Living life to the fullest - Best. Advice. Ever.

As I enter the final weekend before my return to Valpak, I was looking for a quote that summed up how I felt about the last several years on my own and the hopes that I have for the future - and this was the result of that search. As a believer, I'm reminded daily that God has a plan for my life and understanding and accepting His plan for my life is an ongoing journey, but one that has made me value each day as a new opportunity to make the most of my life.

As you catch your breath this weekend, take a moment and ask yourself if you are truly living your life to the fullest and as you do, know this. When you find yourself being able to do the things you love and live your life without fear or regret.... you will truly get the very best out of the life we've been given. Make it a great start to the weekend all! ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎LookingForward2Monday‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬ ‪#‎IBleedBlue‬ ‪#‎NewOpportunities‬ ‪#‎LoveMyLife‬ ‪#‎Thriving

Taking chances: The only way to live!

As I end the last Monday before my return to a full time job next week (looking forward #Valpak!), I was struck today by the fact that I really don't have any regrets about the decision to go out on my own, and in fact have even less around deciding it was time to end the 'on my own' part of my work life and fully commit my energies to the next season of my career - all with the additional experience and background to bring to bear on my newest gig.  
As you wrap your Monday, give some thought to whether you are / have taken the risks you should in your life. I'm fortunate to say as I get ready to start my latest adventure... that I won't ever have regret in the end, because when I had the chance.... I took it! Enjoy your Monday afternoon all! #WhateverItTakes #NoLetUp #NoRegrets #TookMyChances #IBleedBlue #BringOnTheNextPhase #Thriving

Live your own path: Life lived well

After the whirlwind that was the month of April, and the new adventure ahead - today's quote was a perfect description of one of the key elements that got me through.  We are all on a constant journey to find our own paths and I for one spent a fair number of years when I was younger trying to be someone else and not embracing the uniqueness that was my own experience.

Discovering my own path in this life is something that I've come to realize is a journey that never truly ends.  Life experiences take place, ups and downs occur and the people and places that populate our lives change over time as well.  As you start your Sunday morning, ask yourself if you are truly pursuing your own path in life.

As someone who has been fortunate to not only find their own path but to live life along it - I can heartily endorse the fact that living your life and NOT what others think you should be doing - is the very best life you can hope to have.  Make it a great Sunday all! #OnwardandUpward #BlessedInLife #ThankfulDaily #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #Thriving

Living life 'out loud': A recipe for success

There are quotes that change their meaning for us as our life evolves and the sentiment of today's quote has changed for me quite radically for me over the past few years.  For an extended period of time I wanted to be the 'big man' that everyone talked about and saw that goal as what 'living out loud' was really all about.  What I've found over time however, is that to 'live out loud' oftentimes requires us to be quiet and let our work and efforts speak for themselves.  The last 48 hours have taught me another lesson about this message.  You learn the most about yourself when you stop, take a moment and listen to what the world around you says about you.

Are you having a positive impact on those you love and care about... or are you too focused on yourself and what you can take from this life.  I'm totally humbled and floored by the reaction of my friends, family and once and future colleagues at Valpak/Cox Target Media to my plans to return to the fold and I'm looking forward to 'living out loud'.... back where I know I belong.  I'll never be able to adequately thank all of you for your wonderful feedback... but know it was appreciated!

Enjoy the start to your Friday and know that I am truly thankful to have a community of caring friends, family and coworkers who make every one of my days richer because you are a part of them! #Countdown2May9 #IBleedBlue #TrulyThankful #Blessed #LetsDoThis #OnwardandUpward #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #Thriving

Appreciating today: All will change in a year

One if the best pieces of advice I ever received from my Dad was to accept the fact that the only thing constant in our lives is change. Sometimes those changes are simply the passing of another year and other times they come fast and furious. When I found this earlier today I was struck at how true this quote has become the older I get... And I'm glad that I take some time each day to really look around me and savor each day for what it is - something we will ever see again.

As your Tuesday afternoon flows by, take a moment and look around and remember this truth... Nothing will be the same next year. Grab your life and make it what you want it to be... No one else is going to do that for you! ‪#‎LovemyLife‬ ‪#‎LivingtheBestLifeICan‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬‪#‎MakeEveryDayCount‬ ‪#‎GettingtheMostOutOfEachDay‬

Living Life on Purpose - An homage to @SimonSinek

I've been a fan of Simon Sinek since I saw his TED Talk (Start with Why - Google it, you won't be sorry), and when I saw this quote of his earlier this morning I captured perfectly the new phase of my life that I'm entering.  As I mentioned over the weekend, I've made the decision to shut down my companies and go back to work full time for someone else, and while challenging and frustrating as that decision has been it was also liberating for me as I've had the chance to look back on what I learned over the last 2.5 years (which I'd tell you includes a fair amount of humility), and assess how best to move forward.

I've got several potential next steps in the works (thanks to everyone for their thoughts, prayers and support), but one thing that I know for certain is that while my life has never been lived 'by accident', the events of recent months have guided me to believe that 'living our lives on purpose' is the absolutely best way to live.  As you start your Monday morning and the new week, give some thought to your own life.  As you just giving lip service to your life or are you getting out there are truly taking action to ensure that you 'live your life on purpose'?!  Make today the best day you can - it's the only one like this we're ever going to get! #MovingForwardDaily #TheAdventureContinues #NoLetUp #OnwardandUpward #WhateverItTakes #LivingTheBestLifeICan

Life is 'Brutiful': Living the best way we know how

The last several weeks have been an interesting object lesson in the ups and downs of life and when I saw this graphic earlier this morning I immediately knew it was a perfect description of where I am in my life right now. I'm thrilled to report that two weeks after my Father in Law's stroke, he's recovering quickly and got a chance to spend some time with him again last evening - time we've always treasured, but now are reminded of the importance of daily.

I've also made the decision over the last month or so to gear down my companies and head back to work full time for someone else. So why are these events 'Brutiful'? Because this is what life is for all of us - simultaneously beautiful and brutal..... but frankly I wouldn't have it any other way. We often learn about ourselves and those in our lives when things are at their most challenging and I'm thrilled to report that my life is even richer than I ever thought possible!

As your weekend gets underway in earnest, give some thought to how even the challenges in your life - seen in the context of life being 'brutiful'- are actually making your life much richer than you thought possible. Make it a great Saturday and make sure you make today the best it can be - it's the only one like it we'll have! ‪#‎Takingit1DayatAtTime‬ ‪#‎LifeisFullofChanges‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬

Your best life: The one lived with the 'right' regrets

One of the things that I've striven over time to create for myself is a life where I don't have any regrets. I've recently begun to start each day thinking about how I can each day ensure that before lunch.... I've met my goal of not having any regrets. I was struck this morning however by this thoughtful quote that got me thinking about regret in a very different way. Instead of trying to avoid having any regrets at all... why not look to have the 'right regrets'? As our lives are apt to do, my life is currently in a state of transition and change as I evaluate a variety of options for where my career is going to take me next and in turn - where my life will lead next. Avoiding regret may or may not be possible, but as I thought about today's quote in the context of my own life choices thus far - I'm happy to report that the few regrets I've got after nearly 48 years.... appear to be the right ones.

As you start your Tuesday, give some thought to what Miller suggests. Are we doing everything that we can to avoid having any regrets and as a result missing out on something that might very well contribute the richness of our lives? In my own life, I'd say the answer for me was/is an unequivocal yes - just some food for thought for a Tuesday in April! Make it a great all!  ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎LifeisFullofChanges‬‪#‎OnwardandUpdward‬ ‪#‎MakeTodayTheBestPossible‬ ‪#‎LifeisWhatWeMakeIt‬‪#‎Looking4GoodRegrets‬ ‪#‎LiveLife2TheFullestDaily‬ ‪#‎Thriving

Being grateful: The core of true success

There are any number of 'gurus' out in the world that are all telling us to 'be better', 'do better' and 'be all you can be', but in an era where uncertainty is the watchword, sometimes the simplest sentiments are the easiest to get our minds around. One of the most frustrating parts of my life in recent years was a feeling that I was somehow not getting as much out of my life as I could. Over time however, my core priorities have changed and I find myself now focused on the heart of today's quote - being grateful. I'm not talking about the 'thank goodness I was born in the US' kind of gratefulness (although that is something to keep in the back of your mind when you are really down), no I'm talking about the deep and abiding gratefulness that flows from knowing that we're living the very best life that we can. As you start your new week, give some thought to how you are living your life. Are you focused on making your way in the world and getting everything that YOU want, or are you looking first to what you can do for others. What I think you'll quickly discover is that Tony is absolutely right - when we are grateful... fear disappears and abundance appears. Make today the day where you seek to be grateful for what you have... and watch as your life gives you all that you wish and hope for! Make it a great day today all! #GratefulDaily #TakeNothing4Granted #LifeIsAJourney #NoLetUp #OnwardandUpward #WhateverItTakes

The key to life: Focus on what 'TRULY' matters

I've always made an effort over time to focus the core attention of my life on the truly important things in life and this past week's events certainly helped me to refocus those thoughts.  Over my lifetime there have been any number of times where things didn't go the way I planned, but I've found that when I focus on what is truly important - that of course being the lives we can impact and are impacted by - life is infinitely richer and brighter than we ever could have imagined.

As you wrap up your weekend and prepare for the week ahead, take a moment and make sure you focus on what are the most important things in your life.  I think you'll discover as I have repeatedly over the course of my life... it's not "what we have", it's "how we live" that makes this life the rich and powerful experience that we all want it to be!  Make it a great Sunday afternoon and never forget that focusing on the right things will make all the difference! #ThankfulDaily #OnwardandUpward #NoLetUp #WhateveritTakes #LivingaFocusedLife

CANI: A real lesson for a life well led

Years ago (hard to believe that it was now over 15 years) when I first ran through Tony Robbin's Personal Power program I was exposed to the concept of CANI - Constant And Never-ending Improvement, and that ideal has been a driving force behind the way I live my life ever since.  The concept isn't a new one, but in a day and age where we're constantly told that we don't have enough it bears revisiting what CANI really means.

For a number of years, I looked at this idea from the perspective of an outsider - meaning that I was looking at what others had or were doing and tried to hew to that standard for my own life.  In recent years however, I've come to realize that each one of us is responsible for only one thing - that being what we can do every day to be a better version of ourselves.  When I ran across this quote today, it perfectly exemplified where I am in my own life at this moment in time.  At the moment, I'm in the process of making a significant shift in my professional life (more on that in the coming days) and focusing on how I can make today better than yesterday for myself - is key to ensuring that this transition is a successful one and moves me in what I believe is the right direction.  

As you start your Thursday, give some thought to who you are 'competing' with or trying to be like each day.  Are you ensuring that you are the best version of yourself each day or are you letting external factors dictate the life that you are looking to lead.  Make today the day you reclaim the high ground in your own life - and do all you can to be a better version of you today - then you were yesterday!  Make it a great day today! #CANI #ChangesAreComing #WhateverItTakes #NoLetUp #OnwardandUpward #LivingtheBestLifeICan #Thriving

Passion: The true essence of who we are

I've been thinking a fair amount about passion in recent days as I've had the fortune over the last decade or so to pursue my passion on a number of levels - both personally and professionally.  When I ran across this quote this morning I was immediately reminded that at our core - we are creatures that are driven most of all by passion.  Good or bad, passion is what makes us sit up, take notice and take the massive action that is needed to make whatever part of our lives better.

Think about it - without passion, what do your relationships, your work life, your Faith, or physical body look and feel like?  Not much I would argue.  For those that are able to tap into their passions - and do so on an ongoing basis - life is infinitely richer as a result!  As you start your Thursday, give some thought to areas of your life where unleashing your passion can contribute to your life and improve the life that your living.  Never forget - all you need to do is release the essence of who you are - by unwrapping your passion and apply it to your life.  Have a great day today and live with passion! #NoLetUp #startuplife #LivingwithPassion #OnwardandUpward #WhateverItTakes #PassionRules

Passion for life: Oxygen for the soul

One of the key components to having the kind of life that you want is to ensure that you are living that life with passion. Too often in our lives, we run into periods of time when we are simply 'existing' (and oftentimes those periods last longer than we would like), but I've found my own life is significantly richer when I'm in one of my 'passion periods'.

When I ran across this quote earlier this morning I found that it truly articulated the power of what living wtih passion brings to our lives. It truly is 'oxygen for the soul'. As your day gets underway, think about the folks in your life that you've come across who live their lives with a consistent focus on passion. I'm confident that you'll find as I have, that those who see passionate living as their calling enrich not only their own lives - but those of everyone else that they come into contact with. Are you finding that your life isn't performing at the level that you'd like it to?!

Think about giving your soul the oxygen it craves and deserves by making today the day you seek out the passion that we know is inside us all! Make it a great day today.... and live your passion! ‪#‎LoveMyLife‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎OnwardandUpward‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬ ‪#‎startuplife‬ ‪#‎LifeIsWhatWeMakeIt‬ ‪#‎Thriving‬

The best laid plans: Why the journey matters

One of the key components to having your life develop and turn out the way that you want it to, is to have a plan. I've found over time that those that have a plan succeed much more often than those that do not, but it's not just that simple. I myself have been a planner for years, but what I've found over time is that you can actually 'overplan'. While not having a plan is a sure ticket to failure, not allowing the journey to teach you along the way is a missed opportunity.

When I ran across today's quote, it immediately spoke to me about the power that comes from being present in your own life. While out best laid plans often don't pan out the way that we want them to, even those experiences can teach us a great deal about ourselves and what I've found over the last few years is that I actually learn more from the challenging times then I ever did from the times when things were working perfectly. As cliche as that may sound, as you start your day, give some thought to how you can use your own journey - and the daily components of it - to get the most out of your life.

What I'm certain you'll find is that when you truly spend time being a part of the journey of your life... your life will be made infinitely richer as a result. Make it a great Tuesday and never lose sight of the fact that in the end - it truly is the journey that that matters! ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎EnjoytheJourney‬ ‪#‎Thriving‬ ‪#‎EverydayIsAnOpportunity‬

The road to success: Always "under construction"

The 'road to success'.  How much copy has been written about this topic over the years and more importantly - how often has there been pieces that didn't make any sense for you or your life right??!  When I ran across this quote this morning, it reminded me that the success is different for each person, but just as importantly - it's a process that is never-ending.  One of the truths in my life that I have discovered over time is the fact that the road to success is not only a long and winding one - but it really is 'under construction' all of the time.  Part of the reason this is true, is because my definition of success is constantly changing - a state of affairs that looks like it is going to be a permanent one.  Over time, I've moved from my life being a one-dimensional pursuit of economic success (when I'm financially wealthy I will....) to one that now understands that the financial aspect of life is only one small part of what makes your life a successful one.

As you start the new week, give some thought to your own 'road' in life.  Has your road fallen into disrepair?  Do you need to 'repave' certain areas or even divert traffic for a time to do some major work on a particular part of your road?  If there is anything that I've learned from the 'squiggle' that is my road in life, taking the time each week to reassess the conditions of the road and ensure that you are still on course for the kind of life you want (and frankly deserve) is a process that will pay major dividends over the course of your life.  Make today the day that you remember - that the road to success is ALWAYS under construction!  Enjoy your Monday and the new week! #GoalsMatter #MakeYourOwnRoad #LifeisaJourney #EmbracetheSquiggle #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #Thriving

Plunge in: Making sense of change

So - you see a theme developing here right??! While change is a part of all of our lives, there are times in our lives when those changes come fast and furiously and I'm about to enter one of those times over the course of the next few weeks (how's that for a 'teaser' - LOL). That said, when I ran across today's quote I was immediately grabbed by the sentiment about dealing with change, but also by the power of the message around how to live our lives.

As I've said before, I spent a number of years simply 'playing it safe' and frankly not giving myself over to the joy and excitement that life can provide when you simply give in to the flow of our experiences - good or challenging - and let them enrich our lives the way experience is meant to. As you start your Friday, give some thought to what changes are coming your way and think about the fact that oftentimes... the only way to make sense of what life brings our way is to plunge in...move with it... and join the dance! Make it a great Friday all! ‪#‎startuplife‬ ‪#‎ChangeIsInevitable‬ ‪#‎LivingtheBestICanDaily‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬ ‪#‎OnwardandUpward‬ ‪#‎EmbraceLifesChange‬

Enjoying change: Why 'enjoying the ride' is key

While we all know and acknowledge that change is a constant part of life, each of our reactions to it is oftentimes varied.   Depending on when the change occurs (when things are going well or when they are not going well) can oftentimes deeply impact how we choose to react to those changes.  When I ran across today's quote this morning I was struck by the term transform.  Often an overused (and I would argue many times improperly used) word, when it comes to how we think about and react to changes in our lives, this is the perfect term.

As a believer, I've come to terms with the fact that life is oftentimes not going to turn out the way that we want it to, and many times just seems downright unfair.  That is why transforming our thinking about change can be so important and frankly empowering.  How often have you been inspired by watching other people go through trials and tribulations and thought - How would I react in that situation?  The next time you're faced with a change in your life, give some thought to that concept.  How can the challenge/change that you are facing turn into something powerful for another person.  I know that once I started to think about the how others saw my approach to change (and how willing I've been to accept it as a part of life), dealing with this fact of life and just 'enjoying the ride'... became a lot simpler.

As you start your day, give some thought to how you accept and incorporate the inevitable changes of life into the tapestry of your own existence.  I'm certain that you'll discover - as I have repeatedly in recent years - you never know how your approach to change can help others overcome challenges that they are having... that you might not have even know existed.  Make it a great Thursday.... and 'enjoy the ride'! #NoLetUp #OnwardandUpward #WhateverItTakes #EmbracingChangeDaily #MorningInspo #LifeisfullofChanges

Seize each day: Your daily opportunity to grow

One of the things that we are assured that we will see and experience in life is change.  Some of those changes will be good ones and some - well let's just call them challenges.  There is also an opportunity afforded to us with each new day and I for one spent a number of years letting those opportunities flow by one right after the other.

For a fair period of my life, there would be times when I simply got comfortable and I'm sad to say - just 'went through the motions' of each day and never really saw a new day for what it was - a chance to move yourself in the direction that you want your life to evolve.  I'm not saying that every day turns out the way that I want it too, but what I am glad to say is that I take each new day for what it is.... an opportunity to change and grow for the better.

As you start your Wednesday, give some thought to how you are approaching each new day.  Is it just another in a long line of 'new day, same stuff', or are you approaching the opportunity you've been given to grow and improve your life with the all of the excitement and focus that it deserves.  As today's quote tells us - the only time we won't have this opportunity is when we take our last breath - seize the opportunity today is giving you and make it a great day today! #startuplife #NoLetUp #WhateveritTakes #PushingMyselfDaily #OnwardandUpward #Thriving

No shortcuts: The true path to success

One of the most interesting things that I discovered in my life is that there really are no shortcuts in life... and where they appear to exist - I've come to the conclusion that just as today's quote indicates... they actually don't lead anywhere that you might want to go. One of the key factors in my life in recent years has been understanding that to get anywhere you truly want to go - you not only need a plan - you must be able to execute on that plan. There were any number of years where I spent time looking for the 'easy' way get where I wanted to go. How could I leap over the the 'grind' and make a jump into the full success that I wanted from my life. Over time however, I've discovered that the unintended impact of not taking any shortcuts is that those experiences benefit us as well. Life is meant to be lived 'out loud' and by not taking the shortcut, doing the hard work and most importantly - keeping focused on getting to a place worth going - your life will be all the richer for it! As your week gets underway in earnest, think about areas of your life where you might be taking (or are tempted to take) a shortcut.... and don't forget that avoiding the shortcut will actually take you to a place you want to go! Make it a great Tuesday! #startuplife #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #NoShortcuts #MakeYourLifeTheBestPossible

The key to success? Stop Whining!

One of the great discoveries I've made over time is that my natural hunger for learning (thanks Mom and Dad) has served me well as the career path that I've chosen requires me to constantly be in a learning mode. One of the benefits of being in that mode is that you are constantly exposed to people who can contribute to your life - one of those folks for me has been Grant Cardone (@GrantCardone on Twitter)

Less of a quote today then a call to arms, I was struck by this piece this morning as it points up an important fact of life that you eventually come to accept as you grow older- life isn't fair. There are going to be times in your life where things don't turn out the way that you want them to and the less time you spend crying about it - the sooner you can pick yourself back up and get on with it. As you start your Saturday, give some thought to these four simple steps - and get out there and make your life the best it can be!‪  

#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎OnwardandUpward‬ ‪#‎NoWhining‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬‪#‎FindingInspoDaily‬ ‪#‎Thriving‬ ‪#‎CardoneFanBoy‬

The biggest mistake you can make... never trying at all

Live is full of opportunities to take a chance and often the chances we take don't pan out the way that we want them to. When I ran across this quote today I was struck by how many times in my own life this has been true. I've experienced failures in the past (and life being what it is will likely see more in the future), but the truth remains that the richness of the life that I have today is a direct result of taking chances... and truly 'trying'.

As you start your Thursday, give some thought to areas of your life where 'trying' could make your life better and never forget - that the biggest mistake that you can make is never trying at all! Make it a great start to your Thursday all! ‪#‎startuplife‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬ ‪#‎OnwardandUpward‬ ‪#‎TryingHardDaily‬ ‪#‎Thriving‬

Positive thinking: The key to seeing opportunity in every challenge

Keeping your thinking on a positive plane is something that is needed regardless of the field of endeavor that you choose.  There are any number of events in our lives that might require us to keep a positive outlook.  Career changes, businesses that succeed or fail, deaths in our families and the day to day struggles of life are all things that require us to think positively about what those events mean will mean for us in the future.

As you most of you reading this have experienced at some point in your lives, keeping a positive attitude and outlook are critically important at those times.  Today's quote sums up one of the most important aspects of dealing with challenging and difficult times.  If you have (and maintain daily) a positive outlook, difficulties cease to be sources of challenges and become what they should be over time - opportunities to make your life better!

Make it a great start to the week and make today the day where you find the opportunity in each and every difficulty - it's there... you just need to know  where to look! #startuplife #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #SeekingOpportunityDaily #PositiveAttitudeWinsEveryTime #Thriving

The key to happiness? Make the best of what you have!

There are any number of motivational speakers/authors that are quick to tell you that if you don't have certain things, live in a certain house or drive a particular car - you haven't made it.  There were in fact a number of years where I actually believed that to be true.  What I've learned over time however is that some of the happiest people I know are those that on the surface shouldn't feel that way.  I wondered why that was the case until I started looking under the surface of their lives and began to understand the 'secret' of their success.

In our world, those with outward success (if we are being honest mainly focused on the financial) are held up as those who have 'made it'.  That said, today's quote points up a truth that I have found time and again over the course of the last decade.  There is an old saying that the best iron is forged at high temperatures, and for those that don't have the resources to get ahead in this world - those temperatures can be high indeed.  Does not having the best of everything make everyone better?  Absolutely not!  Just as those who have outsize resources can oftentimes be less than optimal people (yes - you can read this as one Donald Trump), so too can those at the other end of the spectrum devolve into anger at the world and in the worst cases bitterness about the 'unfairness' of it all.

As a believer, one of the things that I take to be true is that this world is NOT fair.  Great people fall ill and die, injustice is rampant, life appears to be unfair,hard work,effort and commitment sometimes don't bear the fruit you think it should, but I know that this world is a passing thing. What we can control is what we do while we are in it and what positive impacts we can have on those around us.  As you start your Wednesday, give some thought to what drives you and think about what for you is true happiness.  What I think you'll find is that in the end - if we make the best of what we DO have  - life is infinitely richer and more interesting than we ever thought possible.  Make it a great day today - and take a moment to truly make the best of what you have! #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #ThankfulForMyLife #Grateful #MakingtheBestLifePossible #Thriving

Genuine interest: The true secret to happiness

For an extended period of my life, the main focus of my time, energy and efforts was solely economic.  Was I making more money than I did last year, was I seeing opportunities to grow that over time and was I able to do the things that I wanted to as a result. Over the course of the last 10 years however, I've expanded my horizons dramatically beyond those 'blinders' and today know that life is made up of much more than just the economic.  

As I've written about before, my life is now focused on a number of different areas - all of which have expanded the quality of my life and made me much less one dimensional.  While I try to do something or 'move the needle' in all of these areas each day (Family, Financial, Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Career), it's not a perfect system and sometimes a couple of days will go by without any movement - but I try to make sure that I"m thinking about each of those areas every day.  

When I ran across this quote this morning I was struck by the word 'genuine' in terms of the interest we take in all areas of our lives.  If we take a real interest in all parts of our lives, they will all improve.  How do I know this?  When you expend time, energy and efforts against something you'll improve the results you are getting.  Will they always turn out the way that you want them to?  Nope.  Do you always win? No.  But you WILL get every day you put forth your best effort - you'll uncover the true secret to happiness - and find you are living a life well led!  Make it a great Tuesday all and watch this space in the coming days - interesting times them are a coming. #startuplife #LifeThrowsYouCurveBalls #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #LivingmyLifeTheBestWayIKnowHow #Thriving

Persistence: Even more important in the face of adversity

Adversity is defined as a condition marked by misfortune, calamity or distress and is something that all of us see and experience over the course of our lifetimes. One of the things that has struck me repeatedly is that life is anything but a straight line.... in fact I've talked about it often as a 'squiggle'. When I ran across today's quote I was struck immediately by how important persistence is in our lives.

Persistence is important when we are chasing after the goals and dreams we have for our lives, but in times of challenge and difficulty - it becomes even more important. Regardless of where you are in the arc of your life, as you enjoy your Sunday - never forget that regardless of where you are in life, what you are faced with or where life appear to be taking you - persistence will enable you to not only get everything that you want out of your life... but to ensure that you're never defeated. Make it a great Sunday all! ‪#‎startuplife‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎OnwardwardAndUpward‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬

A call to arms: Do what you can...with what you have

Every day is a new opportunity to start anew and make your way in the world. When I ran across today's quote I was struck both by the simplicity of its message, but also the fact that it's a call to action that all of us can appreciate. Whether things are going great in our lives, not turning out as we would have liked, or are turning upside down, the simple fact remains that we can throw in the towel - or find a way through whatever it is that is happening. My Dad always told me that the only constant is life is change and I've found that to be true time and again over the course of my life. We've all been given certain abilities and it's up to us each and every day to deploy those abilities in a way that makes the most sense for our lives - and what we are trying to accomplish. As your weekend gets into full swing, give some thought to where you are deploying your own talents and resources. Are you waiting for some major change or event to take place after which you'll 'go to where your best is', or are you looking at each day as what it should be - another opportunity to do what you can... with what you have. Make it a great Saturday and weekend! #startuplife #ChangeinConstant #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #GrindingItOutDaily #EveryDayIsANewOpportunity #Thriving

Live your NOW: Why today is the first day of your future

One of the great parts about my own life journey in recent years has been my coming to understand the core truth behind today's quote. While being in sales requires a certain level of 'reset mindset' each day to get yourself moving forward (because let's face it... not all days are perfect ones), I've found that starting each day with a reminder that this is your NOW helps ensure that you don't allow past frustrations, fears or letdowns to impact how you start your day. I'm not suggesting that you simply ignore the challenges of your life and think only on those things that help move you forward, but what is important is to remember that we will all make mistakes, have troubles, face challenges, letdowns and struggle. All of those things are part of our life here on Earth and cannot be avoided. What we do have control over however, is how we tackle each day and our dreams for the future. I've been fortunate for the last decade plus to see my life evolve and grow in a number of positive ways. That said, I know that I've got plenty more growing to do - and the future may well hold a myriad of challenges that I don't fully see or understand yet. If I've learned anything in my life thus far, it's the power of taking your life one day at a time. Not ignoring your plans and goals for the future, but instead breaking them down into pieces that allow you to not be overwhelmed during the times of trouble and to help you never forget where you came from when times are great. Make today a day where you take a moment and think about living in the NOW of your life - and remember that today and every day you have the power (and frankly the obligation) to work towards shaping your day and future for the better. Make it a great Wednesday all! #startuplife #NoLetUp #OnwardandUpward #WhateverItTakes #inspiredDaily #LiveYourLifeNow #DailyInspo

Be undeniably good: Getting the most out of life

In a world where everything can be - and often is - manipulated and presented via social media and various marketing channels in a particular way, today's quote truly resonated with me as I find this to be a fact of life.  Be undeniably good.  What a statement for how to live your life.  While Volodkin presents today's quote in the context of business, I'd go a bit further and tell you that you should be looking at all areas of your life through this prism.

As most of you know, my daily focus is broken into a number of parts:  Family, Financial, Physical body, Emotional, Spiritual and Career.  Each of these requires a portion of my attention each day and to be frank - there are often days where the balance of my efforts is better than others.  Some days there are segments that don't get any attention at all... and other days those that get attention don't pan out the way that I want them to... but here's the rub.  Each and every day, I start anew with the goal to make myself undeniable good in all parts of my life and just as importantly - to be the best that I can be in every part of my life - even when I face disappointments and challenges.

This life we live isn't a straight line (I've talked about what I've taken to calling 'the squiggle' before), but what we can do is make the effort every day to be the best 'YOU' you can be.  Get out there and make today a great one and... be undeniably good!  Enjoy your Tuesday all! #startuplife #NoLetUp #OnwardandUpward #WhateverItTakes #Thriving #RenewingtheDreamDaily #MakingmyDreamsComeTrue

Focus: The intersection of what matters... and what you can control

As we get older, life choices start to get more meaningful. Not sure whether it's because you start to realize the whole mortality thing or whether you've just lived enough to begin to realize that every time that you choose one action/activity/thing over another, you'll setting something else aside. I ran aross this graphic earlier that clearly lays out my philosophy about life at the moment. For many years, I obsessed about things that frankly were completely out of my control and as a result spent a fair amount of time and energy attempting to alter situations that either didn't matter, or were beyond controlling. What I've discovered in recent years however, is that there is a filter that you can apply to all parts of your life - and that is to focus on the intersection of what matters and what you can control. Let's face it - there are any number of things in our lives that we truly cannot control and once we realize that God has a plan for our lives and our responsibility is to live the best life we can with the time that we are given.... the freedom that affords you will be a powerful release unlike anything that you've ever experienced. As you start the new week, is there are an area (or areas) of your life where you're focusing on trying to alter things you can't control? Take a moment this morning to assess not only whether you are focusing on the things you can control, but just as importantly - focus on the things that matter - family, health, being good to people and being the best person you can be. What I think you'll discover (as I certainly have had the fortune to find) is that a life lived and pursued in this way - A life well led if you will - is infinitely richer than you thought possible as a result. Make it a great Monday and enjoy the start to what I'm certain will be another great week! #startuplife #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #FocusonWhatMatters #LivingtheDream #LivethebestLifeUCan #BeGoodToPeople #Thriving

Don't just Dream... live to #Hustle

To say that I've been a dreamer over the course of my life is a total understatement.  I've always been looking to set big audacious goals, but until recently (specifically in the last 10 years) wasn't able to see those dreams become anything approaching reality.  Part of the challenge that I faced was that I didn't have a clear picture of how much work, time and efforts was going to be involved in regards to getting to where I wanted to be.  The other fact that I've learned is that this journey we're all on... is anything but a straight line.

I ran across today's quote in my reading this morning and it seemed appropriate to share as I started by day bright and early this morning - and quickly went from the 'dream' phase to hustling again.  While those who work hard have a better chance of getting what they want out of life, we all know that nothing is assured.

As you enjoy your weekend - give some thought to your hopes and dreams for all areas of your life.  Are you (as I'll freely admit I did for years) simply dreaming about your life being all you want it to be... or are you getting up every day ready to 'wake up and hustle'.  Believe me when I tell you - the dreaming is great... but the results of getting up and hustling every day are AWESOME!

Have a great weekend all! #startuplife #TheHustleIsReal #HustlingDaily #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #SaturdayisAWorkday #LoveMyLife #LivingTheDream #Thriving

Define & Confine: Only you... can limit your life

There is a challenge that we as thinking humans face every day - and that is the fact (whether we want to admit it or not) that what other think of us is important to us. Other people's opinions and ideas about me were something that I wouldn't say that I obsessed about, but it was always something on my mind.

While I've moved away over time from really 'not caring' what others think - more on that at another time - I've instead focused on the impact that others have on my life and the work that I'm doing. We have enough challenges in life in how we define and confine ourselves without allowing others to add to the burden. Over the course of my life, there have been any number of times where I stopped short of what I knew I could do because of self-doubt... or worse... self-sabotage.

As you wrap up your week, never forget that if you just take your blinders off and look at what your life is truly capable of producing... you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that you can be so much more than you ever supposed you could.

Make today the day that you take back control over who defines and confines you - and realize that the only thing holding you back from the life that you want... is YOU! Enjoy your Friday afternoon all! ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬ ‪#‎startuplife‬ ‪#‎NoOneDefinesMeExceptMe‬ ‪#‎LivingMyDreams‬ ‪#‎FridayafternoonPush‬ ‪#‎GrindingDaily‬ ‪#‎OnwardandUpward‬

True Courage: Overcoming Fear... not it's absence

While I had to chuckle that this quote was ascribed to the Blue Power Ranger, it also spoke to a reality that we all experience in life - that of course being fear.  As a Believer, the raw fear of what life brings has been mitigated significantly because I know I'm saved, but one of the things that I've learned in recent years is that fear will always be a part of your life - regardless of where your life takes you. 

Before I struck out on my own several years ago, I was constantly impressed by the entrepreneurs that I crossed paths with over time as they always seemed fearless - what I have come to learn is that fear is a constant companion of those who are looking to make their own way in the world - it's just that the best of them manage that fear and then turn it into the drive and motivation that they need to succeed.  That said, this isn't just a quote that applies to entrepreneurs, it applies to everyone who is making their way in this thing we call life.  We all fear something,but what fear provides is actually an opportunity.  An opportunity to display courage, encourage others by our example and motivate those around you to be the best that they can be.  

As you start your day today, is there something that you fear?  Are you feeling the cold tendrils of doubt wrapping around your heart and threatening to squelch or crush your hopes and dreams?  Never forget that true courage is displayed in how we overcome our fear - not by it being absent.  

Make today the day you embrace your fears and move forward to making the life you know you can achieve!  Make it a great Thursday all! #OvercomingFearDaily #NoLetUp #startuplife #WhatevertItTakes #OnwardandUpward #FocusedonmyGoals #ThankfulIAmSaved #Gratefulforanotherday #Maketodaygreat #Thriving

The greatest success principle: Persistence

Back in 2013 - just before I left Valpak, I had become something of a serious runner and in fact had gotten up to 10 miles by May of 2013.  I'll never forget the first time that I ran that distance as once I got beyond 9 miles... I literally thought I was going to die with each step.  What kept me going was that each step was another personal record for distance and by the time I got back home after the run had a sense of accomplishment unlike anything I'd ever experienced.  I mention that experience in the context of today's quote as it points up just how important it is to persist.

Getting what we truly want out of all areas of our lives requires not just a commitment for a day, or even for a season, but instead requires long term and in some cases lifelong commitment to what we want.  As I think about the journey that I'm on both in my businesses and in my life in general, it never ceases to amaze me how  truly different the path to success is on the 'inside' as opposed to what the world sees.  Never traveling in a straight line, the 'squiggles' of life always seem to challenge us at every turn, but the one ideal I continue to return to again and again is persistence.  Not just blind and unguided faith, but the constant and continuous shifting and adjusting that is required to make your way in this world - and to get all that you want out of it.

Is there some part of your life that needs 'persistence'?  Are you driving forward on all fronts or is there some portion of your life that needs that little something extra today?  Take a moment as you start your Wednesday and give some thought to the overriding fact that if you persist long enough.... you WILL win.... whatever 'winning' looks like to you!

Make it a great day today and get out there and 'be persistent' in getting all you can out of life! #NoLetUp #PersistencePays #MakingitHappen #WhateverItTakes #startuplife #Thriving #LivingMyDreamsDaily

Hard work + Kindness: A true recipe for success

One of the things that I've learned over time is that hard work really does make things happen. There are any number of quotes floating around that talk about how hard work creates your own luck, makes your business prosper and generally makes your life better than it would be otherwise. Today's quote however takes that to a new level when it adds in the entire concept of being kind. Unfortunately it today's business culture, those who are the most cutthroat are held up as the example of how you get ahead in business and frankly I find that disappointing. 

I've been fortunate to work with a large number of folks over time that exemplify the power of hard work coupled with kindness. The results that those people have produced both for themselves and others is truly amazing. 

As you start your Tuesday, give some thought to whether you are just working hard, or if you are working hard while being kind to others as well. We don't have to run over others in this life to be a success and in fact I'd encourage you to look long and hard at what you're willing to do to succeed. I talk often about my mantra of ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬, because without the richness that others bring to this life - no amount of success will ever be enough. Make it a great day today, work hard... and be kind.
You, your life and the world around you will be better for it!  ‪#‎startuplife‬ ‪#‎KindnessPaysOff‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎WorkHardDaily‬‪#‎NeverGiveUpOnYourDreams‬ ‪#‎Thriving‬

Success: It ALL depends on the 2nd letter

I've said this here before, but there were many years where today's quote was not anything that I believed in. It was always someone or something else's fault that I wasn't see the successes I wanted and "deserved". I wasn't being treated fairly, my work wasn't being given the credit it deserved, I was being taken advantage of, my talent was being ignored... what I've come to realize however is that it is true that success IS all about the second letter in the word... it's all up to U! There is only one thing that will keep you from realizing your hopes and dreams.... and that is YOU!

For many years I wasted time complaining about why I wasn't being given the opportunities to grow and expand my life and career in the ways I thought it should - but what I discovered over time was that it wasn't anyone else that was keeping me from getting what I wanted - it was actually the person I saw in the mirror each morning. I'm still in the middle of the 'grind' that is the life of someone making their way in the world, but I can tell you this - win or lose - this time I know I not only made the right choice - but my life is richer because I live my life around the 'second letter'.

Make today a great one and never forget - true success is up to you! Have an awesome Saturday and start to the weekend! ‪#‎LivingMyDream‬ ‪#‎SuccessIsUp2Me‬ ‪#‎NoLetUp‬ ‪#‎WhateverItTakes‬ ‪#‎startuplife‬ ‪#‎Thriving‬ ‪#‎LiveWithPassion‬ ‪#‎GrindingDaily

Grind While They Rest... Live Like They Dream: An homage to @GrantCardone

One of the great parts of living in a connected online world is that you oftentimes get to interact with outsize personalities and folks that you would otherwise simply not have access to. One of those people for me is Grant Cardone - whom I've been following closely for several years. Grant runs a number of companies including Cardone University (which if you haven't checked that out you need to do so HERE ), but it's Grant's overall approach to lift up and motivate people that's drawn and kept my attention over time.  

I've talked in this space in recent weeks about the 'glamorization' of being an entrepreneur and while there are some who claim that Grant is a self-promoter who doesn't understand hard work and the grind, I absolutely disagree. Is Grant successful? You bet! Does he livestream from his jet? Yup? Does that rub some folks the wrong way? Of course it does... but here's the kicker. What no one saw or experienced was the time, energy and effort that he put into getting himself from his early life to the broad based success that he experiences in his life today. Does he still grind it out? Every day as far as I can tell and what I've learned from him over the course of the last several years (via his books and now following him on social media and his GrantCardone TV platform) has been nothing short of invaluable.  

As you start your Friday - think about this. Are you grinding while others are resting? Are you working every day to make your dreams a reality? If not, take a minute and ask yourself - do I want to 'live like others dream'? If you do - get back to work! Make it a great Friday all! #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #10XYourlife #startuplife #GrindingDaily #LivingMyDreams

Challenges vs. Obstacles: There IS a difference!

We all face challenges in our lives.  For an extended time in my life, it felt like it was a non-ending series of challenges that arose for me and served as major impediments to achieving the things that I wanted to with my life.

One of the keys to that process for me was not giving in to the debilitation that comes from facing a challenge that appears in our lives.  Another way to consider that is to not 'bow' to a challenge that we face in life.  Part of being out on my own has served to teach me the fact that at the end of the day, it all comes down to you and what you yourself put into your life.  Are there times when I question a particular path or approach that I'm taking?  You bet.  Am I afraid sometimes?  Absolutely!  Are there times when I seriously question whether I could have selected an easier road in life?  Certainly!  But one thing has remained constant in all areas of my life in recent years - and that is the fact that I simply refuse to bow to the challenges of life.

Regardless of what comes my way on any given day, I know that not only have I got this, but by not allowing a challenge to become an obstacle... there is truly nothing that can stop you from reaching the kind of life you've always wanted!  Are you facing a challenge today that feels or seem insurmountable?  Take a moment to step back and remember - there is nothing like overcoming a challenge that you've faced head on - and didn't allow to become an obstacle to the life you want and deserve!  Make it a great start to your Thursday - get out there and make it happen! #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #OnwardandUpward #startuplife #CrushingchallengesDaily #LivingmyDream #JustTrytoStopMe

The key to success: Consistency AND consistent hard work

One of the key things that I've learned over the course of the last few years is that consistency and consistent hard work pay off.  On the occasions where I've sat back and rested on my laurels or worse - took my foot off the gas even temporarily, I've found the the results that I get during those periods of time are nowhere near the optimum that I'm looking to achieve.  As I've said in this space on a number of occasions, there were a number of years in my life where I felt I simply didn't have what it took to be a real success.

What I've found over time, is that once you understand what success is really built on - that being a balanced life where all of the parts of your life are working and growing together - Family, Spirituality, Physical, Emotional, Financial and Career - you'll understand that to have a great life isn't about one part of your life... true success is where all of the elements work together to create an amazing symphony that makes life worth living.

As you start your Tuesday, think about what you are doing consistently and how you can use that passion and drive to move all parts of your life forward.  Never forget that the 'greatness' we see and want to emulate in others, lives inside us all - we just need to reach in and bring it out!

Make it a great Tuesday - get out there and find greatness - true success is waiting right on the other side! #GetYourGreatnessToday #NoLetUp #WhateverItTakes #startuplife #LivingtheBestLifeICan #SuccessIsAJourney #ThriveExperience