in sports, politics, or family board game night. If your grandma always wins at Monopoly, you might want to check under the table for extra $500 bills.

Final Fixings

So, whether you’re patching up a problem, prepping a meal, or just getting your daily dose of something you love, “fix” is the word that’s always ready to help—or, occasionally, to make things hilariously worse.

Remember: if at first you don’t succeed, fix, fix again. And if all else fails, call someone who actually knows what they’re doing. Or just order pizza.

What’s your fix for ’26?

Happy New Year! Cap’n John

     

Attitude trumps Ability.

I’ve asked hundreds of leaders: Would you rather have a team member who is A.) very skilled and ABLE, but not WILLING to work well with others, or B.) someone who’s not yet as skilled and ABLE, but eager and WILLING to work with the team— and teachable.

Choice B. always wins. After all, it’s more fun and fulfilling to work with people who are both WILLING and ABLE. What are your thoughts about this?

Best re-Arghs,
Cap’n John

John Parker, Central California, coachingparker@gmail.com

     

The crew and I found each other by signing up and sailing together the last two days of July 2025 on the decks of the California Gold Nugget treasure hunting ship. Our ship was a conference room at a Fresno Airport hotel!

The class, organized by SkillPath Seminars out of Kansas, is entitled “Management and Leadership Skills for First-Time Supervisors and Managers.” (click for more)

Most of the crew members are veteran leaders in supervision and management, leading teams of up to 100 or more people. All of the hearty crew members are self-starting, lifelong learners, so the engagement level in our group was fabulous.

And, my faith lets me know that I’m on the planet and out at sea precisely for these treasure-hunting adventures! Hallelujah!

Best re-Arghs!

Cap’n John

John Parker, M.A., V.S.C. (Virtual Sea Cap’n)

     

Ahoy and mighty Arghs, my hearty shipmate and friend!

I’m so glad to see you’re still here—and I appreciate you waiting for my return.

What an adventure it’s been! I’ve traveled across the country, both in person and virtually, leading two- and three-day training sessions on the East Coast.

Here are some of the topics I’ve had the pleasure of teaching:

• Project Management Principles
• Consulting Skills
• Writing Essentials
• Persuasive Speaking
• Briefing and Presentation Skills

My manager, Cherie—the “Commodore” of our New York-based company—had some kind words to share about my work:

“It is with genuine enthusiasm that I recommend Cap’n John Parker as an instructor. He is, without question, one of the most engaging, effective, and inspiring educators I’ve had the privilege of working with. Like a seasoned captain at the helm, John expertly navigates his courses with clarity, energy, and purpose—guiding students through complex material in a way that’s logical, approachable, and easy to understand.”

That’s high praise—thank you, Commodore Cherie!

Anyway, I’m back!

Thank’ee for “sittin’ by the dock on the bay” and keeping a weather-eye out for me.

Best re-Arghs,

Cap’n John, B.S., M.A., V.S.C. (Virtual Sea Captain)

John Parker
Merced, California
coachingparker@gmail.com

     

“What matters most is faith through love–working.” (Famous entrepreneur, c. 60 AD)

The order—Faith, Love, Work— is essential. (Work is third, not first.)

1. Faith is first.

Powerful leaders are believers. They believe with positive vision. Their faith moves forward—over, around, and through obstacles.

“Big picture” leaders use super-vision: They supervise. They over-see.

Insightful business leaders re-spect: They look again.  (Latin: spect means to see))

Faith believes!

2. Love is second.  

Inspiring business leaders are great receivers. They discover sources of support, nurture and inspiration and humbly, gratefully receive it.

As they are filled they pour out and into others on the team!

When a person knows that they are loved by something or someone positive, fear lessens, and faith grows.

LOVE RECEIVES!

3. Work is third.

Have you ever met an unhappy leader? A mean manager? A sullen supervisor? A perturbed parent? Work may be first for them, but sadly faith and love have died.

On the other hand, have you experienced a positive leader? They have the order: faith and love energizing (Greek: En-ergos) their work!

WORK ACHIEVES!

What a difference the order makes.

QUIZ: What famous entrepreneur (c. 60 AD) wrote: “What matters most is faith through love working.”? 
COMMENT below, or email, text, or call

Cap’n John Parker, VSC

For a Complimentary, Confidential Conversation:
Email: coachingparker@gmail.com

Text/call (209) 564-7201

     

Why are you here?

I mean, on the planet? And, at this time?

Speak it out. Write it down. Test it. Then rest assured.

There are lots of opinions.

Your quest? Search. Listen. Find. Agonize. Ask. Seek. Knock. Wait. Find again.

Listen and you will find the answer that gives you assurance and peace. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for the right answer(s).

Belief is your base, your foundation, and your launch pad.

Do you know anyone who seems enthusiastic about life and existing? Check with them. They’ve got belief.

Enthusiasm is from the Greek as:  entheos “divinely inspired, possessed by a god,” from en “in” + theos “god.”

I see it as the ruling (supreme, god, sovereign) belief within a person.

An enthusiastic person bubbles up—and sometimes over—with the power, the belief within them.  

The late blues singer, John Lee Hooker, tells this story in his talking song “Boogie Chillun.”

… One night I was layin’ down
I heard Mama ‘n Papa talkin’
I heard Papa tell mama
“Let that boy boogie-woogie
It’s in him, and it got to come out”
And I felt so good
And I went on boogie’n just the same.

“Papa tell mama…

“It’s in him!

And it got to come out.”

“And I felt so good.”

My word to you—dreamer, influencer, most useful person– is the same:

It’s in you!

And it got to come out!

It will feel so good!

Best re-Arghs!
Cap’n John

“Believing makes things possible (not always easy). Let’s believe!”

PS: Text, email, or call and I will respond. I’m enthused to visit with you more about what’s bubbling up inside of you. Yes, I believe you are the one meant to bring it!

John Parker: coachingparker@gmail.com or (209) 564-7201

Your comments Argh welcome!

     

Lawn lovers dislike “those damned dandelions” on their lawns!

They use lawn food, chopping, plucking, mowing, and cursing to get rid of them.

Nevertheless, “those damned dandelions” mockingly cry out (with Arnold The Terminator) “We’ll be back!”

The energy that could be used on nurturing Engaged Roses (30% – the “Go Getters”) and the “At Least They Sorta Get Their Work Done Daisies” (50%)  goes into dealing with “those damned dandelions.”

Smart Leaders invest in their Roses toward helping their Daisies. Other leaders get sidetracked by the clever, ubiquitous, activist anti-mission Dandelions (20 %)  and lose it all.

Thoughts?

Best re-Arghs,

Cap’n John

     

Our very own, Cap’n Coach John Parker, VSC (Virtual Sea Cap’n), received a shipload of great comments after his two Saturday morning presentations for the California Teaching Fellows Foundation attended by over 200 Teaching Fellows (100+ per each 1-hour session).

California Teaching Fellows are fully-trained college students who serve as role models, tutors, and activity leaders supporting expanded learning programs for school districts and at school sites with K-12 students.

The Teaching Fellow participants who attended either one of Cap’n Coach John’s virtual events “entitled “Taming Stress with Powerful Peace” were asked:

What did you find most valuable about the presenter’s approach or content?

Session One Comments

Session Two Comments