Blog
Read Blog Posts by Category:
Passion: Articles that deal with the inner drive that we all need to want to MOVE from where we currently are to where we dream to be.
Preparation: These posts reference articles, books, documentaries, speakers, quotes, and other inspirational and formative ideas that I have found that helped me and the people around me.
Practice: Articles in this category have a heavy sports and performance training lean.
Performance: These articles focus on how you go about your work. From networking to communications to finding a better way to do what you do.
Perseverance: Articles in this category speak to the mechanics that we go through both mentally and physically to stay on track and not get STUCK.
Mental Health vs. Mental Toughness: You Need Both
We’ve been sold a lie.
That mental health and mental toughness are opposites. You’re either honest about your feelings or relentless about what you do. That’s false. You need both. Mental health is your foundation. Mental toughness is your forward motion. Without one, the other crumbles. Without both, you break.
When No One’s Watching: The Weight of Character
In a world that thrives on visibility and recognition, the true measure of strength lies in what we do when no one is watching. Imagine this: The person above you just dumped a load of work on your desk, then they gave you a 5:00 pm deadline. You put your head down and go to work. There’s no audience, no cheering section—just you and your resolve. In these moments, where effort meets silence, we discover what character truly means. Every day, we see how far we have grown as we watch how our true selves emerge when the spotlight fades away, highlighting the importance of doing the hard work for our growth and integrity.
Your Journey Doesn’t Need a Roadmap … It Needs a First Step!
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of starting something new? Maybe it’s a personal project, starting back at the gym, or even a life-changing decision. For those who overthink every decision, it can sometimes feel too much to handle. I was approached by a person in the gym who said they would come to the gym more often if they had a workout. My response was, “Your journey doesn’t need a roadmap; it needs a first step.” I wanted to emphasize the importance of taking action rather than being caught up in some elaborate program. Too often, we get stuck before we even leave the house. Our minds stack up every reason why we shouldn’t or what might happen, rather than just taking that first step to accomplish the thing that we fear. Ninety-nine percent of the time, our fears were larger than reality.
Building Your Team: A Strategic Approach
To be the best at what I did and add value to the organization, I felt it was imperative to concentrate on three pivotal areas: establishing a clear vision, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and making the people I worked with the best they could be. This plan's steps were critical in ensuring cutting-edge growth and sustained success.
The Power of Believing In YOU!
Have you ever noticed that when something good happens to you, it changes your whole outlook? How long can we hope for good things to “just happen”? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have that positive outlook every day? It’s inside of you, you need to know how to get it front and center in your mind.
We all know that positive thinking isn’t just a feel-good mantra; it’s a powerful mindset that shapes our reality. By focusing on life's optimistic and beneficial aspects, we unlock doors to mental and physical well-being, creativity, and positive relationships.
When you lead with a positive mindset, it will have a profound impact on your life. Keep reading and learn how to make positive thinking a standard in your life and how it will change every aspect of your life.
Unleashing Your Potential
Have you ever felt that spark inside you, a desire to become the best version of yourself? Welcome to the exhilarating world of personal growth and self-improvement! This journey is about reaching new heights and transforming your life into one full of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness. By setting clear goals, developing empowering habits, learning from your experiences, and embracing continuous evolution, you can unlock your full potential and create a meaningful life.
Bouncing Back: Overcoming Adversity
Life is challenging, filled with good times and bad, and no one is immune to this. While the highs are memorable, the challenging lows often test our strength and resolve. Overcoming adversity and building resilience are essential skills that allow us to work through life’s inevitable hardships gracefully.
Navigating Chaos with Grace: The Indomitable Spirit of Three Remarkable Women
Life can be a rollercoaster ride filled with ups, downs, twists, and turns. Each of us faces struggles, whether personal, professional, or familial. Today, I want to shine a light on three incredible women who embody resilience and illustrate the superpower of resilience. From a talented clown who brings joy, a former assistant battling cancer, and a dedicated bodybuilder facing family health challenges, these stories remind us that even the strongest among us sometimes struggle.
Invest in Positive Relationships
Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling more exhausted than when you entered? Or perhaps you've found yourself dreading interactions with certain people in your life. It’s time to take a step back and reevaluate the relationships we invest our time and energy into. Life is too short to spend it with individuals who drain our spirit!
Performance Mindset: Nerves or Excitement?
In the high-stakes arena of performance—whether it be in sports, public speaking, or any challenging endeavor two powerful forces often come into play: nerves and pent-up excitement. Understanding the distinction between these emotions can have a significant impact on your performance and overall experience.
The Myth of Either / Or: Embracing Parenthood and Professional Excellence
We’ve been lied to. A subtle, insidious lie that whispers in our ears: "You can either be a great parent or be great at your job." Pick one." This false dichotomy has haunted countless mothers and fathers, creating a constant tug-of-war between career aspirations and the love for their children. But what if I told you that you DON’T have to choose? What if excelling in both realms is not only possible but also profoundly enriching?
Don’t Confuse a Whim as Passion
During our lifetime, we often find ourselves wearing multiple masks. Each mask represents a different role we play, each passion we claim to pursue. But what happens when the line between genuine passion and whimsical fancy becomes blurred? The allure of new interests can seduce us into believing they are our true calling. This mistake can lead to a chaotic turn of fleeting enthusiasm, leaving us exhausted and unfulfilled. I have witnessed this trend more and more, so I thought I would write about the struggle between passions and whims in the hope of highlighting the divide between the two and refocusing our attention on authentic pursuits.
Embrace the Moment!
Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about the "good old days"? Maybe it’s the carefree moments of youth or the thrilling adventures from a few years back. Yet, what if I told you that the “good old days” aren’t just a thing of the past? In fact, they’re happening right now! Twenty or thirty or forty years from today, you'll likely look back and wish you could relive these exact moments, but with a newfound understanding of how to make them even better. No matter how hard things are, you will look back and remember these moments. I thought I would write about how I have slowed time down by enjoying the moment, the old “carpe diem” that Robin Williams spoke of eloquently to his students in the movie “Dead Poets Society”.
Unlocking the Secrets of Rest
Sleep is not just a time to recharge my body; it is a powerful force that shapes my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you can’t do anything else to take care of yourself—workout, eat right, walk, do yoga, hydrate—getting a full night's rest will be a bridge to staying healthy.
Own It: It's Your Fault
One of the most complex truths to accept is that the person you see in the mirror is ultimately responsible for where you are today. This realization can be both empowering and daunting. It prompts us to reflect on our choices—good and bad—and to recognize that we hold the reins of our destiny.
Own Your Work: The Journey to Career Success
When I was coaching, the pace of work accelerated daily. I knew my career would never grow if I waited to be told what to do. I was also smart enough to know that in order to make an impact on my professional journey, it was essential to adopt the mindset of ownership—"owning MY work." This proactive attitude enhanced my personal development and contributed significantly to the success of the organizations I work within. So, how do you OWN your work?
Prioritize Your Schedule: Transform “Got To’s” into “Get To’s”
Have you ever looked at your to-do list and felt a wave of dread wash over you? It’s time to change that perspective! Instead of viewing tasks as burdens, let’s focus on transforming those dreaded “Got To’s” into exciting “Get To’s.” By reshaping how we approach our daily schedules, we can find joy in even the most mundane jobs.
Leave Your Mark Using Your G.I.F.T.S.
I am a professional watcher. I sit back and observe people's actions and their effects on that person and others. I have watched people fail and succeed. The ones who fail usually do the opposite of what those who succeed do. Each individual defines “success,” but being successful enough to leave your mark is an entirely different level of achievement.
Navigating the Stages of Professional Development: From Arrogance to Innovation
Every professional career journey is marked by distinct stages, each with its own challenges and rewards. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned veteran, understanding these stages can transform your approach to growth and development. I have found that there are three distinct stages that you go through the longer you stay in a profession: the New Worker, the Experienced Worker, and the Seasoned Worker. Each stage presents unique opportunities for learning and self-improvement that can elevate your career from arrogance to becoming an innovator.
Move Your Needle: Process Over Outcome
When we get wrapped up in only the results and tangible achievements, it’s easy to fall into the trap of focusing solely on outcomes. This isn’t just in sports; the concept of Process Over Outcome happens in your personal life and business ventures. We tend to measure success by the end result rather than appreciating the intricate journey that leads us there. However, embracing the process over the outcome can transform our approach to life and work, allowing us to cultivate resilience, creativity, and the ability to live the life we are meant to live.