Fly The Plane!

This past weekend I went with my beautiful wife to see the new movie “Sully” the story of Chesley Sullenberger (Sully) and Captain of US Air flight 1549. The afternoon of the flight it was a brisk 32 degrees in January 2009, and all seemed in order for a routine flight from La Guardia, NY to Charlotte, NC. You know the story and the outcome. As Hollywood always does, they need to put their spin on things, create a little drama…and they did. It’s a very good movie, and definitely one I recommend seeing. If you’re anything like me, you enjoy seeing triumph over challenges, good over evil and not being Pollyanna(ish), I like it when things work out, especially after struggle.

Even knowing how things worked out, the entire 208 second flight and saving all 155 souls on board, it still feels good to see it happen in front of your eyes. And there’s plenty of action. Anecdotally, I find it interesting and entertaining that Hollywood can take a 208 second flight and turn it into a 5,760 second movie (1hr 36m). As a private pilot and business man, I had several take-aways from the movie. The most compelling for me were;

·       Fly the plane

·       Being present trumps over analysis

·       You get one attempt to stick it

Let me elaborate a little;

Fly the plane- I remember as a young and aspiring pilot my instructor repeated his instructions clearly during pre-flight, while flying and post-flight. “No matter what’s going on, always fly the plane!” Don’t allow the skeptics, critics or whatever is holding you back from flying your plane (actual or metaphorical). Don’t let the noise drown out what’s in-front of you, be aware of it, but always fly your plane. This point made me choke back a tear or two when it was said in the movie, as a flood of memories filled my head and the need to do this in business and life. Think of the meetings you attend with your smart phone and check email, or social media. Put it down and fly your plane.

Being present trumps over analysis- in our go faster, ever complex and getting more analyzed world, we tend to “wait” until someone or a device says it’s ok to act, to go, to make things happen. Often times at the risk of losing momentum or the opportunity at hand. At the risk of spoiling the movie, as if I haven’t already, there’s a point, a crescendo when Sully quietly asks the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), how many attempts the simulator pilots had before landing the ill-fated US Air flight back at La Guardia successfully?” It took the simulator pilots 17 attempts and countless hours of planning to execute this. To be clear, Sully and co-pilot Jeffery Skiles had 208 seconds of total flight and less than 35 seconds to determine what to do. As you’ll see in the movie, it appears that they choreographed, yet in reality is was instinct, training, preplanning (in business terms it would be; to-2-top, strategic analysis & planning, role playing, collaboration, and cross-functional team building), or what I like to label #oneteam. Getting buy in from your disparate teams is prerequisite to defining what success is, the steps to achieve it and unraveling the process. In the moment, “being present trumps all of this, do your planning, and then fly your plane!”

You get one attempt to stick it- Unlike the simulator pilots that had 17 crash landings prior to sticking it, we (usually) get one attempt to “stick it,” which in pilot terms means to land the plane on the center line and the predetermined location, with minimal disruption to forward movement (i.e. smooth). In business and life, it’s just as true. Think of your last meeting or presentation, did you wing it? Did you get buy in prior to setting up the appointment? Did you define your objective, target/goal and decide what success was? Did you share this with your team or team mates prior to meeting? All of this to showcase the need to pre-plan, collaborate, share stories, decide what success is and how you plan to execute this strategic plan. And then, after sticking your presentation, collaboration or life plan, conduct a post mortem. What went as expected, what can be improved, what are next steps to get us closer to our objective, and how might we share experiences that improve transparency, increase cadence and promote the #oneteam concept.

I’m reminded of a quote and it’s appropriate for this blog.

“We are drowning in information. While starving for wisdom” – Anonymous

Too often we’re either delayed or paralyzed because our boss, our computer or whatever analysis you’re doing doesn’t explicitly tell you when, what and how to execute. I’m telling you, the time is now! Be sure to do your due diligence, analyze the objective, create a clear action plan and before taking off, share this plan with your boss and stakeholders and the ones you already know will poke holes in your success. And always remember to “fly the plane!”

BUSINESS IS ALWAYS A COMPETITION

Business is always a competition; A competition for open to buy, for shelf space, for hearts & minds. Always be present, and know everything you do is in competition with other brands, advertising space, mind space (yours & others) and the whims of personalities. You have to lead the way and accept the fact of competition, and determine your actions that drive positive growth and constant vigilance to be better than your competitor.

Advice to the weary, if you don’t like standing in the arena, get out, go do something else. For it takes intelligence, perseverance, self-introspection and an almost lust-like passion for competition to succeed.

Do you have the drive to see you through the next cycle or down turn? Moreover, do you have the competitive spirit to create the atmosphere of success? Surpass Your Limits is as much in (your) mind, as it is in the product you market, this especially includes yourself.

The next time it’s your turn to stand in the arena (regardless the arena) plan to; over prepare, practice your message, bounce ideas among trusted associates, increase and decrease your tempo, expect the best and give it your best. Whether you get what you’re aiming for or not, always reframe your ask, re-tell your commitment, confirm everyone’s participation. This will absolutely make you look like a champion, and put you well ahead of your competition.

So, when you’re feeling over whelmed, perhaps a bit over your head, or simply out of breadth; that’s when it’s best to dig a little deeper, go a little longer, and seize the prize. The most successful people in the world did their best work under-pressure, most of it, self imposed. Bell, Lincoln, Ford, Sanders, Wright and Einstein all had magnificent break-through after years of toiling to create something no one had previously done or thought of. You too can make magic happen, if you are prepared to pay the price of preparation, diligent action, a service mindset and relentless follow through.

Accept competition for what it is; the call to action to be better than you think you can be. To go where most people don’t, to do what others think is beneath them or not possible. Always looking for opportunity to do the unexpected and go the extra mile and smash your competitors. And doing it with a smile on your face and a servant mindset will annihilate your competitors and have customers standing in line.

"Now get out there and Surpass Your Limits like never before. It really is in the mind."

"Set the pace, lead from the front and get comfortable at the tip of the spear!"

Seldom does performance match excessive expectation.

Super Bowls are rarely super. Pay-per-view fights are hyped without money-back guarantees. And there's that old expression that applies so perfectly to horse racing: There's no such thing as a sure thing.

Then there was Secretariat at the 1973 Belmont Stakes.

He carried a lot more than jockey Ron Turcotte when he went to the gate a 1-to-10 favorite.
He had the weight of Secretariat Mania on his back. The international buzz surrounding him was deafening.

He was being counted on to win the race and become the first Triple Crown champion in 25 years~ the first of the television generation that had already put him on an unrealistic pedestal.

Secretariat's response went beyond unreal. He won by a jaw-dropping 31 lengths! His 31-length gap was so big, even the widest angle of the CBS camera covering the stretch run could barely show Secretariat in the same shot as the next-nearest horse, Twice A Prince. At this point Secretariat's only reference point was himself.

His time of 2:24 for 1 1/2 miles set a world record many argue may never be broken. Secretariat was so dominant that he looked like a Rolls-Royce in a field of Volkswagen's!

At the risk of sounding a bit loopy, I often find myself drawn to the amazing story of this horse and inspired by the awesomeness of his dominate performance on June 9, 1973. And if you have ever felt that you have the talent, skills, and potential to completely dominate your market, crush your competitors, and make huge quantum leap gains, but for some reason, you have not put it all together. It's time to plan, collaborate, execute and manage expectations.

Don't be afriad to lead. Get out front and check your team, plan, collaborate, articulate the plan and live the change you want to see in the team. Set the pace and get comfortable being uncomfortable at the tip of the spear.

Everything counts!

Goals, goals, goals

Did you know that every minute  you invest if planning your goals, activities and time in advance saves you ten minutes of work in the execution of those plans?

Most people fail to plan. Most successful people are smart and want and reward action. However, these same successful people fail to plan beyond today. Knowing you could increase your productivity TEN FOLD with clear & actionable planning and goal setting, it's surprising to learn how few people actually take the time to lay out a clear set of goals.

That's precisely why a detailed, deadline driven plan will give you a return of TEN TIMES on your investment of mental, emotional and physical energy in the next year!

If you have not done so already, please do yourself and your team a monumental favor and identify you goals, plans and deadlines for what you want to create in 2012. Do it TODAY! More importantly double and triple check your level of commitment. Fact is, your commitment level is what has been missing from achieving your goals in the past.

Plan to make 2012 the year of EMINENCE. Bring eminence to everything you think, say and touch. Expect eminence from your team, and I guarantee 2012 will be your best year to date.

Happy New Year! If you'd like to learn more about goal setting, and creating eminence in your life give me a call (209-802-8422) or email Surpass Your Limits at steve.harden@gmail.com

Make Your Life Fantastic

Make your life fantastic; improve your health and well being. There was a time in my life that I thought there was little real life after 50. I remember watching my parents at 50, in my mind they were ancient, and their life style was in a word—sedentary. Sadly, my Dad only lived to 67; it was his outlook on life, his sedentary lifestyle and his alcohol consumption that literally took the life from him way too young. I knew from a very young age that I wanted something different. I wanted to live to be a 100, and do it with a lust for adventure, and then my career got in the way. I lost my youthful laser focus. Today as a 50 year old professional I’m beginning to have conversations with my children and others that I’m mentoring. As I talk, email and plan, I hear my 30-something inner voice. Reflecting on the course of my career, I have no regrets because my life is my life. I can only change what happens from this point forward.


Writing today I had a flood of memories and emotions that hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. I’ve got so much to be thankful for and keenly know that I am in control of my life, what I do and how and when I do it. So I came up with my list of important points to get me off the couch, to engage in life and remind me just how rich I am. In no particular order of importance…

1. It’s your life. No two people are the same. Embrace the gifts, challenges, and opportunities given to you.
2. Nothing is ever as good or bad as it seems. The bottom is not that low and the top is not that high.
3. Family matters. At least to me. Good, bad, and ugly, I know my family loves me and this gives me strength. Find strength in your family.
4. Find your passion. Talking, leading, mentoring, sports, water …. Passions make life worth living and people with passions make the world go round.
5. Do what you love. This is generally the easiest thing for you to do. What you think about when you go to bed and what you think about when you get up? Do that.
6. Fill wasted time. Road trip or long commute? Fill your Ipod with audio material you don’t have time to read.
7. Carpe Diem. I’ve heard for years: Seize the day, don’t wait for the perfect time, because it will never come.
8. Use your words. The brain is a powerful engine and words drive this motor. What you think and say is what you will become.
9. Stay on your feet. Run simple, run often and stand up.
10. Make lists. Simple “to do” lists have become my greatest productivity tool. Email, call, errands, projects, media, etc., all have their own weekly “to do” lists.
11. Buy tickets not toys. I have no shortage of toys, but reflecting back, it’s the trips I remember most, not the “things” I purchased.
12. Nobody is watching you. I’ve always thought people were watching me. What will they think if…? Don’t make decisions based on what other people will think, make decisions for your best interest.
13. Do your best. Win or lose you did your best, what more can you ask for? You gave your best.
14. You grow in the valleys not in the mountains. Times get tough, that is inevitable. As bad as they may be, these experiences craft our character and build our strength.
15. Continuously learn. Read, listen, watch, write. Never stop learning.
16. Everything is relative. Everything. Today’s success is surpassed my tomorrow’s hurdles. .
17. Riches have nothing to do with money. For example, I recently spent the day with my grandson Levi and I was the richest man in the world.
18. Set Goals. I set about 50 goals a year each divided into six priorities in my life: family, faith, fitness, finances, focus, freelance.
19. Tell someone the goals you set. This will increase accountability and likelihood of achievement.
20. Buy a dog. Health and happiness will follow. For sake of credibility, I didn’t make this up.
21. Eat right and sleep well. I used to think both were a waste of time and resources; I now realize they are two of the greatest inputs to energy and performance.
22. Be spiritual. Not offensive, wacky, sign-holding spiritual, spirituality that gives you peace and purpose. Spirituality that allows you to embrace your blessings.
23. Live where you want. If fly fishing, running, riding, recreation, and community are important to you, live there. If they’re not, live somewhere else.
24. Love. Marriage is my most prized possession.
25. Don’t be a critic. It’s easier to be a critic than correct; respect the man in the arena.
26. Find your happy place. Go there when you need to calm the inner beast.
27. Cheer for something. I always assumed I’d quit caring about sport when I hung up my high school cleats. I now relish the opportunity to cheer for my wife, my children and now grandson.
28. Keep a few friends. You don’t need a thousand friends, just a few really good ones.
29. You lose 100% of the races you don’t start. If you try, you’ll know. The “what-ifs” will haunt you, so you might as well try.
30. Measure. If you don’t determine metrics and measure, it’s impossible to gauge progress.
31. Have integrity. Without it, what do your really have?

Life is what you make it, regardless your course, get after it, and make it truly fantastic. So, take this post for what it’s worth. Regardless, I’m looking forward to the road ahead and would like to thank anyone reading this that has made my life, well, my life.

CHEERS!

Goal Setting...Why Do We Lack The Discipline To Set Goals?

FEAR is the biggest obstacle and reason people don’t have a goals program. Fear of failure is a real dream-killer. A close second reason for lack of a real measureable goals program is low self-image. Too many people see themselves as either incapable of or undeserving of doing significant things and accomplishing great or even worthwhile things in their lives. The image or “picture” we have of ourselves dramatically influences our behavior.

As the oldest son of a career military man I was raised “in many different states, making few long-standing friends and always to be seen and not heard.” From an early age I always thought of myself as an outsider, I also saw myself as a mediocre student, with little desire and no knowledge of how to become outstanding. It wasn’t until, at the request of a neighbor of another new town, I was invited to join the Boy Scouts of America (BSA); that I made a serious effort to excel. I did so because if felt right, I thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors and I knew word would get back to my family about my performance. I valued the Scout leader’s opinion of me, as well as the opinions of my family and new found friends. I spent extra time studying the BSA handbook, learning new ways and earning merit badges. Early success earned more and sustained success.

Becoming a boy scout opened my eyes to the fact that I could compete favorably with other scouts and students. My self-image got a geometric boost. I saw myself in a different and more positive light, and when you see yourself in a favorable light, you perform far more effectively. While my grades were above average, after joining the scouts, my grades went higher, and I was more involved in class. I felt as though I’d become turbo-charged, everything became easier.

The interesting part; I didn’t expend any additional effort to achieve these goals. Time and again, before I reached my goal, I was already planning my next goal. From one merit badge to 21, from a B to an A grade and being more involved in the ideation and solution process. My close friend Zig Ziglar said it best, “With a healthy self-image (not an inflated ego) you are in a position to set more ambitious but still realistic goals.” Planning for success by setting goals and constant measuring your position; will always get you closer to your plan versus, hoping, wishing and no planning.

“When much is expected, much is delivered” – Anonymous

“Let’s swap problems since all people know how to solve other people’s problems”- Croft Pentz

Give goal setting a chance. The next time you talk with co-workers, spouse or kid’s; be sure they know your goals. Goals are contagious, especially when you regularly meet and exceed your goals. Those around you will want your success to rub off on them. They’ll want to hear your secrets, how you approach obstacles, etc. Because the majority plan nothing, they hinge their success on wishes, hopes and dreams. While not bad to dream; an unwritten goal is only a hope. If you want great, measurable and scalable success; you must write it down, tell others about your goals. Measure them by talking about them and retooling your mindset to excel at everything you think about and do.

Let’s plan to succeed by design and create success every where.

Live Like You Are Dying

Today I’ve decided to start with my ending challenge. If you LIVE your life like you were dying (everyday & in every way), I promise you’ll live a richer, more fulfilled life with blessings around every corner. Are you ready, are you prepared to make a difference, and are you willing to live an audacious life?
I realize this may come off rather corny, but it is me. While driving the other day I was listening to the radio, and the Tim McGraw song, “Live Like You Were Dying” came on. Not exactly sure why, but that day it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks, smack in the middle of my forehead; as I listened to the words I started to tear up. The words are simple; it’s about a man hearing that his father is dying of an unspecified life threatening illness. His father’s message is to live life to the fullest and do things that “HE” had always wanted to do. The song goes on to mention “sky-diving, mountain climbing, fishing and bull riding.” Remember it was a country station. I encourage you to fill-in the voids and “what ifs” of your life into the song.

I’m pretty sure this song hit me so strong because I was headed to see my grandson and my head was filled with wanting to live a rich life for little Levi. Being around to nurture and share my experiences to help him be the man he wants to be. As a leukemia survivor, perhaps I’m a little closer and definitely more sensitive to leaving this world before my job is complete.

Most of the people that know me would characterize me as a ‘type A’ personality with passion, tenacity and a drive to succeed. I’d agree with that characterization, because that’s me. Career experiences, living in many different states and cities, health and life has allowed me the perspective that few have, especially as they’re living, pursuing their dreams. Without trying to sound like a blowhard or know it all; I’m convinced my experiences are worth learning from, I know I have.

Too often we’re speeding through life as if our very existence depended on how fast we go through it. If I could have a do-over I’d do it similarly, but I’d try harder to enjoy the ride, continue to pull people higher and metaphorically smell the roses. I’d live audaciously, every day and share more openly, asking for and gaining more clarity in everything.

Erasmus said it best, “Fortune favors the audacious”

Ronald Reagan was a great American, doing many different and varied professions during his life. Every one of them audacious and built to the perfect crescendo of being elected in a landslide to the Presidency of the United States. President Reagan had it right when he said, “Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost all economic growth in the United States.” Today we’re able to reflect on the likes of Google, Microsoft, Apple and their amazing success. They all started as small businesses, as a dream of an entrepreneur. No different than GE, Chevron, or P&G. They all started small, with a vision and a product. Success always goes to those willing to act audaciously everyday.

I close today with a thought from Albert Einstein, “there are two ways to live your life; one is as though there are no miracles. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Standing in awe of what is, makes us humble and knowledgeable there is something bigger than us. Miracles surround every facet of our lives, do you see them? When you rise tomorrow morning, before your feet hit the floor, think about what if? What is? And what could be?

Faith, Hope, Love and Laugh are the foundation of life. Living in an audacious way and as if you were dying, makes for a life of abundance and fun. Get out there and make it an awesome day, live like it’s on purpose. I guarantee you’ll feel better and generate better results in all you do. Laugh more, live a lot, give back, repeat.

Are You Asking the Right Questions?

When is the last time you asked probing questions to the group you manage? The team you coach? Your wife and kid’s?

When is the last time you asked this group, and the individuals in it, this simple question? “What can I do to help you be more effective?”

What question could be more central to being a good boss? A great coach? A loving and responsive husband or mother. If you want to manage and lead successfully, you’ve got to know what people doing the work need. So why not ask them? But the truth is, this question is not asked by bosses nearly enough.

You’ll get a range of answers, especially in the beginning—including non-answers, (“Gee, nothing. Keep doing what you’re doing.”) and requests you can’t do much about – personal problems, company policies you can’t change, complaints about colleagues who make this person’s life miserable, as well as personal requests you can’t or won’t address (such as “Raise my pay” from someone whose performance is mediocre). Take everything under advisement, if you can’t respond immediately. Promise to take action when you think it’s warranted but resist efforts to “delegate up”.

Asking “what can I do to help you be more effective” is a dialogue, not a monologue. You’ve got to bring a sense of openness and transparency to this dialogue. Fight the urge to provide quick answers, and work to build trust among those you lead. Beyond such answers, however, you will hear ways you really can make people more effective. Finding that may require discussion, careful listening, and respectful probing, and a willingness on your part to hear hard things and to change. Perhaps you need to step back and let people do their work; or perhaps you should get more involved. Perhaps some work processes need to change. These things are often easy to do and make an immediate difference.

“Always the beautiful answer, who asks a more beautiful question” - E.E.Cumings

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me”- Ayn Rand

“Everything in life the true question is not what we gain, but what we do”- Thomas Carlyle

Once you start asking questions and discussions, you’ll find they don’t take much time, and they pay dividends. They build trust, they help people work together better and do better work, they clearly identify and remove obstacles.

They also make you more effective because they reveal what’s on your peoples mind. Like it or not, what people think is what they think, and you need to know what that is. Above all, you need to know what people expect from you, the boss.

In most organizations, expectations are assumed to flow in only one direction—down. In fact, they flow up as well, though few organizations pay much attention. Being a leader is a two-way street. People are more likely to rise to your expectations if you try to understand and rise to what they expect of you.

I challenge you to discover how you can lead the way to turbo-charge your team, by asking “what can I do to help you be more effective?” Listen and take action. Time to step up and take responsibility for your teams performance.

Passion Is The Most Important Ingredient Of Success

Leadership greatness starts and ends with passion…

Have you ever worked 24 hours with barely a rest or food, and walked away feeling energized? That’s PASSION. Passion is the most important ingredient of success. Passion comes when what you do is in alignment with who you are, and you get energy from doing it. Passion is the energy that comes from bringing more of you, into what you do. It’s like water flowing along its natural riverbed. It actually gains energy from the path it is taking.

Passion in the workplace is the same. In a recent Harvard Business Review article they confirmed, “Passion is the most important ingredient of success.” The HBR article went on to say, “Our research confirms that passion is key to achieving sustained extreme performance improvement.” Primary HBR researcher Mitch McCrummon went on to say, “we have the ability to make change happen ourselves, passion plays a huge roll in this.”

Passion is love for what you do and those around you and respect for common purpose and shared goals for your team. Regularly articulating these shared goals and success-driven metrics will help create passion for the mission and company. It is the responsibility of the leadership team to provide company vision and do so in a transparent way that reinforces the mission. By doing so creates company passion, growth and energy like never before. Like water flowing along its natural riverbed, a company living its vision, measuring it frequently and transparently, will gain energy.

“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion” –Hebbel

“Follow your passion and success will follow” – Terri Guillemets

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel” – Carl Buechner

Working, managing, leading and building world-class teams begins with a clearly articulated vision that is passion filled, straight-forward, actionable and realistic. Earl Nightengale said it best, “The more intensely you feel about an idea or goal, the more assuredly the idea buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along a path, to its successful fulfillment.”

Committing to a cause, be it business, family, group or team, and bringing a well informed and articulated plan will create passion. Passion that can over-power obstacles like never before creates growth and a team that lives and brings a success-driven mindset to all they do.

Vision- Leadership...Get Some

The power of creating a positive vision in your company is THE most important part of being. Most companies are quite good at telling their employees, customers and consumers what they will not do. We don’t allow returns; you can’t do it that way, and we won’t stand for inconsistency. The problem with these comments, though well intentioned, is that it actually communicates the exact opposite of what they’re trying to accomplish. The reason is not necessarily intended, it is a simple inconvenient detail about how our brains absorb information.

What words do you remember from that opening statement? What ideas stuck with you? For better or for worse, our brains can’t deal in negatives. We can’t tell someone not to think something. “Don’t think of the color yellow,” for example. We can’t do it. Our minds immediately go to the words and not the intention of the words.

When we tell our employees that, “we will not allow returns, and we will not tolerate inconsistency” those are the words we walk away with. Those are the things that we associate with how we deliver service, and think about how we “don’t” do certain things.

Leadership never defines itself, its cause or its vision by what it is not. Great leadership always tells us what it is, where we’re going or who we are. Kennedy didn’t tell us we’re not going to stay on the earth, he told us we’re going to the moon. The founding fathers didn’t define America as a country that would not subjugate, coerce or cause unhappiness. They said the country was founded to guarantee certain unalienable rights among those being life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Though the negative statement is technically accurate, it does not inspire. Negative looks backwards and positive looks forward. Vision, if it is to inspire, always looks forward.

Companies make the same mistake. It is amazing how many businesses define themselves by what they are not instead of who they are. Too many jump at the opportunity to tell you what they don’t do instead of what they do do. Meet a small creative agency, for example, and ask them what makes them better and they will tell you that they are not subject to the whims of a large holding company. Ask one retailer what makes them superior and they will tell you that they don’t treat their customers like numbers. Words like “don’t,” “aren’t,” “won’t,” “isn't” or “doesn't” do not belong in any statement that is supposed to tell people who you are or what makes you special or different.

If you want people to go where you’re going, if you want to inspire people, tell them what you believe, not what you don’t believe. Tell them what you do, not what you don’t do. Tell them who you are not who you’re not.

Leading with positive vision will create opportunity, open doors, and minds to creative thinking and doing. Vision is the power every company needs to grow and win hearts & minds of customers and consumers.

“The empires of the future are empires of the mind.”- Winston Churchill

“Destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice. Not something to wish for, but to attain.” – William Jennings Bryan

“Big thinking precedes great achievement.” – Wilfred Peterson

“The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.” -John Scully

“Where there is no vision the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18

Look forward, tell those around you what you believe and where you want to go and you’ll be amazed how well your positive words will inspire those around you.

GOOD MARKETING VS. BAD MARKETING...

How you speak is crucial to how people, businesses, and potential customers respond to you. We’ve seen every imaginable form of communication some; terrible, others poor, few good and practically none that leave us inspired. When brands speak (we call it marketing), all too often they’ve got their message mixed with their bottom line, which is a recipe for lack-luster results over and again. Let me explain…

Marketing, per se, is neither good nor bad. It is simply the way a brand speaks to us. People use their mouths, brands use marketing. It is objective. However, how brands choose to speak to us is another story. And in that case how they market to us is mostly bad.

Good marketing offers us a view of the world,
Bad marketing offers you a product to buy.

Good marketing speaks for us.
Bad marketing speaks at us.

Good marketing starts with a cause.
Bad marketing starts with a goal.

Good marketing drives loyalty.
Bad marketing drives transactions.

Good marketing promotes values.
Bad marketing values promotions.

Good marketing tells us exactly what a company really thinks.
Bad marketing tells us what the company thinks they want us to think they think.

Good marketing seduces.
Bad marketing targets.

Good marketing never mentions price.
Bad marketing always mentions price.

Good marketing uses the products to help tell a story.
Bad marketing tells stories about products.

Good marketing is about us.
Bad marketing is about them.

Bad marketing manipulates.
Good marketing inspires.

As you create your brand or personal mission, think about what inspires you, what keeps your motivation strong, what stories have contributed to your personal growth and how can these stories translate into real, sustainable inspiration? When you inspire; people will buy your product or idea, and you will grow your brand…guaranteed!

“Every new day begins with possibilities.” – Ronald Reagan

“Inspiration and genius—one and the same” – Victor Hugo

“ Try not to become a man of success but a man of value” – Albert Einstein

Formula For Success...

There is no formula for success…or so you would think, because we hear about failure every day. We are bombarded with negatives on TV, the internet and well meaning friends. Everyone is living their own failures. Can we make success our default? The short answer is ABSOLUTELY YES!

The answer to my point above; there is no formula for success; I’m leaning on a friend for his insight and innovative thinking. Simon Sinek is a world traveler and mentor to 100’s of CEO’s for Fortune 500 Company’s; he is a strategic thinker and has the uncanny ability to make the most difficult challenges seem mundane. Simon’s comments on “there is no formula for success; meaning there is no specific quantity of ingredients that, if you mix them together, will make you successful. However, there is an equation for success.

Talent + Effort + Luck = Success

Winning the lottery, for example, takes all luck, no talent and minimal effort. The success, if you define success as making money, is real. The money has the same buying power as someone who worked hard for it, but the lottery didn't require much talent or effort and, as a result, is hard to repeat.

There are ball players, for example, who are born with remarkable talent who, with some effort, make it to the big leagues. There are also plenty of players who may not have as much talent but have a remarkable work ethic, put in a remarkable amount of effort and also make it to the big leagues. One is not more effective than the other; it is just a different balance of the equation. Both probably require some element of luck, however.

Talent is something you’re born with. Effort is something you apply. And luck is well…just luck. But all three matter for success.

Understanding this equation allows us to rely on our talents in some cases, put in a little extra effort in others and always appreciate the luck that helps along the way.

Perspective is a wonderful and often undervalued proposition; I encourage everyone to gain as much perspective of a challenge. Do the research, talk to other stakeholders, throw potential solutions on the wall, tear them apart, think, challenge the status quo, collaborate, laugh, try harder, re-write…that makes for great success and strengthens the team.

Let’s look at several people that have gained success in their profession and what they think it takes to get there…

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks other’s have thrown at him.” – David Brinkley

“Action is the foundational key to ALL success.” – Pablo Picasso

“Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.” – Dale Carnegie

Talent + Effort + Luck = Success

You know your strengths, as well as your short comings. Make it part of your DNA to modestly lean on your strengths, while working on what you think are your weaknesses through research, stepping out of your comfort zone to push yourself to do the things you know need to get done. And along the way, I’ve found the harder and smarter you work, the luckier you get.

The formula for success is not always easy, but it will always lead to enlightenment, new opportunities and a sense of accomplishment.

Let’s make 2011 the best year of our lives. If you can dream it, and put in the hard work, you will make great things happen and assuredly luck will find you.

Pay It Forward

Good Deeds…Paying it Forward…


In today’s local newspaper and Associated Press article titled; “The Power of Getting Disconnected,” hit a nerve. When I contrast the article with the recent 100 Day Challenge I just finished; my personal challenge will be a twist on the “Pay It Forward” mindset.

Throughout the 100 Day Challenge we were challenged to take 100% responsibility for our actions and equally important to challenge the status quo within your family, business, church and community. Allow me to share the driving quote for the 100 Day Challenge;

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. All the times you can. To all the people you can. For as long as you can.”
- John Wesley

Paying it forward can have significant positive influences on society. Paying it forward starts with you, in a small way—the next time you fly, leave in the seat back pocket the magazine you bought before your flight. Hold the door open for someone approaching the door, you’ll see smiles. The next time you’re dining out, make sure you tell your wait person how well they did, and reflect it in your tip, call the manager over and thank them for hiring such good people. The next time you see a young family that you know are struggling to put gas in the car, pay for their tank of gas, you’ll never miss the money. It goes a very long way and reciprocity happens. And serial reciprocity can change a nation. Paying it forward changes our perspective; we go from immediate satisfaction to a longer view of future vs. present and know today’s action will have a real and measurable affect on tomorrow.

Albert Einstein knew it and said, “A Life Lived for Others Is the Only Life Worth Living.”

Paying it forward starts local and small. Mother Teresa was eloquent in her challenge, “If You Can’t Feed 100 People, Then Just Feed One.”

There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life—happiness, freedom, and peace of mind—are always attained by GIVING them to someone else.

Getting disconnected from the “grid” allows us to regain perspective. Paying it forward allows your heart to expand and serve the needs of a society craving for happiness, freedom and peace of mind. My challenge is to reach out, look for opportunities and take action to pay it forward. Always being mindful of the change society dearly needs, and reflect that change in my actions. I’m confident we can change the world, one good deed at a time. Being benevolent, anonymous, meaningful and purposeful about paying it forward will begin the shift we always talk about. Let’s start right now, where can you pay it forward?

Paying it forward will bring you closer to Surpassing Your Limits.

The Power of Joy

The Power of Joy…


Too often in life we let the joy in our life escape through work, stress, lack of sleep and life itself. Building excuses and walls reinforcing us to grow-up, reminding us that life is serious stuff and pressing so hard what little joy remains at the end of the day is severely diminished.

I know it’s easy to say, “Be joyful in all you do,” and a lot more difficult to live this mantra. Forty four days ago I subscribed to a 100 Day Challenge, urging us to finish the year strong. Today’s message hit me like a ton of bricks. Today’s message was all about JOY, a simple 3-letter word and the profound affect it has on all of us.

The feeling of Joy is all encompassing, affecting every facet of life, good, bad or indifferent. Clinical and lifestyle research confirms that Joy is a choice. We’re told throughout life to “grow-up,” “act your age,” “why are you so cheerful,” “life is serious,” and on and on. By the time we’re 10, we’ve heard these types of phrases more than 10,000 times. Even the most joyful of persons will be beaten down to grow up and be serious.

Joy is the lubricant of life, Joy is in the journey, and Child-like joy is therapeutic. I challenge you to replace the tape in your “grown-up” brain and reprogram your mind. Joy is a feeling that affects EVERY decision, every action and reaction. Try to remember how you felt, how you reacted and how it drove you to dream, have no fear and genuinely be excited for tomorrow, when you were 5 or 6. Back then we all had dreams to become a pilot, a fireman, doctor or president. It was the unbridled joy that fueled our dreams, and now the lack of joy that keeps a lid on what could be.

Much has been written on joy and the positive attributes it brings to our lives. Here are a few quotes to remind you of what others think of joy.
• “Enjoy life, this is not a dress rehearsal” – C.S. Lewis
• “Joy is the feeling of grinning on the inside” – Melba Colgrove
• “Nothing I’ve ever done has given me more joy and rewards than being a father to my children” – Bill Cosby
• “There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because thou defended them; let them also that love they name be joyful in thee” – Psalms 5:11

Joy is a virtue. Find joy in all you do. Joy is a choice. I challenge you to seek the lost joy in your life. Be thankful for your wife, children, co-workers and friends. If you make a calculated decision to be more joyful, I guarantee more joy will find you. The next time you’re confronted with an obstacle, your internal joy will help you create solutions, react smoothly and calmly and allow you to be more joyful and expectant of positive results.

With the Holidays looming, there is no better time to spread JOY. Make it a plan to spread joy over the Holidays and see what happens in your life.

Service is DEAD!

“Service is DEAD! Now’s The Time to Create a Competitive Advantage”

I still get excited to travel, yes, even business travel. I remember my first flying experience, my Dad and I flew from Chicago to Nashville to visit Grandma Harden. It was an experience I will forever keep in that special spot of memorable moments. Interestingly, the butter flies and sense of adventure rushes throughout my body to this day, including the most arduously planned business trips.

The past three weeks I’ve had the awesome opportunity to experience five different airlines. One was absolutely phenomenal, and two were marginal to poor. I know you’re thinking that’s only three airlines. Let me explain. For this example I’m going to tell you about my experience in reverse order, from poor to marginal to phenomenal. To keep you engaged let me tease you with the fact that life is about the attitude you bring to your job and life.

Three weeks ago I flew on Delta airlines to NYC. The flight was filled to capacity and of course overhead baggage space was a premium. Sadly the 6 flight attendants were not very helpful and allowed people to stand in the aisle as passengers jostled bags in the bins, you could see the frustration mount. After we leveled off at 36,000 feet and settled in for the 6 hour flight I could immediately tell which flight attendants were original Delta and which ones were from Northwest. The Delta attendants were remarkably more service oriented, smiled as they walked the aisle and tried more often to help the hapless passengers. (Can you say attitude?)

Similarly, on my return flights I flew United and Continental and had an eerily comparable situation. Although not as stark as my outbound flight, service was at best…marginal. When I get poor service, anywhere, I ask myself why, and then look around for reasons. At wits end, I asked the flight attendants why they seemed so stressed, and didn’t smile as they did their job. Assuming, a job they choose to pursue. Answers ranged from; “we’re over worked,” “security is job one,” and my favorite, “it’s not as easy as it looks.” Admittedly, I almost laughed out loud.

Last weeks flights were on Southwest Airlines, need I say more? Southwest is not my preferred carrier, their frequent flyer program does not go to Hawaii, my favorite destination. Yet, Southwest does have the perkiest flight attendants, the best on-time record and you don’t pay for baggage. Why is it virtually every employee you come in contact with, especially the flight attendants are fun, out spoken, upbeat and probably someone you’d like to have a drink with and talk about life, kid’s and work. They seem friendly and genuinely like what they’re doing.

Here’s where this post gets really interesting. Why are Southwest employees able to do what they do, by the way it’s the SAME job the other airlines do, with such perkiness, smile, laugh and act as though they like what they do? It’s ALL about attitude, and it starts at the top. From the executive offices to those on the front lines connecting with customers every day; attitude is preached as the #1 thing you bring to work. Along the way every employee is treated fairly and they enthusiastically challenge everyone to be better. Each employee is valued and empowered to make decisions and make the customer happy, and it works.

This is not an endorsement for Southwest Airlines or indictment against United or Delta. More than anything I’m pointing out great service and poor service and the reasons separating them. In my humble opinion it’s all about attitude. Much as I still get excited to travel, if you’re in a service function in your company, do it with pride, excitement and a sense of being “on stage”. Take it upon yourself and be the best you can be, reach out to help provide superior service. When this is reflected throughout your company, from top to bottom, your business will grow…I guarantee it!

Business Travel Etiquette

Business Travel Etiquette?

Does it exist? This week I had the opportunity to travel to New York City. This is my 15th trip to the Big Apple and every time I go I get to add to my perspective…some good and others not so. Let me explain.

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed lately but every flight I’m on is either 100% full or really close to capacity. Suffice to say, I NEVER seem to get an empty seat next to me. No worries, I love to talk, meet new people and at the same time, I don’t mind catching up on lost sleep. On my outbound entirely full flight I got the supreme honor of sitting in row 27, seat B. Yes, that’s a middle seat. Being a big guy I try my best to be as narrow as possible; I cross my legs and arms so I don’t bump against my travel mates, whom I don’t know. I don’t care how hard I try to be slim and not touch or infringe on other peoples space, it’s inevitable that arms, shoulders or legs will touch. I pay particular attention to the arm rests and under seat area and ONLY take half of the arm rest and keep my legs within the seat frame. WHY don’t other people do the same?

The lady next to me in 27A was a wiggle worm, had to go to the lavatory 4 times….count’em…4 times. That means all 3 people in row 27 had to get up, stand in the aisle and wait for her to return. It’s never pleasant, but I smile, nod and if talked to say something innate like, “no problem.” When inside my head I’m steaming because this same person can’t sit still, needed to get in her under seat bag 5 times and always acted as though she was entitled and never said “sorry” or “thanks”, just a look of oh well.

After 5 hours, and what seemed like 10, we’re finally walking off the plane. This squirmy lady looks at me and thanks me for being such a nice guy. Ok, I started to feel a little better, telling myself “at least it wasn’t a 300 pound guy sitting next to me.” This lady’s sense of entitlement came from the fact that her husband was a pilot for the airlines we were flying and she told me, “I almost always fly first-class and not used to sitting so close to someone.” Oh, I now feel better for her squirminess….not really!

Suggestions from a guy that’s traveled the country extensively the past 20 years; Always be polite to everyone, especially the gate attendants, flight attendants and fellow travelers. Think small, check your oversized bags and do your best to occupy as little space as possible and clean up after yourself. As a big guy I really appreciated this lady’s final comment to me, “you’re such a polite flyer, I saw how hard you tried to not infringe on my space and allowed me to squirm, and didn’t say a thing, roll your eyes or make me feel bad…thanks.”

It was a particularly harsh flight, a non-stop 5+ hour flight from SFO the day after I’d run the Disney ½ Marathon. My legs, back and head were throbbing the entire flight. I’m convinced, the energy you give, gets reflected. And if everyone tried being a little smaller as they flew on their next flight, we’d all have a more pleasant experience.

My next blog I plan to talk about airline employees; this should be interesting!@#%$#@

Little Details...Important?

Too Complex?

Are Little Details Important?


It’s your chance to shine, to show your peers and your management team what you’re made of. You know you’re ready for the challenge; you’ve done your homework, through hours of research, talking with clients and planning your presentation. There is no doubt you’re prepared for what lies ahead…and then as the hour approaches you question your research, your presentation lay-out, the hard thought conclusions and recommendations you’re about to make. And then it’s show time.

We’ve all been there, ready to make the presentation of a lifetime and our minds start to go blank and question what we’ve worked so hard to prepare. I remember the first time, early in my career I was asked to speak at the University of Puget Sound after a round of interviews on career day. No worries, I knew what to say, how to say it and best I’d delivered the same speech several times. This was in my mind a lay-up. To make sure I hit all the key points and because this was undoubtedly the largest group of college seniors I’d ever spoken to; the night before I decided to create a large flip chart (this was before PowerPoint) so the entire audience could see what I was talking about. The Dean of the Business School at UOP introduced me with great flair and set the bar quite high. Interestingly, many of the faces staring at me during my presentation were the same ones I’d interviewed earlier in the day. The presentation went great, I got a healthy round of applause and a line formed in front of me after speaking. Needless to say I was feeling pretty good, maybe a little smug because I thought I nailed the presentation. All I saw were smiling faces and a growing huddle around me, I was inspired. After another 20 minutes of question & answer the Dean tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to come into his office. He thanked me for being so thorough and professional and then almost casually asked if I’d spell checked my flip chart? I responded, “of course!” You know where this is going, don’t you. The Dean thanked me again and invited me to speak at their next career fair in 3 months. As I walked to my car, I kept telling myself, “I must have done well, after all, the Dean asked me to come back.” It wasn’t until I got back home, that I opened my flip chart and on the last page, the one I left showing to the 100+ senior Business Students for the last 10 minutes of my presentation, and the misspelling jumped off the page. I felt terrible, I felt instantly humbled and have remembered it for more than 20 years, as if it happened yesterday.

My point, YES little details are important. I don’t necessarily think we need to be perfect in everything we do. However, something as important as a flip chart, PowerPoint or hand-out needs to be triple checked for accuracy, spelling errors and grammar. I suggest letting a colleague, friend or spouse take a look at your presentation. Deliver it to the same audience. Buy them dinner, coffee of some other form of bribery; just be sure to present your thoughts to someone besides yourself.

I take full responsibility for my early blunders. I may make similar mistakes today, but I do them with; spell & grammar check, a wife that is an English major and more years of experience to be sure I’ve done all I can to be accurate and humble. I’m not alone in my quest to the little things right. Below are a few quotes that sum up my now more enlightened path, I hope this helps you focus and strive to do the little things in life…they are more important than we think.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh
“Only those who have patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily.” – Johann Schiller
“Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things and I’ll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things.” – Lawrence Bell
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”- Proverbs 16:3
“Simplicity, Simplicity, Simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as simple as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand. Simplify, Simplify.” – Henry David Thoreau
"When you can do the common things in life in an uncommon way you will command the attention of the world.” – George Washington Carver

Today’s assignment, make a list of the most important people in your life. I’d suggest making two lists; one personal and one business. Your list may be just a few people, and on the other hand you may have hundreds of people you’re connected with. After compiling your list, try your best to put them in order of importance. Starting with number one, do this today before you head off to bed; write a brief note of thanks. Thank them for being important to you; thank them for being in your life. If you can think of a specific role they’ve played, be sure to included specifics. Praise them, be real and provide a blessing to them. And the most important part, send this hand written note to them via snail mail; yes the US Postal service still works for more than just our monthly bills. With email, Twitter, Facebook and so many other social networking sites, people LOVE to get letters. I will tell you, the notes you send, will bring unexpected results in the receiver and sender. This is a simple and profound LITTLE thing that I guarantee will help mend a fence, a broken relationship and take a good one to new heights.

I leave you with this. I recently found a box of love letters that my beautiful wife of 32 years and I traded while living apart though our college years. While reading them it brought out two very keen emotions; one of nostalgia, how simple life was and how thankful I am to be alive with such a special person. It is through simple communication that you can make things special. It really is the LITTLE things in life that bring the most enjoyment and warmhearted memories that make a life.

Lead From The Front and The Back

How do you lead, do you support the entire team, how might you do it better?

While watching one of the best movies to come out about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars against terrorism; “Taking Chance” I was hit with the awesome mantel of leadership & responsibility and what it means to those that serve. In a scene where Wounded Warriors are being wheeled, walked and carried into the massive C-17 cargo plane at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. These Wounded Warriors are brought through Germany for treatment and are then taken back to the US for further help.
On this day in the movie and assuredly reenacted too many times since wars have been fought, there were about 20 wounded warriors, in varying degrees of severity, heading back home. Eighteen of them were in the Army and two of them were Marines.

It was freezing outside as several medical personnel and a few other staff, stood waiting by the C-17 cargo planes that would fly them back home. There standing off to the side, outside the view of cameras was a Marine officer standing at attention. The door opened and a line of young men and women came out of the building, some of them on their own two feet, some carried on stretchers. The Marine kept his rapt attention on every Wounded Warrior. That was until one young wounded Marine approached. As he walked past, the Marine officer stepped forward, put his hand on the young Marine’s shoulder and thanked him. He also told the young Marine that he was here with him for the whole trip and repeated the sentiment for the other young Marine who followed behind. He then stepped back in line and continued his respectful vigilance.

An essential component of inspiring people to be a part of an organization greater than themselves is that you look after your own. Strangely, there was no one there from the Army. But the Marines had taken two officers out of theater for the sole purpose to escort these two wounded comrades from the front lines back to the United States. That was their entire responsibility.

The strength of an organization is easily measured by the steps it takes to look after its own. To what lengths does a company go to show its people that they matter? An organization that shows commitment to its people can expect its people to show commitment to them.

Yes leadership is about leading, standing out front. Yes leadership is about painting a picture, a vision of the future that does not yet exist. Yes leadership is about being a beacon for people to follow. But great leadership is about turning back to those that you would want to follow you on your quest to thank them, personally, for being a part of what you are, together, trying to build. The US Marine Corps does not have an amazing culture simply because of what they do out front, it’s also what they do at the back that matters. Semper fidelis, as their motto goes. Always faithful.

I urge anyone who aspires to lead to see the movie  "Taking Chance" and you’ll see what I mean. Leadership like character shines brightest when the cameras are off, the lights have dimmed and you’re one-on-one with the people that make things happen. How you treat your people when the lights are off and the press is not recording everything is who you really are.

Challenging yourself to be the beacon of hope in our crazy, overly busy, self aggrandizing world to serve others is what leadership is all about. Leading from the front is where it starts, setting the pace, and leading from behind making sure that everyone knows the mission, is prepared for every market condition helps drive revenue and a longer, more sustainable forward looking business model. And in the end, it’s the power of the collective mindset that prevails…good or bad. It's your choice to make a move that makes your people feel honored, important and valued. When that happens regularly, your people will notice and they will start to trust in the system and execute in a proactive, professional and meaningful way, day in and day out. This is when and how great brands are made.

What's Your Pyramid of Success

John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood wants everyone to experience success and the journey getting there…

When I first heard on the news that John Wooden, the quintessential coaches/coach, the Wizard of Westwood and mentor to his players, and millions of fans world-wide, was rushed to the UCLA medical center and the prognosis was not good, my heart skipped a beat and my eyes welled up with tears. The news anchors debated his prognosis and amount of time he would remain alive. Before we go any further John Wooden will live in the minds of athletes, business people and plain old ordinary people for ever. Mr. Wooden always looked at the bright side of life, the unique pleasures derived from the journey of life and emboldening those within earshot to live a life of passion filled character, faith driven dreams and 100% self responsibility.

The next day when every channel broke the news of John Wooden’s passing; again I welled up with tears and looked up as to give a silent prayer to the man upstairs, for he had given humanity a man for the ages. Just as quickly as I welled up, I thought about the time I saw Mr. Wooden at a UCLA basketball game at Pauley Pavilion. That was 5 years ago, and I remember as though it was yesterday the aura around him was special. Mr. Wooden would sit and sign autographs, shake hands and talk with anyone that approached. His shake was firm, his eyes clear and his heart filled with something I knew we all need—character, faith, hope, love and respect. That night in Pauley Pavillion at 94 years old he had more energy than most 20 something’s possess and was still the coach passing out wisdom.

I was deeply moved by what John Wooden stood for and the fact that his character and approach to life never wavered. I’ve used many of Mr. Wooden’s quotes to motivate myself, my teams and see the better side of life. A good friend of mine and fellow basketball coach Wayne McGhee gave me a copy of “John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” when I was in my mid 20’s. While I can’t say I always live up to the words and action steps on the “Pyramid of Success”, it has always been a source of inspiration and reflection. The “Pyramid of Success” always challenged me to be better; to live life as though it was on purpose and for a cause greater than my financial gain, or my next promotion.

John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” should be taught at EVERY elementary and high school in America. Many of our social problems would either disappear or drop dramatically. Promoting self-responsibility is a passion of mine and Coach Wooden often reminded me of why we are here, what we can do to make our time better, and ensure those around us are nurtured and developed. Everyone needs to take a step back and help those around us, help the team, lift up your team mates, work a little harder, take more responsibility and always have faith in yourself, and your fellow man to be “one day better.”

Below are a few of my favorite quotes from John Wooden, they are timeless, motivating and inspirational if you let them. Read, enjoy, think and apply. Spread the good news and live through the “Pyramid of Success,” I promise you will still struggle, but you’ll learn to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out”

Have you ever watched other people and how they react to situations? You’re no different, choose to make the best of what ever you’re dealt and make more informed decisions tomorrow with better research and asking the right questions.

“Be prepared and be honest”

Nothing beats preparation and the confidence it brings to any situation. Over prepare in training and bleed less in battle. I learned that from my buddy Dick Marchinko, the brain-child of modern day U.S. Navy Seals. Dick led Seal Team 6 around the globe keeping America’s enemies at bay from 1967- 1990.

“Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability”

Each of us to our own abilities…you’ve heard the phrase. We all have different aptitudes and abilities. Are you living up to your ability? Are you making the contribution you’re capable of making?

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen”

I always say it’s the little steps done incrementally that makes all the difference. How many times have you stopped, and then to figure out next week, you were so close to cracking the code. Stay with it, research, ask for help, reach beyond your comfort zone and you’ll stretch much further than you ever thought possible.

“Never mistake activity for achievement”

In our crazy busy world, we often get caught up in the circle of flurry, making things harder than needed, or more layered and nuanced that necessary. Research, make decisions, move on, learn more alter course as needed. It’s the circle of life, enjoy the ride.

“There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer”

While I’m a believer in Jesus Christ as the son of GOD, you can have faith in what ever you want. I met Tony Robbins 10 years ago, one of his biggest points about achieving higher, greater enlightenment and personal performance was his charge to have faith. Faith in something bigger than you is critical to excellent performance. Faith of the team, group or something higher than that, believing in something bigger than yourself creates faith. Faith can move mountains and people to action.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It’s courage that counts”

Get up again, do it better, learn from your trials. We all make choices; we do so with the knowledge we have at the moment. Tomorrow’s insights will help us make tomorrow’s choices. We can always correct yesterday’s choices with more intel and information. To do so, you’ve got to be open minded enough to search for enlightenment.

“The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team”

Rudyard Kipling said it a little differently, “the strength of the pack is the wolf, the strength of the wolf is the pack.” Both are mutually exclusive and at the same time dependent on each other. Our life is no different, regardless if it’s a team, a family or friends. To be better, we need to be better and it all starts with your ability to be a team player. Said another way, “the strength of me is the team, the strength of the team is me.”

I challenge you to read and apply John Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success.” Start small, do one point every day for a week and then add the next block, repeated for 3 months and you’ll become a person transformed and turbo-charge yourself to become a super star in what ever you choose to do. Make “one day better” part of your life and those around you will notice, and they’ll start to take responsibility for their actions, just like you.

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”
"Don't let what you cannot do interfre with what you can do"
"A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment"
"It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes"
"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts"
- John Wooden(1910-2010)

Power of the Words We Use

Ever find yourself slipping into a negative routine with the things you say? Let me give you an example or two; while talking with your supervisor about your annual sales targets he asks, “Why are you falling short of your sales goal?” This question puts you in a naturally defensive state of mind. Immediately your mind searches for answers, and because your mind naturally accepted the question defensively; your responses will be defensive and come off as excuses. Portraying you in a defensive posture and possibly making your lower than desired sales numbers look even worse than previously thought. The words we use are more powerful than we can imagine. There is power in words that we use. Most people greet each other with words that have no power or energy. Think of the last time you heard someone else (or even yourself) respond to a greeting of “How are you?” with “Oh, I’m OK, or so-so,” “Hanging in there,” “I’m surviving,” and my favorite, “Not to bad.” Sadly, the response we receive to these type of answers, is much the same, “Me too,” or “Hang in there,” “It can only get better.”

Our mind is a curious and ever evolving part of our body, and the most important part of our inner thoughts, because it has a dynamic effect on our external actions. While there have been countless thousands of research studies conducted on our brains, the human brain remains one of life’s biggest mysteries. Interestingly, nearly every study conducted on cognitive brain functions agree that each individual has the power to alter ones internal wiring, which allows us to then program our actions. Consequently, the words we CHOOSE have a direct and profound impact on our actions. Regardless if they are spoken or just thoughts, the power of words has a measurable effect on our performance. Renowned cognitive researcher Dr. Maxwell Maltz conducted an out of the ordinary study at UCLA. Dr. Maltz assembled the #1 ranked UCLA men’s basketball team during their fall training and equally divided the team, he did this study three times and mixed the teams each time, the results were the same. Dr. Maltz had half of the team in the gym shooting 100’s of free throws and the other half sitting in a darkened room visualizing themselves shooting free throws and making each shoot. After several days of practice, Maltz staged a contest between the two teams. The players who had visualized themselves making free throws did much better than those who had actually practiced making free throws. Such mental training sends neuromuscular signals that can lead to a stronger, more effective performance during the actual event. Control your input by not only visualizing your goals, but also imagining exactly how your body feels when you achieve your goal. The mind does not know the difference between physical and mental practice. Visualization is the process that allows you to see your desired results in your mind. Once you can see it in your mind, you’ll be closer to achieving it in your life.

"You are what you think, so control your input! We become what we think about.”- Earl Nightingale

Our words and thoughts tell the truth. Ask yourself, “Do my words reflect a commitment to being joyful, helping others, creating win-wins, keeping things in perspective, seizing the moment, continuously learning and embracing change” Whether the result becomes apparent sooner of later, we cannot speak words of failure and defeat and expect a life of success and victory. Start today by planting seeds of success by thinking and visualizing your next steps to overcome the obstacles of life or sales targets. I suggest these three instruments for orchestrating your thoughts and words;

• Talk yourself up!


• Speak with strength.


• Ask the right questions.

Did you know that you talk more to yourself than anyone else in the world? In the face of challenging situations (and we all have our fair share), the words you choose for that conversation with yourself will directly impact how long you will find yourself in those situations. Use your words to change your situation, not to describe it. The next time you have a conversation with your supervisor; anticipate what he will ask, you know your business better than anyone. And visualize the conversation in positive terms. Build positive mental connections, personal strength and commitment by using these strength builders;

• I can
• I will
• Commit
• Expect the best
• I will make time
• I am confident
• I do believe
• Positively
• I know
• All things are possible

“Do or do not, There is no try”- Yoda

Before your next big presentation, take the time to visualize the success you want to achieve. See the details in your mind, hear the words, and channel your energy to create success. See yourself making every free throw by asking the right questions;

• What’s the best way for me to be successful at this?
• How can I make the most of this situation?
• What options do I need to consider for a win-win?

The power of the answers you receive is directly proportionate to the power of the questions you ask. Consider how the questions you ask, both at work and at home, elicit certain responses. Ask yourself, “How can I ask questions to get the best from myself and others?”

Words are powerful, they can turbo-charge an event or take the wind from your sail. Choose wisely, and always think positively. The next time you’re asked, “How are you?” Respond with powerful, strength giving words such as; “Great!” or “Terrific!” It will be hard to do without a smile on your face and you’ll likely receive a smile from the questioner and leave them wondering to themselves, “I want to be more like him.” The power of your actions is preceded by the power of your thoughts and words. Choose to speak with strength and watch the power of your words bring out the best in yourself and others!