Daily Boost — Motivation and Coaching

Create Your Average Perfect Day How would you feel if every day, on average, was as you wanted? It's time to make your dreams come true and create your "Average Perfect Day." Here's how it works: 1) Find a quiet spot and write a detailed description of your perfect day. Let your fantasies flow onto paper until you've mapped out morning until night. 2) Focus on your daily experiences, not material goods. In other words, if you want a sports car, focus on how you feel in the driver's seat. 3) Fight the urge to judge. The goal is to slow down, tap into your core, and get excited about what's possible. There is one last rule that you must follow. There are no limitations and no consequences. Let yourself be free to dream. You are going to be surprised how many start coming true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Daily Rules for a Happier You Every day, we all jump into the craziness of life with little thought to the basic rules we use to run our day. Here are a few of mine. You can borrow them if you would like: 1) Do what makes your heart sing. You'll always feel better when you are dancing down your path. 2) Believe anything is possible. As soon as you believe - everything IS possible. 3) Be nice to others. Expect them to do the same. No further explanation is required. 4) Believe in people and encourage their dreams. When you do, they'll return the favor. 5) Do the right thing. If you mess up, say you're sorry, try again. 6) Meet people where they are in their lives and walk with them to where you both want to go. 7) Do what you say you will do. It's always better to under-promise and over-deliver. 8) Make lemonade out of lemons. Everything is fixable if you have the right mindset. 9) Keep things simple. Yup. 10) Relax. Life is short. Double yup. Focusing on life's big picture makes it easier to enjoy your daily experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Power of Stop, Think, Think Again With everything happening in the world, it isn’t easy to make good decisions. Being a former fat guy living in a relatively thin body, I learned a life lesson I still use daily that helps. As a kid, going out to eat was a special occasion. One weekend my parents introduced me to the concept of an all-you-can-eat Steak House! From that day forward, I knew I would live in my Husky pants until I found a solution. Years later, I did. In the beginning, I adopted a philosophy of choosing food that said, “Stop. Think. Order.” If that doesn’t work, I employ my advanced version, “Stop. Think. Think again. Order.” Years later, I streamlined my thinking to “Stop. Think. Think again. Act.” I also began to apply it to everything I do. One day I mentioned my new-found thinking to my Mom. She said, “That’s like listening before speaking and thinking before acting. Hmm… that sure sounds like something I may have said to you before.” I’ll never admit it. Stop. Think. Think Again. Act. Today is going to be awesome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Change Everything With a Magic Wand So you know you want something different than what you have. You can’t seem to put your finger on what you want. And, the big one, you don’t know where to begin. In my years of helping others reach their dreams, I’ve learned a couple of things - For most of us, our lives are pretty good. They could be more exciting, and you could make more money. Your relationships could sparkle a bit more. Still, you may feel frozen from a fear of what you might lose. It may be from a fear that you won’t get what you want. Is it possible that you are living in a someday-maybe mindset? In the business world, things are more apparent. If you want to succeed, you only need to offer something your customer wants or needs and provide a solution. It’s simple math. The customer will take you up on your offer, and your business will thrive. Or, they won’t even notice your business and your competition will succeed. Your personal life is the same way. You recognize that your desire is a problem that needs a solution. Or, you stay forever and frustratingly in a someday-maybe mindset. But what if there was a magical question you could ask yourself? A question that would transform your trajectory if you are willing to accept the answer? I asked a confused client on a recent call, “If I could wave a magic wand and transform your life into exactly what you wanted - what would that look like?” The first few seconds were silent - until the floodgates of her imagination opened. The picture was painted, and she could see the future. She let out a deep breath, relaxed, and said - “Thanks for getting me to admit what I wanted, finally. I’ve been thinking about it for years. I was afraid to say it out loud. It feels good.” It always feels good when you release the dream locked inside of you. Now, accept that you want it and get work making it real. If in doubt, wave your magic wand! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Your best life is built sequentially, one level at a time. Forget the elevator. Climb all the stairs to the top, and you’ll have lasting success. In 1954, Abraham Maslow released Motivation and Personality. His Hierarchy of needs theory is all about climbing to the top. Maslow suggested that to reach your full potential: 1) You must provide for your physiological needs. Food, clothing, shelter, money, and more. 2) You must feel safe. Personally, emotionally, financially, health and well-being, and against accidents and illness. 3) Socially, you need to feel love and belonging. 4) Esteem and the desire for acceptance, respect, and value by others is your next step. Self-actualization requires mastery of your previous needs. Maslow said, “What a man can be, he must be.” 5) Self-transcendence removes you from your ego and begins your focus on the greater good. Your best life is built sequentially, one level at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Never Miss a Good Opportunity Getting what you want always comes down to knowing what it is, deciding to go after it, and not stopping until you get it. But what happens when you need somebody's help to get it, and they won't step up? I'll never forget that warm September day I made up my mind to get a membership at a new gym. They had been in pre-sale for months, and I had finally decided to drag myself off the sofa and grab a pre-opening special before it was gone. When I walked through the door, it was a beehive of activity. People everywhere packing up equipment. They were moving to the new location across the street. At that moment, I thought I missed my chance, but I stepped up to the counter anyway, "Can I get signed up?" The young girl behind the counter said something that blew my mind. "I can't help you. The computer is unplugged. Besides, you've had a couple of months. You're kind of late." Let me get this straight. This business, whose only reason for existence is to get members, can't because their computer is unplugged, and it's my fault? I was picking my jaw up off the floor when the owner saw what was happening. He stopped what he was doing, grabbed a contract, and said, "Of course we can. We'll do it the old-fashion way and enter it into the computer tomorrow. You can pay when you come to work out." With that, I walked out with my new membership. I started working out the next day, and the actions of that day changed my life. How? I had been working out for a few months, and the owner noticed my results. Knowing I had a martial arts background, he asked if I would teach a few kickboxing classes. I agreed, and Motivation To Move was born a few months later. Nothing has ever been the same. I learned a valuable lesson about business and life that day. Once you decide what you want, whether running a business or on a treadmill, never miss out on an opportunity to get what you want. Even if the computer is unplugged. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are You Stuck in The Middle? Have you ever found yourself stuck in the middle? I was speaking with a client who was trying to be everything to everybody. His business was not growing. His life was not happy. He couldn’t seem to find a way to make progress. That’s when I said… “My friend, you are stuck in the middle. Nothing good happens when you are in the middle.” Having low expectations and being surrounded by like-minded folks is okay in business and life. It’s also okay to reach for your dreams, have high expectations, and expect that of others. What happens if you’re in the middle? When low and high expectations combine, confusion is the result. Mediocrity overtakes quality. Frustration will be your daily friend. The choice is yours. If I were you, I would make the decision never to get stuck in the middle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Six Mindset Shifts For Better Results On your last day on earth, the person you became will meet the person you could have become." — Anonymous You're smart. You're not going to let that happen to you - right? Here are six mindset shifts to make sure you are living on purpose right now - 1) Live a good lifestyle. Eat good stuff and exercise. 2) Think long-term. Find your groove and stick with it. 3) Play BIG. Small thinking is not why you were born. 4) Be responsible. No more excuses. That’s the only way to be happy. 5) Learn to be more flexible. Stop being hard-headed. Go with the flow to get what you want. 6) Embrace hard work. There is no Magic Bullet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behavior Hacks For a Better Day Your mind is the most potent super-computer ever created. Here are a few ways to hack it and transform your life. 1) Start using a "Good Enough" approach. Perfectionism is doing nothing to move you forward. 2) Use your ONE mind to do ONE thing. Multitasking is splitting your focus and energy. It's also delaying your success. 3) Let go of control. Some things are up to someone else. Figure out what they are and move on. 4) Say NO to anything that does not directly support your Goals. Do what you KNOW will get you what you want. Don't do something in hopes of getting what you want. 5) Hang out with supportive, positive, and nurturing people. Let toxic people create their group. 6) Be willing not to be liked. If you avoid making folks unhappy, you're not moving toward your dreams. 7) Focus on the story of YOU. Minimize social media and television. When you do, you also minimize the influence others have on you. Notice how most h acks are simply relying on yourself first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clear Your Clutter, Clear Your Mind I’ve noticed in my life that humans are hoarders when it comes to keeping stuff that works and doesn’t. They keep hanging on; their life depends on it. Now, before I go on, I think there are two situations at play here: 1) Hanging on to what has worked well but needs to go so you can do more of what you want to do. 2) Hanging on what doesn’t work in hopes that it will work well someday. Both can go on for years, leading to frustration as you long for something else. I was on the phone with a client this morning, and we ran into that situation. We began dealing with it a few months ago, and it’s still rearing its ugly head in her life. After exploring it from every angle— Should I keep it? Should I put it to the side and come back to it? Should I toss it and start over? Should I… should I… should I. I finally said the only thing that came to mind - “The mere fact that you keep questioning it tells me you want to drop it. You’re just worried about what comes next, which is strange because what’s next is what you want. Let me ask a question— How would you feel if you dropped everything holding you back and woke up in the morning with a clean slate and ready to move?” She smiled. You know, with that almost embarrassed look that people get when they can’t pretend anymore. She was busted, and she knew it. That’s when she said— “I’m not going to lie. That would feel great!” We had a “moment,” and everything changed. I suggested a 30-day cooling-off period, but with the understanding that she is moving forward and not backward. A few hours later, she sent me a note. It said, “I don’t need 30 days. Thanks.” It’s simple. When making a life decision, if you stay, you can’t go; if you go, you can’t stay. Make your choice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why a Balanced Life is a Myth I always hear, "My goal is to balance my life better." It's as if balancing is static and can be achieved and maintained once you have it. Balance is dynamic, fleeting, ever-changing, and always challenging. Sure, it feels good when you reach equilibrium, but what about all that fun you had on your way there? I learned about balance when I worked in radio. My job was to balance the new music everyone wanted to hear, and the old music folks loved to remember. We balanced male and female bands, duos, and anything else musicians would toss at us. That sure sounds like life. Imagine a life of rotating the new and exciting with the mundane and routine. Time for yourself and time for your family. A bit for the boss and time to play. Never too much. Never too little. You are always changing. That's balance. Embrace the journey of the day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imperfect Steps to Perfect Dreams Do you love the feeling you get when an exciting idea pops your head? The most appealing aspect of anything new in your life always happens initially -when it’s still a dream inside your head. It’s when it’s time to take actual action that folks slow down - fast! Here’s how to break free: 1) Dreams only come true when you take massive action and establish momentum. 2) Fear of the unknown will stop you. What do I do? Where do I start? Will it work? No worries. One word will change everything. 3) The next time you don’t know what to do, embrace your inner NON-perfectionist. Take “Massive IMPERFECT Action” until things start to move forward. Sometimes, your feet must travel down the path of your dreams before you see the entire picture. Stand up, take a step, and repeat. You’ll figure it out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Endure to Earn. Questions For Resilience A few years ago, I was chatting with a friend about business. He owned a struggling martial arts school and was crafting a master plan to grow in the coming year. I had four questions: 1) How long do you think it will take to learn what it takes to succeed? 2) How long are you willing to work to reach your goal? 3) How long will your money last? 4) When will you begin earning - and how much? Be prepared before you begin. Consider those questions before you set off on your journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rough Roads Smooth Successes Life is a long and winding road. It has many ups and downs and a few surprises along the way. Here's what you can expect: 1) Follow your passion, and the money will arrive. It may take longer than you think. It may be less than you believe. It doesn't matter. You'll be happy. 2) Nothing will happen until you move from daydreaming to daily action. 3) The road will be rough. Then, it will smooth out. Then, it will be rough again. 4) Whatever path you thought you would travel will change. 5) You will find speed limits. Sometimes, you will move slowly. Sometimes fast. Pay attention to the signs that arrive in your life. 6) Frustration will be a constant companion. So will excitement. 7) You must be strong to stay focused on the big picture. 8) When you arrive, you will find yourself seeking another adventure. Success is a journey that brings out the best in you. Arriving at your destination will make you desire another journey. Stay busy, my friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becoming Aware of Your Passions Are you aware of your passions? If not, I have a question for you - What do you do when you are doing YOU? Why spend your days searching your mind to figure out your purpose when you are most likely living it daily? When you take a minute to inventory how you spend your time, you will see what you enjoy doing. Do you read, write, exercise, or work? How about walking, talking, playing, fighting, laughing, or watching television? Do you quilt, garden, volunteer, socialize? Passion in life is not about finding something to do. It's about noticing what you do naturally - and doing more of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filter, Focus, and Prioritize Your Path My wife and I were having dinner this weekend. She finally asked, “Are you going to tell me what you’re doing for Operation Reinvention this Summer? I want to help.” I said, “I won’t need your help. I need your support.” She had a puzzled look. I don’t blame her. But, I am locked in on my Goal - and that needs two things: 1) The ability to filter out what doesn’t matter and prioritize what does. 2) Accept 100% responsibility for reaching your Goal. As they say, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” Anything less will remove you from control. You’ll find many well-meaning people offering support if you miss either one. The problem? The suggestions they make will be different from how you imagined your journey. As soon as that happens, you have pulled off your path. If you are setting off on a life-transforming Goal, it’s okay to accept the support of others. Remember, your most important supporter is YOU! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Art of Moving Past Frustration When life gets in the way, do you get frustrated about being blocked? I used to be that way. Something changed. I learned long ago that getting blocked would be an everyday occurrence. And, the bigger my goals, the more blocks would arrive. I could live with endless frustrations - or find a better way. It came down to this: 1) Blocks have nothing to do with who I am. They could be self-inflicted or caused by others, but they still have nothing to do with me. 2) If you want something, there is always a way to get it. Always… always… always. You may not like the path. Your ego may get in the way. It may scare you. There is always a way. The next time frustration gets in your way, blow it off and keep moving. There is always a way to get what you want. Find it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s All About ONE Important Thing I have a question for you. What is your ONE most important activity? What is the ONE core activity that, if you do, everything else is fine? What is the ONE core activity that, if you don’t do it, causes everything to fall apart? Many people focus on anything but the most critical activity in their lives. They are usually surprised when things fall apart. Is it showing up for work on time or doing a great job? Could it be your unflinching attention to your family? Does your business have ONE activity that causes people to buy from you? When you focus on your ONE most important activity - everything else will take care of itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freedom and Growth Between the Lines Are you a fun-loving, carefree person who prefers to drift with the wind? Are you happier following the rules and staying within the lines? Whichever you are, happiness and success will arrive when you combine both: 1) Too much flexibility in life doesn’t allow for compounding your life experience. Like money in the bank, leave it alone once you know what works. 2) Too much structure will limit your ability to discover growth opportunities. Don’t get stuck. Donnie and Marie said it best in the ’70s, “I’m a little bit country, he’s a little bit rock and roll.” Combine the best of both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Navigating Life with Your Who I Am Document Do you have a roadmap for how you operate in your world? A few years ago, I decided I needed a guide to ensure my daily actions matched my values. I ended up calling it my ‘Who I am' Statement. Who I am - this is not a mission statement. Who I am - this is not a list of affirmations. Who I am - is not a value statement. Who I am is a personal cheat sheet to establish how I act and respond to the day's challenge. You should have one, too. Why do you do what you do? How do you see yourself? How do others see you? How do you act in certain situations? It's a great time of year to dig deeper into who you are. That way, when life gets in the way, you'll always have an expert to turn to for an answer - YOU! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Achieve More with the 70% Strategy Have you figured out what you want to do with your life but can’t build momentum? One of two things is happening: 1) You have decided to wait and see what happens with something else before committing to your new plan. 2) You need more information before moving forward, making it the same as the first. The secret to gaining momentum is the ’70% Rule’ in every decision. Once you have an idea, begin researching and resourcing whether you have the ability and the desire to head in that direction. Once you hit 70% certainty, one way or the other, either move forward or drop it and move on. Why 70%? Because 70% is enough information to make the right decision, you’ll never get to 100% anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defend Your Happiness With Strategies That Work Have you been running full speed ahead - knowing you’re not heading in the right direction? It’s easy to get caught up in the business of life and find yourself off track. Could your experience be better? It comes down to awareness and decisions: 1) Everything begins when you recognize that something needs to change and admit it to yourself. Is the time now? 2) Driving forward will only add to unhappiness. Instead, keep up with life and push the pause button on everything else—no pulling or pushing. You are only pausing. 3) During this time, work your way back to YOU. There’s no hurry. You may have been off-track for a long time. 4) Remember your dreams. Now that you have space, it’s time to explore how everything fits into your life today - and your future. Begin to take action in any direction that makes you happy. Once you find enjoyment, accept it and defend it with all your energy. Spend the rest of your days bringing more into your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Massive Action for Massive Success (Part Two) Yesterday, we spent a few minutes on practical ways to succeed. Here are a few “very natural” actions that will provide a HUGE advantage over almost everybody. Oh, you may not like these no-brainer daily practices - but they will make you a peak performer: 1) Eat right. 67% of the population eats fast food daily. 60% are obese. Simply eating a better diet will deliver an energetic and mindset boost. 2) Exercise. 77% of the population only exercises within daily duties. 100% of top performers exercise. Which do you want to be? 3) Sleep lots. We need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. The average is now less than 6 hours. You’ll have more energy than 60% of the population by going to bed a little earlier. 4) Be careful with alcohol. 77% of the adult population drinks - 50% regularly. One glass of wine will stop real progress. More than that, and you’ll be less productive the next day. People who do that for a lifetime cannot reach their dreams. Being more “Gooder than Badder” on these items will give you an advantage over 70.25% of the population. Who said you can never catch a break? Daily Click Eat right, exercise, get lots of sleep, and reduce alcohol. You instantly gain an advantage over 70.25% of the population. That’s how dreams become real - FAST! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Massive Action for Massive Success (Part One) Today, I wanted to give some motivational tough love. Before I get going - No matter what you desire, remember that life and business are about solving problems. The bigger your dreams, the bigger your problems. If you want what nobody else has, you must solve problems nobody else will. So, how do you begin with a bang? 1) Decide what you want. Be specific. Anything less is what ordinary people do. 2) Decide to pay the price of your success. You’ve heard it before, and it’s true. Short-term pain leads to long-term gain. The future value of your life depends on the current value of your effort. 3) Own your goals. You don’t need to ask permission from anybody. You don’t even need to say a word. Put your head down and get to work. 4) Since you’ve decided what you want. Don’t accept your excuses. When it’s time to get to work - 5) Start your day early. Do what is important to you before the day begins. 6) Set your focus and starting point. Pick the first task, finish it, and move on to the next. Keep going until you get what you want. 7) Hold space for what is essential for you. 8) Develop the habit of deep work. Two hours of uninterrupted work per day will change your life. 9) Don’t get caught up in believing you need Networking, Joint Ventures, Collaborations, and Partnerships. Yes, you need some - but not many. Trust yourself and start creating. Let everybody else catch up. 10) Don’t get caught up in learning. If you stumble, find your answer and get back to work. If another question pops up, repeat. 11) Apply never-ending massive imperfect action. Don’t worry about the mess. You can clean it up later. Tomorrow, we’ll chat about how to gain a HUGE advantage while accelerating your success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlock Your Goals with Personal Accountability Over the years, I've witnessed dozens of people set themselves up for failure by following seemingly wise advice - "When you set a goal, make it public and tell everybody you know so they can support you." In my experience, that could have worked better - especially on long-term goals. The reason is that nobody outside my close relationships knows me well enough to understand why I'm doing what I'm doing. That makes it challenging to provide support in meaningful ways, difficult for me to accept, and unneeded pressure on everybody. It takes little thinking to realize the best accountability relationship needs to be based on respect and a sincere connection to have the most impact. That means there is no need to crowd-source accountability when you only need two people to keep you on track. The first partner is the one you listen to the most - YOU! Accepting responsibility for your accountability is the most potent skill you own. But since you are the boss of YOU and don't always listen to yourself, you need somebody else you trust and respect who is willing to call you out on your stuff. Once they agree, let them do their job. Getting what you want begins and ends with you, but having an accountability partner is a great way to keep you on track in the messy middle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Capture Ideas, Unleash Potential Over the years, I have produced over 10,000 podcasts, and every one begins with the written word. Even though that makes my mouth and fingers my most exercised body parts, it has also given me many opportunities to learn to keep my words flowing. If you're like most people, you have found yourself sitting in front of a blank screen, praying for inspiration. It could be writer's block, procrastination, or you stayed up late watching Netflix. In any case, there's a simple solution to always having a starting point. Any project I need to wrap my head around begins by capturing the ideas that flow into my mind throughout the day. Even turning the radio off on a 20-minute drive can provide a treasure-trove of useable nuggets. Next, I tucked those ideas away in a safe place without organizing, editing, or re-writing. I grab the thoughts, jot a note or record a memo, put them away, and let them simmer. When I'm ready to get to work, I take 15 minutes the day before to review my list of creative geniuses, toss out what is not relevant, create a simple outline, and walk away knowing I am ready to begin. The next day, I can't wait to sit in front of a blank screen and let the magic flow from my fingertips with complete ease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mindset of a Master Negotiator I've always believed that life is a series of presentations we continually make throughout our day. The progress we make, the success we enjoy, and the happiness we experience directly result from our presentation skills, including negotiation. Yes, whether you like it or not, you negotiate for everything. Once you know about a natural feeling that all parties experience during negotiation, you'll never feel like an underdog again. Always remember- Whenever two or more folks negotiate, they automatically feel the other has the advantage. It's natural to have the fear that things may not go your way. Stay the course, and you'll get what you want. When you understand this simple mindset, you will automatically put yourself in a more confident position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vision Quest for a Life on Your Terms Do you have an image of what you would like your life to be - except when life gets in the way? There's no doubt that daily life events have a funny way of distracting us from reaching goals. It's just too easy to put them on the back burner. That's why you need to become the keeper of your vision. Thousands of opportunities will arrive on your path daily and detour you from what you want. That's why it's up to you to guard your vision by asking a simple question - Will this opportunity move me closer to my desired lifestyle or further away? Simple. Know YOUR vision. Defend YOUR vision. Live YOUR Vision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fuel Your Fire For Sustained Motivation As a child, I wondered why I couldn't always have my way. Mom and Dad were so mean! I couldn't wait to grow up, move out, and experience being an adult. Everything would be different - or so I thought. After stepping into the adult world, it didn't take long to realize that not much had changed. It turns out it wasn't my parents. It was like turning down my requests. Life was getting in the way. What was even worse was that I was getting in my way. I've joked over the years that if I'm the boss of me, why don't I do what I say? Eventually, I realized having a big ass goal, being on a mission, and, most importantly, motivation on demand was the solution. Motivation is a powerful, if not fleeting, tool we all need. But we need to understand how our minds generate motivation: 1) Your physiology dictates your feelings. The easiest way to break free of a slump is to stand up, take a step, and REPEAT. Movement wakes your body, guides your emotions, and makes anything possible. 2) Focus fuels your fire. If you're unmotivated, you drift in the wind with no direction. Shifting your thoughts in a positive direction and toward what excites you will break you out and get you moving. 3) The words you say create the emotions you feel. Negative self-talk will drag you and everybody else down. Everything changes when you make the words you say to yourself, internally and externally, positive and uplifting. Words matter more than you think. You're human. Your brain isn't wired to stay motivated constantly. It would help if you gave it a helping hand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happiness Doesn't Require Permission My friend Sid called to tell me he had found his next big thing. He decided to take flying lessons and couldn't wait to get started. After hearing my Mom's stories over the years, I have always wanted to learn to fly. Her father was a contractor in Wilmington, North Carolina. When an airport client couldn't pay, he offered lessons. She was 15 years old. Her stories of landing on the beaches of North Carolina were thrilling. Flying Solo before an arriving hurricane was captivating. We'll forget that she 3-days short of being legally old enough. Her adventurous spirit took control. With a hurricane coming, she wasn't going to ask for permission. She took command, and it put her in the record books. By the time I began flying 50 years later, things were more controlled, and speaking on the radio to Air Traffic Control was required - and challenging. Being nervous, I often asked for permission when I wanted to do something. I would say, "This is Cessna 67508 requesting permission to…" One day, while waiting for their response, my instructor taught me a lesson I could have learned from my Mom, "You're the Pilot in Command. Your seat is moving, and theirs isn't. Don't ask for permission. Tell them what you want and let them work it out." What? I don't have to ask for anyone's permission to do what I want. I never asked again, in flying or anything else in life. I decide what I want to do and do it. If somebody else needs to know what I'm up to, I tell them, work out the solution, and keep moving. If not, I keep moving. Some days, it feels like we need permission from everybody else. Don't fall into that trap. Your destiny is your choice and yours alone. And what happened to Sid? He asked his wife for permission, and she said "no." He never took a single lesson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Make The Law of Attraction Work The Law of Attraction should be called the Law of What You Think About Most. Like attracts like, what you think about, you get. If you think, "I won't get it because I never do," - you are correct. Dreaming of something new while focusing on current problems is a sure way to keep spinning your wheels. The secret is to focus your attention and actions on what you want to attract. That will require a dedicated effort. Vision Boards, lists of goals, and daily journaling are all great ways to stay on track. The "Law of What You Think About" is magical and straightforward… Decide what you want. Believe it is possible. Focus on the future, not the past. Please don't stop until you get it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Perspective Changing Questions Long ago, I realized that life is nothing more than a giant scavenger hunt. Yes, life is full of questions, and it’s long enough for you to figure out all the essential answers. And the winners are the people who figure out the solution you seek. Here are a few that I use regularly to get me thinking: 1) What do you want to do? 2) What do you want to have? 3) Where do you want to go? 4) What contribution do you want to make? 5) What do you want to become? 6) What do you want to learn? 7) Who do you want to spend my time? 8) How much money do you want to earn, save, and invest? 9) How much time do you want off? 10) What will you do to create optimum health? I’ll repeat it. Life is full of questions, and it’s long enough for you to figure out all the essential answers. It’s time to get busy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Power of Expectations Imagine how your life would improve if everybody understood what to expect. Expectations are powerful. Pay attention to these three: 1) What do you expect of yourself? You get to decide how you approach the world. 2) What do you expect of others? Clearly, understand what you expect of others. That allows you to avoid surprises - and toxic relationships. 3) What do others expect of you? When you let others know what they can expect of you - and walk your talk - you are living in integrity. Your life will always be more comfortable when you know what to expect of yourself and others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scripted Goal Setting In the world of Scott Logic, I’ve always fought my advice that said - When life is predictable, scripted, and process-oriented - BORING - life gets as excited as you ever dream it could be. As a guy who likes excitement in my day, you can see why I would prefer to ignore that wisdom - and I’m not alone. Still, I don’t miss it. I prioritize that way of thinking at all costs. Let’s talk about that ‘scripted’ part of living. While I love a good spontaneous day, I’ve learned that the more scripted and predictable my day, the less stress I have and the more I get done. All that means is that I know what I’ll be doing throughout the day, when I’ll be doing it, and what time I’m done for the day. Frankly, I can usually tell you what I’ll be doing weeks in advance. Maybe that’s why I never need to check my calendar when somebody asks me when I’m available for a meeting. I already know because everything is already in place. Next, you should live a process-oriented life. The best way to explain what I mean is to use goals as an example. Most people set goals and focus on the outcome of achieving that goal. If it’s weight loss, your goal may be to lose 50 pounds. While that’s not bad, focusing exclusively on the end goal is a fast way to fall off the wagon after a single, out-of-control weekend. But there is a better way… Instead of losing 50 pounds, it’s much easier to focus on the steps that will get you there—watching what you eat, exercising, keeping yourself motivated, shopping for your future skinny jeans. The mindset is simple: as long you keep doing what’s working, you’ll get what you want. Simple. A scripted life and a process-oriented life is a good life. Figure out what works and do it over and over again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Best To-Do List EVER! I'm sure you have a lot to do today. You’re probably in for a busy day if you use a traditional To-Do list. If I may, I’d like to pass on some advice to make your days much more fun. LOSE your "To-Do List." Replace it with a "Did I Do It List." Of course, a traditional To-Do list will get the job done. But it’s far too easy to focus entirely on your list of things to do instead of what you're supposed to be doing. Don’t get me wrong, when you are inside any project, you may need a list. I can’t imagine myself in the kitchen without a recipe to follow. To-do lists have their place. For everything else, there’s something better. You should be using a “Did I Do It List.” As simple as it sounds, instead of chasing and stressing about what you must do, you are simply ensuring you’ve done what is needed. Yes, it’s a simple mindset change, but it will change everything about how you get things done — and you’ll have far less stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are You Listening to Yourself? Growing up, I was an energetic, enthusiastic, and excitable child. I never let a day go by without challenging something - usually with my mouth. Thanks to those responsible for turning me into a good person, I learned a valuable lesson when they said- “Listen twice as much as you speak. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” You’ve heard that before, and in today’s fast-paced world, knowing when to put a zipper on your lips is critical. But I’ve also learned to take that advice to a new level to get what I want. I go “Dark.” When you go “Dark,” you have chosen to listen to others less. You are still listening, caring, and interacting with those around you. You’ve decided to listen to yourself twice as much instead. The world we live in today makes it seem as though it’s impossible to get what you want without others. There are endless hours of interacting, Googling, ZOOMing, Texting, and more. It’s like we’ve lost permission to think and do for ourselves. We can’t move forward without the social approval of those around us when the exact opposite is true. Something extraordinary happens when you give yourself space to listen to yourself. Your creative mind and talents flourish—your positive energy rebounds. You feel more present and find more meaning in your life. Going “Dark” makes your life brighter, and good stuff happens. When you take the time to slip away into your own space, you develop into the person you were meant to be. Removing yourself from the buzz of the world gives you a new kind of energy. And you do it without anybody’s permission or without anybody knowing. When you emerge, everybody will notice that you are different. They will listen when you speak, seek your advice, and be attracted to you in a new way. Who knew that listening twice as much as you speak works even better when you listen to yourself twice as much as you listen to others? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Churchill's Steps For Change As we enter the New Year, I've noticed that people are returning to their old ways. That's okay. It's a journey. But what is that journey? Winston Churchill said, "To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often." And it helps if you understand the stages of change: 1) Pre-Contemplation. You may intend to act but must be made aware that your behavior is the problem. 2) Contemplation. You recognize the problem and start to debate the pros and cons of your actions. 3) Preparation. You intend to take action soon. You may even begin small steps. 4) Action. Making the specific changes required to create your new life begins. 5) Maintenance. Sustain your efforts for at least six months. You will likely achieve a life-long transformation. 6) Termination. You have zero temptation and are sure you will not return to your old unhealthy habits. Winston Churchill said something else - "For myself, I am an optimist — it does not seem to be much use being anything else." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living in Default Mode There is a myth floating around that life is more fun when you are spontaneous. That can be true some of the time, but not all of the time. If you want to be happier, more successful, and make life easier, it’s time to live in Default Mode. In other words, figure out what works and keep doing it. Living in Default Mode makes life predictable for you and everybody around you. It limits decision-making and establishes continuity. It’s a behavior that reduces stress and improves happiness. And studies show that most people will default when a good option is readily available. Of course, the default can be wrong, too. Bad habits should not be used in default mode. And some people claim that default mode means staying in your comfort zone and keeping you from stretching yourself. On that, I'm afraid I have to disagree. My theory of Default Efficiency is simple: figuring out what works and doing it by default is easy, gets excellent results consistently, relieves you from decision fatigue, and allow you to stretch on your terms. Living your life in Default Mode is the fastest way to reaching your goals - your way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Succeeding The Lazy Way I have an admission to make. I can be a bit lazy. Yes, I also like to work harder than most people. Still, I'm lazy when doing things I don't want to be doing. It's been said that when you do what you love, you will never work another day. Frankly, I've found it to be quite the opposite. What I do is difficult and takes a lot of time and effort. But I enjoy it. Still, I'm lazy. I want everything to be easy, and I want it now. I'm not different than anybody else. I'm lazy. I'm driven. I'm lazy. I made my point. And if you know me well, you may think I am not that lazy. Oh yes, I am. While it may take a long time to master the skill required to make things easy for myself, I'm willing to go through the hard work if it allows me to be lazy - eventually. And do you know what the most remarkable thing about being lazy is? Your initial hard work allows you to be lazy and makes what you do look easy to others. It's too bad for those working hard at being lazy, sleeping and binging Netflix when you were working hard to make everything easy — and being lazy. Here's today's life lesson. You can be successful and lazy. Just remember that it comes in that order. Successful, then lazy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Say YES to Yourself More This Year Do you ever wish you had a less complicated life? Even if your job and life are overcomplicated out of necessity, like launching a rocket or performing brain surgery, you can still simplify everything. How do you do it? Your actions in your life and your job are probably not causing the overwhelm. It's the people and the results that are causing you to feel that way. The easier way to under-complicate is to begin saying "No" to the arbitrary and unattainable demands of others and focus exclusively on the results you want. Here are a couple of ideas: 1) Practice the law of "Good Enough." Perfectionism is overrated. It will waste years of productive time you could use to enjoy life. Set your standards and rise to them. 2) Get good at saying "No." Make that two-letter word your default answer for everything. And remember, sometimes, saying nothing at all gets the same result. 3) Remember that the only thing you must do in life is take a BREATH. Everything else is optional and self-inflicted. Leonardo da Vinci said," Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Why not show everybody how sophisticated you are? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Steps to Getting What You Want — and Keeping It. Creating a difference in your life is a non-stop process that requires simple actions to help you get what you want. And it is, after all, about getting what you want and keeping what you love. You’ll always go through these steps: 1) Decide. Everything begins with your decision to head off in a new direction. While sometimes you may feel like you’ve made a decision, if you’re not moving, you haven’t. 2) Define. Aimless wandering is fun when that’s what you’ve decided to do. Otherwise, it’s frustrating, exhausting, and takes place more than you think. When you define your path, you get to walk your path. 3) Deploy. As dull as the advice may be, putting your plan into action is the only way to get what you want. If you don’t deploy, you don’t get it. 4) Defend. After working hard to get what you want, you can guarantee that something or somebody will try to take away your results. That’s not good or bad. That’s life. When you find what you love, defend it so you never lose it. Simple. I like simple. Simple works! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions Before You Begin Anything Everybody has dreams. Daydreams, dreams while you sleep, and dreams of what you wish for the future. I’ve always believed that dreams are goals you have nurtured to become real. But how do you know if the voice speaking to your heart will lead you in the right direction? Brant Pinvidic’s book, The 3-Minute Rule, has four questions that will help: 1) What is it? Do you understand precisely what you want? 2) How does it work? How will you go about reaching your goal? What will likely be the outcome? 3) Can you do it? Is your plan reasonable? Do you have the time, skills, and money? 4) Are you sure? Are you confident you can achieve your goal if you are willing to put in the effort? Use these when something is holding you back. I promise. The clarity you are seeking is around the corner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morning Routines Power One thing that I'm always going to do is refine my morning routine — it's a never-ending process. You hear a lot about using morning rituals to get more done. But what if you could use your mornings to get more done for YOU? In the fast-paced world we live in today, there seem to be two groups when it comes to how to use mornings—personal and productive. Once folks remove themselves from the craziness of jumping out of bed, taking care of the kids, and hitting the drive-through, they choose one of the two. But what if there was a third group that was more satisfying? Before I go on, I must admit that I was not a morning person and didn't like getting up early. I even quit my first couple of jobs as a morning radio host so I could sleep. Later in my career, I would hit my desk at 5 AM and pound through my to-do list as fast as possible. I must have been saying, "I…MUST… GET… IT… DONE!" That didn't work well because I didn't see the purpose of getting out of bed early if it was only to work. I spent my mornings reading and meditating for a few years before heading to the gym. I got in better shape, but my bank balance was less, and my future goals were seemingly unreachable. Then, one day, out of pure frustration and sporting a brand-new I don't give a heck attitude, I asked myself a question that changed everything - "What's the first thing I should do tomorrow morning that, if I do, will allow me to live a life of my design?" I didn't ask about work or what was on my to-do list. It had nothing to do with getting more done or getting in better shape. I focused on the lifestyle I wanted to live - and it was life-changing. In the years since I made that decision, I've started my days doing the most important thing I deem required to live the life of my choosing, and I've been happier for it. I've also come across dozens of morning do-gooders who are getting everything done except what they dream of doing, and when they realize it's not their fault, everything changes. They get caught up in the buzz of life, and everyone does. But you start making real progress the minute you focus on YOU before anything else. When you focus on what is important to you, you get what is important to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Seinfeld’s Success Secret It’s the time of the year when I always remember the lesson I learned from Jeff Seinfeld. I’ll never forget the day a friend called and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse - and I didn’t. Rob was an event promotor who had snagged the chance to book an up-and-coming comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, into a local venue. He needed somebody to warm up the audience and introduce Jerry. I was all in when he agreed to cover my drink tab and let me hang out with Jerry before the show. It was 1986, and Jerry’s television series about nothing was still developing. I know that because it’s what we talked about before the show. As he munched on veggies and sipped sparkling water, I’ll never forget how focused he was on getting what he wanted. Tired and worn out from living on the road, I asked how he managed to keep going. He said — “I know exactly what I want. I’m a comedian, so I have to be funny. The only way to be funny is to write funny jokes. The only way to write funny jokes is to write every day. So, I write daily and put a big red “X” on the calendar. Eventually, there will be a chain of Xs on the calendar. My goal is not to break the chain.” Then, in a very Seinfeld way, he screamed, “Don’t break the chain! That’s how you get what.” Over the years, I’ve read that others have had the same conversation with Jerry. I’m guessing it was a rule of success that he practiced and shared often. I’m happy he shared it with me. As we begin 2024, pick an action and do it every day until you get so good people notice. And, whatever you do, “Don’t break the chain!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Time To Explore What’s Possible I’ve spent the last couple of days saying things like — “What do you do when you are doing you, and your purpose is to find your purpose?” Now, I realize that something so simple is also something most people will ignore. I also realized that for some people, as soon they begin reading and realize they’ve already heard it, tune out and open the next email. That’s unfortunate. Studies have long ago proven that repetition is the Mother of all skills. Yes, it takes time to learn new things and master them. But getting a new skill is not the value of repetition — it’s the doors it opens. When you opened my email yesterday, you were a different person than now. And tomorrow you will be different than you will be by the end of the week. As you explore your day, you’ll figure out what doesn’t work, lock in what does, and update your worldview. You will see things differently. The wisdom you collect will transform your personality as you explore your life and you will begin becoming the person you are meant to be. Of course, this should be no surprise since you’ve been doing it your entire life. But what if you purposefully did it every day? What if you chose to purposefully explore all the possibilities of your life in hope that it will lead to your destination? What if you explored the possibilities with full faith and trust that you are following your path, the correct path, and the one that will lead you to everything you desire? It’s not a what IF. It’s what IS. It’s your choice to make that happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Purpose is to Find Your Purpose This time of year most people are setting Big Ass Goals and working on the daily baby steps it takes to achieve those goals. It’s an activity that has proven effective ever since humans figured out that we are hard-wired to seek purpose in our lives. Let’s pause for a light-hearted lecture, shall we? If you are not setting goals that excite you and establishing small habits that make them a reality, you may as well skip into a Las Vegas casino and trust that the ‘house’ has your back and is setting you up for the big win. I have news for you. That’s not their Purpose, so you better know yours. But wait? What if I don’t know my Purpose? A long time ago, I realized that it was well beyond my pay grade to know somebody else’s purpose so I began giving this advice — “If you don’t know your purpose, your purpose is to find your purpose.” As simple as it sounds, it’s amazing how freeing it can be to realize that searching for what you want is living on purpose. Psychologists define Purpose as a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something personally meaningful that simultaneously leads to productive engagement with some aspect of the world beyond the self. What could be more meaningful than happily seeking your Purpose through daily activity? Yes, maybe one day you’ll find the purpose you are seeking, or maybe, you’ve already found it. That’s something to consider, for sure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You Were Born to Do YOU Can you imagine what might happen if you dared to think like your true self, act your true self, and share your true self? That makes you smile - right? Or maybe you feel that living from the inside out and being fully authentic with the world is self-centered, egotistical, and not how you should be. Still, I bet you’re smiling, at least a little, at the thought. You were born with two things that are yours, and you alone to use as you see fit - or not. The first is Free Will, and without digging into the spiritual and scientific reasons, no matter what happens in your life, you are always doing things YOUR way. Even if you feel that your destiny is pre-determined, you will do it YOUR way. Imagine what would happen if you choose to do the things you love and do them your way. You were also born with a Unique Ability that you don’t share with anybody else. It has always been there and will never leave you. Imagine what would happen if you were to choose to use it in everything you do. The next time you second-guess yourself, remember to ask yourself one simple question — “What do you do when you’re doing YOU?” When nobody is telling you what to do, when you’re on your own to fill your time, when you are making the rules, what do you like to do, and how do you want to do it? It’s okay to be yourself. I promise that nobody is judging you. In fact, they are most likely waiting for you to show up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stoic Rules For a Happy Life 300 BC, political life was driving people crazy. To calm the masses, several schools of philosophy popped up. Stoicism still resonates powerfully today. 1. Don't enslave yourself to annoying people. 2. Choose reasonable expectations. 3. Pre-meditate those expectations. 4. You are a mind operating a bag of chemicals you call a body. 5. Stop pretending you know that things are bad. 6. You were put here to reason, so use it already. 7. Life is NOT too short. 8. Feel your emotions like a Stoic would. They are your power. 9. Anger is a choice. 10. When it comes down to it, we are dogs tied to the back of a cart. Sound wisdom never goes out of style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mapping: Your Success System Wouldn’t having a plan to help you get what you want would be great? What you need is M.A.P.S.S. - a system that gets thinking out of the way and focuses on actions in four areas: Motivation: Everything begins with knowing ‘WHY’ you set your goals. Stay motivated. Accountability: Being accountable and accepting responsibility for your results will empower your success. Saying, ‘If it’s to be, it’s up to me,’ is a great way to get started. Planning: Plan your work, work you plan. It’s simple. If you can’t plan it, you won’t be able to do it. Systemization: The first steps of any worthy goal are difficult. As you get more comfortable with your process, lock in the actions and repeat them until you get what you want. Sustainability: Everything takes longer than you think. Momentum is built in life by stacking your accomplishments sequentially. Make sure you set yourself up for the long haul. The freedom you desire rests on a stable and repeatable foundation: Motivation, Accountability, Planning, Systemization, and Sustainability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thriving in Modern Times. It’s Easy. I can't tell you how many times I've heard somebody say— "If I knew I would live this long, I would have cared for myself better and saved more money." True or true? Modern times are exciting, and when it comes to living a long life, people either think life is too short or long. If you do things correctly, long enough is the best answer, but 200 years ago, most folks didn't have the luxury of thinking about things like that. If you lived during those times, you lived at a slower and harder pace. And, since time is relative, your perception was also slower. Everything was slower. It would be like a two-week, off-the-grid vacation in a mountain cabin without your phone in modern times if you think about it. That used to be daily life. Yes, living to the ripe old age of 40 felt like living to 100 today - if something simple didn't take you out sooner. When California had open land, low-priced real estate, and gold in them-there-hills, almost everybody died much younger than today, usually from an exotic disease like a toothache. If you lived a couple of centuries ago, a simple life meant simple goals: Survive childhood. Buy a horse. Get married. Buy another horse. Build your first house on your 40-year-old Grandparents' property. Get your kids through 5th grade so they can graduate to help you plow the field. And if you were a planner, plant a tree on the hill as soon as you can so that it is big enough for your kids to bury you under when a toothache takes you out. While it's easy to make fun of the old days, one thing rings true— If you lived in the past, wondering what you would do next would never be an option. Since you have that option, the question is, what are you going to do with it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices