Blog
Read Blog Posts by Category:
Passion: Articles that deal with the inner drive that we all need to want to MOVE from where we currently are to where we dream to be.
Preparation: These posts reference articles, books, documentaries, speakers, quotes, and other inspirational and formative ideas that I have found that helped me and the people around me.
Practice: Articles in this category have a heavy sports and performance training lean.
Performance: These articles focus on how you go about your work. From networking to communications to finding a better way to do what you do.
Perseverance: Articles in this category speak to the mechanics that we go through both mentally and physically to stay on track and not get STUCK.
The Myth of Either / Or: Embracing Parenthood and Professional Excellence
We’ve been lied to. A subtle, insidious lie that whispers in our ears: "You can either be a great parent or be great at your job." Pick one." This false dichotomy has haunted countless mothers and fathers, creating a constant tug-of-war between career aspirations and the love for their children. But what if I told you that you DON’T have to choose? What if excelling in both realms is not only possible but also profoundly enriching?
Don’t Confuse a Whim as Passion
During our lifetime, we often find ourselves wearing multiple masks. Each mask represents a different role we play, each passion we claim to pursue. But what happens when the line between genuine passion and whimsical fancy becomes blurred? The allure of new interests can seduce us into believing they are our true calling. This mistake can lead to a chaotic turn of fleeting enthusiasm, leaving us exhausted and unfulfilled. I have witnessed this trend more and more, so I thought I would write about the struggle between passions and whims in the hope of highlighting the divide between the two and refocusing our attention on authentic pursuits.
Embrace the Moment!
Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about the "good old days"? Maybe it’s the carefree moments of youth or the thrilling adventures from a few years back. Yet, what if I told you that the “good old days” aren’t just a thing of the past? In fact, they’re happening right now! Twenty or thirty or forty years from today, you'll likely look back and wish you could relive these exact moments, but with a newfound understanding of how to make them even better. No matter how hard things are, you will look back and remember these moments. I thought I would write about how I have slowed time down by enjoying the moment, the old “carpe diem” that Robin Williams spoke of eloquently to his students in the movie “Dead Poets Society”.
Unlocking the Secrets of Rest
Sleep is not just a time to recharge my body; it is a powerful force that shapes my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you can’t do anything else to take care of yourself—workout, eat right, walk, do yoga, hydrate—getting a full night's rest will be a bridge to staying healthy.
Own It: It's Your Fault
One of the most complex truths to accept is that the person you see in the mirror is ultimately responsible for where you are today. This realization can be both empowering and daunting. It prompts us to reflect on our choices—good and bad—and to recognize that we hold the reins of our destiny.
Own Your Work: The Journey to Career Success
When I was coaching, the pace of work accelerated daily. I knew my career would never grow if I waited to be told what to do. I was also smart enough to know that in order to make an impact on my professional journey, it was essential to adopt the mindset of ownership—"owning MY work." This proactive attitude enhanced my personal development and contributed significantly to the success of the organizations I work within. So, how do you OWN your work?
Prioritize Your Schedule: Transform “Got To’s” into “Get To’s”
Have you ever looked at your to-do list and felt a wave of dread wash over you? It’s time to change that perspective! Instead of viewing tasks as burdens, let’s focus on transforming those dreaded “Got To’s” into exciting “Get To’s.” By reshaping how we approach our daily schedules, we can find joy in even the most mundane jobs.
Leave Your Mark Using Your G.I.F.T.S.
I am a professional watcher. I sit back and observe people's actions and their effects on that person and others. I have watched people fail and succeed. The ones who fail usually do the opposite of what those who succeed do. Each individual defines “success,” but being successful enough to leave your mark is an entirely different level of achievement.
Navigating the Stages of Professional Development: From Arrogance to Innovation
Every professional career journey is marked by distinct stages, each with its own challenges and rewards. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned veteran, understanding these stages can transform your approach to growth and development. I have found that there are three distinct stages that you go through the longer you stay in a profession: the New Worker, the Experienced Worker, and the Seasoned Worker. Each stage presents unique opportunities for learning and self-improvement that can elevate your career from arrogance to becoming an innovator.
Move Your Needle: Process Over Outcome
When we get wrapped up in only the results and tangible achievements, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing solely on outcomes. This isn’t just in sports; the concept of Process Over Outcome happens in your personal life and business ventures. We tend to measure success by the end result rather than appreciating the intricate journey that leads us there. However, embracing the process over the outcome can transform our approach to life and work, allowing us to cultivate resilience, creativity, and the ability to live the life we are meant to live.
Beyond the Flowers: Cultivating Substance for Lasting Success
I was reading The Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi when I came across a pretty cool sentence. Musashi was talking about the way people work in their professions. He says, “Of the two, flowers and fruit, the world is full of more flowers than actual fruit.” He goes on to say that martial arts schools were focused more on the flash and flurry of handling the weapons (flowers) rather than using the weapons in life-or-death situations (fruit).
It's easy to get swept away by the allure of flowers—those glitzy gimmicks and empty promises that seem enticing but lack actual value. We see this everywhere: in our careers, personal relationships, and even within ourselves. But to achieve real success, we must dig deeper, moving past superficiality to discover the fruit of genuine effort and authenticity. This journey is not just about what we say but what we live through our actions.
Ring The Bell EVERY DAY!
At many cancer treatment facilities, a simple but very powerful tradition marks a pivotal moment in a patient’s journey: ringing the bell at the end of treatment. This act signifies more than just the conclusion of chemotherapy; it embodies relief from daily struggles, an accomplishment against overwhelming odds, a tribute to all those who gave their energy and support, and hope for the future.
Kevin sent me a picture of him ringing the bell. That was a great moment. I sent him a message a week later asking “if he had rung his bell yet.” He responded that he had already rung the bell and reminded me that he had sent me the picture. I said, “I remember, but did you ring your bell for today?” It took a minute, but he finally understood my meaning.
How to Stop Being Too Busy
We are not inherently “too busy.” Instead, we prioritize certain activities over others based on their perceived value or urgency. We all have the same 24 hours, the same 1440 minutes, and the exact same 86,400 seconds in our day; what changes is our perspective on priorities.
The Power of the (Under) DOG!
History has repeatedly shown us that the underdog can rise to greatness against all odds in a world that often glorifies size, status, and superiority. From legendary battles to unexpected political outcomes, tales of the unlikely victor inspire us to believe in our potential and capabilities. Powerful examples are all around us where the underdog defied expectations, demonstrating that being smaller or less favored doesn’t mean defeat. Instead, it can serve as the launching point for remarkable strength and resilience.
Unwrapping Success: Powerful Messages Hidden in Christmas Shows
This article isn’t just about the shows or debating the messages that these shows are presenting. I want you to look deeper into the dialogue of these shows. Even though they were made for children, some very teachable moments are hidden within them. I probably could write several articles about these, but I will focus on three; you can do the rest for yourself! (HAHA)
The Advantages of Age
Getting older is often viewed with fear and negativity. We are surrounded by images of youth and beauty, leading many of us to worry about the inevitable passage of time. Let me give you a different point of view: Aging is not a curse but a privilege. The gift of getting older allows us to accumulate knowledge, gain perspective, and forge unforgettable memories. Embracing the aging journey can make us stronger and enable us to live a life of excitement and enjoyment.
Living on the Cutting Edge
In today’s sports and business world, the “status quo” is often the path of many organizations, while thinking outside the box is seen as treasonous. Yet, for those willing to step outside their comfort zones, calculated risks are not merely an option but a key to innovation and growth. Imagine standing at the crossroads of opportunity and fear. Each path represents a choice that could either catapult you to the top of your profession or keep you firmly anchored in the same old, tired ways of maximal effort and minimal growth. But how do you know which path to take?
Your Health is Your Wealth
No one on their deathbed wishes they had more money, but they all wish they had more time. You’ve heard this before, and I think it is worth repeating. While pursuing our passions often overshadows our well-being, it’s easy to forget one important truth: your health is your wealth. This hits deep during a time when physical and mental wellness can significantly impact not just how we feel but how we live our best lives.
Success Has Its Own Schedule
Those driven to success will find themselves caught in a constant race toward milestones. When I was 8 years old, I told Nate Low I would win a Super Bowl. If success were on our schedule, I would have won one in my 20s, not when I was almost 50. John Wayne wouldn’t have had to wait until he was 62 to win his only Academy Award. Bruce Springsteen, who has sung his heart out for over 50 years, would have had at least one song make it to number one.
Success is one fickle bitch!
The Art of Choosing Your Battles
We are bombarded daily with opinions, debates, and disagreements; it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of arguments and internal battles we face. Social media platforms buzz with fiery discussions, information-gathering meetings can turn into battlegrounds of contrasting beliefs, and even family gatherings can turn into battlegrounds of contrasting beliefs. Even with all of this going on, there is the simple truth: “You don’t need to attend every argument you’re invited to.”