“We’ve got to remember that we get whatever we focus on in life. If we keep focusing on what we don’t want, we’ll have more of it. The first step to creating any change is deciding what you do want so that you have something to move toward.”

                                                                                    - Tony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within

Champions, whether it be in sports, business or in life, understand one very simple concept - what we focus on expands.  

Think about a vision you have for your life and/or your business. 

When you focus on the things that empower you on your journey to achieving your dream, the things that excite you and feed your soul on your quest, you...

“Accept, then act.  Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.  Always work with it, not against it…….This will miraculously change your whole life.”

                                                                                             - Eckhart Tolle

A couple of years ago, I treated myself to an amazing meditation retreat. 

After four days in the serenity of centeredness, I re-entered the "real world" and was struck by how easy it is to me to revert back to old patterns and habits of getting caught up in my head and the stressors of life. 

One of the most difficult lessons for me, in my life, is to know when to accept what is, let go of...

“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...

“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...

“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 the Champion’s toolbox for success and happiness. 

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 will...

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

                                                                                       - Admiral William H. McRaven (retired)

One of my favorite books that I read/listened to in the last few years, was Make Your Bed by retired 4-Star Admiral William H. McRaven. 

McRaven retired from the Navy in 2014 as the highest-ranking Navy Seal or “bullfrog” in the corps and was the commander in charge of the missions that felled both Osama bin Ladin and Saddam Hussein.

The book is based on his now famous commencement speech that he delivered to the graduating class at the University of Texas on how to change the world (check out an excerpt from the speech here, but...

"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."

                                                                                            - Pele, Soccer Legend

Recently, I had an old friend, martial arts student and training partner ask me if I could use the platform of this weekly blog to comment on the concept of sacrifice

It seems to me, in our instant gratification society, which often times provides us the means of getting things the moment we desire it, that sacrifice has become a lost art. 

However, in my experience, the times when I really had to sacrifice my...