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.
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.”
Lead With Enthusiasm and Success Will Follow
In leadership, where vision and strategy often take center stage, one crucial element frequently goes unnoticed—the Gift of Enthusiasm. This powerful trait can transform not only the leader but also the entire team, igniting a fire that propels individuals toward shared goals.
Empty Your Cup
In the hustle and bustle of our careers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we’ve reached our peak. After all, isn’t there a certain comfort in knowing we’re “good enough”? But what if I told you that true excellence is more than just reaching a destination; it's about the continuous journey of learning? Just as one cannot pour tea into a full cup, we cannot become who we are meant to be if we are unwilling to empty our minds and make room for new knowledge.
Moving On: It’s Okay to Outgrow People
Are you still friends with people you were friends with five years ago or ten years ago? Why not?
Growth isn’t always linear; it can be messy and unpredictable. We may evolve in different directions from friends or family members who were once the most essential parts of our lives. This divergence doesn’t necessarily signify a failure in those relationships but indicates individual paths moving in different directions.
Embracing the Struggle
In a world that often glorifies perfection and seamless success, it can be easy to overlook the value hidden within our struggles. Each challenge we face is not merely an obstacle; it’s a teacher, a sculptor chiseling away at the outer shell of our lives to reveal something about us that we did not know was there.
Imagine your life as a movie. Each scene represents a moment—some exciting and happy, others dark and miserable. At first glance, the chaotic scenes may seem disjointed. But upon closer inspection, you begin to see how each scene leads to the next to create a unique story: your story.
Being the Tide
The idea that "a rising tide lifts all boats" can be felt deeply in a world often characterized by competition and individualism. President John F. Kennedy passed on this adage to us, and it speaks to a profound truth: when we support one another, we not only elevate those around us but enrich our lives in ways we may not initially perceive.
Defining an Alpha Leader
"Alpha Leader" conjures images of confident individuals who inspire others through their vision, charisma, and decisiveness. An Alpha Leader means more than just holding a position of power; it's about understanding how to handle the qualities that foster trust, respect, and unity. This concept reassures us that true leadership is not about control but building a strong, united team.
Find Enthusiasm in Your Work
It's crucial to understand that the culture of any workspace is not a random occurrence, but a result of effective leadership. It's about creating an environment where shared passions flourish, and this is a responsibility that lies in the hands of every leader. Your role as a leader is pivotal in fostering this enthusiasm, empowering you to shape a workplace culture that inspires and motivates.
The Game of Life: And How to Win
I look at life like a game. It is a complex, multi-layered adventure with challenges, strategies, and playmakers. The big question is how to win and play the game purposefully and gracefully. I have been the proverbial “fly on the wall” as I watched individuals in the sporting world, in business, and in life climb to the top or fall on their faces. I have found that those who were seen as “successful” or those who failed again and again had three things in common: A Unique Passion, a deep Understanding of the Process, and the Willingness to Outwork everyone. These three traits formed a foundation for success, but those who did not embrace the three never developed a foundation that would lead to their success.
Go Ahead, Take That First Step
Every journey begins with that first step, yet that first step often feels like climbing a mountain or dropping off the edge of a bottomless abyss. Whether it’s starting a new project, going to the gym for the first time, or making a life-changing decision, the anticipation can cause us to freeze up. Why is this initial step so scary? And how can we shift our perspective to embrace rather than resist this pivotal moment?
The Paradox of Knowledge
Have you heard the saying, “The more you learn, the less you know”?
Isn’t it funny how there are still gaps in our knowledge during the internet revolution, where we have so much more information at our fingertips than ever in all human history? On top of that, as we learn more, we find the vastness of genuinely understanding a topic to its end seems farther out of reach than when we started.
This paradox, “The more you learn, the less you know,” has made great thinkers pause and marvel at its depth of meaning. This concept lends to our curiosity and insatiable hunger to know and understand more.