Daily Boost — Motivation and Coaching

Your Productive Morning Routine I love the quiet, peacefulness of mornings, but I'm not too fond of mornings happening so early. Still, the focus, creativity, and feeling of momentum that come with getting up before the chickens have such value that I needed to make it a bit easier. My solution is to drop the complicated and establish a simple routine. I begin by deciding which area I'm currently prioritizing and choosing a "first thing" task that will move me closer to my goal. Next, I set myself up for success the night before. Depending on my task, I make notes, organize my desk, and get my gym clothes ready - whatever it takes to prepare. Finally, when I wake up, I get licked by the dogs, care for my personal needs, read something inspirational for five minutes or less, and start my day. There are no distractions, no email, social media, or news. Just start. My goal is to make my primary focus the first thing I do in the morning before life gets in the way. It works like a charm. There's a reason the Marines do more before 9 AM than everybody else. Now it's your turn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Give Your Life a Happy Ending If you could write a book about the person you have become today, would it have a happy ending? A good portion of my day is spent interacting with clients worldwide. They are usually upbeat, open to problem-solving, and seeking my advice to help them. Or, as they would say, "Help me get out of my way and get my act together.” That's where writing a book comes to mind, and a good question from me - "Okay. Before we begin, if you were to write a book about yourself in the future, would it have a happy ending?" Their answer is always," Yes! That's why I'm here today." My next question is, "If you were to write your book today, what would the answer be?" "Hmm… I would say average. Not great. Not bad. Certainly not a book anybody would read." As the conversation continues, I make these points: 1) All of us get in our way. That's how we learn. And we all have our act together until we recognize that we want another act. That's called growth. 2) People who live an average life almost always chase squirrels and shiny objects more than focusing on actions that create the consistent results they want. It's an exhausting way to live. 3) People who live successfully think more like business people. They implement actions that get results, are sustainable, and grow the economics of the business. In other words, they figure out what works and keep doing it. There is no drifting in the wind. Make your way, figure out what works, and do it again. Simple. Speaking of simple… If the book you would write about yourself isn't who you are, you can start making changes today. That's how you get a happy ending. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are You Living Somebody Else's Dreams? All I have ever wanted to do is have fun, impact people mostly positively, make them laugh, have a great family and friends, make some money, and not take life too seriously. Simple enough. But in the overly complicated and widely distracting monkey-see-monkey-do world, it's easy to get what you want and still end up with a superficially satisfying life. I suggest such a life is easy to achieve and perfect for anybody willing to get out of bed and join the world. Life is averagely good. But what if your inner voice screams, "There MUST be MORE?" Well, there is more. But only if you create it. That may scare you, but it won't if you realize and accept one thing - Someone else has created every single experience you have in your day-to-day life. Somebody else imagined building the city you call home. Somebody else imagined designing the car you drive. Somebody else imagined the phone in your pocket. Somebody else woke up and decided to turn their dreams into reality so that they could live their life inside their dreams. While that may be fine, maybe it's time for you to let others do the same with your dreams. After all, if they can do it, you can do it - right? While there is more I can and will cover on this topic, there are three items that a fully actualized adult can do to create any reality of their choosing: 1) Understand that all success begins with internally motivated actions. You get to decide what you want, and you can lead the way. The only permission required is yours. 2) The happiness and success you attain in life are determined by your ability to mine your thoughts, reveal your inner desires, accept them as your truth, and hold yourself accountable for creating what is essential to you in your life. 3) Every day, you should carefully discern what is important and likely to affect your success, survival, and well-being. Then, narrow the focus to what is necessary and extremely important; essential. When you dedicate daily focus to building such a strong level of inner understanding, you will instantly begin creating your new world—and others can start living inside your dreams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Successful People Actions If you study people who have succeeded in any area of their lives, you will find they have much in common. Not only do they follow a set of rules, but they also follow those rules no matter how much life gets in the way. What are those rules? The person who has the strongest "Why" wins. The person who shows up wins. The person who shows up on time wins. The person who is most persistent wins. The person who never assumes wins. The person who is the best at what they do wins. The person who plans and documents their journey and interactions wins. The person who never gives up total control to others wins. The person who accepts responsibility for themselves wins. The person who serves the most wins. The person who is grateful for everything wins. The actions you take automatically become the life you experience. It's essential to be mindful of where you are heading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You Don’t Need Plan B Have you ever wondered how the most successful people in the world get that way? Is their timing right? Do they “know” somebody? Luck? That’s it. They get lucky! Maybe, but there is more to it. Every person I’ve ever known who achieved remarkable success did three things: 1) They recognized what they wanted and envisioned themselves living that life. 2) At some point, they commit and go all in. Their dream IS going to happen. There is no “Plan B.” 3) They practice never-ending flexibility and perseverance, regardless of what obstacles they face. They keep going until they achieve their goals. Yes, you must pay a price for living the life of your dreams - and it's not money. It's YOU! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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 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

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 you may feel that living from the inside out and being fully authentic with the world is self-centered and egotistical, 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 your destiny is predetermined, 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 you don’t share with anybody else. It has always been there and will never leave you. Imagine what would happen if you used 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. They are most likely waiting for you to show up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conflict. Confusion. Clarity. Are conflict and confusion driving your life? Are they keeping you on an endless search? Everybody has challenges in life. Solving them is easy when you know what is driving you. Three things will keep you on edge. Understand them, and you’ll move forward: 1) Internal. Everything you do produces personal feelings. Only you can feel them. Only you can do something about them. 2) External. There is something outside of you that is causing your inner feelings. You’ll still deal with them internally. 3) Philosophical. When external issues create internal strife, you cross a line. You will feel like your world has turned upside down. Only you can turn things around. All three are always in play. Focusing on your internal feelings will create clarity and drive you to a solution. Start looking inside yourself. YOU are the solution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You Need Two Mission Statements Mission Statements communicate a purpose to an organization. There is no reason why you can't use them to accomplish your dreams. But you need more than one. I know. It's difficult enough to create a single Mission Statement for your personal life or business. Why do you need two? Because the first is your Internal Mission Statement. It is precise, deeply rooted in your WHY, and will guide you and your closest group of friends, family, and associates to your goals. The second is your External Mission Statement. This version is used to communicate your purpose to folks outside your core group who do not know your quest's details. It's good to have two Mission Statements. One is private so that you understand what drives you. The other is public for others to understand WHO you are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Strongest Why Wins You have no doubt heard that goals require you to understand WHY you're going after them. What's your WHY? The main reason to know WHY is that everything is always more complicated than you initially imagined it would be. Without a strong WHY, you might give up. But, many folks forget that your real WHY may be hiding from you. A mentor of mine asked WHY I was so passionate about building my business based on daily actions. I said, "Because actions are the key to success!" He didn't buy my answer. "You're not excited about daily actions. That’s just your process. You get excited about helping people turn every daily action into a transformational experience that gets them the outcome they want." Wow! Boom! Bang! KaPOW! Now, if I'm honest, I already knew that. It's easy to get caught up in day-to-day living and forget what's truly driving you. Is it time to remember WHY? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amping Up Your Productivity Do you ever run out of day before you run out of To-Dos? Getting what you want in life is often blocked by simple habits that are getting in your way. There are two that everybody tend to miss: 1) The first productivity super-charger is to understand that tomorrow begins today. Planning ahead and setting your path is vital to reach your desired outcome. 2) The second takes a few minutes in the morning before you get busy. The goal is to ground yourself, review your day's plan, and reaffirm what must be done. There's one more that is even more important. Every day has "Non-Optional Activities" that take more time than you think. Non-Opts are taking care of personal needs, like eating and sleeping. They are traffic delays—someone walking into your office or calling you for advice. Non-Opts are always present and they sap your productivity by robbing you of your time and focus. Recognizing and allowing time for non-opts is the fastest way to optimize and ramp up your productivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Strangest Secret Earl Nightingale created one of the great motivational works of history. The Strangest Secret began as a tool to motivate his insurance company sales force. It is now a motivational standard. What is the Strangest Secret? 1) You become what you think. 2) You must pay the price. 3) We must control our thoughts. 4) Cut away all limitations of the mind. 5) Set a clearly defined goal. 6) Act promptly when your path is clear. 7) Save at least 10% of every dollar. What do you want more than anything else? Commit today to do more than you must to get it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Build Your Side Hustle Every day, I spend time on the phone with excited folks who know they are close to getting what they want but can't figure out how to get it. Let's start with: 1) Anything you want in this world is owned or controlled by somebody else. 2) If you want their help, you must get their attention. It always comes down to three things. In this order: 1) What problem are they having? No, it may not relate to you. It doesn't matter. If you can help, you will get their attention. 2) What's your solution? How can you fix it? When can you fix it? You'll know when you are close when you see the excitement in their eyes. 3) What's your offer? What must they do to get you to help? What do you want? It's simple. Address another person's problems with a robust solution and an offer they can't refuse. That's a real win-win. Our sponsor today is HUEL... Unlock a healthier, easier way to eat with Huel—nutritionally complete meals in minutes so you can focus on what matters. That’s FIFTEEN PERCENT off with the code: BOOST at HUEL.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop Burnout Now 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 for stopping burnout 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 strong again. 4) When you are ready, it's time to reactivate 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

Preparing For Your Greatness With the craziness of life, are you having difficulty breaking through to the greatness that is YOU? What does greatness take? 1) Imagination. Your ability to form images, ideas, and sensations in your mind. Without help from anything or anybody. Use yours. Trust yours. 2) Enthusiasm. Living life with the excitement of feeling is PASSION. Only involve yourself in activities that you are enthusiastic about. 3) Persistence. Life is long, and things take time. Learn to love being doggedly persistent. It will serve you well. 4) Faith. Have faith in yourself. Live your life in complete trust and confidence in someone or something. Imagination. Enthusiasm. Persistence. Faith. That's living. Imagine how good it could be with a bit of Gratitude. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natural Law is Your Friend Personal growth is a journey. It can be a lot of work. It’s also more fun to follow the rules of ‘Natural Law.’ 1) The Law of Vibration states that thoughts are things. They are one of the most potent forms of energy. Pay attention to your thoughts. What you think about, you bring about. 2) According to the Law of Polarity, nothing exists without an opposite. Love. Hate. Hot. Cold. Yin. Yang. Opposites are different forms of the same thing. Embrace them. 3) The Law of Rhythm states life is a pendulum. What swings left must swing right. 4) Every effect must have a cause; every cause must have an effect. That’s the Law of Cause and Effect. Everything in life is perpetual and never-ending. You can speed up your success by understanding how these always-present forces are at work in your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why You Are Holding Back I was sitting at the dining room table of a friend. We had been solving the problems of the world in an hours-long conversation when she asked, "What are you talking about on tomorrow's podcast?" When I told her that I hadn't thought about it yet, she said, "Why don't you talk about why people don't take big chances and stay in their comfort zone for their entire life?" My mind did an instant review of my life and all the areas I had stumbled on before getting out of my way. I also remembered conversations with clients over the years on life's leaps. Before I could say anything, she said, "I know what it is. People get so comfortable with what they've built, and they don't want to chance losing it. Their money, their home, they wonder what their family will say?" Is there anything else? "Yes. Everybody gets scared and freezes. I'm like that, but I've learned to push through fear and go for it - as long as I'm mostly sure I won't lose what I've built." We talked a bit more about what it takes to make the changes you want in life and came to three conclusions- You can do anything when you have a growth mindset and believe that anything is possible. Holding on too tightly to what you have sends the wrong energetic message. When you are willing to expand - you will. Next, as a human, you will never be comfortable gambling on the very thing that allows you to dream. The solid foundation that takes care of your personal needs is why you desire to self-activate. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs taught us that. Your foundation must remain while you expand. Finally, fear will always be present when beginning a new adventure. The cure is knowledge. When you know what you have, see your path forward, and have prepared as much as possible for your journey, you will find yourself willing to go for it. Anything is possible when you protect your foundation, respect the challenge, and honor the dreams whispering to your soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Creative Destruction to Get What You Want Do you ever feel like everything has to line up perfectly before you can move forward? Waiting for the stars to align might seem safe, but it can be exhausting—and often impossible—to maintain momentum toward your goals. Instead of waiting, why not try a bit of Creative Destruction? Think of it like tearing down an outdated kitchen. Rather than spending months trying to fix what’s unfixable, demolish what’s holding you back and clear the path to your dreams. Don’t settle for what’s stopping you. Unleash your creativity, sidestep the obstacles, and start building something new. Let go of what’s not working and make space for what will. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Focus on What's Important, Not Just Urgent As a child, I remember rushing out the door for a day filled with endless adventures, often ending with a game of Hide-and-Seek. Those days felt like they would last forever. Today, we're still running until the sun sets, but now our to-do lists are packed, and we rarely take a moment to reflect on the bigger picture. Here's the truth: you'll always make time for your most essential tasks—eating, sleeping, paying bills, feeding the dog, and caring for your loved ones, no matter how chaotic life gets. But when life feels overwhelming and you find yourself shouting, "Something's got to give!"—it's often your dreams and future goals that are first to be sacrificed. Stephen Covey taught us the power of prioritizing what's truly important. Remember to put yourself on that list, too. And when things go off course, reset quickly, refocus on what matters, and keep moving forward. Not every dream will come true, but the important ones have a way of finding you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paradox of Choice. Are There Too Many? Do you have too many choices in your life? Is it confusing and making you feel distressed? In 2005, Barry Schwartz wrote Paradox of Choice and challenged traditional thinking. He said the way to maximum freedom in your life was to minimize choice. Too many choices are not a good thing and can create paralysis. Not to mention, no matter what you choose, you'll always wonder if you could have done better. Distractions are your enemy and focus is your friend. Here's how to free up your life: 1) Limit your choices. Narrow your list to items you have already experienced. Having every option won't serve you. 2) Be sure to permit yourself to try other possibilities IF needed - but only after you've vetted yours first. 3) Stay in your lane and keep it simple. Too many choices are part of modern life. If you can’t make a decision - shorten your list of options to what is important. Ignore everything else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fast-Track Your Goals Ready to achieve your dreams faster than you can say ‘success’? Here’s a quick and playful way to get you to the finish line: Play to Your Superpowers: Lean into what you’re naturally awesome at! Success comes easy when you stick to your strengths—your hidden superpowers. Say Yes to the Right Stuff: Only commit to activities that bring you closer to your goal. If it doesn’t fit the plan, it’s a no-go! Hype Yourself Up: Remind yourself daily why you’re amazing. Keep your eye on the prize and let your strengths lead the way. The secret? Skip the distractions that have everyone else stuck in slow motion. Focus, do, repeat—and watch the magic happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mapping Your Massive Success Imagine having a clear plan to achieve your goals—a roadmap guiding you every step of the way. Introducing M.A.P.S.S., a simple yet powerful system that takes the guesswork out of success by focusing on actionable steps in four key areas: Motivation: It all starts with knowing your “WHY.” Understanding your motivation fuels your journey and keeps you inspired when the going gets tough. Stay connected to your reasons and keep the momentum alive. Accountability: Owning your results is empowering. Embrace the mindset: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” Holding yourself accountable transforms your actions into consistent progress. Planning: Success loves preparation. “Plan your work, then work your plan”—a simple yet profound approach. Without a plan, your goals remain dreams. Map out your steps and turn your intentions into reality. Systemization: Every great accomplishment starts with a first step, often the hardest one. As you grow comfortable with your routine, lock in those actions. Repeat, refine, and get results through consistent effort. Sustainability: Building success is a marathon, not a sprint. Everything takes longer than expected, but every small win adds up. Stack your achievements, create momentum, and set yourself up for the long haul. Freedom and success rest on a solid, repeatable foundation. By embracing Motivation, Accountability, Planning, Systemization, and Sustainability, you can build a life where your goals aren’t just possible—they’re inevitable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Be a Really Good Quitter Have you ever heard someone say, "It's good to be a quitter?" Probably not. But today, it's worth reconsidering what it means to be a good quitter. Quitting isn’t about taking the easy way out. It’s a strategic decision, a smart move when your efforts are leading you nowhere or when progress has come to a standstill. Quitting at the right time can be the key to unlocking new opportunities. We often cling to commitments—whether it’s a job that drains us, a relationship that no longer serves us, or habits that hold us back—because our sense of identity is tied up in seeing things through to the bitter end. But sometimes, sticking it out isn’t the wisest move. Pay attention to your inner voice. If it’s sending up red flags, don’t wait for things to get worse. Trust your instincts and pivot quickly. Remember, quitting isn’t a failure; it’s a step toward something better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simple Steps to Success Here’s the world’s simplest formula for success: Stand up, take a step, and repeat! One of our members asked how to put this straightforward advice into action. Here’s a five-minute daily practice that can transform your life: Pause and Find Your Space: Stop what you're doing. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed for at least five minutes. Focus on Yourself: Take this moment to center your attention on you. Reflect: Ask yourself, “How is my life going?” Let your mind wander through the different areas of your life—work, relationships, health, and personal goals. Focus on each role you play. Identify and Act: For the parts of your life that are thriving, keep that momentum going. For areas that need improvement, ask yourself, “What can I do to make this better?” Take Immediate Action: Act on your answers right away, no matter how small the step. Keep moving forward and never stop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life is Happier With Values Do you ever feel like others are constantly getting in your way? That frustration disappears the moment you start living by your own Values while working toward your Goals. Here’s a simple recipe for making every moment of your day more fulfilling: Know and Live Your Values: Understand your core values and make a commitment to practice them consistently. It's not always easy, but living authentically will make you feel happier and more in control of your life. Set Goals Aligned with Your Values: Only pursue Goals that align with your Values. When your actions reflect who you truly are, you feel more authentic and fulfilled. Embrace the Change: Expect some resistance from those who are used to you doing things their way. But get ready for a newfound peace of mind. Taking charge of your life and making decisions based on your deepest beliefs is the ultimate form of empowerment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop Procrastination With a Question Are you a member of the Procrastination Club? Procrastination is the intentional and habitual postponement of an essential task that you should be doing. Is that what you are doing? In my view, three things could be happening if you procrastinate - It may be possible that you are not procrastinating at all? Instead, you may be forcing yourself to do something that you don't need to do anyway. The other possibility is that it simply doesn't mean enough to you to start the process. Or, said another way, other things mean more to you. Finally, your wisdom is telling you this is not something you should be doing. Yes, you must complete some tasks. That's called being a responsible person. But if your list keeps getting longer, it's time to ask yourself a question - Is it important enough to me to get it done? If not, you know why you are procrastinating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turns Dreams Into Reality Do you have long-held dreams and goals that require little motivation to get yourself moving? Laura and I have worked together for over a decade on various projects. Her latest was a move from a long-time career into something she was in which she was more passionate. After several months, her dream transformed into a goal. The roadmap was in place. Action was the only thing needed to turn dreams into reality, and nothing happened. Months passed by with little or no action. Life seemed to always get in the way of Laura's dreams. When I asked what was going on, she said, "Oh… I don't know. I always seem to have something more important on my mind." That's common, and what John Lennon meant when he said, "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." Over the years, people tend to ACT and DO what serves them best. All while dreaming and planning what they want. It's an exhausting way to live, but you can set yourself free by asking yourself a simple question - "How bad do I want it?" Truthfully, answering that question will do one of two things. It will propel you into action or have no impact at all. If you find yourself motivated and moving, all is well. If not, you have another question to ask - "If I don't want it that bad, should I drop it and move on?" Everybody has ideas and dreams that enter their mind throughout their lives. The important tend to cause automatic forward action. Your life transforms, and everything begins to go in a new direction. For the others, you may want to consider that it's not as important to you as you thought. The best thing is to get your ego out of the way, scratch it off your list, and make room for something that excites you. When you do, incredible new opportunities that have been hiding from you for years will enter your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You Will Change When You Get Tired 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 yet to define 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 happens 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 one's 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 put up with a less-than-satisfying life path for so long. 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. Just skip the bad stuff, adjust, and get to the good stuff right now. There's no need to wait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Default Life 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

BIG ASS GOAL Qualifier Ever wondered if your goal is really a BIG goal? Run it through the BIG ASS GOAL Qualifier and see what happens. Big Ass Goal Definition Only goals that make your heart beat faster deserve to be BIG ASS GOALS. What makes this goal larger, more exciting, and scarier? How is it challenging but not too challenging, and how does being challenging grab your focus? Heartbeat Goal Describe why this is a Heartbeat Goal and why you desire to achieve this goal. Pinpoint Focus The best goals begin as broad-based goals, but how would you describe your outcome if it could only fit on the head of a tiny pin? BIG ASS GOAL ABC’s Is this BIG ASS GOAL Achievable for you? Do you Believe you can reach this goal? Are you Committed to this goal? Narrow Your Options Is your BIG ASS GOAL so big that you have very few options to achieve it? What are they? (The fewer, the better.) Momentum Goals What will you accomplish within 90 days of working toward this goal? Legacy Goals How will this goal impact the legacy you are building at least 20 years from now? Rewards and Reminders How will you reward yourself for your dedication and remind yourself why you are pursuing this goal? Is it a BIG ASS GOAL? After reviewing your answers, does this goal qualify as a BIG ASS GOAL? Yes or No. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Waking Up to Gratitude 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 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 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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Productivity Strategies Do 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

Obstacles Into Opportunity 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 were 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

Become The Person You Are Meant to Be People have always sought change for themselves, their lives, 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 intelligent folks agree - Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change 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

Figuring Out Your Purpose 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 live passionately, I always follow 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 grabs and keeps your attention. Don’t fight the feeling; just follow the urge to explore. 3) Deep dive into the things shoving themselves into your life and immersing yourself. 4) When you find yourself fascinated and nearly obsessed, you are heading a new path, even if it makes no sense. Don’t be surprised if it is nothing you’ve ever considered before. The formula is simple: Exploration + Fascination = Facing Your Passion. While the steps above can include several strategic steps, 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

Your WHY Doesn’t Need to Be First Scott’s Show Prep - 09/10/24 [OPEN] Motivational Chat I have a question. Would you like nothing on your calendar and still get everything done? Go to PerfectWeekPlanner.com and download the easiest planner you’ll ever use. It’s free! [INTRO] Have you ever heard that you first need to know your WHY before you do anything? What I want to know is WHY it is so important. Well, it turns out - it’s not… sort of… As a baby DJ in broadcast school, I spent a lot of time learning how to talk over the intros of songs while eating pizza and talking with teenage girls—that was my major. But I also learned a few things about journalism—just in case I needed to use my news announcer voice. Although the rules of journalism might not be practiced much these days, one thing still works. Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? If you know that information, you can tell a complete story. But what if you could apply the same information to your goal-setting activities? You can… if you do three things: 1) Anytime you decide to set a goal, rearrange it so that it makes more sense for your action brain and less for your observing and learning brain. 2) Your new version should include what… why… when, and who I need to help. 3) The final piece is something you can ignore - because the HOW becomes automatic as soon as you shift that magical word and focus on your goals. You should try it - because it’s how you think about it anyway. Remember that you can get my show prep for every daily boost. Just go to ScottsShowPrep.com and subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You Must Give Something Up to Get More Scott’s Show Prep - 09/09/24 [OPEN] Motivational Chat Let me whip out my show prep and get started. By the way, you can get my show prep sent to your inbox every day. Go to ScottsShowPrep.com to get it. [INTRO] Everybody is always talking about getting more of what they want - but they’re not getting it. Why? Because they keep adding to the stuff they already have — [STORY] Social/Streaming Media overuse. How hours a day of scrolling equals 18 full-time workweeks per year.] To be clear, adding more to your life is not necessarily the way to add more. Life is going to get in the way anyway. It makes no sense to keep tripping over your stuff or building a wall that blocks you from your goals. Instead of thinking of adding more to get more, why not follow this simple plan… [STEPS] 1) Do more of what you like and less of what you don’t like to do. So. Simple. How do you do that? 2) You have to give something up. There is a cost to everything, a price to pay, and you can’t avoid it. You must give something up to get what you want. If you don’t, you haven’t paid the price. Not only will you be blocked, but it’s highly likely that something you love will be taken from you to pay your debt. I don’t like debt. 3) Once you have given something up and made space, start doing more of what you love - and defend it as your happiness depends on it. Because it does. [WRAP] Yes. You can have it all, but not at the same time. The big question is… What are you going to give up today? [Free Stuff] Get a peak on the inside - get my show prep sent to your inbox every day. Go to ScottsShowPrep.com. Links Face Your Passion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How To Have an Empty Calendar Scott’s Daily Boost Show Notes — A letter I received about 10 minutes ago… “When you showed us your calendar a few weeks ago, I noticed how bear it was. You hadn't time blocked your podcast recordings, checking emails, calling friends, date night, learning time, developing course materials, Marketing activities, etc. I assumed you should time block every area of your life to ensure you achieve balance.” I believe work-life balance is a myth. Isn't every minute of the day the same? There are no work, play, happy or sad minutes—there are only minutes. I don't need to balance them because they are all the same. Since I have a pre-determined way that I want to live my life, it doesn't matter when I do it. Having said that… Having a calendar that it booked every 10 minutes is one of the most stressful things I can think of having. I would bet it’s the biggest reason people get burned out or retire. In my view, a calendar's only job is to serve as a reminder system for any of those minutes that will involve other people — and not even all of those. I don't know about you, but I don't need a reminder to go on a date night with my wife. I know some people say you should schedule time for yourself on your calendar to ensure you get things done. But it seems to me I shouldn't have to schedule my own time — since is MY time. I should have a clear understanding of the life I want to live, what I need to do, and the discipline to get it done—in the space between those pesky appointments. Let me be clear. I absolutely have days of the week and hours of the day that I broadly dedicate to things like work, play, learning, and relaxing. Within those large blocks, I look at my task list and decide, based on Due Date and Priority, what I need to focus on that day. When that's done, I'm done. Larger projects are no different. I simply look ahead to the days and hours I have available, set the Due Date for those times, and when that day arrives, get it done. Is that time-blocking? No. There’s no need to block my time because it’s already mine. All of my time is my time. I guard it, ensure I know what I need to do, and have the discipline to do it as quickly as possible. I strictly control the time that others are taking. If I don't, I won't have more time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People You Will Meet Today Retrospective Thought — As I look back on the last 24 hours of my life, a single thought resonates with me. I shared it with others, and their worlds were rocked. What question is spurring this? — Why can people be so difficult? What’s the story behind it? — I’ve met so many people in the world who think difficult people can harm and stop them. It doesn’t have to be that way. Points to consider— People you deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surely. They are like this because they can’t tell good from evil. They are like you, with the same mind and possessing a share of the Divine. And so none of them can hurt you. Marcus Aurelius was an intelligent guy. Conclusion — Everybody you meet today is more like you than you would like to admit. The playing field is more even than you thought. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Do Labels Impact Your Life? Note: Lately, I've felt that the Daily Nugget format I've been using for the last eight years has become a bit of a trap for me -- and I needed more flexibility. So, I'm moving away from a narrative format and toward providing the actual notes used during the show. I hope this will allow me to expand my ideas while giving you more motivation and actionable notes. And yes, you can expect this to evolve over the next few weeks. Retrospective Thought Have you ever wondered how having a label is impacting your life? While am I having this thought? I remember being asked, “What I do” by a potential customer - and I had no idea what to say. Points to consider Labels are a way to identify yourself to YOU… and identify YOU to the world. In the past, most people only had one way to identify themselves. That’s what they were known for. Today, people have too many labels. It seems that we have 1,000 mini-identities that we deploy depending on where we are, what we’re doing, and who we’re hanging out with. When did we become a computer app that forces us to tag ourselves with a label for everything we do? Conclusion If you could only put one label on yourself… One label that represented who you truly were on the inside… One label that everybody instantly understood… What would that label be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’t Share Your Plans 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. Summer has been filled with lots of rest and relaxation, 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 heading 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

Shake Up Your Good Life 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 18 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

Committed to Your Goal 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, 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 do whatever it takes to get what you want. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beyond Your Why 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

Goal, Pilots, and Donuts 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

Common Sense Laws of Success 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. 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

It's Time to Get Off The Fence Okay, I'm feeling a little bit lazy today, so I will cut to the chase and bestow upon you the secret to success you've been seeking. Success requires that you do the hard work. It doesn't take a scientist to figure out that if you want more, you will have to do something to get it. Still, we live in a world that makes it seem like it should be easier, and it's not. Success takes a lot of hard work - even if you don't see it. Successful YouTubers make it look easy - after thousands of hours of trial and error. Musicians seemingly live their dream - after years of living in a tour bus and making pennies. Even people who do nothing but accept the generosity of society to make their way are working hard at a life you would never want. It doesn't matter what you want, good or bad, prosperous or not, happy or sad; it will take a lot of work to accomplish it. If you have a choice, and you do, why wouldn't you choose to work hard to bring goodness into your life? You become interested in making a change. The problem is interest is only the beginning, and you never get beyond your fascination. You decide what change to create and work hard to get it. Then, life gets in the way, and you stop. What's missing? Commitment. Life doesn't guarantee it, but you tend to get what you want when you commit to your mission. That's just how it works. I'm interested in many things and work hard at making magic happen in my life, the lives of my family and friends, and even yours. Only a solid commitment to how I spend my decades on this planet allows that to happen. Whatever you do - get committed, and you'll see how things change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empowering Emotional Triggers I love it when we miraculously put together the perfect day, and life decides to get in the way. Well, it's not life, and maybe I don't love it, but occasionally, something or someone will cross your path and get in your way. I don't know anybody who doesn't get hit smack in the face with a situation that triggers a feeling deep inside their soul, stirs emotion, and results in a reaction or response that makes you say, "Why did I say that?" Of course, we are emotional creatures, so it makes sense that robust emotional responses are common for most of us. Still, common sense will tell you they don't always serve us. It gets even worse when people sedate their emotions to protect themselves. Not only do they miss great opportunities, but when they are triggered, it becomes an 8.0 earthquake. So, how do you deal with it? The way I handle it is to understand that triggers usually happen when I least expect them. Still, my ScottLOGIC tells me that once I experience the trigger and learn the lesson, a little discipline in my actions tends to smooth things out the next time. Here's what happens. When I get triggered, a feeling emerges inside of me. Like me, the problem is that most folks jump from a feeling to an emotional response before their mouth knows what's happening. A better way is to recognize the feeling, pause, review the emotional dialog running in your mind, and then allow your thoughts to become your words. Life improves when you have the discipline to recognize what you've learned from a previous trigger, audit your reactions, and deliver your response. Strangely, it becomes as if you were never triggered at all. Look, we live in a world filled with shoot-from-the-hip opportunities, many of which are purposely put in front of us to get a response. Please don't fall for it. Keep your mind on how you want to experience and see the world. You'll be amazed how all the drama goes away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices