Archive for the ‘Daily Mind Shifters’ Category

Funny thing, my daughter Alena, she’s three years old. She likes to hold onto my legs while I’m walking so she can slide around the house. I use to have Nicholas on one leg and Alena on the other, and that gets kind of heavy. Nicholas is eight now, and starting to get a little too big for this kind of stuff, but he’s not stopping evidently!

Now, I’m not saying they are burdens to me at all, as matter of fact I enjoy it! It drives me crazy sometimes, especially when I’m trying to get things done, but nevertheless it’s all fun stuff! I love it; I eat up the attention…

So what keeps me moving forward; what makes me keep putting one foot in front of the other. I think its inspiration. I’m inspired by the joy that I see in my children’s eyes when they are having fun on my expense. It makes me laugh, it makes me angry, and it makes me anxious to walk in that kitchen and see them standing there ready to pounce on me, like Dino jumps on Fred Flintstone!

I think the same think plays into everything else. If we’re not moving forward, then we’re not seeking or paying attention to what brings us joy. For some it’s prestige and honor, for some it’s solitude in the country, and for others it may be the spirit of community and serving others.

You have to ask yourself, “What is it that gives me joy, what is it that inspires me, what will give me something to always go forward with no matter what life throws at me?” Find that answer, and you found your inspiration, and the obstacles that you face are longer problems, but challenges to overcome.

Your inspiration will feed the motivation you need to get over that hill. So now the obstacle is no longer what it used to seem, but an opportunity to say the least.

“A resourceful person can see opportunity, when others only see obstacles” ~ Garrett Gunderson

I’ve heard it said before, and I believe it was Tony Robbins that said, “People are not lazy, they simply have impotent goals, or goals that don’t inspire them.”

If you think about that little nugget just for a moment, you’ll understand why it feels like you’re not getting anywhere in life sometimes, because everywhere you turn there is yet another obstacle to knock you back down.

Our journey is full of surprises, full of hardships, struggles, and sometimes we fall flat on our face! Some people will remain on their face after a hard enough fall, and some will get up and keep marching on.

It’s so easy to say, just get back up and keep moving forward, but of course all very difficult to do; That’s obvious!

A lot of people know it’s difficult to rebound from certain hardships, such as a job layoff, a loss of a loved one, massive debt, and so forth. I know, I’ve been through all of those circumstances mentioned. But yet, I’m still here today. Not saying that I’m better than anyone, by any means… All I’m saying is that I’m still here. If there was ever any worry about the future, none of that matters, because I’m still here, and the future is not yet. All I have is NOW, and what I do with it.

So, this brings us to the next questions…

What is it that keeps people moving forward regardless of circumstances? Or… What makes us keep putting one step in front of the other no matter how much weight we’re carrying from all of that burden?

Obstacles are what we describe as walls or a resistance of some sort that can prevent us from achieving. The wall can either stop us, or it can make us stronger through the climb and bring us closer to what truly inspires us to get over that wall.

The rules of the status quo say that we should avoid problems; they see problems as beyond their RULES or power to control. However, someone exceptional – See The ExceptionZ™ – will embrace obstacles as opportunity; they see these as challenges to overcome through their own inspiration.

Therefore, the difference between these two perspectives; is inspiration.

Find your inspiration…

This year has been quite a ride, as was for many of us. Most are worried about what the future holds and feel the need to keep chugging away at the tasks at hand and hold on to what sameness or reality we can. But there are some that recognize life events for what they are, and know that all they have is right now and the possibilities of what right now can bring. Either way, we’re moving forward…

Every moment is magical… To see the magic begin focusing on your blessings, your graces, and what you have right now that has the potential to plunge your life forward for the better. Be thankful about your possibilities; be thankful for the people and all the relationships that are molding in your life right now. Be thankful for the possibilities of what those relationships may bring. It’s all a mystery, but it’s all wonderful!

No matter what, as we face our own struggles and challenges throughout life, you can be sure of one thing. The attacks that we have on our lives from circumstances are all targeted at destroying relationships. No matter what, everything that goes wrong has a ripple effect towards the demise of someone’s relationship in one way or in other. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, God, or ourselves, the attack is always seeking to crumble that bond.

Remember that when you hold your loved ones, when you are with them, when you are with whoever it is that gives you that sense of belonging, and be thankful. Be truly thankful, because no matter what you face, you know who it is in your heart that belongs there, and nothing can take that away except our own wills. Be thankful that you have and always will stand the test of time and challenge, and will continue marching forward together in the greatness that life brings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Someone once told me they thought I was a millionaire. At least that’s the perception that I’ve built for some. Not sure if it’s the look of my site, or a picture of me in a blazer or what, but somehow I’ve created that perception for some.

I’m going to be perfectly honest with you. First I’m not a millionaire…. YET… The real truth is, it has been quite a challenging year for me and my family. In the midst of running a business, we have had challenge after challenge just trying to make ends meet in the midst of serving a world much bigger than us. People around us have succeeded like crazy, and a lot of the people I’m coaching are off doing great things. It’s very rewarding to me at the center at what’s happening, and the lives that have been transformed.

But when you sit from my chair, and look at the people (my family) who are currently missing out on a much richer and luxurious life, so I can make this dream happen, it’s easy to think, wow, it looks like I’ve really failed as a business. And I can understand why I would think that. My business is still young, I haven’t been able to ship all of my goals this year, my family and I haven’t been able to have the best vacations, we’ve been very tight with our finances and budgeted where it specifically counted. My wife still manages at Johnny’s Pizza, so in essence that’s really our day job! I worry about the mortgage and lights from time to time, and how in the world we continue to keep being provided resources and food in the midst of everything. And I’m sitting here telling other’s how to live better lives and careers.

I look like a hypocrite don’t I?

Well, what if I told you that I’m where I’m at, business or not, because that is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

• Though I’m a not billionaire, is it okay to say that I’m still successful?
• Is it okay to say that I’ve helped plenty of people find their calling, and launch great careers?
• Is it okay to say that I can run a marathon, and am very close to finishing my first official one?
• Is it okay to say that I have a very loving, humble and supporting family?
• Is it okay to say that I’m surrounded by great people, cyberspace or not?
• Is it okay that I’m good at what I do, and that I’ve affirmed my abilities to inspire people into new seasons of life?
• Is it okay to say that I’ve allowed God to be my guide and expression of what I do?
• Is it okay to say that what I do is my own artistic creation?
• Is it okay to say, that this current struggle is part of my story that inspires others to push through their own struggles?
• Is it okay to say that I’m not a conformer, but a creator of my own path?
• Is it okay to say that I read and study just as much if not more than most people currently going to a physical school?
• Is it okay to say that I’m way better prepared for the future, than I was a year ago?

In my mind, this year has been very successful. Though challenging, it has allowed me to continue my growth towards the life of my dreams and what my wife and I want for our loved ones. We are far better prepared for what’s to come than we’ve ever been as a result of our trials. The challenge is a challenge because there’s something much bigger to accomplish, and if there wasn’t a challenge, then what would there be? How could we grow? I’m all about growth, and believe we should always seek the challenges that help us keep growing. If we don’t, then we end up settling for a mediocre life, which gives glory to nothing except our own lack of appreciation of what’s been graced to us and is right at our fingertips.

Well as far as where I’m at now, things have ramped up quite a bit for me in the backend. My positioning to serve even greater is increasing by the moment. My calling and purpose in life has become more evident, and I’m really looking forward to the greatness that 2012 brings.

Just remember… You are where you are, because that’s exactly where you are supposed to be. Your choice is to let it bury you, or use it as a preparation for the opportunities that are coming.

Bring it on!

Had a conversation the other day about how nobody can sell their houses for anything anymore. My response to that was “yeah, but look at all the great deals that people are getting right now!”

I had another conversation about how unemployment is just terrible, and nobody can find a job, and my response to that was, “well, yeah but you don’t hear about all the unemployed people who are really making things happen now as a result of being laid off. Perhaps, they’ll never be employed again! Is that really a bad thing?”

It’s hard to let go of old ways for sure. We need to get used to the fact that things are never really going to be exactly the same again. We’re just shifting; things are changing, and its time to put on a new set of focal lenses.

It seems we are bombarded by forced perceptions daily about what our world is or is not, and most of it is a negative response. Negative responses are “Easy”. It actually takes trying and effort to have a positive response, in a world of conformity where easy means to follow the herd.

It’s almost as though we have to go against the herd to look for the silver lining behind life, and what is really happening all around us.

I’m inviting you to stop following the herd. If your view on life is such that there is no hope, then either disconnect from the source that feeds and influences you with that information or mow through it!

You can decide today, whatever you’re fed up with, and start living with purpose. Be Exceptional! Yes, the herd may hate you for it, but in the end you will be respected and honored for your courage, bravery, and heart to make this world a better place not just for us, but for our children.

Because of the economy, there is no better opportunity to do something than now. The herd sees a failed economy, while the successful see an opportunity to build.

Failure is a “golden ticket” to success. Don’t waste it! It can actually be your leverage.

Look for the things that are unrealistic, and get excited! You are not part of the herd. You belong in the top 3% who are going against the herd; who “choose” life and creation over status and sameness.

The herd is a “rut”, but you are a valuable asset to this world who is needed now more than ever.

My son Nicholas is quite the detail-oriented person. Very methodical, very animated, and is always coming up with cool little things or designs that we call his little inventions. Starting when he was seven years old, he and I have played plenty of chess.

One of our first games I tried to explain to him from the very beginning and throughout the game that the object of the game is not to kill players, but to Check-Mate the King with as little casualties as possible. At the same recognizing that we do sometimes have to make sacrifices – sometimes small, sometimes big – in order to keep advancing towards the ultimate goal, and in this case the King.

Can’t you see the numerous teachable moments that are in this game for any child?

I’m still amazed, even as I write this how much we can all learn from a simple game of chess. Sacrifices are what life is all about when we are pursuing an objective, but through our knowledge and experience in the prior sacrifices we’ve made, we begin to get stronger and alleviate some of that pain from failed risk.

Well, the game didn’t stop there, except when I Check-Mated him in about 15 minutes, and let me tell you that Nicholas does not lose very easily. So yes, he did get upset! Those sweet tears were just rolling down that boy’s cheeks, and in the moment following I believe what I had said to him that evening changed his whole perspective on losing games, and his tears quickly subsided and became an ambitious smile.

What Nicholas learned that evening, is somewhere in the history of learning, someone or something decided to manipulate that word “learning” for their use of destroying hope and creating discouragement by giving negative power to a word called, “losing”. What he learned is that he did not just lose that game, but he got better in the process, and will have a better shot at beating me the next time around.

The result of that conversation was such that losing and failure is not really losing or failure at all. As a matter of fact, the more losses you take in, the more effective you will be when it’s time to make the biggest win of your entire life.

Real champions grow out of failure and setbacks. If all we did was win everything, then what motivation or opportunity is there to get better?

This week’s topics are all about Failure

The rules of the Status quo say to be afraid of failure; they see failure as an ending. However, the ExceptionZ embrace failure as opportunity; they see failure as a new beginning. Only the ExceptionZ truly see failure as opportunity, and Winners are ExceptionZ

Questions for us to consider:

1. How do you view failure?
2. Is the end, or is it the beginning?
3. Most of all, how do you believe winners are made?
4. And who are the winners in your life that may have perhaps overcome failure?

To help us get our minds around this…watch this video first.

Thanks to Andy Stanley this morning I’m contemplating on the 1 impossible thing, that if could be done, would fundamentally change everything. I have impossible things that would change a lot, but I need to think about this one.

If there was one thing I could do, and it would change everything, what would that be?

What does this question make you think about?

I just love seeing stuff like this! First of all I love creative dancing, but wow; seeing what happens when people are true to their selves, their talents, and don’t hold back when it comes to unleashing that power…

The world pays attention to the ones who keep it real… It will always show! This GUY SHOWED! Sometimes it turns into 10.7 Million You Tube hits!

Marquese Scott right here in Duluth, GA clears 10.7 Million hits as of this writing on his video dancing to some Dubstep music! If you don’t know Dubstep, it’s slowed down drum and bass. But never mind that!

This guy is now viral because he knew how to express his gifts in the best way he knew how, and as a result ended up the Ellen DeGeneres show after receiving 5 million hits in the first week. Phenomenal! I’m so excited for him…

Do you know what you’re good at? And has your surrounding world had a taste of what you bring to this earth yet? If not, what is holding you back?

Don’t hold back! Unleash your true potential, live, and shine like the amazing gift you were meant to become. Don’t let the world miss out on what could have been.

There are plenty of excuses. Some are legitimate excuses, but yet some are just plain procrastinations. It’s very easy for me to come to the conclusion that we’re all just human, and we procrastinate because that’s life; things come up! But I’m not going to give any credit towards that line of thinking here, because to tell you the truth; that’s just another excuse.

Stop blaming your inability to do something on your existence. Your existence is the reason why you can do many things! If it wasn’t for your existence, you couldn’t give an excuse! Why? Well, because you wouldn’t exist.

This sounds so ridiculous and even almost too shallow to even talk about, but the reality is too many people are giving pointless, and need I say imaginary, excuses to move forward and do something with their life, their job, their employees, their boss, or even their business.

They think, “oh well it’s just the way it is”… No! It’s not just the way it is. “It IS” what you say it is.

You need to be proactive in the understanding that you are not just an innocent bystander in life. As a matter of fact, you are a guilty bystander if you continue to let this pass you by. The world always misses out on what could have been because of someone’s neglect to move forward.

Don’t wait another moment. Make your move, and do something that you can be proud of yourself for.

What if you could motivate your employees to give that extra degree of effort?

I had a manager before, and I remember her telling a group of us, that this corporation ‘owns you’… Talk about a moral destroyer! Here we are overwhelmed to the tee, feeling a little less than empowered to contribute to the grander vision, and we were just told that this company ‘owns us’. Are you kidding me? I’d like to think that I own my life…. Really?

Sadly, this goes on in workplaces around the country and world, and in my experience, corporate America. It’s no wonder that most of the nation hate their jobs. Not only are many of us stuck in positions that we don’t feel called to do as part of our life’s purpose, but we’re being talked down to by controlling managers who like to make it personal.

Now, I’m not speaking for all managers. There are those who are not controllers, but are true, genuine Leaders. The kind that would rather empower you to be the best you can be, than over-power you with authority and demeaning behavior.

True leaders are rare, but we see them because they glow like majesties on white horses in the distant. People look up to, admire, and appreciate the leaders in their lives, because they help give the world hope, and it’s by their engagement with the world they serve, that people feel really connected to them and want to be the best of the best.

I love hearing stories where these leaders emerge from an employee role. Oh yes, not just managers get to be leaders. But anyone with a pulse that is driven towards the success through the empowerment of everyone around him or her, can we spot some of the world’s greatest leaders and future leaders.

Lead well, empower your world, and the extra degree of effort from those around you will flourish.