Daily Boost — Motivation and Coaching

I woke up this morning with an incredible zest to expand my feeling of gratefulness. Well, there is not so much to expand as to recognize all the things that I am grateful for but haven’t thought about lately. That’s the thing about living in a fast-paced world where our daily activities, big and small, fly by and are quickly forgotten. It’s always been that way. There is nothing new in the world. That got me thinking about one of my favorite quotes — “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” —Robert Brault As a no regrets kind of guy, I admit to sometimes not living in gratitude. Thankfully, the wisdom of others is always making sure I remember what is important— Here are a few of my favorites. “If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.”—Frank A. Clark “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” —Eckhart Tolle “Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.” —Estonian Proverb “Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”—William Faulkner “Enough is a feast.”—Buddhist Proverb “When you are grateful, fear disappears, and abundance appears.”—Anthony Robbins “When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.”—Vietnamese Proverb “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”—William Arthur Ward “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all the other virtues.”—Cicero “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”—Robert Brault Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 for you to get what you want. If you don’t deploy, you don’t get it. 4) Defend. After working so 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, be sure to defend it so you never lose it. Simple. I like simple. Simple works! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I want to become the person I am meant to be. That’s something that I hear daily in my life from people all over the world. Frankly, beyond living a joyful life, I can’t think of anything more important than growing to become who you know you are on the inside. Most people tend to work in different areas of their life. All will say that family and friends are the most important, but they tend to focus on their career and legacy - especially after the kids move out. But here is a problem… For many years, most people, including myself, tended to get lost in developing specific areas of their lives while others were on hold. While outwardly successful, they wouldn’t be on the phone with me if everything was going perfectly. It’s not, it’s hit or miss, and that is causing sleepless nights. A solution is an ALL-IN approach to living. Over time, I’ve developed the solid belief that whatever you deem as your ultimate best use of your life will only happen after you have evolved every area of your life - and do it every day. Focusing on your business and achieving success at the highest levels only happens when the other areas of your life are balanced. Raising your children to be the best can only happen when the other areas of your life balance. Developing your spiritual being will only happen at a deeply satisfying level when all other areas of your life are balanced. In other words, you will only achieve your personal best when your body, mind, relationships, and finances are working in synchronicity to support your journey: any other strategy is hit or miss. The goal is simple. Every day you should do something to develop, maintain, and grow every critical area of your life. It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to happen. No, things won’t be perfect every day, but it’s incredible how all those imperfect days add up to a pretty good life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've always believed goal setting is the heartbeat of our lives. Goal setting is one of the most powerful tools you have to create your best life. My question to you is… do you know what your best life is supposed to be? I came upon my belief not from a book or a guru but from a realization I had many years ago. I found I was happy when I was chasing something bigger than myself that was also in alignment with how I felt on the inside. I was unhappy when I was checking items off my list and not honoring my true self. After years of pondering, I concluded that a purposeful outcome would eliminate frustration and boredom and generate excitement and enthusiasm. That leads me to the two definitions of goals: 1) The end toward which effort is directed. 2) An area or object toward which players in various games attempt to advance a ball or puck and usually through or into which it must go to score points. Most people treat goals like the number two, a To-Do list with a short-term outlook. People who focus on the first definition are long-term thinkers. But what's the real difference? What "end" do you place your focus on? Heartbeat goal-setters know there are many "ends" before the ultimate termination point we call goal achievement. That's what excites and drives them. They purposely focus on that 'end.' Everything else is a step in the journey that is only needed to get to their pre-determined outcome. Heartbeat goal setting. It's purposeful goal setting that ignites a fire in your belly, gives you a mission, and makes you happy. Everything else is an item on your To-Do list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years the most popular question I get from the MOVERS around here is - “How do I find my purpose and face my passion?” If I were to expand on that question, it would be - “What can I do today to find my purpose and overcome the fear of living my passion?” In other words, it’s one thing to find it; it’s another thing to get yourself to do it. Today we’ll focus on finding it. In my quest to always be passionately living, I always turn to a 5-step process for discovering and facing your passion. It has never failed me. 1) Explore the possibilities that are available to you. The more, the better. Many things will interest you, and you should be willing to allow them into your life. 2) Pay attention to what gets and keep your attention. Don’t fight the feeling. Just follow the urge to explore. 3) Deep dive into the things that are shoving themselves into your life and immersing yourself. 4) When you find yourself fascinated and nearly obsessed, even if it makes no sense at all, you are heading a new path. Don’t be surprised if it is nothing you’ve ever considered before. The formula is simple: Exploration + Fascination = Facing Your Passion While there can be several strategic steps within the steps above, the more significant challenge is to allow yourself to follow what you find. Once you find it, be sure you live it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People have always sought change for themselves, their life, or the world. If you want to change something about your life, there is a constant truth; you must change before anything else changes. Many smart folks agree - Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Leo Tolstoy, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” What about Albert Einstein? “The world, as we have created, is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” Do you want to change something about today, tomorrow, or the future? You must change before anything else changes. Have you learned lessons from past experiences? You have already changed, and your future is better for it. Rumi said, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” If tomorrow you want to be better than today and yesterday, something has to change. That something is you. If you want to make more money, serve more, and be happier next year, something has to change this year. That something is you. If you want this life to be well-lived, something has to change today. That something is you. What if you want everything about your life to be perfect? Listen to Winston Churchill. “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” It’s so simple. You must change before anything else changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever find yourself answering the phone, responding to an email, or posting to Social Media before your brain is fully engaged? If you’re like me, you can’t count the number of times you put your foot or your fingers in your mouth and regretted it. So what’s the fix? I worked with a client a few minutes ago in the same situation, and his response was brilliant! STOP. He stopped in his tracks and didn’t respond at all. THINK. He pondered how he was feeling and why he was about to make a mistake. What was driving it? THINK AGAIN. As part of his process, he wrote down his feelings, what action he should be taking, and when he would take it. ACT. The entire process took place within a few minutes. He slept on it and responded with a short email the next day. The result was no added drama and continued positive momentum. I like to think of this as a ‘Recipe For Me’ that I create in advance and utilize for consistent results. Once I know something works, all I have to do is check my recipe, and life is good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I spend most of my days finding ways to keep tens of thousands of people worldwide motivated and moving - and that always comes down to a strategy for mindset. Here are a few things you can do - today! 1) Remind Yourself of Your Gratefulness Who or what are you most grateful to have in your life? Sometime today, pause, close your eyes and fill your mind with the people and things that make your life good. Remember, reminding yourself of why you are grateful makes you unstoppable. 2) Your Actions Reveal Your Purpose What will make you feel like you are living your true self? Hidden in your to-do list are three items that move you closer to who you are. What are they? Focusing on fulfilling actions means that you are living your purpose. 3) Strategize THEIR Feelings in Advance You can make someone feel great today. Who will that be? Take a moment and review the people you will interact with today. How do you want to make them feel? When you make others feel good, you feel good too. 4) What CAN You Do? Choose a challenge that has stuck and ask, what can I do? Make a list of three challenges that have you stuck and ask what can I do? Then, do it. Nothing can stop you when you ask what can I do? 5) Hold Space For Your Dreams Since today may get busy, what space are you holding for yourself? The space between your appointments today belongs to you. How will you use it to make your dreams come true? When you hold space for your dreams, your dreams always come true. If you’re feeling like a challenge, turn these into rules and affirmations to live your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered how much easier things would be if you didn’t have to think so much? What if the future or your past didn’t matter? Imagine if you didn’t worry about the possessions, success, or drama of others? What would happen if you believed that YOU are in control? Now you are starting to think like a Stoic Philosopher. Stoicism is about paring down and simplifying. They eliminate unproductive traits that define the majority of the population. One of the most common is by turning obstacles upside down, creating opportunities, and seeing them as teachable moments. For a Stoic, every bad thing becomes a new source of good. Marcus Aurelius said it this way, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in your way becomes the way.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When will you get yourself to do what you say you want to do? More people than you know lose sleep over that question. If that sounds like something you have experienced, you’re not alone. Almost everybody begins their journey when a thought pops into their mind. Then, day-to-day life keeps them busy, and they spend frustrating months fixin’ to get ready. You know, starting to prepare… so you can start to do… so you can do… and say you did. If that doesn’t work, you summon your friend, Will Power. Will is not a person, but more like a kind of friend that you don’t know why you keep letting into your life. They are a bit of a slacker, live rent-free in your mind, say they want to help, and never deliver on their promise. Will’s job description should read -- to force you to do things you say you want to do but can’t get yourself to do. When you give up, Will leaves. The good news is, there’s no need to force yourself to do anything. Achieving your biggest goals in life has nothing to do with Will Power. Instead, shift your mindset - “To act at your discretion without constraint.” That’s the definition of Free Will, Will Powers, good cousin. Use your Free Will to harness your excitement and choose the path of least resistance. Start making the smallest changes in your life. Those steps will lead to big results sooner than you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last few years, it has become increasingly popular for people to share every little aspect of their lives with others. But, when it comes to getting what you want in life, keeping your plans to yourself is a powerful tool. Presidents weekend has just passed, and when I arrived at my desk on Tuesday, I had two messages from clients that made me smile. The first said, "I decided to spend my weekend practicing what I do in private so that I will be praised in public." That's something I’ve said and done many times. The second client told me they had completed a new project over the weekend and headed in a new direction. When I mentioned they had never said a word to me about it, they said, "I know. I'm learning that nobody needs to know what I'm doing to do. I'll do it, and they can catch up." My heart smiled as I witness three powerful tools that impact my client's lives: 1) Practice in private until you are ready to share with the world. Nobody needs to know how you got so good at what you do. 2) There's no need to tell anybody what you are going to do. Just do it and then let them know what you've done later. 3) It's easier to get things done when everybody else is busy doing something else and isn't poking their nose in your business. Long holiday weekends and summer vacations are a great place to begin. You can do whatever you want with your life, and you don't need anybody's permission or approval to make it happen. Your destiny is 100% up to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years, I have personally produced over 10,000 podcasts, and every one of them begins with the written word. Even though that makes my mouth and my fingers my most exercised body parts, it has also given me lots of 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 maybe 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 tuck those ideas away in a safe place, with no organizing, editing, or re-writing. I grab the thoughts out of the air, 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 creative genius list, 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 start flowing from my figure tips with complete ease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you still dream of what you will be when you grow up? Do those visions keep popping into your head? If that’s the case, what’s your BIG, AWESOME, MOTIVATING MISSION? BAM! What dreams excite you and give you a feeling of happiness? BAM! What scares you - and excites you? BAM! What makes you smile and say, “If I could only get myself to…” BAM! Take a few minutes and figure out your BAM! Then stand up, take a step, and repeat! Keep going until you get what you want. Oh - there’s no need to wait. Now would be a good time to start. :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growth and change are what most people strive for in their life. It’s what drives you before you create your amazing life. It’s also what drives you to step up to the next level. In the last 16 years, I’ve spent producing the Daily Boost podcast, I’ve had the chance to speak to thousands of people. All of them were in various stages of change, and most had the goal of being happy. But, there is an issue that keeps popping up. As people go about living and enjoying the life they’ve built, the natural desire for more growth kicks in, and they find themselves driving harder—usually without thinking about it. It could be about passion, but most times, it’s about making more money. One day, I talked with a friend about living a good life and how hard people work to mess up a good thing. That’s when he asked a great question - ”When life is good, why would you do something else only to make more money?” It’s not to say making more money is not a very good thing. It’s just important to make sure that you focus on what is right in front of you and remain balanced and happy as you grow. The happiest people in the world already know that. Because a powerful force drives humans to grow at any cost, sometimes that costs them in ways they never see coming—both good and bad. Enjoy what you have and grow to make things better. That’s a recipe for success, no matter how you see it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is The Spotlight Shining on YOU? A funny thing happens when we graduate from High School and enter the real world; dreams change. When my Son was in his early 20's, he announced that he was heading to Los Angles to pursue his dream of becoming a Rock Star. He would be a singer in a rock and roll band, and he was on a mission to achieve his goal. When I heard his idea, I had a question - "What happens if you become a member of the band instead?" He had a perplexed look on his face. I'm not sure if he was angry or confused. It seemed that the concept of playing any other role never occurred to him. I continued. "Would you be okay with that? Are you willing to do what it takes to rise to the top? And if you don't get what you want, will you be happy settling something different?" That's when he said, "No. I wouldn't be happy. I'm a Rock Star, and that's what I'm going to do.” The following day he began his journey and chased his dreams for a few years. While he had success and enjoyed his Rock Star status, something else began to emerge. He discovered a new passion that fit him like a glove. He started to dabble in graphic design and music promotions and soon found himself loving being in a more supportive role. He wasn't on stage; he was playing in the band. But there was no doubt he was a star in his new world. His life was different than he thought it would be, but he found his day-to-day experience to be a much better fit. You will always get what you want if you are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. But you might be surprised when you find your real passion along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the Great Pandemic Pause, most folks found themselves in a simpler world. With a few exceptions, everything was slower. There was more time in the day. The rush of what used to be our day-to-day seemed distant. Is that such a bad thing? When the storm passes, as we reignite our lives, why not consider lessons from a few smart people of the past. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." ~ Leonardo da Vinci "Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated." ~ Confucius "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." ~ William James "Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough." ~ Charles Warner I like it simple. Simple works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So you’ve decided it’s time to make a change. Good for you. Making the decision is the most challenging thing you can do. Now, how do you figure out how to make it work? In most situations, you can get clarity by taking an inventory of where you are and where you are heading. There are three areas of focus: 1) Do the math. What is the cost of your change? Can you do it now? Do you need to save some cash? How much will you need to complete your transition? 2) Factor in the timing? Are you able to begin today? Do you need a few months to prepare? When will you be ready? 3) Consider the distraction. Will starting fast rock the boat and destabilize your current life? Will staying where you are cause more challenges? How will you reduce stress? The results you get from those questions will give you a good idea about your future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you striving for something different? I have a client who, after years of poor eating habits, had gained over 100 pounds. She decided to get healthy - and had no idea where to begin. My advice was simple. If your mind is telling you something you are doing is NOT who you are - give up what you are NOT. In her case, not exercising was making her somebody she didn’t want to be. Going to the gym wasn’t top of mind; it was just the first choice in the path to becoming herself. Are you not making enough money? Give up what is keeping you busy and try something new. Are you spending too much time with activities that are keeping you, NOT you? Please give it up and do things that feel you like. Be who you are, not who you are not. So simple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The quality of your life is a direct result of your relationships. Whether it's a personal, professional, or business relationship. There are three ways to play the relationship game. There is only one way to win. 1) All relationships begin with two independent individuals. If you remain independent, you will never connect. 2) Some relationships become co-dependent. Developing this kind of relationship means losing individuality. Isn't that what attracted you in the first place? 3) The correct way is to merge your skills, passions, and individuality. That creates an interdependent relationship. The strength of an individual The power of a team. It doesn't get any better than that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you find yourself needing to get more done? You might consider creating more productivity. The first rule of being more productive is deciding what is important to you. The second rule is to take control of your day. A few simple adjustments can change everything: 1) Say, “Yes” to yourself before you say it to others. Meetings, phone calls, casual conversations. If that doesn’t work, say “No” to anything not currently on your list. 2) Control where you focus your attention. Including incoming communication like email and social media. Avoid being recruited onto someone else’s To-Do list. 3) No matter how much control you gain, interruptions are always around. You may as well expect, plan, and allow time for them. 4) Only schedule 50% of your schedule. That will allow time for the unexpected. If nothing shows up, stay focused on what you need to complete. 5) Multi-tasking is a myth. If possible, finish one task before the next. You cross the finish line sooner. What happens next? EVERYTHING! Keep moving forward, and you’ll get everything you want. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It happens to all of us. We're going about our day, hot on the trail of checking off items on our never-ending To-Do list. Then, we discover that we didn't get everything done before time ran out. When my son was entering the workforce, we would often find time to catch up on weekends. He was trying to navigate the business world while balancing his life. He had an exceptionally fact-paced job and had become a productivity ninja. He was proud of his color-coded To-Do list and calendar, but he had a problem - "Dad, no matter how organized I am, I still can't get everything done. I writing everything down, and I'm working through it, and I still run out of time. What am I not doing right?" My first thought was how happy I was that he had the clarity of mind to look beyond the obvious solution. Then, I had a few questions - You say you have accounted for everything. How much time did you allocate for eating lunch or running down the coffee shop today? How many times did you visit the restroom, and how long did it take? On your commute, how much time did you spend at the traffic lights? I stopped. "What does that have to do with my getting my work done?" he asked. Nothing, but you still have to get that stuff done. And thanks for making my point. What my son had discovered is what I call "Non-Ops" — the non-optional things of life. Non-Ops are a never-ending string of activities that require our attention. They never go away and suck up time without you even knowing. If you don't account for the basics of life, you'll never get to the big stuff of life. After all, you can only go so long without eating, drinking, or sleeping - which makes everything else is the real optional thing in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-face world, we live in today; there seem to be two groups when it comes to how to use mornings—personal and productivity. 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 need to admit that I didn't use to be a morning person and didn't like getting up early at all. 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. For a few years, I spent my mornings reading and meditating before heading off 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?" Notice that I didn't ask about work or what was on my to-do list. It didn't have anything 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 got caught up in the buzz of life, and everyone does. But, the minute you choose to focus on YOU before anything else is when you start making real progress. 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

Woody Allen said, "Half of success is showing up." I've thought about that quote many times over the years. There was something about its logic that didn't match up with my day-to-day experience. Don't get me wrong, no matter what you want to do in your life, showing up is the first step in getting it. But I've shown up many times and ended up going home with the prize that I so much wanted. I've also seen others convinced that they'll advance toward their goals if they show up. Instead, they end up disappointed with their results. So, if showing up is getting you halfway, what's the other half? It's knowledge, work ethic, and communication, and people skills. And let's not forget your ability to commit to doing whatever it takes to get what you want. Some people don't show up, and some don't commit. Many do show up. Why don't they succeed? I remember the words spoken by my Paster moments before my wedding to my first wife, Sheryl. I was a 20-year-old kid, and he asked, "Do you know what makes a marriage work?" Without much thought, I said, "It's a 50/50 thing. As long as we show up for each other, it'll work." His response resonates with me to this day. "Success in anything is 100/100 thing. You show up and commit to giving it 100% of your effort all the time - and so does everybody else." So, yes. Showing up will get you halfway to your goal. But if you want to go all the way, you must commit to 100% and doing whatever it takes to get what you want. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all live in a competitive world that makes getting what we want a challenge. If you've ever found yourself missing out because somebody else beats you to the punch, there may be a simple reason. I've always been a competitive person. Once I set my mind to accomplishing a goal, I will always do whatever is required to win. Still, I've often tripped on my way to winning by others who wanted the same thing but had a different approach. When I decided to enter the world of dog agility competitions, a new friend reminded me of an essential mindset. My friends' name is Jaxon. He's a great competitor and is incredibly consistent in his performance. Every time my dog, Levi, and I compete against Jaxon, we know it's going to be our game to lose. It's not because he's faster, more talented, or works harder. He's slower, a little clumsy, and prefers play over work. He never gets serious or stuffy. Win or lose; he always has a reason to celebrate - usually by taking a nap. On the other hand, Levi has flashier moves, runs faster, and wins lots of blue ribbons before he takes his nap. He also crashes and burns more often, leaving Jaxon with the prize - but not always. Jaxon is consistent, not fast, and doesn't care. Levi is fast and can be consistent if he, WE, care. That's a little thing called discipline. Consistency in practice and performance is required to do anything at a high level. Without discipline, you will always lose to the one who has it. However, when you require consistency of yourself and are willing to take a chance and go for the gold, that's what makes a champion. Both are happy dogs and enjoy the game. That makes them both winners. Levi is the champion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do I get from here to where I want to go? That's a question you may find yourself asking - especially for the big adventures of life. What you need is a dam bridge! A few years ago, I was standing atop the Hoover Dam. It's awe-inspiring—Lake Mead views in one direction and the Colorado River in the other. Below is one of the great engineering marvels in history. But there was something more exciting. New bridge construction high above the canyon walls caught my attention. Construction was well underway, and I couldn't help notice how the process is the same as getting what you want in life. There are three elements; two foundations and a span. When you want something new, it's easy to stumble along. If you do that when you're building a bridge across a canyon, you'll be in the river before you know it. The key to creating anything is to build and fortify your current foundation. That means making sure there is a little drama as possible in your life. Save your money, pay your bills, do whatever it takes to create a firm foundation. The starting side of your new life should be a peaceful base. The next step is to build your foundation on the side where you intend your adventure to take you. That could mean taking classes, learning a new skill, expanding your network, and researching your plan. The goal is to do everything in your power to build a solid foundation for future success. Little by little, your foundations get more robust, and your future becomes possible. You will sense the time as come to build a span between your two foundations. It's time to leave the past behind. Once you have built your foundations and 70% of your span, it's time to leap to the other side. Too early is a false start. Too late is procrastination. Timing is everything. Build strong, be patient, and let your momentum build. That's how you turn small steps into significant change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the beginning of time, successful people have given this sage advice; you must set goals. In the human mind, setting goals are the heartbeat of your life. Setting a goal will harness your focus, give you meaning and purpose, and drive you forward. It gets even better if you place a deadline. If your goal is essential, timely, urgent, you will likely do anything possible to get it. Yes, likely. You may have also heard that understanding WHY you want to achieve your goal is critical to your success. "Knowing your WHY will allow you to deal with every challenge along the way,” is what they said. But sometimes, you fall short. Losing weight is a good example. Every year, millions of people set the goal of losing a few pounds. Most end up failing. But if you think about it, that makes sense. Nobody ever wants to lose anything. That's against every survival instinct you have in your body. When you set a goal that takes something away, your mind will fight you every step of the way. So what's the fix? If your goal is to lose 10 pounds, focus on the real reason and the benefits you will receive when you reach your goal. That will become your mission beyond your why. It's not losing weight. It's feeling better inside and out. It's not losing weight. It's building your self-confidence. It's not losing weight. It's having unlimited energy and stamina. Any goal that focuses on loss alone lacks the positive motivation you need to succeed. No matter how bad you want it. When you think about your daily process as steps on a mission beyond your why, everything changes. More success and happiness are in your future, and your possibilities are endless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I was 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 call it doing “Dark." When you go "Dark," you have chosen to listen to others less. Yes, 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 as if 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. When you give yourself space to listen to yourself more, something extraordinary happens. 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 then the 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

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. I have always wanted to learn to fly after hearing my Mom's stories over the years. 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 the fact 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 found myself asking 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 to do? 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 seems 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

Many have said, "Life is a marathon, not a sprint." But what happens when you find yourself doing both at the same time? If you've been living on this planet for any length of time, you've figured out life is a long game made of day-to-day sprints. If you want a big bank balance, you make small deposits over time. If you want to lose weight, you make small reductions over time. If you want to get a promotion at your job, you do well every day. The challenge happens when you have not defined the marathon you are running. A lack of a specific goal can only lead to daily activity that may or may not get you to your destination. If that is happening to you, you may feel worn out, frustrated, and wondering when things will turn around. There's good news. That kind of thinking means that you are on the right track to success. Certain stamina is required to reach any goal. And society today celebrates your ability to put in the hard work no matter what. There's only one problem. If it's not working for you, it's not sustainable behavior. Sooner or later, you will decide to make a change - usually abruptly. Here's the truth; you will change when you wear yourself out. Reluctant, fearful, or hard-headed, you will only put up with a less than satisfying path in life for only so long. Eventually, when you wear yourself out. When you've had enough, even if the timing is not perfect, you will change when you wear yourself out. You know it. I know it. Everybody knows it. So, what's the fix? The marathon we call life will continue until it doesn't, and there are three things you can do to make it better. The first is to define your destination with clarity. Next, match your daily activity with your goals. Finally, accept that if things don't go your way, you're going to change directions anyway. You will change when you wear yourself out. You may well skip the bad stuff, make an adjustment, and get to the good stuff right now. There's no need to wait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself stalled? A few years ago, I had big plans, and nothing was moving forward. When I say nothing, other people didn't seem to get the memo that I was on a mission. We've all been in situations where nobody will return your call. Your email gets ghosted. You can’t seem to get support or commitment for your future, world-saving plans. That's what happened to me and caused me to decide to create my momentum. I called it my "Momentum Freight Train." My first use of my new mindset was to get my future wife to take our relationship more seriously. Everything was going great - but not fast enough for me. So, before our next date, I said to myself - "I'm not going to wait for permission. I'm going to build my life, no matter what. If she doesn't join me, I'll ride my momentum all the way to someone who will." It's important to understand that creating your momentum is not negative thinking. On the contrary, it's attractive energy that people notice - and she did. I was off and running with my commitment, and it didn't take long for Joi and others to realize they better get on board before my train left the station. Everything good begins with YOU. There's no need to wait for others. Create your momentum, and others won't be able to stay away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you noticed that airplanes fly crooked? Heading to their destination, winds attempt to blow them off course. That’s why pilots turn their aircraft into the wind. They call it Wind Correction. The same thing happens when you set a Goal. While you prefer the straight path, you will likely run into winds that will blow you off course. Your spouse disagrees with your plans. Your boss demands more hours. Your kids, friends, and responsibilities keep blowing you further away from your dreams. It’s time to start thinking like a pilot setting a flight plan to a distant city with a Kristy Kreme donut store about to turn in the ‘Hot Donuts’ sign. Keep an eye on your final destination. Always set goals that factor in winds that will blow you off your course. Make minor corrections until you get where you’re heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, 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. Don't stop until you get it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have a question for you. What is your ONE most important activity? What is the ONE core activity that makes everything else fine? What is the ONE core activity that, if you don’t do, causes everything to fall apart? In Brian Tracy’s book Eat The Big Frog First, he recognized that many people focus on anything but the most critical activity in their life. They are usually surprised when things fall apart. Is it showing up for work on time or doing a great job at work? 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 - and do it first - everything else gets easier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 that they can support you." In my experience, that hasn't worked so well - especially on long-term goals. The reason is that anybody outside of my close relationships doesn't know 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 it, and unneeded pressure on everybody. It doesn't take too much thinking to realize that the best accountability relationship is 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 powerful skill own. But since you are the Boss of yourself and don't always listen to yourself, you need somebody you trust, respect, and are 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

Everything we do is guided by what we think is logical in our minds. I call my way of thinking Scott LOGIC. Is it common sense? Is it experience-based? Is it how I choose to live? Yes. But mostly, it is an endless list of thoughts that make my day better. Here are a few that will no doubt do the same for you. Life is long enough. But not for everybody. Recognize the difference. Life goes quickly unless you are bored. Stay busy. Life passes slowly when you are going fishing tomorrow. Some people are too serious. Others are not serious enough. You get to choose who you are. Standing in another person's shoes before opening your mouth a best. The reward for hard work is more work. The reward for being lazy is more lazy. When you turn your phone off, it won't ring. Most things in life should be in moderation. Excess is good now and then. It takes a fraction of the time to read a good book than to write a book. That makes reading a book a good investment of your time. People who read more earn more. People who don't read don't understand why. Saying "I don't care" means you do care. Do you know what that is? Everything you experience is filtered through what you hold as the truth. Make sure you are correct in your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I want to live forever! Well, that’s what I used to say when I was a kid. As I passed a few birthdays and dealt with life’s challenges, I started thinking differently with a realization — My life, all of our lives are spent learning and figuring things out. While it can be tiring, it’s also what pours energy and meaning into our days. As we age, our knowledge deepens, our day-to-day get less attractive, and we lose our youthful drive. But Scott doesn’t do that. I’m way too stubborn. So what have I learned from being such a hard head dedicated to living a life experience like no other? The first thing is to slow down. That means breaking free from all those dull and automatic behaviors that are not serving you. Moving as fast as you can through hundreds of activities won’t get you anywhere. Eventually, you’ll realize that a slow, more focused approach is more effective. The next thing to do is study and learn as much as possible, and your perception of time will feel longer. And perception is reality. This works because as we get older, we know more, so life is easier. But, it’s the act of learning something new that creates stackable memories that make your life fill full, vibrate, and exciting. Finally, fire up your Anticipation Engine by taking the time to create 6 to 12 event horizons per year. In other words, schedule something in the future that gets you excited and never stops. Having positive anticipation in your life is a driving factor in living a happy life. Slow down, study, and anticipate. It turns out living a long and happy life only requires that you think and act like a child. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call me crazy, but everything I've ever done had its roots in a 30-day sprint - and it's a long time. A week is easy, crossing several weekends and life events will make it seem like forever. Here’s how you do it: 1) Set what Napoleon Hill calls a Major Definite Purpose, otherwise known as a big ass goal. 2) Stop that silly negative self-talk. Others may throw sticks and stones; don't throw them at yourself. 3) Start thinking of all the reasons you CAN be successful. Make a list. 4) Decide that you will do whatever it takes to reach your goal for the next 30 days. Nothing will stop you. Decide that you will do whatever it takes to reach your goal for the next 30 days - and you will. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like there are a thousand things that must line up before you can get what you want? It may feel safer to wait until the stars align to take the next step toward your goals. Another choice would be blowing up, tearing down, and blasting away what you don't want. Hmm - it seems that we are living in a time that did that job for us - right? I’m talking about Creative Destruction. Creative Destruction is like demolishing an old kitchen. Instead of taking months and making things worse by fixing the unfixable. Blow up what's in your way and create a clear path to your dreams. Don't accept what is stopping you. Turn on your creativity and figure out a way to sidestep the problem. Start to build something new. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we get closer to the endemic phase of the pandemic we've been living in for the last couple of years, I've noticed that people are getting back to their old ways. Now that we're not being forced to evaluate our daily lives, confused about what you want - and how to get there. 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 take action but are unaware 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. The process of 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

Have you ever wondered how the most successful people in the world get that way? Is their timing is right? Do they know somebody? Did they get lucky? Every person I’ve ever known who achieved remarkable success did three things: 1) They accepted what they wanted and believed it could be theirs. 2) They decided that their dream IS going to happen. 3) There is no Plan B. When you know what you want, decide to go after it, and don’t give yourself any other options, you are more likely to get what you want. Simple is as simple does. Thanks, Forrest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 cost. 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 weeks in advance what I’ll be doing. Maybe that’s why when somebody asks me when I’m available for a meeting, I never need to check my calendar. I already know because everything is already in place. Next, I think 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 a bad thing, 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 focusing on the goal of losing 50 pounds, it’s much easier to focus on the steps in the process 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

I get the pleasure of advising dozens of people every week in one-on-one interactions. When you factor in my podcast distribution, I interact with hundreds of thousands of people every week. And there's one question I always get. Who advises you? Who is your coach? Who is your mastermind? The simple answer may be broader than you'd like, especially if you are looking for a specific solution to apply to yourself. The number one member of my mastermind is the person I listen to most. The person I respect the most. The person that will have the most impact on my life is ME. Why? Because there is nobody, I listen to more than I listen to myself. Having self-awareness about how your mind works, how you think, how you choose to act, what works for you, and what doesn't work for you is key to a happy and successful life. Like it or not, you are all by yourself regarding what's happening inside your head. And what happens inside of your head is what dictates what will happen in your life. Besides myself, who is in my mastermind? Every person, every situation, every piece of reading, anything and everything, that catches my attention, passes into my ears, around my mind, and everything in between is my mastermind. When you're self-aware and paying attention to your thoughts, the world becomes your mastermind. The more aware you are, the more you can sift and sort those knowledge bombs being dropped into your life into what works for you. So how about people? Are they in my mastermind? The answer is yes. I have a select group of people, it's not too large, and it changes over time. I would estimate between five and seven that I can call anytime, ask questions, and seek wisdom. These people can contact me as well. If they have my respect and I have theirs, we pay attention to what we have to say. Mastermind is defined as many minds working together. But, to take advantage of that power, you must master your mind first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A long time ago, it occurred to me 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 for what you are seeking. Here are a few that I use on a regular basis 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, 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

If you spend any time listening to me at all, it won’t take long before you hear me screaming from the tops of the mountains to ignore the agenda and propaganda-filled world we live in and focus on yourself. Here’s the truth... Nobody is thinking about you and what you do. That means that you need to pay attention to yourself because nobody else will. Some folks find that way of thinking difficult because society would make you believe that you must do what everybody else is doing to be successful. Let’s think about that for a minute. Is everybody more successful than you or is everybody pretty much in the same boat as you? You know the answer. So, who is more successful than you? It’s the people that are out in front leading the masses. You know, the ones who paid attention to what they wanted, thought it through and convinced everybody else to support them on their mission. Here’s another truth… When you think about yourself first, you’ll have time to think about others too. Like they say, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have an admission to make. I'm 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 to do, you will never work another day in your life. 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 don't think I'm different than anybody else. I'm lazy. I'm driven. I'm lazy. I think I made my point. And if you know me well, you may be thinking; he's 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 only willing to go through the hard work if it allows me to be lazy - eventually. And do you know what the coolest thing is about being lazy? Your initial hard work allows you to be lazy and makes what you do look easy to others. Too bad for them. I guess they were sleeping and binging Netflix when you were preparing to make it look easy and be lazy. Here's today's life lesson. It's good to be lazy, as long as you are willing to do the work required to allow you to be lazy - someday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine how your life would improve if everybody in your world 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

When I was in broadcast school, we spent a lot of time learning the rules of journalism. While that subject fills books, most everything we needed to know was - Who? What? When? Where? Why? If you know that information, you can tell a complete story. Years later, I re-arranged the formula for my personal growth. Every time I set goals and consider a different direction I ask - Why? What? When? Where? Who? Occasionally I need to ask HOW I’m going to accomplish my goal - but that usually takes care of itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Covey called it sharpening the saw. If you take a break to sharpen the blade, you will always cut more wood. The same applies to life. My formula is Ritual, Rest, Rejuvenate, Reactivate. Repeat 1) Success comes when you perform ritual actions every day. Figure out what works and do it. 2) Running full-out all the time is not sustainable. You must stop and rest. 3) Resting allows your body and mind to rejuvenate and become healthy again. 4) When you are ready, it's time to reactive into action mode. 5) Repeat until you get what you want. It's easier to cut more wood when you take a break to sharpen your saw. A walk in the park on a busy day counts too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whatever you get in life is a result of your daily habits. What is a habit? According to the dictionary, it is a settled or regular tendency or practice. It is also something that is especially one that is hard to give up. Good habits or bad - habits are hard to give up. If that’s the case, you may as well choose good habits. In a survey of 233 self-made millionaires, here’s what people who are successful at anything have in common: They get up early, read, a lot, spend 15 - 30 minutes each day on focused thinking. Good habits, done daily, create success. They make exercise a priority, spend time with people who inspire them, pursue their own goals. Settled habits maintain success. They get enough sleep, have multiple income streams, avoid time-wasters. If you want better results you want, it’s simple as having a solid list of good habits that you do every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When life gets in the way, do you get frustrated about being blocked? I learned a long time ago that getting blocked is an everyday occurrence. The bigger my goals, the more blocks would arrive. I could either live with endless frustrations or find a better way. It came down to understanding: 1) Blocks have nothing to do with who you are. Self-inflicted or caused by others, they still have nothing to do with you as a person. 2) If you want something, there is always a way to get it. Always. You may not like the path. Your ego may get in the way. It may scare you. There is still a way to get what you want. 3) Removing blocks from your life takes nothing more than commitment and action. That’s called passion. No block can stand up to passion. The next time frustration gets in your way, blow it off and keep moving. There is always a way to get what you want. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices