"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 school owner.  The events I attended in the past were full of great ideas, strategies and inspirational messages being shared and this event was no different. 

As in my past experiences, it always brightens my soul to watch people who are new to their businesses be so inspired and have their eyes opened...

“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 with the Procter & Gamble Distributing Company and Frank was my first District Manager.  Although I did not report directly to Frank, his presence in my career was very impactful as he served as a wise, kind and guiding mentor.

On my first day with the P&G Beauty Care Division Sales Divi...

“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 will experience the greatest probability of powerful performance and victory. 

If our hearts are the source of our desires, and our bodies are the vehicles to enact them physically, then your minds are the sculptors that help to make them a reality.  Visualization is an incredibly powerful tool for creating...

“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 simple. 

As best we try, we may not be able to control what happens to us in our lives, but we can always control how we respond to it.  The choice is ours; we can live as if we are victimized by our life circumstances or we can own each of them and use the lessons they teach us to prope...

“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 want to be when you grow up?”

Without hesitation, he promptly answered,

“Happy!”

Legend has it that his teacher was not amused with his answer, even threatening punishment, unless he changed his response.  He declined.  Perhaps this was the beginning of his challenging the status qu...

“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 me of a story.

A young man arrives in a new town knowing nobody.  As he is walking down the street, he sees an elderly gentleman sitting on a rocking chair in front of the general store and asks him

“Hey, old man, I’m new in town. What are the people l...

“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 gifts we possess is the power of our voice.

Through it, we can inspire others to dream through the power of oration, lift spirits through the gift of song and open hearts through the whisper of “I love you.”

As a professional speaker, I am very privileged to use my voice regularly to inspire and educate others.  As a martial arts and self-defense master instructor, I use my voice to empower others and teach them to access their own strength through the martial arts Ki-Hap (spirit yell) and using the ferocity of voice to fe...

“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 incredible result of his coaching/teaching philosophy is not only seen in his win/loss record or his number of championships, but more importantly in the lives of those who played for him who regularly site him as being the most influential figure in their lives, leading them to experienc...

“(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 crazy directions that cause us to delay our actions, bring us upset and ultimately cause us to miss opportunities because we doubt our ability to succeed. 

This is most often rooted in us just focusing on the outcome of the situation and not the process we can move through to tra...

“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. 

After a 26-year relationship, the break-up of my marriage had been particularly difficult for me.  In addition to being on my own and no longer in a relationship with a significant other, I also found myself parenting, mostly by myself, our 13-year old son, Jason as my former spouse had moved ...