Jim is an authentic presence. He is bright and clear, warm and entertaining in style, manner and approach. Jim puts people at ease; he wakes people up with his music and a confident, gentle voice. I watched him skillfully create an atmosphere of openness and reflection with a touch of humor. I can't thank Jim enough for his wonderful message and guidance in helping our staff toward greater personal happiness and life satisfaction
Jim Ryan
Motivator and Author of Simple Happiness: 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up
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Jim Ryan
Biography
What separates Jim from the other speakers is that he immediately establishes rapport with his audiences. He walks confidently out onto the stage with his guitar. He tells a self-deprecating story to ease the anxious minds of the people in from of him. The joke gets a laugh and wins over his audience on the spot. He begins strumming his guitar and does his version of "Peaceful Easy Feeling". The audience must admit that he is really pretty good. This is evidenced by the enthusiastic round of applause he receives. His energy is contagious, and the audience is engaged.
As Jim delivers his program, a transformation occurs. Whether Jim is delivering his "Eight Characteristics of Happy People" talk or his "Managing Thought, the Key to Success in Business and In Life" talk, the audience begins to "live in the present moment. They become more self-aware. Gratitude is the place to start. Nothing is taken for granted. They understand that their thoughts are not their lives. They now have the ability to identify and let go of negative thoughts and replace them with empowering ones.
Lives are improved. Understanding of others grows. Dynamics in the workplace and at home are moved in the direction of patience and understanding rather than judgment and criticism. Happy workers are productive workers.
Jim has the unique ability to turn profound, life-changing concepts into easily understood solutions. His stated goal and purpose is to "open people's eyes to the possibility of living happier, more joyful lives".
Imagine what that outcome can mean for your people at work and at home.
Jim's experience in the education, business and not for profit worlds has him firmly grounded in the real world. Jim is married and the father of three grown children.
Twenty years ago, Jim decided to give back to his community by volunteering in his local prison system, teaching a course in personal development. The first thing every Monday morning, Jim brought his positive, yet realistic message to a group of men and a group of women at the DWI Alternative Facility on Long Island. The overwhelmingly enthusiastic response of the inmates spurred him to bring his message to the public. Since moving to Tennessee two years ago, he has continued his volunteer work at the Oak Cottage for Women, a half-way house for women recently released from prison. Jim is just as comfortable speaking to an audience of 1,000 as he is facilitating an intimate, offsite retreat.
Jim is the author of the book, "Simple Happiness, 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up" which has inspired tens of thousands of readers to live their best lives now. Thousands on Jim's email list wait anxiously every Wednesday morning for his uplifting and sometimes challenging "Aha Moments".
Jim Ryan
Featured Keynote Programs
Simple Happiness
Eight Characteristics of Happy People
This is one of Jim's signature programs. Thousands have been inspired and motivated to take charge and live happier, more joyful lives. Jim challenges his audiences to look within to recognize their true potential and to set the intention to achieve personal success. People walk out of this program with smiles on their faces, wondering why they are so miserable when in reality they have so much to be grateful for.
We discuss:
INTENTION: We understand that it is not the circumstances of our lives that matter, but it's how we deal with those circumstances that determine our level of happiness.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We understand that our happiness is our business. There is no blame game. I am the person that I am because of every choice I've ever made in my life. That idea can be scary, but if we take responsibility for our choices and actions, we can begin to make real progress.
KNOW WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND FIND TIME TO DO IT: I finally figured it out. The only reason to be alive is to enjoy it. Are we having fun during the day? Are we lifting people up during the day?
FOLLOW YOUR BLISS: "When you follow your bliss, doors will open that you didn't even know existed" - Joseph Campbell. Step out of your comfort zone and stretch yourself a bit. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
RECASTING: Happy people mourn, they cry, they grieve. But they get to the point where they say, "How can I give honor to the situation I find myself in?" They learn to find the opportunity in every problem.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
OPTIONS: Just because I've lived my life in a certain way up until now does not mean that I must live my life that way for the rest of my life. It all starts as we observe how we see our lives as soon as we get out of bed.
APPRECIATION: Happy people take nothing for granted. They see all things as blessings. They start their day with, "Thank God I can get out of bed by myself." Gratitude is the place to start.
GIVING: Happy people understand that it's better to give than receive. But, it's what's in your heart that really matters. Compassion is key. They practice compassion instead of judgment.
Life is Not a Dress Rehearsal
Being in the present moment is all that matters.
Discover the benefits of following your bliss, uncovering your genius, and realizing your highest potential. In this program, Jim offers a wider perspective for his audience so they can be more objective observers of their lives. Through a metaphoric mansion, Jim portrays the many rooms of opportunity awaiting you outside of the foyer known as the "comfort zone."
Live the Life of Your Dreams
Create a vision of who you want to be.
Learn to listen to your heart, create a vision of the person you want to become and take away realistic solutions on how to make your dreams a reality. This interactive program gives the audience advice on how to break through stress, allow their minds to transcend limitations and achieve beyond what they once believed possible.
Happy People Make Successful Companies
Happy people are good team players; they inspire and encourage co-workers; they are more focused and goal-oriented and infuse the workplace with positive energy. Jim Ryan can partner with your organization to create a personal development program tailored to the culture and dynamic of your business environment.