Shark Theory

I watched a high school playoff football game this weekend and saw the cheers of one team as they advanced and the agony of the other, who had some seniors who would never play football again. It had me thinking about those "ends" of my life and how we can use them as springboards. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to not take "an end" as a failure Transferring skills to a new team Appreciating the closed doors

We love Black Friday deals. The latest and greatest, the MUST buy now, the companies that show up once a year....but we have to be sure we avoid friends that operate the same way. In this episode, we'll discuss: The always there when THEY need you friend The Headline with no substance friend The always competing friend The cancerous friend

On this traditional day of Thanks, I ask myself, "what does it really mean to give thanks?" Today we discuss the answer. On this episode, we'll discuss: The origin of Thanks Contemplation of Thanks Non-Traditional Thank Yous A litmus test for Living The person you should thank most

This morning, our workout called for a 1.5 Mile Time trial....one I did not want to do. How do we find ways to improve when we don't want to go something? In this episode, we'll discuss: Starting without thought Finding ways to improve The importance of a focal point It's over before you know it

My good friend Alison Bradley sent me a screenshot of an old quote I posted years ago that said, "I'm thankful for my problems." I pondered all day if I still felt that way and how can we all look at our problems differently. In this episode, we'll discuss: Taking inventory of our problems Problems in a new light Finding the root cause How to be thankful for your problems

For the 8 months I've been golfing, I have a problem with my driver where I always slice it to the right. I've tried every swing change, shaft change, tee height change, golf ball change and every other thing I can think of to fix it...except one thing. That small tweak changed everything. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why you don't have to overhaul everything Assessing the overlooked aspects of your problem The Daily Action Item

I had someone recently informed me that they didn't know I was a "real author." Rather than defend myself or take it as a diss, I realized that person viewed my life through a fogged lens and it had nothing to do with me. In this episode, we'll discuss: Identifying the lens you view the world through Cleaning Your Own Lens A place of Understanding

Anytime I go to a Mexican restaurant for the first time, I always order the burrito. It's my litmus test of how good the establishment is. Last night's restaurant, DIDN'T HAVE A BURRITO! Or did they? In this episode, we'll discuss: Accept the fact that it's going to take longer Figure out your next step Why you must keep running your race

My Buddy Kyle has won several Emmy Awards, SEVERAL. We caught up the other day and I was asking him how many he had won, he said too many but then told me...it didn't matter. Our conversation on what really matters in life has been on my mind and today we discuss those lessons. In this episode, we'll discuss: Knowing what Matters to You How to avoid the "societal success" trap Reframing what matters How to focus on what matters

While watching Baylor University destroy a higher ranked, Oklahoma University, team this weekend in football, I contemplated it why they called it an upset or why Baylor was considered, "The under dog." Today we discuss the myth of the underdog. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why Odds don't matter How to block out the noise and why you have to Focusing on You True Commitment

In his legendary career, Michael Jordan only hit 9 game winning buzzer beater shots. Though we applaud late game heroics, home runs and 11th hour miracles, its the base hits that help us win in life. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why you shouldn't focus on the big play Making the most consistent play The 212th degree

Today's a monumental day for the podcast as I reach my 500th episode. As with anything, it's important to reflect and today I reflect on the top lessons I've learned from recording the last 500 episodes. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to accurately reflect Becoming known for what you do repeatedly Training your brain to think differently Ego pressure vs self pressure Enjoy it all

Before Church the other day at the coffee bar, I asked the barista why they even made decaf coffee? As I looked at the long line of people getting every flavor of coffee imaginable, I thought about how flavor dilutes effectiveness...in coffee and in life. In this episode, we'll discuss: Stripping the calories from life Effective, not glamorous Creating an aroma

After a workout with my brother yesterday, we were talking about corporate culture and he said the quote, "On the path to excellence, there are many casualties." We discuss excellence today. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why the Toll is High on the Road to Greatness Ego Sacrifices vs Self Sacrifices The goal of it all

A question I get often is, "what did you do before your career as a speaker? The answer....I was a hip hop artist. The skills I learned as a rapper shaped my life as a speaker and entrepreneur. In this episode, we'll discuss: Possessing Healthy Delusion Controlling the Supply Chain Converting No to Yes Lateral Opportunities The Secret Sauce

At the community area of the WeWork that I frequent to get work done, they have coffees and a cereal bar. I'm drawn to the cereal bar because of the nostalgia of those cereals...and something more. In this episode, we'll discuss: Being consistent Don't abandon working formula Don't be a "compare to" Be sure the inside is greater than the outside

Today on my brother's birthday, I reflect on our journey to run a 50 mile race and the takeaways from our strategy that can help you reach any long goal in your personal or professional life. In this episode, we'll discuss: Sticking to THE plan Making advantages of disadvantages Having the most fun

Yesterday, while heading to an event, I heard an explosion that sounded like a loud gun shot. What I found out quickly is that I had blown a tire out in my car. I saw it as an opportunity for growth. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why it's not as bad as it could have been (and how to reframe it in your mind) The litmus test for growth Why you're fortunate to be in bad situations

Think of the last time you woke up completely exhausted. Did it affect your day negatively or start your morning off on the wrong foot? Could it have changed if you had been properly charged? Why weren't your charged correctly? In this episode, we'll discuss: Knowing when to Charge Creating Charging Stations Barriers for recovery Blackout Dates

During the reception of my buddy's wedding this weekend, there was a queso bar and a Queso Nazi that wanted to prevent anyone from getting the queso...Until she met her match. I learned a lot about getting what we want in life. In this episode, we'll discuss: Getting rid of Plan B Knowing what you're leaving with Making teammates not adversaries

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman Emperor who encounter no wars during his 19 year reign. A large part of that was due to his philosopher style. He shared his musings on life in a private journal that was published. Today we examine the lessons for governing our own lives. In this episode, we'll discuss: Dealing with bad news/adversity Being hurt by people and how to react Living simply and in the present

Our emotions lie to us daily. If we aren't careful, we begin to believe the "reality" they shape for us and it's never the one we want. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why everything is an interpretation Finding the fastest route to success Finding the derailers in life

I participated in Dallas ISD's "Principal for a Day" Initiative and had the opportunity to serve at Holland Elementary. What I witnessed was a masterclass in leadership and teamwork from Principal McDonald and Asst. Principal Tamayo. The lessons I learned can help us all as leaders. In this episode, we'll discuss: Defining leadership by those we serve Always-On Leadership Teachable Moments Remaining Calm in the Storm

Today I have the honor of being an honorary Principal for a day at H.I. Holland Elementary in Dallas, TX. I always wondered what it would be like to be a principal. It has me thinking, are we even principals of our own lives? In this episode, we'll discuss: Taking charge of your life Identifying your Role Becoming a culture creator

I used to think that empathy inhibited what I was really after which was getting results. However, recently I heard a talk by my friend Claude Silver that completely changed my perspective on the power of empathy. In this episode, we'll discuss: Identifying that "thing you do" Challenging people Empathy-based leadership

I love building tomorrow. I dream and work toward a better future. I'm at peace with that. However, a recent talk by my buddy Chris Hartley helped me realize what I've been missing....today. In this episode, we'll discuss: Recalibrating Life Eliminating the Unneccessary Realigning with a Cause The Hartley Challenge For more information on the National Angels that Chris is racing for, visit NationalAngels.org

I've developed a new philosophy in the areas of my life I'm trying to improve in. It's this...don't make it two. If I have a bad day, don't make it two bad days. I hit a bad golf shot, don't make it two. I miss one day at the gym, don't make it two... In this episode, we'll discuss: Framing a failure Giving yourself grace Extracting the lessons from the miss

I woke up today after an amazing multi-day conference and felt....low. Why? Because the conference was so amazing and I rode such a high for a few days and now reality sets back in. The truth is, many of us face lows after an extreme high in life. How we deal with it defines us. In this episode, we'll discuss: Fueled by what was Looking at what's to come Not tying happiness to an event

During the Cannonball Conference, I met one of the most amazing Presenters and new friends, Kait LeDonne of Brandwise Media. Her and I hosted the afternoon session together and I Learned a lot about impact. In this episode, we'll discuss: Direct Action Items Listening to Authority The ultimate act of generosity The power of Indirect Impact The Aroma of Growth

At The Cannonball Growth Leadership Conference I'm speaking at, I met Shari Morton who runs a company called Shared Drive. Something she told me impacted my mindset for the remainder of the year. In this episode, we'll discuss: Knowing what you're looking for Training yourself to be a finder Why you should never stop searching

When was the last time you were truly inspired? Inspired to want to be better, do better, or live better? More importantly, how do we find inspiration? In this episode, we'll discuss: Success from Desperation Drawing a line in the sand behind you Lighting a fire in each other The ultimate inspiration

What does it take to build a winning team or a winning culture? One of the secrets to building that winning team came to me via a Meme in a Men's accountability group I'm a part of. In this episode, we'll discuss: Objectives over Roles Cheering the Loudest Upholding the Standard

Yesterday, I said, " We all face rainy days, but some people chase the storms so they can complain about being in them." We have to be sure to avoid those victim mentality people. In this episode, we'll discuss: Listen to the problem and search for patterns Test their willingness to solve a problem by providing a solution Distancing yourself from storm chasers

The Iconic Mona Lisa is visited over 6 million times annually. What can we learn about legacy from this legendary painting? In this episode, we'll discuss: Being one of a kind The layers of life The beauty of the void

Whether It's Cal Ripken Jr's 2,632 games played in a row, UCLA Men's Basketball winning 7 championships in a row, I'm always amazed when I see an amazing streak. What goes into becoming legendary? In this episode, we'll discuss: Starting Somewhere Why you don't have to be amazing everyday Don't think ahead Creating a recipe

Watching the Heavyweight Championship boxing match this weekend, I learned one thing...both fighters showed tremendous heart through their ability to keep getting up. Their repeated actions defined them and define us. In this episode, we'll discuss: What do your actions say about you? The self-assessment of heart Creating definable patterns

As president of the Dreams Really Exist Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit geared toward providing mental health and social-emotional learning programs for students, I'm proud to announce that today is a monumental launch of a program that we planted seeds for years ago.... In this episode, we'll discuss: The power of Intention Planting growth seeds Watering through action Growing your Garden

We talk about the before and after of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, but we don't talk about the pain of transformation in what happens DURING the transition. Pain hurts. But it's necessary. In this episode, we'll discuss: Embracing the Push What is Pain? Not being ashamed of battle scars

As you probably heard, yesterday Facebook, Instagram, and What'sApp were all down for numerous hours causing mass hysteria. So many people lost their entire business' ability to function. What was their contingency plan? Do you have one? In this episode, we'll discuss: Are you reliant on ONE thing? How to get results regardless The Controllables How to guarantee you will win

Years ago, as I was about to speak at a Men's Prison, I got in a bad wreck. I remember wondering what I would talk to the inmates about, and the idea crashed into me... literally. In this episode, we'll discuss: Intentional Goals Why you need blinders Heading the direction you look Steering clear of distractions

I decided today is going to be the best day ever... it's that simple. In this episode, we'll discuss: How to avoid regret Appreciating what you have now How to build a legendary life

I've never really been into meditation in the traditional sense, but this morning I did a 5-minute meditation on the Peloton App and heard something that shaped my perspective on what we take for granted. In this episode, we'll discuss: Taking without giving Giving via Thought Where pain comes from Finding joy in times of adversity

What's the number one trait ALL greats possess? You guessed it, Consistency. In this episode, we'll discuss: The beauty of wrong moves The building blocks of consistency Surrounding yourself with consistency Keeping Score

When consulting a client yesterday who was not getting the results he should be, he informed me of how he had been slacking. I asked him simply, "then what did you expect?" In this episode, we'll discuss: Clear Cut Expectations Removing the Grey Area Being Specific Staying in your lane

A lot of golf this past weekend, and a lot of new lessons on lining ourselves up for success. In this episode, we'll discuss: The Divots of Life Precision goals Micro and Macro Goals (and how to align for success)

Two years ago today, I lost one of my best friends, Andre Emmett, to a senseless murder. Today I reflect on what we can learn from losing people. In this episode, we'll discuss: When there are no words The importance of a Miss The Miss you don't want Legacy

During my morning spin class today, I contemplated life and the meaning of hard work. In this episode, we'll discuss: Winning the 30 Second Battle Finding the rhythm It's all about what you don't see Do it for You

This morning, as I sat down to record this podcast, I realized I had nothing to discuss because I'm completely burnout out...I've spent today finding a solution for burnout. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why you don't owe anyone anything How many things are NOT important Identifying the source The "Currently" mindset Unplugging from the Matrix

I attended a festival called Grapefest this weekend where you traded money for coupons to buy the drinks, foods, etc. After spending several tickets on random fried foods, I asked myself, how much am I Really spending? In this episode, we'll discuss: What is the true cost of money, time, and energy Creating your own value Value through Placement

You can't avoid mental or emotional pain in life but you can direct how they affect your life. In this episode, we'll discuss: The true definition of Pain Avoiding unhappiness Moving past pain Become an example of growth