Positive attitude is paramount! It truly defines our altitude in our daily life. Try to incorporate turning negatives/challenges  or should I say opportunities and turn them into something positive. Because of life’s challenges we get the great privilege to become better and grow! Example today it’s snowing and cold outside. Let yourself know that the weather allows you to get in some great exercise in before work also a great stress reducer and when you are done you will go into your warm car.

Best stress reducer in life…having fun at all you do! Amazing results will follow and it really helps bring everything back into perspective!

I encourage everyone to exercise daily but the key question to ask yourself is why? The why I should exercise is key to staying motivated to stay the course. I would encourage you to write down the main reason why you will commit to exercising daily…keep it with you. The one reason you will want to write it down is that it will remind and inspire you to keep going. I remember right after my kidney transplant I so wanted to start exercising to keep in great shape. However, when I started exercising daily on a consistent basis is when I knew exactly the WHY I wanted to keep exercising. My reasons were very clear and focused and mine were because I wanted to keep my amazing life saving gift I received from my daughter as long and as healthy as I could humanly possible…In addition, I so wanted to live for my amazing family, loved ones friends,I wanted to give back and pay it forward in a BIG way to so many so I started volunteering and speaking for several non-for profits inspiring and motivating others. I truly believe that the best gifts we ever will receive in life are in giving of ourselves to help others…Another favorite quote of mine is…The best exercise for your heart is in helping  lift other people up!

Abundance will come to you in giving…please let us know how we can better help you stay motivated.

Visit us on a regular basis as we will try our best to keep daily tips for being your best in your career and life!

Second chance at life

Donors, recipients observe National Donor Sabbath

http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1885879,111609organdonor.article

BY BOB RAKOW, Correspondent

Jeff Studzinski has been in a coma and received the last rites three times.

On Sunday, the Tinley Park resident stood in the vestibule of Peace Memorial Church in Palos Park and talked about being given a second chance at life.

As Studzinski spoke, his 21-year-old daughter Monica Tooth stood at his side.

Studzinski and his daughter share something more than a familial bond. Tooth gave her father the gift of life.

Three years ago, Studzinski’s kidneys failed and he was undergoing dialysis three times a week. After two years of dialysis, Tooth, one of Studzinski’s three children, donated a kidney to her father.

“It’s been the best three years of my life,” said Studzinski, as he waited to address the congregation at Peace Memorial Church, 10300 W. 131st St., Palos Park. “I could run a marathon right now.”

After the transplant surgery, Studzinski left a sales career and embarked on a new vocation as a motivational speaker.

He and his son Josh formed Revolutionizing Growth, a firm that specializes in motivation speeches and wellness programs for corporations and senior living facilities.

Studzinski works closely with organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation. He also travels the state speaking to high school students about hope and inspiration.

“Being a hero in life is a choice,” said Studzinski.

Studzinski’s appearance at Peace Memorial Church coincided with National Donor Sabbath, which is observed by faith communities annually two weekends before Thanksgiving to bring awareness to the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White also spoke Sunday to the Peace Memorial congregation to emphasize the importance of organ and tissue donation.

More than 4.5 million Illinois residents are registered organ donors, White said. However, more than 4,700 of the 104,000 Americans waiting for transplants are from Illinois.

“I’m really proud that Illinois has stepped up to the plate,” White said. “We are an extended family.”

Chicago Tribune November 4, 2009 – Volunteers: Jeff Studzinski, motivational speaker

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/southsouthwest/chi-helping-profile-growth-southnov04,0,7396767.story

Name: Jeff Studzinski

Age: 51

Who he is: Founder of Revolutionizing Growth, a company focused on inspiring others to develop and grow through motivational speech.

What he does: Along with his son Josh, he delivers motivational speeches and presents workshops on such topics as having a positive attitude and living life with passion. He also does keynote speaking for organizations like Donate Life and the National Kidney Foundation.

Background: Started his company about two years ago, one week after he underwent surgery for a kidney transplant. He worked in corporate America for more than 20 years in sales and as a branch manager for companies such as Panduit Corp. Studzinski has suffered from diabetes since his mid-20s. After his kidneys failed, he went through dialysis for two years until his daughter was able to donate a kidney to him. After his surgery, he started the partnership to deliver messages of hope and inspiration to people who were losing passion in their lives.

Why he does it: “It’s my purpose to share my life’s journey with people and to help them get through tough times and challenges in their lives.”

Upcoming events: Will speak on “Motivation for a Lifetime” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Road, Shorewood. Call 815-609-0669.

How you can help: Call 708-342-6800.

Zimmerman and Sandeman Funeral Homes Spring Luncheon

May 28, 2009

The Annual Spring Luncheon sponsored by Zimmerman & Sandeman Funeral Homes, along with the Andrew J. McGann and Son Funeral Home, and Hallinan Funeral Home, was once again a memorable day for local Senior Citizens. It was held at Palermo’s on 95th Street in Oak Lawn and featured speakers that included Jerry Schmitt, CFP, Glenn Borkowski and Jeff Studzinski. The guests were treated to a four course meal that started with Soup and Salad. The main course saw a choice of Roast Beef Au Jus or Oven Roasted Chicken along with Green Beans Almandine and finished with a bowl of ice cream, which was perfect for a warm spring day.

After opening remarks from Joe Stubits, Director of Community Relations and Paul Goldman, Director of Operations, the crowd was entertained by Jeff Studzinski, Managing Partner of Revolutionizing Growth, LLC. Jeff gave an inspirational talk about his journey through a kidney transplant and his strategy to live every day with maximum joy. The guests certainly enjoyed his passionate enthusiasm and motivational ideas! Glen Borkowski, President of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, followed Jeff to the podium where he gave a visual presentation of many ideas that make navigating through the home each day easier and safer. Jerry Schmitt, CFP, and Principal at WealthCare Consultants gave the audience a visualization on investments and what types of vehicles may be best for them. With the current volatile economy, every ear was tuned in to Jerry’s talk! Don Kaminski, Sales Executive for Forethought followed and answered several questions related to final burial arrangements and the value in pre-planning. All of the speakers generated many questions and provided additional information on each of their specialties. The Palermo’s staff was superb and provided a perfect setting for the Luncheon. “The afternoon was near perfection, and I look forward to our luncheon next year!” said Joe Stubits.

Southtown Star

Tinley man gets kidney – and now he’s giving back

April 16, 2009

By Luke Baker, Staff Writer

Jeff Studzinski was so determined not to let dialysis slow him down that the 51-year-old Tinley Park man defied doctors’ orders and vigorously exercised on a stationary bike during his kidney-cleaning treatments.

For two years, Studzinski pedaled along during his sessions at Fresenius Dialysis Center in Orland Park. Each trip was draining, but he was determined to keep his body in the best possible physical condition so he would be ready for the kidney transplant he needed.

Studzinski ‘s son Josh, 21, found it tough to stay optimistic while watching his dad grow tired and weary. But hope was just around the corner. Studzinski’s youngest daughter Monica, now 24, was a perfect donor match.

“It took a lot of courage on my daughter’s part,” Studzinski said.

Monica, who was 21 at the time of the transplant, became nauseated just at the thought of drawing blood, but she was driven.

“I did what I had to do,” Monica said.

Josh said the Studzinski family drew strength from the support of family and friends.

“It wasn’t just that I offered (a kidney) or my sister offered. When we looked into the transplant, people from the church offered and about over 50 people tried to offer my dad a kidney.”

Though doctors urged Studzinski not to exert himself while on dialysis – the treatment alone can be exhausting – he continued to pedal and push himself while preparing for the transplant surgery.

“The biggest problem you have (during dialysis) is cramping up, because

(technicians) are extracting fluids off of your body. Now I’m riding a bike and you’re getting more fluids off of your body. When the cramps came, they were brutal,” Studzinski said.

While riding his bicycle, Studzinski would pray and listen to the Bible narrated on audiocassette.

“The universal message is love, God and giving back. The amazing thing that I found out in my life is that the more that I give back, the better I feel,” Studzinski said.

Studzinski received Monica’s kidney Oct. 12, 2006. One week after the transplant, he and his family started Revolutionizing Growth, through which Studzinski wants to inspire others by speaking to senior citizens and youth groups.

“I wanted to let people know that they could live a life of fulfillment regardless of life’s extreme challenges,” Studzinski said. In many of his speeches, he often stresses the importance of being an organ and tissue donor.

Today, Studzinski feels better than ever. He exercises daily, meeting a goal of 100 pushups a day, and he does plenty of jogging with his dog.

Monica is feeling equally well today. She works at Smith Crossing Retirement Center in Orland Park.

Giving back, Studzinski said, is important.

“One kind word a day to someone can make a person’s day,” he said.

“Remember that each one of us has choices to make in life. Just to be an organ and tissue donor, it’s a choice. You are defined by the choices you make in life.”