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.
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.
Get To Work … NOW!
Stop procrastinating. Get to work … NOW! I mean it, not later, not tomorrow, not eventually. Stop procrastinating NOW!
Procrastination happens to all of us. It is always hiding in the shadows of our ambitions and dreams. We all know that feeling: the sinking realization that another deadline is looming. Yet, we find ourselves scrolling through social media or binge-watching another series instead of tackling our to-do list. But what if I told you that overcoming procrastination is not just about discipline? It’s a journey, an adventure waiting to happen.
Embracing the Grind: Hard Times Equal Great Lessons
How many of you have been in a position that seemed like there would be no end to the trials and tribulations, so much so that you felt that you just needed to get up and walk out?
I think we all have been there.
But how many of you hung on one more day, and then one more day, and another and another until the hate became a passion?
In life, we often find ourselves wading through some hard times. Whether personal challenges, professional struggles, or challenges out of our control, the phrase “things will get worse before they get better” resonates deeply. It’s a hard truth that we all wrestle with at one time or another. What we learn through the grind is that what we are going through will one day allow us to face any adversity with resilience and hope.
It’s That Time Again: NFL Preseason
As a fan, I must confess that the NFL preseason is not my favorite part of the football season. In fact, I've been on the sidelines as a coach, and I can tell you that it's not a phase I particularly enjoyed.
While I may not enjoy it, I recognize that the NFL preseason was once a crucial phase. It used to be a time when players would have had to step up and play at full speed against other teams, a process that determines who is genuinely 'NFL ready.'
Preseason has always been one of the most challenging aspects for some players: the transition from practice to game situations. It's a learning process where a confused player can easily seek guidance in a practice setting. But in a game, a quarterback or a lineman must make split-second decisions on their own.
Find Your Niche
Finding your niche can be a never-ending adventure, but no matter what field you lean into, it is imperative to find your “sweet spot.” Whether you are a young entrepreneur, an artist, or someone looking to discover your place in the world, figuring out your niche is the key to leaving your mark.
Becoming the Smartest Person in the Room
David Weinberger's quote, “The smartest person in the room is the room,” is both right and wrong, depending on the chair you are sitting in.
If you sit in the chair or a CEO or the Head Coach, Weinberger might be right.
But if you are one of the people seated in that room, you are paid to be the smartest in your area. Then Weinberger is dead wrong.
Your job is to be the smartest person in your field and share insight and knowledge from your area of expertise. The room will never know more than you in your area of expertise. Though some think they know more, they only know what they read in an article or heard at a convention, which has no foundation or context for the discussions in your meeting room.
Don’t Be Afraid to Compete
In a world that often preaches the importance of collaboration and teamwork, the idea of competition can sometimes be seen as divisive or even detrimental. However, I believe that competition is essential to personal growth and development.
Suck It Up, Buttercup
When I played football, my mom had only one coaching point: “If you get hurt, don’t lie on the ground; get up and run off the field.” My father often told us, “You need to stop crying, or I’ll give you something to really cry about.” Our family dictionary didn’t have the word "Sympathy” in it. We weren’t abused in any way; we were just taught that we should push through the little things that life throws at us.
We were raised to be tough.
Toughness is often associated with physical strength, but true toughness goes beyond the surface. It's about resilience, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges. The earlier in life we are taught this, the better.
Dualism: Committed vs Involved
We often encounter situations where we can be committed or involved. While these terms may seem similar at first glance, a subtle yet significant difference between them can greatly impact our overall success. Let's delve into the differences between commitment and involvement to understand better how they can change the course of your career and your life.
Success: Focus on the Right, Not on the Easy
In a world where instant gratification and shortcuts are often glorified, it can be tempting to choose the easy path. However, I have seen true success and fulfillment come from focusing on what is right, not what is easy. This mindset shift requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the challenges that life throws at us.
Three Internal Battles That Shape Our Lives
We all face our own set of unique challenges and struggles during our lives.
From our first breath, we're thrust into a battle for survival. This fight continues, evolving as we do, until our last breath. Some of these battles are colossal, their end never in sight. Though they may seem significant at the time, others fade into insignificance over time.
All of these battles do one very important thing: they shape who we become.