“Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems.”

                                                                                              — Anthony J. D’Angelo

As I sit and reflect on my journey, one thing becomes crystal clear: people have a profound impact on our lives—sometimes for a lifetime, sometimes for a fleeting moment. And here’s the magic: it’s not always the amount of time spent with someone that matters, but the quality of the impact they leave behind. Even brief encounters can ignite something that stays with you forever.

I’m reminded of one such person in my life: Frank Jeffrey.

When I first graduated from college, I embarked on my professional journey with the Procter & Gamble Distributing Company. Frank was my first District Manager, and even though I didn’t directly report to him, his influence was undeniable. He became my mentor, a wise, steady presence guiding me through the challenges of my early career.

I’ll never f...

“Today is a new day. Don’t let your past determine your future. Let today be the moment you stop being a victim of your circumstances and start creating the life you truly deserve. You hold the power and the time to transform your life. Break free from the chains of victimhood and embrace the greatness that’s always been within you. You were never meant to live a life of mediocrity!”
                                                                                                                                                                                                           – Steve Maraboli

Are You Living as a Victim, or Are You Taking Ownership of Your Life?

A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending a life-changing seminar by one of the most transformative coaches I’ve ever known—Steve Chandler. During that event, he posed a question that has stayed with me ever since:

Are you living as a victim, or are you stepping up and owning your life?

At first glan...

“If people are good only because they fear punishment, or hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.”
                                                                                                                – Albert Einstein

There’s a story that’s been told time and time again about John Lennon as a young schoolboy. One day, his teacher assigned the class a simple task: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

As the answers came in, they were exactly what you'd expect from a group of young children: policeman, nurse, teacher, fireman, and so on. Practical aspirations. Safe. Expected.

Then it was John’s turn.

The teacher asked, “John, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

Without missing a beat, young Lennon replied with one word: “Happy.”

Legend has it that his teacher wasn’t amused. She threatened to punish him unless he answered with something more conventional. But John stood firm, offering no other answer than the one that was true to his h...

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
                                               – Mahatma Gandhi

In today’s world, many of us feel the weight of a society that seems more divided than ever. Anger, frustration, and resentment are ever-present, often sparked by the simple fact that others don’t see the world the way we do. These emotions fuel our daily lives, amplified by the relentless flow of headlines and social media posts.

So much of our frustration stems from wanting others to act, speak, or think like we do. At the very least, we hope they’ll listen to us with openness and empathy. But here's the question: Are we willing to do the same?

This question reminds me of a story that I hold close to my heart, one that speaks to the power of our own mindset and presence.

A young man, fresh to a new town where he knows no one, strolls down the street. As he passes a weathered old man sitting on a rocking chair outside the general store, he asks, “Hey, I’m new ...

"In life, finding your voice is about speaking and living your truth. You are an original. You have a unique voice, and once you find it, your story will unfold. Your voice will be heard."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       — John Grisham

As human beings, one of the most extraordinary gifts we have is the power of our voice.

With it, we can spark dreams, ignite passion, and share wisdom. Through our words, we lift others through oration, inspire with song, and heal with simple expressions like “I love you.”

As a professional speaker, I am honored to use my voice regularly, to connect with others and encourage them to grow. In my role as a martial arts and self-defense master instructor, my voice empowers people to access their inner s...

"I would visualize things coming to me. It would just make me feel better. Visualization works if you work hard. That’s the thing. You can’t just visualize and go eat a sandwich.”
                                                                                                                                                                  — Jim Carrey

Visualization, when paired with inspired action, is one of the most powerful tools in the Champion’s arsenal for success and fulfillment.

When we look at elite athletes, we often notice that the gap in talent between them can be astonishingly small—almost imperceptible. What separates the extraordinary from the ordinary is the integration of the body, mind, and spirit. It’s the athlete who brings together these three forces, harmonizing their physical strength, mental clarity, and inner drive, who stands the greatest chance of achieving powerful performance and victory.

If our hearts are the compass of our desires, and our bod...

"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

                                                              - Admiral William H. McRaven (retired) 

A few years ago, I picked up Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven, and it instantly became one of my favorite books. This powerful read, based on his legendary commencement speech at the University of Texas, is packed with timeless wisdom on how small, daily actions can set the stage for extraordinary achievements in life.

McRaven, who retired as the highest-ranking Navy SEAL, oversaw the operations that took down Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. But what I love most about his book and speech isn’t just about those monumental achievements—it’s about a simple, yet profound lesson: how making your bed each morning can set the tone for a day filled with purpose and success.

Imagine starting each day by completing one simple task—making your bed. It might sound small, but McRaven explains that this simp...

"(A) process orientation (versus outcome orientation)… asks ‘How do I do it?’ instead of ‘Can I do it?’ and this directs attention toward defining the steps that are necessary on the way. This orientation can be characterized in terms of the guiding principle that there are no failures, only ineffective solutions."

                                                                                                                                          – Ellen Langer, Mindfulness

How often do we find ourselves paralyzed by the question: "Can I do it?"

It’s a question that’s natural to ask when faced with a challenge, but it’s also one that can stop us in our tracks. The moment we focus on whether we can achieve something, we tend to get caught in a cycle of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. We worry about failure, which, ironically, makes failure more likely.

But what if I told you the question you should be asking is not “Can I do it?” but rather "How do I do it?"

Let me ex...

"The smallest change in perspective can transform a life. What tiny attitude adjustment might turn your world around?"
                                                                                                                         – Oprah Winfrey

I am continually amazed by how the smallest shifts in our perspective can have profound effects on our lives. Whether we're facing challenges or standing at the crossroads of something new, often it’s not the situation itself that holds us back – it’s our view of it. By changing our perspective, we can dissolve worry and negativity and open ourselves to new opportunities.

A few years ago, I found myself in a situation I never expected: divorced, navigating life as a single dad, and raising my 13-year-old son, Jason, mostly on my own. My former wife had moved to Hawaii, leaving Jason and me to build a new life with just the two of us in Denver.

Jason was – and still is – an incredible son. Despite all the upheaval, he adapte...

“In the study of truth, we talk often about the power of words. It is important to put into words only the verbal statements you want to see manifest in your life. For instance, the word ‘problem.’ You say, ‘I have a problem.’ A much better word to employ when referring to some sort of challenge is ‘project’.

’Note what happens when you say, ‘I have this project.’ It makes all the difference in the world. The word project suggests a positive endeavor of development… We tackle a project with vigor and imagination and with the conviction that it will be done.”

                                                                                                                               - Eric Butterworth

In life and business, it’s not what happens to us that defines us—it’s how we respond. This simple truth is the foundation of growth, resilience, and ultimately, success.

As we reflect on the challenges we faced in 2024, many of us may feel it was a year full of unexpected hurdl...