Tag Archive for: motivation

You have problems, compared to what…?

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Bad Monday

Are you having a bad day? I thought I was one day last week. I was going to be late for an appointment and I was really frustrated since being late is one of my pet peeves. My frustration level grew as I turned off the highway and my forward progress came to a screeching halt. In front of me was an accident and a long line of backed up cars. As I took the detour in front of me, I snapped the picture you see in the post above. An interesting thing happened as I drove past this accident. Somehow, seeing the plight of this truck driver, putting myself in his shoes, and thinking about the phone call he was going to have to make to his boss put my problem (frustrated by being 10 minutes late) into perspective.

One of the greatest questions I ask clients when they are frustrated and angry at a problem in life is, “OK, its bad, but compared to what?” As human beings, it is easy to get wrapped up in OUR life, OUR problems, OUR perspectives, and OUR beliefs. To jumpstart the process of getting a person out of their OWN way so they can work to a solution, just ask, “Compared to what?” When we shift our attention to the plight of others, the challenges of others, the life circumstances of others (that we can relate too) it helps to put things into a different perspective. When you can shift your “referential index,” how you are referring to something, with a different perspective, it lessens the emotional impact so you can think more clear and see the opportunities to think or do something different.

It is not to be used as a justification for NOT doing something different but a means of getting unstuckk so you can find a new solution and take action to achieve a different outcome. Next time you are stuck and think something in your life really stinks…just state the problem and then ask yourself, “Ok, this stinks but compared to what?” So you thought you were having a bad day, compared to what?

In the end, my ten minutes late was nothing compared to the delays this driver faced, his boss faced, and their clients and their customers may have faced. It’s good to keep life in perspective.

If you are feeling stuck and frustrated with your job, career, relationships or finances…CALL today to schedule your Introductory Strategy Session to start moving forward again. (919) 792-0085

To your continued success,

James

This Ultimate Results System will produce…

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I was thinking last week, “if I could master one skill this year that would produce the greatest results in my business, what would that be? If there was a system that allowed me to increase my efficiency, stay on track and stop things from falling through the cracks, what would that be? The Ultimate Results System is a result of answering that very question.

Everything in business comes down to sales and marketing. If a business is profitable, it continues to operate, if not, it goes bankrupt. This following 5-step process is sales based but I would like to extend its application to every interaction we have with people.

The bottom line is that we are ALWAYS working to have others see things from our perspective, persuade them to a common outcome or vision, or find a solution to a problem. In essence, we are always selling (think outside the parameters of just a tangible good). We are working to persuade others of our ideas, beliefs, hopes, solutions and activities.

My Ultimate Results System is based in the Sandler Sales system with a few additions. This system works best for sales, marketing, and every business interaction you have with another person.

  1. Define your outcome clearly and concisely. This is done BEFORE you have any interaction with anyone! It can be done two ways: for a singular event or an overall outcome for your business.
  2. Work for a “Yes,” and go to Step 4. Get to a “Yes” together. Find that common idea, belief, solution or activity that takes you closer to the achievement of your outcome.
  3. Work even harder for a “No.” (then go to Step 5) A “no” is great because it closes a door on something that could become an energy waster. More importantly, it brings closure to the interaction. This allows a person to let go of the false hope or optimism that something may pan out in the future and helps to stay realistic about your results.
  4. Get a Clear Next Step & Schedule It IMMEDIATELY! If you have a “yes” or a “referral” work with the person you are interacting with to define a clearly defined “next step” and then schedule it in your calendar immediately! Never walk away from someone without both putting that clear next step in your calendar. Nothing drains a persons’ focus, energy and time more than people who don’t commit to a clear next step and/or want you to follow up with them later. In addition, when things are scheduled on the spot, nothing falls through the cracks.
  5. Ask for a Referral. Brian Buffini has a great referral system that recommends that you end every conversation with, “Oh by the way, if you know anyone who…” and asking for a referral. Whether it is a “yes” a “no” or a “clear next step” it is important to ask if they know anyone else that you can help or support. This will push the comfort zone of most people because of their fear of selling and that’s exactly why it is recommended.

The reality is that confident and successful business people are always building and creating relationships to sell their own services and help others to do the same. Work hard to stay focused on your business outcomes,  get to a “yes” or “no,” schedule that clear next step immediately and remember to ask for referrals. These steps will allow you to be more efficient, profitable, and successful this year and produce results you never dreamed possible.

Leave your comments below. If you want to stop the frustrations in business, days of low energy and depression, and carrying that stress home every night to your loved ones, call now (919) 792-0085, or email me now (clear next step) to set up your Power Session today.

Oh, by the way, if you know of anyone who is frustrated with their business, facing divorce, or is depressed with no energy, the greatest compliment you can give is a referral (919) 792-0085.

Stop the “Setting Goals” Insanity Already…

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It is that time of the year when every self-help email talks about setting goals. One thing that I have always found ironic is that everyone talks about the importance of setting goals.

Yet, 88% of people fail at their yearly goals!!!

So I have a question; why don’t people stop telling you how important it is to write goals and start writing about strategies to help you Succeed in achieving them!  It seems to me that is where people really need help! Why should I write articles to convince you to do something where 88% of you will fail?

Stop the “Setting Goals” Insanity right now!

So, let’s be thoughtful for a moment. It is important to have a goal but let’s take a look at some strategies to overcome the obstacles you put in place when you set them!

Let’s start with a couple of simple concepts. Hopefully you will find one you can try on to succeed!

Take the goal that you want and then do one of the following:

  1. Give something up. What is the one thing that is you gave it up, would ensure that you move closer to your goal? Example: if you are working to be more healthy, give up the soda!
  2. Replace what you give up with a healthier example so there isn’t scarcity. Example, when you give up the soda, start to drink bubbly water instead. No citric acid, sugar or aspartame, but you can still have the feeling of ice cold carbonation.
  3. Focus on keeping your word one-day-at-a-time. Your self-confidence depends upon it! Your word should be sacred! So only make promises to yourself you know you can keep!
  4. Create Ultimate Leverage for Yourself by telling so many people about your goals that you know where ever you go and whomever you see, they will ask you about it. You may not be congruent at first, but you eventually will have to act in accordance with your key identity and if your word means anything, you will have to adjust and make it happen!
  5. Celebrate! When it comes to change, nothing is too small to celebrate! If you don’t anchor in your success with good feelings there will be no good feelings with your success.
  6. If you really want to be an overachiever, radically do something different and follow the top four steps! For example, give up an extra hour of sleep every day to work out, write that book, read that educational material for work.
  7. LISTEN TO THIS: if you want your life to be different this year…YOU MUST DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT IN YOUR LIFE EVERYDAY AND ANCHOR PLEASURE TO IT!

I challenge you to sober up! Take a good look at where you were in 2012, where you are now in January of 2013 and where you want to be at the beginning of 2014.

Are you fat? Are you broke? Are you miserable with the person you are with? Is your job sucking the life out of you? Are you disgusted with the person you see in the mirror every morning? Are you tired of giving up on yourself and having the life you desire? Did you look back on 2012 with disappointment, grab a beverage to forget it and start the New Year the same as last; wishing something would change again but nothing did?

If so, I offer you a way out this year.  Again, it’s not about setting goals, it’s about using effective strategies to achieve those goals!  Call now to schedule a life changing Strategy Session to do something different for a change. You don’t deserve to have a life of pain, depression and complacency. It’s time to create a brighter future and evolve to your next level of success. Call now to begin your new life: (919) 792-0085 or (919) 745-7569.

 

Wanted: 3 Killers of Success in 2012

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“Success in 2012” was pronounced “dead at the scene” today after police discovered his twisted and broken body at the bottom of a deep ravine. What was initially thought to be a suicide, was later classified as a homicide, as physical evidence at the crime scene pointed towards signs of a struggle.

Apparently, “Success in 2012” went for a walk at Looking Toward a Brighter Future Point. While admiring the sunset, 2012 was snuck up from behind by three suspects who robbed him blind. After a brief struggle, 2012 was pushed to his limits and went over the edge of the fiscal cliff.

The police are currently looking for three suspects in the case. Be on the lookout for the following individual thoughts.

  1. The Ringleader of the gang is, “I’ll start tomorrow.” He is to be considered armed and very dangerous. You will find him lurking in the evening shadows of “No Energy” and along the “Path of Least Resistance.” He loves to sabotage success by blowing up any opportunity to do something different that will create change today. He loves finding reasons, excuses and justifications for not doing the things that matter most now. One of his favorite sayings is, “Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?”
  2. His right hand man is, “I don’t know.” I don’t know is the child of “No Self-Confidence” and can usually be found whenever there is a decision to be made that may be unpopular. He is a great deflector of responsibility, creator of complacency and absolutely detests leadership. “I Don’t Know” eats “Taking Initiative, Being Creative and Building a Life” for breakfast. He is the arch enemy of Personal Truth and a Purposeful Life.
  3. Their last known accomplice is, “It’s no big deal.” If a person is lucky enough to get past “I’ll start tomorrow” & “I don’t know,” then “No Big Deal” shows up to steal Success right out from under your nose. He is the killer of celebrating a person’s ability to overcome adversity, take risk and feel a sense of achievement. When these three personal experiences are stolen, work no longer seems worth the reward and all Hope for a Brighter Future flies right out the door.

These three criminals are responsible for the murder of Success in 2012. They are facing life in prison for the crimes they have committed against Success in 2012 and must be apprehended. It is critical for the safety of “Success in 2013.” A reward of “An Amazing Life” has been posted for anyone with information leading to their whereabouts and arrest.  Call (919) 745-7569 Immediately to claim your reward!

Here Are My Three Favorite Resources to Help You Find & Maintain Your Motivation…

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There are patterns everywhere in nature, and if you immerse yourself long enough in an area of study, they become evident. One of the patterns I have been experiencing with my clients in the last few months has been the request for resources to stay motivated. With a high level of negativity in the media lately, people are struggle to keep their levels of motivation, inspiration and creativity high.

So, I asked myself, “If I was stranded on a deserted island and could take one resource for motivation & inspiration, one for personal change, and one for pleasure & enjoyment, what would I take?”

Well, this is a harder question to answer than it seems. I have probably seven large bookcases in my basement full of materials, two smaller ones in my office and probably a couple hundred audio CD’s in my library.

After great anguish and deliberation, here is what I would throw in my suitcase if I was stranded on a deserted island.

Motivation & “I can do it!” attitude: Zig Ziglar’s Goals (18-CD’s in 3 parts): “Changing the Picture, Qualities of Success & The Goals Program”

Personal Change: Matthew James: “Huna: Creating Prosperity & Wealth”  (there are great guided meditations in the program to release disempowering emotions, limiting decisions and create change, if you have not taken any courses in NLP, Time Line or Hypnosis, this may be hard to follow at points: a good substitute would be “Empowering Your Life” for the beginner)

To find an answer for anything in life: The Bible (despite your religious preference, the Bible continues to hold an answer for “how” to live a moral, ethical, and fulfilling life in any situation)

My Favorite Fiction books of all time, I could reread forever: James Clavell: “Shogun”   Stephen Ambrose: “D-Day”  Larry Collins: “Is Paris Burning?”   Paul Coehlo: “The Alchemist”  Robert Heinlein: “Starship Troopers (the book) and the best for last—-Orson Scott Card: “Ender’s Game”

OK, so it was greater than three categories but I couldn’t help myself once I got on a roll. They say it is best to take a shower before you realize that you need one and the same goes for staying motivated, inspired and empowered in your life. If you don’t feed your mind healthy messages then chances are the messages it sends you won’t be healthy either. Be proactive and give yourself something great to think about before you realize you are in that funk again.

Love to hear you check in your favorites whether they be book, audio or otherwise! Spread the motivation, inspiration and positive thoughts! The world needs it now more than ever!

 

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Success in 5 minutes or less: Time Management that works!

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Set your timers for 5 minutes and let’s get started! Successful people do several things to start their day right. They plot out in some way, shape or form where they want to be at the end of the day.

Follow these steps, and in less than 5 minutes, you too, will find success before bedtime!

  1. Remember, successful people are very quick to make decisions and very slow to change them. Sometimes it is good to be a mule, engage stubbornness (after the decision is made) and not budge.
  2. In order to figure out what the right choice is, you need to engage your whole mind into the decision process! You can’t logically talk yourself into something and expect to be committed. Take time to meditate for 1-2 minutes on what is most important. Building rapport with the unconscious mind will allow you to “trust your gut” or “follow your intuition.” Successful people rely on their “gut.”
  3. Make sure you state decisions “the way you want it to be.” How many times do people talk about everything they don’t want? Keep your mind focused in the positive. Are you focused on winning, or not losing?
  4. Use powerful, simple language for conviction and congruency: “I am…., I commit to…, or I will…” There is no try, could, should, must, may, ought to, maybe, want to or wishing about it; either do or do not.
  5. And the best for last. Take out a 3×5 card and write down your Success List for the day. Take the top 3-5 specific things you have decided to do and don’t go to bed until they are completed. Write them down, commit to them, and say them out loud. Something changes inside when you speak your truth for the day.

These 5 steps shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. Take 1-2 minutes to meditate on your priorities, commit with conviction and congruency to what you decide to complete, write and say it out loud, and then see what happens when you head hits the pillow and you feel that success you always dreamt of!  Time management doesn’t get any simpler than this!

Share with me your successes below!

Success in Three Minutes a Day… How To Stay Focused

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Some of the most popular and famous self-help books are the ones that are short, simple and concise. Take James Allens’ classic book, “As a Man Thinketh.”  is powerful and insightful. Benjamin Franklin is remembered for his exercise around living 13 Core Values; the first ever self-help exercise.

Another short classic is a wonderful little book called, “It Works,” by RHJ. The Success Solution presented in the book is also simple, powerful and effective.

One of the greatest challenges any Executive or Entrepreneur faces when it comes to achieving goals is being focused. This process is designed to help you stay focused on achieving what you want in life and business.

 

Here are the simple steps. So, if you are ready, grab a clean journal and proceed.

1-  Write down everything you sincerely, earnestly and truthfully desire in your business and life. It is OK to have it shift from day to day or week to week as you work on figuring out what those items are. Have them be as specific as possible; use the SMART format when writing them.

2-  Go through the list at least three times a day: morning, noon and night

3-  Feel free to rewrite you list from time to time, rearrange and reprioritize it. Add and delete items as necessary. When your fears and doubts pop up in your mind, just pull out your list and reread it.

4-  Take action and don’t tell anyone what’s on your list.

5-  When items on your list start to appear, be sure and give a HUGE “THANK YOU” for them coming to fruition. Gratitude is important because it leads to true happiness in life.

6-  Repeat!

One final note, be sure that what you want will only bring on positive consequences. Remember that everything you put on the list will have both an upside and a downside that comes with it. It has to be good for you to have and also good for all of those around you.  Start with small items on your list and work your way up to the larger ones.

This simple exercise will test you to your limit because it is really an exercise in consistent, long term focus. I have to keep remembering to review, rewrite and update my list. It is fun and challenging, which means like most things that are worthwhile in life, the results will be amazing.

I would love to hear of your successes below and welcome your comments below!

If you would like more information on other classic short books that create profound results, visit: www.executivebooks.com

 

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7 Proven Techniques to Be Your Own Executive Coach

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I often tell people that, “I am my own best client.” Being an Executive Life Coach gives me the privilege to meet an amazing array of successful leaders, from business owners to executives.  Together, we establish new patterns of success, explore more effective ways to approach challenges, and set up strategies to stay on track.

And although a lot happens during a call, a large portion of the work happens outside of a coaching session –namely the client has to engage the motivation to take action and implement the strategies from the call.  Here are 7 simple strategies you can use to coach *yourself* whether or not you are in fact working with an executive coach.

1-  Stop for a few moments every morning and reconnect with your life’s purpose, truths and desires. Take a look at the big picture of what you want to create, your mission, purpose, and desires for the future. Really focus on getting to your place of truth of what you most desire. Go deeper than, “win the lottery, get a date, take my kids to school and relax tonight watching tv.” Find a moment to reflect on the inner truths of your life. It will serve and guide your decisions and actions the rest of the day.

2-  Make a list of the top 3-5 very specific things you are fearing, procrastinating or just plain old scared to death to do. They should be things that are moving you towards your purpose, truth, mission, and desires from step #1. I often ask myself, “If I were to die tonight, what would I do today to die a whole and complete man, knowing that I lived my purpose? What small challenges would I overcome for my own personal triumphs?” Remember the 80-20 rule? That top 20% is the sum of the small action items where you are currently out of integrity because you may be fearful and procrastinating.

3-  Move your body to motivate yourself to kick some ass: personally and with others. Pick up that old song, move your body and sing at the top of your lungs. You have to move if you want to create energy. Remember, force = mass X acceleration. If you never move your mass, you will never start to accelerate your life and it will never have any energy. You have to move! We are made to move. Drop the expectations of hours at the gym, do something simple, stretch, walk, and find a way to move! Listen to that song, put your chin up and shoulders back, take a deep breath from down in your diaphragm. Enjoy the feeling!

4-  Break the rules. Even yours sometimes! I’m not talking about doing something to get youself in jail but if you would never roll down the windows and sing at the top of your lungs…do it. Break some small rules to experience that little emotional “Yeah” (I repeat, nothing against the law! :D)  People stuck in their lives of hum-drum will just tell you to be quiet and keep things even keeled, but emotional moment sticks with you!!! So bring in the passion!  Dare to go against expectations, take a risk or buck conventions a bit!

5-  Find a peer group to create leverage to complete items #1-4. We all need some outside support to achieve our dreams. I have three very close people (besides my wife) who help to keep me focused, energized and accountable to what I say I am going to do. It is great to have a full life and share it with others. You guys know who you are and “YOU ROCK!”  They are my greatest cheer team and they also hold nothing back in terms of direct feedback! Remember, no one stands up and the Oscars to accept the award and says, “Yeah man, I deserve this. I worked my butt off and no one helped me at all. I am the man.” Instead, they always have people to thank for their success. Who would you thank?

6-  Learn something new that is of interest to you and apply it. Read all you can and immerse yourself in developing your personal interests. It will build into your life creativity, mastery of skill, and it will become not what you know, but who you are. And, remember to apply one thing you learn everyday until it is mastered in your life.

7-  Last and best… Remember to work from you places of strength, not weakness. Remember the basic principles that define who you are and how you want to live your life.  Remember that while you may be driving to fix and change something in your life, you are also perfect the way you are now. Remember to stay focused on your basic strengths and use them. If you are a person whose strength is mastering a single task, then become the first chair soloist. And if you are a big picture strategist, become the conductor of the orchestra. Both need each other! Stay focused on who you are and what you can become. Stay away from focusing on what you are not and what you “should” become.

There might be a time when you decide that you need the support and expert guidance of an executive life coach, but there are many times when you can take the task on yourself.  These 7 steps can help you to coach yourself.

To your continued success,

James

 

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5 Ways to Not Achieve Your Goals This Year

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Since the new year is right around the corner, here are a few thoughts to make sure that no matter what your goals, dreams and aspirations are, you can fail to achieve them all.

1.  Stop Learning & Being Curious

Success comes from being curious and resourceful. There are three types of learning a person can experience. There is educational learning which gives theoretical understanding of concepts, ideas and ideologies. Take some formal classes at your local university or learning facility. Second, is experiential learning. This happens in seminars, events, and trainings that require practice scenarios, role-playing and simulations. Third, is the actual application of the concepts, theories and ideas in real-life situations. You can read a book on sales, role play scenarios and then eventually you just have to pick up the phone and start to cold call. Experience is the greatest teacher. Understanding theory and role playing helps to build the confidence to immerse yourself in the real world experience. Learn, be curious and take action to apply what you learn.

 2.  Keep distracting yourself with TV & Internet

In 2009, Neilson ratings came out with a statistic that the average American watches 153 hours a month watching television. That is almost an entire week a month with nothing to show for it! The study also revealed that Americans spend an average of 29 hours per month on the internet. If you are what you eat, then isn’t your mindset influenced by what you put into it?

 3.  Keep up the “I’ll start tomorrow” thinking

Keep thinking that all of the little changes you could make today are not worth anything and you will start tomorrow. Many people start towards their goals and as soon as they experience an obstacle, get off track, and lose momentum or motivation, think that it is no use continuing. They sabotage their success with perfectionism. Success lies not in whether or not you fall off track, because you will, but how soon you can change, re-commit to your goal and get back on track. Nothing is too small to celebrate when creating change.

4.  Keep the Negative Messages Coming into your Brain

Are you surrounded by friends, colleagues, social media or environments that are negative and unsupportive? Upgrade your external influences by changing to more supportive people, places and things in your life. As they say in Feng Shui, clear the clutter in all the areas of your life that don’t support you and your goal. Clear the clutter in your mind by practicing to “say it the way you want it to be” in your life. Stop watching the new and feed your mind some uplifting, motivational, and supportive material.

5.  Stay Comfortable, Do the Same Thing You Are Doing Now

Most people don’t achieve something because they never stop and ask themselves, “What do I need to give up in order to make a space for this new goal in my life?” For example, if you want a relationship, are you stepping out and going different places, trying new experiences, and meeting new people? In an extreme, if you want a new car, are you selling the one you have now, have you test driven cars at the dealership and talked to your bank about a new loan? Are you willing to “burn your ship?” If the answer is no, how bad do you really want to experience your dreams, aspirations and goals? You have to make space for what you want to have.

 

So there you have it, five dynamic ways to ensure that you will be a total failure with your goals in the new year. You have, of course, my sincerest wish is for you to be a contrarian!!!  I wish you continued success in all of your endeavors.

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A Great Reminder from Steve Jobs & Apple Computer

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The other day my daughter was telling me how proud she was of herself because she knows how to “divide by 2.” So I responded, “did you know you are brilliant, like Einstein?” Her response was, “even more!” I just laughed and told her she was right!

Apple Computers stated once,

“The crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules and have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them, because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.”

A lot of people are worried about the world now. But keep in mind, as always, there are people who get rich when the economy is down and people who go broke in an up economy. Now is the time to be a little crazy, a little bit of a rebel, or a troublemaker.

There is opportunity out there but it is like the last few minutes of an Easter Egg hunt. The eggs that were out in the open and easy to see have been taken. The opportunities are left for those who keep looking, don’t give up and think outside the box.

Stay associated to your goals, dreams, and visions. Trust yourself and keep the faith.  Let go of the “what ifs” and focus on what’s within your control and influence.  And Keep taking consistent action toward your goal.  No matter how small.

The end of the quote goes,

“the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

Be bold –whether in your thinking or in your actions! What might appear outlandish to others could be sheer genius!

***

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Your Beliefs Hold the Key to Your Results and Your Success

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Have you ever been wrong?

Our beliefs –whether rooted in the truth or not– are directly connected to the results we get and the personal and professional success we experience.

In our subdivision, there is a very large fountain that welcomes visitors and residents into the neighborhood. My son Nicolas and I were out running the other day, and as we approached the fountain, I noticed it was not working. I made an offhand comment to Nicolas, something to the effect of, “That’s strange, they don’t have the fountain on today.” Quick as a whistle, Nicolas said, “That’s OK Dad. I will make it come on in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. NOW! Look, its magic!” And, the fountain turned on!

There was another time during my military training where we had to qualify with our M-16’s. I had never qualified “Expert” in any of our training and there were very few of us who were optimistic about their performance on qualification day. It’s hard to shoot straight when you are sleep deprived and shivering in 40 degree, rainy weather! As you could surmise, many of my colleagues were very competitive and there was a lot of posturing over who would score Expert and who wouldn’t. When all was said and done I scored 39 hits out of 40, an Expert. It was the best I had ever shot. As I walked back, I was still in disbelief. It took me a while to believe I had could have, and did, perform so well.

Each of us possess beliefs we hold to be true that have been created or that we adopted from peers and society. I have to ask, “Have you ever been wrong?”

  • What do others believe to be true about you and your life right now?
  • What do you believe to be true about you and your life right now?
  • What if what you thought was true, was in fact wrong?
Other peoples’ beliefs about you and what you are capable of achieving in life are not true. Whatever you or others think you are; you are more than that. Whatever you or others think you can achieve in life, you can achieve more than that. Other people’s beliefs do not determine your results, however, your beliefs do determine your results. Many times success in life comes by being one step ahead of the norms and beliefs that society holds to be true.

And as for the mystery of the fountain, I had been looking down as Nicolas and I were running. I did not see that the fountain stopped half a second before I looked up. As a result, what I perceived to be true, was wrong. Many times in life our perceptions of what is true, are false.

The people who succeed in the next ten years and experience prosperity will be able to challenge what they and others believe to be right. What if now was the best time to invest, make money, and succeed?

If you find yourself stuck with no way out, not believing in yourself, or surrounded by others who are sharing their doom and gloom, ask yourself, “Have I (or they) ever been wrong? What if they were?”

There is amazing potential and opportunity waiting for you in life at this very moment. In order to seize these opportunities, you might have to challenge someone’s long held belief, and maybe even a few of your own!

 

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Seen Any Superheroes in Tights Lately?

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What is it about the resurgence of the Marvel Superheroes and their box office successes?

Over the past years, I have seen the Batman movies, a couple of the Spiderman, Iron Man and even the latest movie, Thor. None of them really got me excited until Captain America hit the big screen this weekend!

Captain America, seen in his Red, White and Blue outfit and bullet proof shield, got my blood pumping again. I never had a lot of comic books as a kid, but I did have Captain America! Perhaps with all of the troubles in the world, it is good to see a hero that truly represents positive ideals and is willing to fight for his country.

Maybe I like him because he is so patriotic and puts his country over his own needs. In our political climate today, that is so important and I really want to believe in our country turning this tough corner.

Maybe it is the fact that there are not a lot of great role models for today’s youth that are based in truth, honor, and the old fashioned American Way. Whatever the case, or a combination of all of them, I purchased an old picture of the original Captain A, and put him on the wall in my office.

Some things in life just seem to breed goodness, and in my mind and heart, Captain America embodies those ideals. America needs someone fighting for her today.

Captain America lives in every entrepreneur who is fighting to create jobs. He is in every policeman, firefighter, and military service member. If every person in the country was willing to give more to the country than themselves, I am sure things would be very different, very quickly.

Captain America just Rocks. He wears the simple Red, White, and Blue of the country he loves and is willing to fight for. He believes in good versus evil and chooses the harder path of Good. That is what makes him powerful and so likable in my mind.

I hope that youth today latch on to the traits and persona of Captain A as much as I did. We all need some heroes these days to keep us inspired, motivated, and focusing on the good in life.

And, if my Superhero had to fight one of the modern day comic heroes of today’s youth, I would still bet my paycheck on Captain America. He could take down Captain Underpants anytime, anyplace, any day!

 

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Lessons from John D. Rockefeller Jr.

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Having a vision and showing Perseverance paid off for RockefellerWe just returned from a great 5-day trip to the “Big Apple” and found that it is truly, the city that never sleeps!

New York is such a wonderful city; full of history, lore, and energy. On our itinerary was Rockefeller Center.

This famous landmark was developed by John D Rockefeller Jr and was originally supposed to house the Metropolitan opera. But, when the Stock Market crashed in 1929, the deal fell through and the building was almost never built.

Rockefeller had a tough decision to make. In the end, he chose to move forward and personally funded the entire project without any planned tenants. A bold move!

As the construction of the tower progressed, it created over 7,500 jobs for almost 10 years smack in the middle of the Great Depression. It became a landmark and a symbol of hope in a time of great adversity and hardship. Eventually, Rockefeller found his first tenant, and Radio City Music Hall was born.

I found it ironic that when we went in for the tour and climb to the Top of the Rock, as it is called, it was bright and sunny. But by the time we reached the observation deck, a very powerful downpour had ensued and the visibility dropped to a few hundred feet.

As we worked through our disappointment of not getting any pictures of Central Park, the Empire State Building or a dramatic sunset, something amazing happened. After about fifteen minutes, the storm dissipated. The suns rays broke through the clouds, and it seemed as if the light of heaven shone through on the New York City skyline. We were rewarded with a full double rainbow over Manhattan! Spectacular!

Of course many factors played a part in John D. Rockefeller, Jr.’s success in this project. But above all, he had a vision and a dream that extended beyond himself.

Before riding the elevator to the top, there is an interpretation of a Bible verse Rockefeller lived by:

“Unto he who much is given, much shall be required.”

Rockefeller exemplified and lived this philosophy. He was resolute and forged ahead in the middle of the Depression, with no guarantee of a tenant for the building. And in the end, he made his vision come to life.

We have all been given much, in terms of our own special gifts and talents. And in fact, much shall be required of us to create a life of purpose and meaning –even when things are hard or uncertain; especially then.

It is true life stories like Rockefeller Center’s history that make New York such a special place. They exemplify living a life on your own terms, having dreams, and making them come true.

Build your own skyscraper today!!! and enjoy the view; others will too!

 

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Life Coaching Tip: Stay Ignorant!!!

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Sometimes, Ignorance is Bliss…

I heard a really interesting story the other day that you may find some value in when it comes to your personal development, attaining goals, and living life.

There was a man once who really wanted something in life. Driving down a country lane to get there, he accidentally took his eye off of the road and drove straight into the ditch. Fortunately, a local farmer was passed by thirty minutes later with a horse.

 

“Could your horse pull my car out of the ditch?” asked the driver.  

“Buddy’s a Clydesdale,” said the farmer, “let’s see what he can do for you.”  

The farmer hitched Buddy to the car and said: “Pull, Blackie, Pull!” Buddy didn’t move an inch. 

Then the farmer said, “Pull, Sampson, Pull!” Buddy still didn’t move an inch.

The farmer said again, “Pull, Jackson, Pull!” And still, Buddy didn’t move an inch.

Then the farmer yelled, “PULL, BUDDY, PULL!!” And Buddy pulled the car effortlessly out of the ditch.

The grateful driver was confused.  “Let me ask you a question,” he said, “why did you keep calling Buddy by the wrong name?” 

“Well,” said the farmer, “you see, Buddy is blind. And if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t even try.”

 

When I sit down with people in a life or executive coaching session and we define a compelling future for them, one of the first thing that shows up is their desire to know exactly what to do in order to reach the goal.

However, if someone really knew all of the problems, challenges, and emotional stress they were going to have to go through to achieve their goals…many would never even start!  If someone really knew, in advance, all of the challenges they would have to face to run their first marathon, get that next job, or find that dream spouse, they would be so overwhelmed they would probably never start.

So, sometimes not knowing all of the obstacles and challenges that are going to happen in the pursuit of a goal makes the term, “ignorance is bliss” true.

Successful goal achievement comes from taking on the challenges one day at a time, asking for help when you get off track, and engaging faith to access your untapped potential in the face of adversity. And no matter what, keep pulling even when you can’t see!

 

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More great movie quotes

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A couple of weeks ago, I talked about my favorite movie quotes from the trilogy, “The Matrix.” Thank you for all of the emails and replies with your favorite movie quotes. I wanted to share those this week since the response was so overwhelming.  Here are some of the best ones!
  • “You think everybody else is the problem, but you’re the problem, Annie. You’re the solution too.” ~Bridesmaids
  • “The question is not what are we going to do, the question is what aren’t we going to do?” ~Ferris Bueller
  • “I told you I would always come for you. Why didn’t you wait for me?   Well… you were dead. Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.” …and… “We’ll never survive. Nonsense. You’re only saying that because no one ever has.” ~Princess Bride
  • “As God is my witness, they’re not going to lick me. I’m going to live through this and when it’s all over, I’ll never be hungry again.   ~Gone with the Wind
  • “Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”  ~Shawshank Redemption
  • “Show me the money!”   ~Jerry Maguire
  • “I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass. And I’m all out of bubble gum.” ~They Live
And here are two of my other all-time favorites!
  • “So we finish 18 and he’s gonna stiff me. And I say, ‘Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know.’ And he says, ‘Oh, uh, there won’t be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness.’ So I got that goin’ for me, which is nice.”~Caddyshack
  • “What? Over? Did you say ‘over’? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!”  ~Animal House
I hope these made you smile.  Have a fantastic week!