What do you do when you find yourself standing on the verge of your blessing? Many of us revert to our old habits and withdraw, while others of us leap forward with excitement and anticipation. But what I have grown to realize is that drawing back is so much easier because you can do it in stages or you can do it gradually and it doesn't really look like or feel like you are withdrawing. But with leaping forward - there is no gradual acceleration. When you leap forward you are exposed, and who likes being exposed or vulnerable. Not many of us. When you leap forward, you open yourself up to criticism and possible failure. And we think it's an all or nothing shot. It's not at all - there is no shame in falling down. There's no shame in failing. We get back up, we re-tool or adjust and take another leap, and another and another and another.
The issue is wrapping your mind around the possibility that this could work, that I could actually do this, that someone would actually want what I provide, that someone would actually read what I write, listen to what I play or sing, watch what I video and so on. The ability to sell yourself on YOU is often our biggest challenge. I mean what do I have to offer, what can I do - it can get "scary" out there. The safety net of ordinary is always right under us. But remove the net, remove the thoughts of what we cannot do, remove the thoughts of how wrong this could go, remove the thoughts about what others are saying about us....Take that Leap of Faith, trust God and trust the vision that He has placed inside of you. With God, there is no failure.
You wouldn't believe some of the ideas out there, some of the businesses that have been created or the books that have been written. When you start researching these types of things you say - WOW, I never thought that would of worked. Yea, millions didn't but one person did. And guess what - IT DID WORK. Your idea, dream and vision will too. Take that Leap, you are on the Verge of your blessing. As a Believer, whoever would of thought Victory would of came thru death. That you can only really live when you die. Now that sounds improbable, seems impossible - but it worked and because of His death, we can live.
My friends, you have help - you have support and you have the encouragement you need to make it happen. Continue to build that support group, that will surround you and hold you. You can do it and I can do it. Expect the Great - Take that Leap of Faith and work towards achieving your dream.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Living At A Level 10
So, this has been a very interesting and revealing week of training for the basketball team. We have goals and dreams, but I am finding that we seldom have the drive and intensity required to meet those goals. "I'm tired, I don't have my shoes, how long do we have to run, I can't do that, I have something to do tomorrow - I won't be at practice, my chest hurts..." and on and on and on. So as I shake my head and ask for strength to handle this foolishness, I begin to see that my team is training at about a Level 5. So, if you look at life thru the scale of 1 - 10, level 5 is about half - very mediocre. I asked them again, "what is it you want to accomplish?" Because something has to change - and the change only comes in 2 areas. Either you up your effort - or you lower your goals. Which one will it be? Because this type of mediocre effort, won't accomplish those amazing goals.
So, I shift that thinking to our lives, to our goals. How many of us are living at a Level 10? Giving it our all every day. Are we operating our marriages or relationships on a Level 10 or Level 5? Are we operating in our jobs at a Level 10 or Level 5? What about our family - what Level are we operating in? Our goals, dreams and the vision for our life - Level 5, 8 or 10? Do we wake up and recite our goals at a Level 10? Do we wake up and go to work on fulfilling these dreams at a Level 10? I mean, let me give you an example: "uhhhh, good morning." That's about a Level 3. "Good morning honey, how you sleep?" Up to about a Level 5. "AHHHH, Good morning my love, lets get moving." Hmmm, about a Level 8. "YEAH, GOOD MORNING MY LOVE - WHAT A GREAT DAY, LETS GET THIS DAY STARTED..." Level 10 - Achieved. If you remember the movie, "Good Morning Vietnam" starring Robin Williams, you know what I'm talking about. Bringing energy and intensity to everyone of your goals and injecting your dreams with excitement. That's living at a Level 10. We want to operate at Level 10 concerning our goals, exuding the confidence that is needed to achieve our dreams. That's taking it to the Next Level.
My goal today and every day, Live at a Level 10. In every area of my life. beginning with my marriage and family and then in my goals and vision. To give my all, not shortchanging my wife or kids and definitely not shortchanging my goals. This is a biblical principal that works, in Matthew chapter 7, Jesus says "and what measure you give, it will be measured back to you..." What you put out, you get back. So concerning your goals - if you want to just wing it everyday and make it up on the fly - then don't be surprised if you get "wing it" results. If you put half an effort in achieving your dreams, giving it a Level 5 input, then don't be surprised if it takes longer to see the manifestation of your dreams. Invest in yourself - you are your greatest investor. If you don't give it your all, how do you expect others to pour into you.
Try it today my friends, take it to Level 10 and see what the results are. Take it to that level and watch things begin to shift and change. Pour it into that dream, pour it into that vision at a Level 10 and watch....Blast-Off......Expect the Great.
So, I shift that thinking to our lives, to our goals. How many of us are living at a Level 10? Giving it our all every day. Are we operating our marriages or relationships on a Level 10 or Level 5? Are we operating in our jobs at a Level 10 or Level 5? What about our family - what Level are we operating in? Our goals, dreams and the vision for our life - Level 5, 8 or 10? Do we wake up and recite our goals at a Level 10? Do we wake up and go to work on fulfilling these dreams at a Level 10? I mean, let me give you an example: "uhhhh, good morning." That's about a Level 3. "Good morning honey, how you sleep?" Up to about a Level 5. "AHHHH, Good morning my love, lets get moving." Hmmm, about a Level 8. "YEAH, GOOD MORNING MY LOVE - WHAT A GREAT DAY, LETS GET THIS DAY STARTED..." Level 10 - Achieved. If you remember the movie, "Good Morning Vietnam" starring Robin Williams, you know what I'm talking about. Bringing energy and intensity to everyone of your goals and injecting your dreams with excitement. That's living at a Level 10. We want to operate at Level 10 concerning our goals, exuding the confidence that is needed to achieve our dreams. That's taking it to the Next Level.
My goal today and every day, Live at a Level 10. In every area of my life. beginning with my marriage and family and then in my goals and vision. To give my all, not shortchanging my wife or kids and definitely not shortchanging my goals. This is a biblical principal that works, in Matthew chapter 7, Jesus says "and what measure you give, it will be measured back to you..." What you put out, you get back. So concerning your goals - if you want to just wing it everyday and make it up on the fly - then don't be surprised if you get "wing it" results. If you put half an effort in achieving your dreams, giving it a Level 5 input, then don't be surprised if it takes longer to see the manifestation of your dreams. Invest in yourself - you are your greatest investor. If you don't give it your all, how do you expect others to pour into you.
Try it today my friends, take it to Level 10 and see what the results are. Take it to that level and watch things begin to shift and change. Pour it into that dream, pour it into that vision at a Level 10 and watch....Blast-Off......Expect the Great.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Are Your Actions Consitent With Your Goals?
This questions requires what I call "self examination." A question that will cause you to look in the mirror and ask the person looking back, "am I giving it my all? Am I doing what I need to do each day to achieve my dream? Are my actions consitent with my goals?" Only you can answer that question. No one looking from the outside in can. They are your dreams, it's your vision, you set the goals! You know what it takes to achieve them, you know what it takes to reach that mountaintop.
The great part of LIFE is that yesterday doesn't have to effect your today. That my friends is what excites me and inspires me. I start each day asking myself that question and on the days I answer "NO", I look at my goals and vision and the objectives I have set to reach them and then I go after them. It's a great measuring stick for me and I think it will work for you as well. I don't know what your goals are, or what your dreams may be, but I do know that it takes work - hard work. Consistent effort and diligence (diligence means a continual & painstaking effort on your part). In basketball jargon we call it, "grinding it out." This is the time the team doesn't play the best, may not have their best mental mindset and my shooters may be off. Or, the other team bought their A game and we didn't. So in order to win the game, we have to grind it out. Possession by possession - and for us dream chasers, thats day by day. Grind it out my friends, it will always pay off in the end.
I shared before, I hadn't taken a meaningful exam in I cannot remember how many years. Now, here I was preparing for a law school exam known as the LSAT. I read one LSAT prep book and couldn't talk for a day. I'm serious, my wife was asking me stuff about the book, about other stuff and I couldn't even formulate a sentence after reading those logic games and stuff. So, I knew - I was going to have to grind this one out. I looked for help - $800-$1200 for prep courses. I contacted LSAT tutors, $65-$85 per hour. Went to online help - too confusing to muddle through on my own. Books and CD's, yeah they helped some but I was still behind the 8 ball. The test date was approaching quicker and quicker - the OLD mind said, "man, forget that test - you don't need law school anyways." That's the way yesterdays guy would have gone. But oh no, I put my seat belt on, took days at a time away from the house taking prep test and reading. Any time alone in the house I had my books out and CD's playing - I was going to achieve this thing. It was like a lesson I learned when I was growing Peacekeepers, I had once asked a real good salesman how often do I follow up a sales presentation when the prospect hadn't called me back. He said follow up, follow up, follow up and follow up. I said yea, but for how long? His response changed my perspective on sales, "follow up until they buy or they die." So I have a pit bull type attitude about many things, and this test was falling into that category.
So check yourself daily, when you jump in your car or truck - don't you usually check your gas gauge? I do, I even have a bright orange colored light that seems so bright it could burn a hole in something. After checking your gauge, you immediately think about your destination right? Then based on those 2 components, you either head to your destination or to a gas station. Well my friends, it's the same with our goals and dreams. We rise in the morning and we ask ourselves, were my actions yesterday consistent with my goals? Based on that answer, we are off and running. Be encouraged my friends, you have a support group to help assist you. Support me, I will support you and lets support others. Share this post with your friends, shoot those of you with Facebook help me out until I get me one of those Facebook pages (yes it's coming). Forward the post, support the vision and lets all work together to help one another achieve the dreams. Expect the Great - It's coming your way. ARE YOU READY?
The great part of LIFE is that yesterday doesn't have to effect your today. That my friends is what excites me and inspires me. I start each day asking myself that question and on the days I answer "NO", I look at my goals and vision and the objectives I have set to reach them and then I go after them. It's a great measuring stick for me and I think it will work for you as well. I don't know what your goals are, or what your dreams may be, but I do know that it takes work - hard work. Consistent effort and diligence (diligence means a continual & painstaking effort on your part). In basketball jargon we call it, "grinding it out." This is the time the team doesn't play the best, may not have their best mental mindset and my shooters may be off. Or, the other team bought their A game and we didn't. So in order to win the game, we have to grind it out. Possession by possession - and for us dream chasers, thats day by day. Grind it out my friends, it will always pay off in the end.
I shared before, I hadn't taken a meaningful exam in I cannot remember how many years. Now, here I was preparing for a law school exam known as the LSAT. I read one LSAT prep book and couldn't talk for a day. I'm serious, my wife was asking me stuff about the book, about other stuff and I couldn't even formulate a sentence after reading those logic games and stuff. So, I knew - I was going to have to grind this one out. I looked for help - $800-$1200 for prep courses. I contacted LSAT tutors, $65-$85 per hour. Went to online help - too confusing to muddle through on my own. Books and CD's, yeah they helped some but I was still behind the 8 ball. The test date was approaching quicker and quicker - the OLD mind said, "man, forget that test - you don't need law school anyways." That's the way yesterdays guy would have gone. But oh no, I put my seat belt on, took days at a time away from the house taking prep test and reading. Any time alone in the house I had my books out and CD's playing - I was going to achieve this thing. It was like a lesson I learned when I was growing Peacekeepers, I had once asked a real good salesman how often do I follow up a sales presentation when the prospect hadn't called me back. He said follow up, follow up, follow up and follow up. I said yea, but for how long? His response changed my perspective on sales, "follow up until they buy or they die." So I have a pit bull type attitude about many things, and this test was falling into that category.
So check yourself daily, when you jump in your car or truck - don't you usually check your gas gauge? I do, I even have a bright orange colored light that seems so bright it could burn a hole in something. After checking your gauge, you immediately think about your destination right? Then based on those 2 components, you either head to your destination or to a gas station. Well my friends, it's the same with our goals and dreams. We rise in the morning and we ask ourselves, were my actions yesterday consistent with my goals? Based on that answer, we are off and running. Be encouraged my friends, you have a support group to help assist you. Support me, I will support you and lets support others. Share this post with your friends, shoot those of you with Facebook help me out until I get me one of those Facebook pages (yes it's coming). Forward the post, support the vision and lets all work together to help one another achieve the dreams. Expect the Great - It's coming your way. ARE YOU READY?
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Staying On Track is Easier Than Getting Back On Track
You know inactivity and time can be huge disadvantages to achieving your goals and seeing the manifestation of your vision. Yesterday, was back to work regarding basketball at the high school for me. Interest has been sporadic, but a few players "appeared" excited about getting back to work. And I underline and place quotations around the word appear, because at times like us with our goals, we "appear" as if we want to achieve these great things - BUT - we easily fall off track. Then getting back on track seems so difficult. So as Chrystal and I wait patiently on the track for the players to arrive, we chat up the track team and the few multi sport players I have. Well, one says, "hey coach I can't stay - I'm hungry, I need to go eat so I will be here Weds." Another says, "I don't have my shoes, I have to go home and get them and I'll be back." Another walks up slowly with her bag, "hey coach - well I'm here." Another whose Mother said she had dropped her off, she off in the cut chasing after her flesh - not here at the track.
So, shaking my head I say to myself, "self, people say they want to achieve all sorts of things - but who really wants to do the work?" Self answered - "very few." True that, true that! You see dreams only come true when you wake up and go to work.
So, with Chrystal and my All League point guard the only 2 at training, we dig in. My point guard envisions not just an All League year, but she has aspirations on being the league MVP and she has her sights set on Notre Dame as her college of choice. So, we start out with a nice mile run - looks okay, times a little slow on the quarter but hey it's day 1 right. Finish that, lets knock out 5 sets of stadium stairs. This is where the inactivity begins to show. You see, we can have dreams, it's wonderful to set goals - but I have always said you must do something to work towards them everyday. There are NO days off. And when you are chasing your greatness, there's no time for picking wild flowers. Because sooner than later, your inactivity will begin to show. Your lack of preperation, no study time or research for your area, no comparison calling, no urgency in training or practicing and on and on - whatever your area may be. It will show.
So I begin to encourage, "7 months out, MVP year, Notre Dame..." and on and on. But I can tell, at this moment it's a "pipe dream" not a GOAL. Cause you haven't been working towards it, you haven't been working out, you have lost your focus. STAYING ON TRACK IS EASIER THAN GETTING BACK ON TRACK.
If you have fallen off track my friends, take a step back. Get your goals back out, read over them - shoot, post them on the mirror in the bathroom, on the fridge, in your car. Keep them before your eyes. Regain your focus and regain your motivation. You see TIME can be either an ally or a huge enemy of achieving our goals. Some of our goals are short term but many are long term. Many we want to achieve by years end. One of my wife's goals is right around the corner (April 6). So time can be for us or it can be against us. It's not TIME's fault - ha, ha, it's ours. You see, take my hip rehab for example. I have to work out my hip exercises every day or I become super tight and stiff. Well I'm highly motivated to recover anyways (yes I actually ran yesterday for the first time and felt great - even demonstrated a dribling drill with no pain - HALLELUJAH) so I'm rarely stiff. But when I fail to do my exercise, stiffness reminds me - it's not like that with our goals and vision. Time slips by, a few days - a week, several months until we resign the fact that we will reach them and put them off for next year. You have to remind You....What did I do today? What did I accomplish today? What can I do more effectively tomorrow? What do I need to change to be more efficient? Who can I call? Where can I go? You are your greatest reminder - come on get it done.
Stay on track my friends, you'll find it so much easier than trying to get back on track. Expect the Great. Share the vision with a friend, support one another and keep the Finish Line in sight. You can do it, it can be done.
So, shaking my head I say to myself, "self, people say they want to achieve all sorts of things - but who really wants to do the work?" Self answered - "very few." True that, true that! You see dreams only come true when you wake up and go to work.
So, with Chrystal and my All League point guard the only 2 at training, we dig in. My point guard envisions not just an All League year, but she has aspirations on being the league MVP and she has her sights set on Notre Dame as her college of choice. So, we start out with a nice mile run - looks okay, times a little slow on the quarter but hey it's day 1 right. Finish that, lets knock out 5 sets of stadium stairs. This is where the inactivity begins to show. You see, we can have dreams, it's wonderful to set goals - but I have always said you must do something to work towards them everyday. There are NO days off. And when you are chasing your greatness, there's no time for picking wild flowers. Because sooner than later, your inactivity will begin to show. Your lack of preperation, no study time or research for your area, no comparison calling, no urgency in training or practicing and on and on - whatever your area may be. It will show.
So I begin to encourage, "7 months out, MVP year, Notre Dame..." and on and on. But I can tell, at this moment it's a "pipe dream" not a GOAL. Cause you haven't been working towards it, you haven't been working out, you have lost your focus. STAYING ON TRACK IS EASIER THAN GETTING BACK ON TRACK.
If you have fallen off track my friends, take a step back. Get your goals back out, read over them - shoot, post them on the mirror in the bathroom, on the fridge, in your car. Keep them before your eyes. Regain your focus and regain your motivation. You see TIME can be either an ally or a huge enemy of achieving our goals. Some of our goals are short term but many are long term. Many we want to achieve by years end. One of my wife's goals is right around the corner (April 6). So time can be for us or it can be against us. It's not TIME's fault - ha, ha, it's ours. You see, take my hip rehab for example. I have to work out my hip exercises every day or I become super tight and stiff. Well I'm highly motivated to recover anyways (yes I actually ran yesterday for the first time and felt great - even demonstrated a dribling drill with no pain - HALLELUJAH) so I'm rarely stiff. But when I fail to do my exercise, stiffness reminds me - it's not like that with our goals and vision. Time slips by, a few days - a week, several months until we resign the fact that we will reach them and put them off for next year. You have to remind You....What did I do today? What did I accomplish today? What can I do more effectively tomorrow? What do I need to change to be more efficient? Who can I call? Where can I go? You are your greatest reminder - come on get it done.
Stay on track my friends, you'll find it so much easier than trying to get back on track. Expect the Great. Share the vision with a friend, support one another and keep the Finish Line in sight. You can do it, it can be done.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Will You Let Me PUSH You?
Will I let you push me? What kind of question is that? You see taken out of the moment or out of context, it sounds rather radical. Taken outside of the parameters in which it was asked, you would think - uhhh, no thanks, keep your hands to yourself. But when you realize this is a "physical trainer" talking to a client - it all makes sense. "Will you let me push you?" Yes, I replied, I came here for your help and expertize.
WOW! That is one of the initial conversations I had with my physical therapist after my hip replacement surgery. There was some time after my surgery until the appt. for my PT, so I had found some exercises online and was doing quite the work-outs at home. I mean I felt I was getting stronger, I felt I was improving and I even had the thought of why waste my time with PT. I can get this done at home. I don't need PT or any outside help. HOW WRONG WAS I.
The therapist had to gain my permission to help me! I had to agree to cooperate in order to help myself. I'm going somewhere, just stay with me. I had to not only make my appt's., I had to keep them. I had to arrive with the right attitude, be open to new or different exercises, give my whole effort (just being there won't help), and follow the therapist instructions. Understanding this and giving her (I call her Ulga-ha, ha - she's a bruiser) permission to PUSH me has accelerated my healing, strenght and overall well being. Yes, it brings sweat, discomfort and sometimes pain - yet it builds me. I had to realize, she knows more than me about PT.
Wait a minute, if I learned that lesson in PT - what about taking that lesson to my dreams? To my vision and to my goals? What if I found a "trainer" to push me to excel in the goals of my life. To team up with someone who won't let me "just show up" but will PUSH me to squeeze every bit of greatness out of me that I have. What if I got a "trainer" to assist me with achieving my goals and reaching my objectives? Hmmm, how could I have missed this? It's easy, because we don't like to be vulnerable with people we do not really know. We have trust issues!!!!! Hello, and it's hard to receive help when we don't trust. You know I coach Varsity basketball, I tell all my players, you will only be successful if you let me coach you. I need you to trust me, trust that I want the best for you, trust that I will be your greatest fan, trust that I want nothing but success for you. Trust me and your future is limitless. My biggest hurdle, getting them to trust me. And in dealing with our vision, we are protective of it, defensive and uncertain about others intentions regarding it. So, we often miss the advantage of being coached or PUSHED by a trainer.
I encourage you today as I encourage myself, reach higher and stretch further. Take the time, effort and energy to find yourself a "trainer." Someone who can PUSH you, encourage you and show you how to do it in the manner or way that's more efficient and more productive. Pastor Alvin said, "Success leaves clues..." My friends find a successful Coach/Trainer, someone who has been there before and get the help to take your dreams to the Next Level. It may be a spouse, a friend, a co-worker. Or it may be a professional sales coach, a Pastoral mentor, or a studio engineer. You may attend a conference, a seminar or a retreat. Or it may be one-on-one over weekly lunches. Whomever it may be, take the time to search out help and then receive it. Lets support one another's dreams and visions - be a cheerleader. I was at Church yesterday and heard a preacher use my line, "I'm Blowing Up" he exclaimed. Chrystal immediately looked at me, I was already looking at her - and we knew. THE COUNTDOWN HAD BEGUN. Prepare for launching - 10, 9, 8.....Come on friends - it's TAKE OFF time. Expect the Great.
WOW! That is one of the initial conversations I had with my physical therapist after my hip replacement surgery. There was some time after my surgery until the appt. for my PT, so I had found some exercises online and was doing quite the work-outs at home. I mean I felt I was getting stronger, I felt I was improving and I even had the thought of why waste my time with PT. I can get this done at home. I don't need PT or any outside help. HOW WRONG WAS I.
The therapist had to gain my permission to help me! I had to agree to cooperate in order to help myself. I'm going somewhere, just stay with me. I had to not only make my appt's., I had to keep them. I had to arrive with the right attitude, be open to new or different exercises, give my whole effort (just being there won't help), and follow the therapist instructions. Understanding this and giving her (I call her Ulga-ha, ha - she's a bruiser) permission to PUSH me has accelerated my healing, strenght and overall well being. Yes, it brings sweat, discomfort and sometimes pain - yet it builds me. I had to realize, she knows more than me about PT.
Wait a minute, if I learned that lesson in PT - what about taking that lesson to my dreams? To my vision and to my goals? What if I found a "trainer" to push me to excel in the goals of my life. To team up with someone who won't let me "just show up" but will PUSH me to squeeze every bit of greatness out of me that I have. What if I got a "trainer" to assist me with achieving my goals and reaching my objectives? Hmmm, how could I have missed this? It's easy, because we don't like to be vulnerable with people we do not really know. We have trust issues!!!!! Hello, and it's hard to receive help when we don't trust. You know I coach Varsity basketball, I tell all my players, you will only be successful if you let me coach you. I need you to trust me, trust that I want the best for you, trust that I will be your greatest fan, trust that I want nothing but success for you. Trust me and your future is limitless. My biggest hurdle, getting them to trust me. And in dealing with our vision, we are protective of it, defensive and uncertain about others intentions regarding it. So, we often miss the advantage of being coached or PUSHED by a trainer.
I encourage you today as I encourage myself, reach higher and stretch further. Take the time, effort and energy to find yourself a "trainer." Someone who can PUSH you, encourage you and show you how to do it in the manner or way that's more efficient and more productive. Pastor Alvin said, "Success leaves clues..." My friends find a successful Coach/Trainer, someone who has been there before and get the help to take your dreams to the Next Level. It may be a spouse, a friend, a co-worker. Or it may be a professional sales coach, a Pastoral mentor, or a studio engineer. You may attend a conference, a seminar or a retreat. Or it may be one-on-one over weekly lunches. Whomever it may be, take the time to search out help and then receive it. Lets support one another's dreams and visions - be a cheerleader. I was at Church yesterday and heard a preacher use my line, "I'm Blowing Up" he exclaimed. Chrystal immediately looked at me, I was already looking at her - and we knew. THE COUNTDOWN HAD BEGUN. Prepare for launching - 10, 9, 8.....Come on friends - it's TAKE OFF time. Expect the Great.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Did You Know That Looks Matter
I know you read the title and gasped! Are you kidding me? Seriously? Yes, I'm serious. You have heard the phrase, "dress for success" right? Of course you have, why? Because the way we look is often connected to how we feel. When you're down and ill or just feeling blue - you take very little time to get dressed, brush or comb your hair and take the simpleist of personal hygiene tips. Then when you get that unexpected guest, they say, "whoa! look at you, are you feeling ok?" Why, because the way we look often tells the story of how we feel. How do you feel when someone says, "You look a hot mess." You feel a hot mess right? Jesus teaches the disciples in Matthew chapter 6, "when you fast don't assume the gloomy looks as the hypocrites do, they disfigure their faces in order that it may be evident that they are fasting..." Yikes, evident, disfigure their faces, so others can see how miserable they are... Yeah, LOOKS MATTER. In the 2nd chapter of the book of James the Bible says, "we show special attention to the one wearing fine clothes but we ignore the one not dressed well..." Now it may not be right, but it surely happens - people deal with you on your appearance.
How does this relate to your vision? How does this help to accomplish goals? Does our appearance really matter? My friends I cannot emphasize enough that it does. Whether it's business, your career, your marriage it really matters. Some folks call it "SWAG." Now I'm not that hip anymore but from how folks use that term it means "how you represent yourself" or "a type of style." In my day it was a movie called, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back." You see how we look and dress often generates or motivates. When I'm all about business, I don't put my sweats and t-shirt on, I wear slacks, button up and perhaps even a suit jacket. When I go places, I'm ready to conduct business. Pass out cards, chat people up and try to land accounts. The sweats and T's are for the gym, not the board room. But I look in the mirror and when I look like a Million Bucks, I feel like a Million Bucks. So what I'm expressing to you is that when you get up in the morning and you set your daily goals - make it a point to get yourself hooked up. I'm about business today, you could be at the store, the bank, the gas station and BAM - an opportunity arises. Oh man, I'm not dressed for this. ha ha yes I've said that too. You want to run home and change and HOPE the opportunity is still there. NO man, take care of that before you leave the house. When I was selling accounts, I would get up and "suited", wash my car and pop in a mint just in case today was the day. 3-4 times a week I would get suited and booted, hit the pavement and no matter how many NO's I got, it didn't effect how I looked. I was as fresh at 5 pm as I was at 9 am.
So whatever you may be focused on today, next week or next month. Set several days aside to "Dress to Impress" and then get to work. I'm telling you - IT WORKS. When you look it, you will feel it. When you look important, you feel important. When you look good, you feel good. And one of the biggest things we can have when pursuing goals is CONFIDENCE. Exuding confidence, people see it, feel it and read it. Successful people like doing business with confident people. Not those with their heads down, eyes wandering all over....Standing tall, shoulders back, chest poked out and chin up. When you look it, you feel it, when you feel it - you act it. Get you some SWAG (LOL) or get your GROOVE back. Look at that person in the mirror and tell him or her, "I got this, I can do this, I am smart, I am strong enough, I can teach this, I can preach that, I can impress."
Keep reaching higher my friends, Expect the Great...Be confident, be assured and stand tall regarding your dreams...It's your VISION - trust it & believe it and WORK IT my friends...WORK THAT THING......
How does this relate to your vision? How does this help to accomplish goals? Does our appearance really matter? My friends I cannot emphasize enough that it does. Whether it's business, your career, your marriage it really matters. Some folks call it "SWAG." Now I'm not that hip anymore but from how folks use that term it means "how you represent yourself" or "a type of style." In my day it was a movie called, "How Stella Got Her Groove Back." You see how we look and dress often generates or motivates. When I'm all about business, I don't put my sweats and t-shirt on, I wear slacks, button up and perhaps even a suit jacket. When I go places, I'm ready to conduct business. Pass out cards, chat people up and try to land accounts. The sweats and T's are for the gym, not the board room. But I look in the mirror and when I look like a Million Bucks, I feel like a Million Bucks. So what I'm expressing to you is that when you get up in the morning and you set your daily goals - make it a point to get yourself hooked up. I'm about business today, you could be at the store, the bank, the gas station and BAM - an opportunity arises. Oh man, I'm not dressed for this. ha ha yes I've said that too. You want to run home and change and HOPE the opportunity is still there. NO man, take care of that before you leave the house. When I was selling accounts, I would get up and "suited", wash my car and pop in a mint just in case today was the day. 3-4 times a week I would get suited and booted, hit the pavement and no matter how many NO's I got, it didn't effect how I looked. I was as fresh at 5 pm as I was at 9 am.
So whatever you may be focused on today, next week or next month. Set several days aside to "Dress to Impress" and then get to work. I'm telling you - IT WORKS. When you look it, you will feel it. When you look important, you feel important. When you look good, you feel good. And one of the biggest things we can have when pursuing goals is CONFIDENCE. Exuding confidence, people see it, feel it and read it. Successful people like doing business with confident people. Not those with their heads down, eyes wandering all over....Standing tall, shoulders back, chest poked out and chin up. When you look it, you feel it, when you feel it - you act it. Get you some SWAG (LOL) or get your GROOVE back. Look at that person in the mirror and tell him or her, "I got this, I can do this, I am smart, I am strong enough, I can teach this, I can preach that, I can impress."
Keep reaching higher my friends, Expect the Great...Be confident, be assured and stand tall regarding your dreams...It's your VISION - trust it & believe it and WORK IT my friends...WORK THAT THING......
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Don't Let a NO Stop You
Over the past 30 years of setting and fulfilling my goals I have heard thousands of NO's along the way. Whether it was joining the police dept - Oakland said NO. I moved on, joined another dept and then finished my career at a 2nd. Starting my business, one entire year of NO's before I landed my first account. Launching a ministry, people laughed and encouraged my failure, but I pressed on and prevailed. Even in coaching - some of the harshest criticism I have ever taken has been from parents over a game. Every avenue, every turn - NO's are waiting for you and they wait for me. Doors not only close in your face - they SLAM! Don't let a NO stop you from fulfilling your goal and accomplishing your dreams. I met a gentleman early in my business career who gave me a great piece of advice, "don't look for supporters, ask people why it won't work, why it won't sell." Yikes! Ask people to critique me? Yes he said, not only do people see holes in projects you don't, but it will prepare you to be "tough skinned" and able to receive constructive criticism. That's the key, constructive - those who are helping, not hindering. Be careful who you allow to critique you, or your projects or ideas. That's MAJOR.
So take a moment to look at where you are on the path you have laid out for your goals. Are you moving forward? Are you stalemated? Are you just treading water? What's stopped you? Don't let it be a NO, don't let it be a negative comment or a bad experience. These are simply par for the course. Don't think you are going to climb the mountain called achievement or success without falling down or scraping your knees. Steve Harvey was homeless at 40 before making it onto TV. Now you cannot change the channel without seeing him. Tyler Perry, same story - couch surfing with friends before his 1st play sold out. If success was easy, everyone would be successful. So don't get distracted, don't get frustrated or discouraged. Keep your focus, stay to your course, take the blows and keep fighting.
Take time today to celebrate your vision, I mean a moment to actually stand up and take a twirl, dance a little, jump and rejoice in the vision God has planted inside of you. Get excited about your goals, re-ignite the passion in your project, business, ministry or marriage. Don't allow the fuse to just fizzle or burn out. Nope, today is a day of celebration. During the "heyday" of my business when I had millions in gross revenue, nearly 200 employees and more patrol cars than the local PD's, I noticed one thing that was major. Even though I had 2 p/t sales people - I always led in sales. Even though I was on the golf course or on vacation, I always led the way in sales. WHY? Easy - I had more passion for the business than anyone I could hire. They worked for money, a check, a commission. Nope, I worked to fulfill a dream. To accomplish a goal and see the vision manifest.
So be encouraged today my friends, don't give up because of a NO. Don't give up because of a spouses attitude or their NO. Don't give in because you weren't accepted this semester or the test score wasn't good enough. Nope, don't give up and don't quit. Simply jump up and rejoice - the vision is yet for an appointed time, thou it may tarry, ha ha It will surely come to pass. Expect the Great, share this blog with a friend, support the vision and pass it on. Keep my friends in your prayers - Dr's say inoperable but you and me know it's God who has the final say.
So take a moment to look at where you are on the path you have laid out for your goals. Are you moving forward? Are you stalemated? Are you just treading water? What's stopped you? Don't let it be a NO, don't let it be a negative comment or a bad experience. These are simply par for the course. Don't think you are going to climb the mountain called achievement or success without falling down or scraping your knees. Steve Harvey was homeless at 40 before making it onto TV. Now you cannot change the channel without seeing him. Tyler Perry, same story - couch surfing with friends before his 1st play sold out. If success was easy, everyone would be successful. So don't get distracted, don't get frustrated or discouraged. Keep your focus, stay to your course, take the blows and keep fighting.
Take time today to celebrate your vision, I mean a moment to actually stand up and take a twirl, dance a little, jump and rejoice in the vision God has planted inside of you. Get excited about your goals, re-ignite the passion in your project, business, ministry or marriage. Don't allow the fuse to just fizzle or burn out. Nope, today is a day of celebration. During the "heyday" of my business when I had millions in gross revenue, nearly 200 employees and more patrol cars than the local PD's, I noticed one thing that was major. Even though I had 2 p/t sales people - I always led in sales. Even though I was on the golf course or on vacation, I always led the way in sales. WHY? Easy - I had more passion for the business than anyone I could hire. They worked for money, a check, a commission. Nope, I worked to fulfill a dream. To accomplish a goal and see the vision manifest.
So be encouraged today my friends, don't give up because of a NO. Don't give up because of a spouses attitude or their NO. Don't give in because you weren't accepted this semester or the test score wasn't good enough. Nope, don't give up and don't quit. Simply jump up and rejoice - the vision is yet for an appointed time, thou it may tarry, ha ha It will surely come to pass. Expect the Great, share this blog with a friend, support the vision and pass it on. Keep my friends in your prayers - Dr's say inoperable but you and me know it's God who has the final say.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)