“If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of.  There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”

                                                                                   - Fred Rogers, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood

Impact.  Whether we know it or not, each one of us has the ability to impact others in profound ways. 

This is usually recognized for those who positively affect the masses through speaking to large audiences, television appearances or internet posts that go viral. 

But most of the time it is done in ordinary ways, by ordinary people.  It comes in our...

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears”

                                                                                      – Nelson Mandela

I recently watched, for the third or fourth time, the movie Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman and his amazing portrayal of Nelson Mandela. 

The movie chronicles Mandela’s journey after he had been released from a 27-year prison sentence and would then emerge to become president of South Africa, beginning the process of...

“Don’t chase after success, chase after capability.  If you are capable of anything, then success will be chasing you.”

                                                                                                         - Meme

I love the distinction from my good friend, Kelly Anne Zielinski, CEO of Self Leadership Global, often shares, “It is much more effective to hold someone capable, than to hold them accountable.” 

In studying attributes of success in the world of leadership, the concept of accountability is often identified for its importance and effectiveness.  Taking personal accountability for the...

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”

                                                                                     – Jean Shinoda Bolen

During many of these blog posts, I have discussed the importance of being of service to living an impactful and fulfilling life. 

Specifically, when one combines what they love doing, with what they are great at and with that, provide a high degree of service to others, a recipe for a truly Championship Life can be realized. 

However, while doing acts of service is an integral part of experiencing happiness and fulfillment in our lives, who is the one person we tend to take care...

“The great threat to success is not failure, it’s boredom.”

                                                                                                         - James Clear

Throughout my over four decades as a martial arts instructor, I have had the honor of teach literally thousands of students.  During this time, approximately 1,500 students have earned their Black Belts. 

Of those students, I can think of only two students who when I first saw them, I knew they had everything it took to become a Black Belt and eventually did – only two. 

Many others had naturally physical, mental and emotional...

“The moment you take responsibility for Everything in your life, is the moment you can change Anything in your life.”

                                                                                                                   - Hal Elrod

As a speaker, I am honored each year to share my Mind of a Champion message with wide variety of audiences.  Groups range from elementary school children all the way to corporate leaders. 

While it does take a diverse set of skills and strategies to be able to communicate with, and hold the attention of audiences of such a wide range, I believe that we are “all big kids anyway” and as a result the...

“It's very important that we re-learn the art of resting and relaxing. Not only does it help prevent the onset of many illnesses that develop through chronic tension and worrying; it allows us to clear our minds, focus, and find creative solutions to problems.”

                                                                                       - Thich Nhat Hanh

I am writing this blog for myself.  My logic in sharing this publicly with you, is I actually might listen to my own coaching (as well as help some others along the way).

Like all of us, I have been blessed with specific talents that have served me quite well.  However, I also have some very specific “areas of opportunity” that I could address to make myself...

"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...

“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...

“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...