"Commit yourself to life-long learning. The most valuable asset you’ll ever have is your mind and what you put into it.”
- Brian Tracy
As I am writing this, I am reminded of a conference of entrepreneurial business leaders I attended in Dallas, several years ago. I was honored to be a keynote speaker at the event as well as share my corporate board breaking experience with those looking to “breakthrough” their fears and limiting beliefs and create the life and businesses they desire.
I have attended several business events like this during time as a professional martial arts...
“Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% of your time on problems.”
- Anthony J. D’Angelo
Today, I was sitting and reflecting on the many people who have crossed my path who have made a positive impact on my life.
Some of these people have been with me my entire life and other times for a relatively brief period of time.
Interestingly enough, there is no correlation between time and the impact made. Even those who are in our lives for brief periods can have lasting impact.
One such person for me was Frank Jeffrey.
Immediately after graduating from college, I began my career...
“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 combined with inspired action can be one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolbox for success.
When you look at elite-level athletes, you will notice that the difference between them in athletic talent is oftentimes so minuscule it is almost non-existent. It is the person who creates the trifecta of combining the power of their body, mind and spirit that...
“Today is a new day. Don't let your history interfere with your destiny! Let today be the day you stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking action towards the life you want. You have the power and the time to shape your life. Break free from the poisonous victim mentality and embrace the truth of your greatness. You were not meant for a mundane or mediocre life!”
- Steve Maraboli
Are you being a victim or are you an owner?
I first heard this question posed several years ago by super coach, Steve Chandler when I was attending one of his great seminars.
The concept is really quite...
“If people are good only because they fear punishment, or hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.”
- Albert Einstein
There is a classic story of Beatles legend, John Lennon as a young school-boy. His teacher had assigned the class an assignment to answer the simple question,
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
As expected, as his classmates shared their answers, typical careers emerged from the imaginations of young primary schoolers of that time, policeman, nurse, teacher, fireman, etc.
It then came time for young John to share, and the teacher asked, “John, what do you...
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
- Mahatma Ghandi
Today, many would say that we are living in a deeply divided society.
The anger, irritation and resentment that comes from others not seeing the world the way we see it, can permeate our everyday life and is fueled by the constant images and reports we see on news and social medias.
So much of our frustrations come from wanting others to act, speak or think like we do. If not in the absolute, at least in a willingness to listen to us and consider our point of view in a civil and empathetic way.
But what about us? Are we willing to do the same?
This reminds...
“In life, finding a voice is speaking and living the truth. Each of you is an original. Each of you has a distinctive voice. When you find it, your story will be told. You will be heard.”
- John Grisham
As human beings, I believe one of the most amazing...
“Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day.”
- John Wooden, coaching legend
Legendary basketball coach, John Wooden is famously quoted for saying – “Make each day your masterpiece.”
Coach Wooden retired in 1975 as the winning-est coach in college basketball history, leading his UCLA Bruins clubs to an unprecedented ten NCAA college basketball national championships.
Although his official title was “coach”, Wooden referred to himself as a “teacher”, not only of basketball, but of life.
The...
“(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
Think of the last time you faced a major challenge in your life.
You may be at that place right now as you read this.
How many times are we caught up in the mind game of whether we can successfully tackle a challenging situation?
Our minds can go in all types of...
“The smallest change in perspective can transform a life. What tiny attitude adjustment might turn your world around?”
- Oprah Winfrey
I continue to be amazed how simple shifts in consciousness can have such a profound impact on our lives. Despite the label we put on our current conditions or the fear of what is up ahead, our worry and displeasure can simply evaporate when we choose to change our perspective and the see the positives of a given situation.
Several years ago, I found myself in a position I never dreamed I would encounter – divorced and playing the role of a single dad.
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