The emotions of guilt, regret, and remorse are among the emotions human beings do most to avoid in life, and this is valuable. They are painful emotions for us to experience, but they, too, serve a valuable function, one which becomes apparent once we hear the message. Guilt tells you that you have violated one …
Disappointment can be a very destructive emotion if you don’t deal with it quickly. Disappointment is the devastating feeling of being “let down” or that you’re going to miss out on something forever. Anything that makes you feel sad or defeated as a result of expecting more than you get is disappointing. The message disappointment …
Frustration can come from many avenues. Any time we feel like we’re surrounded by roadblocks in our lives, where we are continuously putting out effort but not receiving rewards, we tend to feel the emotion of frustration. The message of frustration is an exciting signal. It means that your brain believes you could be doing …
Angry emotions include everything from being mildly irritated to being angry, resentful, furious, or even enraged. The message of anger is that an important rule or standard that you hold for your life has been violated by someone else, or maybe even by you. When you get the message of anger, you need to understand …
Fearful emotions include everything from low levels of concern and apprehension to intense worry, anxiety, fright, and even terror. Fear serves a purpose, and its message is simple. Fear is simply the anticipation that something that’s going to happen soon and needs to be prepared for. In the words the Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared.” …
“There is no more stupefying thing than anger, nothing more bent on its own strength. If successful, none more arrogant, if foiled, none more insane—since it’s not driven back by weariness even in defeat, when fortune removes its adversary it turns its teeth on itself.” —SENECA, ON ANGER, 3.1.5 As the Stoics have said many …
At times we will have to do things that we do not want to do but are required for our success. It is at this time our resolve or professional will is tested. When learning of Lever 5 leadership most think of the humility required. But Jim Collins points out, “It is equally about ferocious …
Get confident that you can handle this emotion immediately. The quickest, simplest, and most powerful way I know to handle any emotion is to remember a time when you felt a similar emotion and realize that you’ve successfully handled this emotion before. Since you handled it in the past, surely you can handle it again …
Remember the power of changing emotional states? If you put yourself in a state of mind where you truly are feeling curious about learning something, this is an immediate pattern interrupt to any emotion and enables you to learn a great deal about yourself. Getting curious helps you master your emotion, solve the challenge, and …
February 7, 2018 Get Curious about the Message This Emotion Is Offering You Read More »
You never want to make your emotions wrong. The idea that anything you feel is “wrong” is a great way to destroy honest communication with yourself as well as with others. Be thankful that there’s a part of your brain that is sending you a signal of support, a call to action to make a …
February 6, 2018 Acknowledge and Appreciate Your Emotions, Knowing They Support You Read More »
So often people feel so overloaded they don’t even know what they’re feeling. All they know is that they’re being “attacked” by all these negative emotions and feelings. Instead of feeling overloaded, step back for a moment and ask yourself, “What am I really feeling right now?” If you think at first, “I’m feeling angry,” …
February 5, 2018 Identify What You’re Really Feeling Read More »
One definition of diligence is careful and persistent work or effort. The key in accomplishing that which other see as impossible is the willingness to persist. Constant sustained effort is what will lead to success. Have you ever seen a stone cutter working on a bolder? Look at a stone cutter hammering away at his …
The best way to accomplish your goals is to get started. Zig Ziglar would always say, “you do not have to be great to start but you have to start to be great.” Often you will find people want to know how things will end before they are willing to begin. Then they wonder why …
Garth Brooks has a song called, “Unanswered Prayers.” It is a great reminder that even in life when we think we know what we want, we should be grateful for what we have instead. Have you ever noticed that someone really great at something or with a certain color hair wants the opposite of what …
“Keep this thought handy when you feel a fit of rage coming on—it isn’t manly to be enraged. Rather, gentleness and civility are more human, and therefore manlier. A real man doesn’t give way to anger and discontent, and such a person has strength, courage, and endurance—unlike the angry and complaining. The nearer a man …
You are entering a race that you can’t win; you can’t even finish as the finishing line always moves beyond your reach. Your race to reach perfection is an optical illusion; it’s a mirage. People who seek and appear to need perfection have been proved to be the unhappiest and most unsatisfied people in the …
We can all find something to like about ourselves. What you look like is just the wrapping. Think of all the compliments you have ever been given and remember them. The more you like yourself the more other people will like you and feel reassured around you. The minute you like yourself your sense of …
What we say to ourselves will determine what we do, how we act and how we feel. The human brain believes what you tell it and will work in the body to make what you think come to reality. If you want to go from good to great you have to tell yourself you are …
When Ben Hooper was born many years ago in the foothills of East Tennessee, little boys and girls like Ben who were born to unwed mothers were ostracized and treated terribly. By the time Ben was three years old, the other children would scarcely play with him. Parents were saying idiotic things like, “What’s a …
Remember: We are not just talking about money here. This refers to being successful in all areas of life—and to do so, you will not be able to compromise this thing called discipline. Discipline is an orderly, prescribed conduct that will get you what you want—and it\’s a requirement for 10X players. Unfortunately, most peoples\’ …
If it were up to me, this would be a basic course for every year that someone attended school. It would include drills in which people are encouraged to do things that they are not comfortable doing. The successful constantly talk about having people around them who are smarter, brighter, and more creative. It\’s unlikely …
Those who succeed were—at one point or another in their lives—willing to put themselves in situations that were uncomfortable, whereas the unsuccessful seek comfort from all their decisions. The most important things I have done in my life were not the things I was comfortable doing; in fact, many of them made me very uneasy. …
The most successful CEOs are reported to read an average of 60 books and attend more than six conferences per year—whereas the average American worker reads an average of less than one book and makes 319 times less income. Although the media often discuss the disparity between the rich and the poor, they frequently fail …
January 24, 2018 Be Dedicated to Continuous Learning Read More »
You can only do as well as the people around you. If everyone around you is sick, underperforming, and struggling, then sooner or later, you will become afflicted like everyone else. For example, pensions are strangling city and state governments because handfuls of people were interested in their own situation and didn\’t consider the impact …
This is an area of confusion for many people—especially when they see supposedly successful individuals going to jail. Well, as far as I\’m concerned, it doesn\’t matter how much success you amass. Going to jail would be an immediate dis-qualifier. Even if a criminal does not get caught, he or she is still criminal—and therefore …
At first glance, this might be appear to be a highly undesirable—even perilous—trait of the highly successful. However, it\’s far less dangerous than the alternative frequently practiced by the unsuccessful. Most people assume that they have to figure everything out first and will commit once they do; however, they never seem to get around to …
The successful are a lot like magicians; they don\’t deal in other people\’s realities. Instead, they are bent on creating a new reality for themselves that is different from the one that others accept. They aren\’t interested in what other people deem possible or impossible; they only care about producing the things they dream are …
Successful people dream big and have immense goals. They are not realistic. They leave that to the masses, who fight for leftovers. The second question of the 10X Rule asks: How big are your goals and dreams? The middle class are taught to be realistic, whereas the successful think in terms of how extensively they …
Successful people don\’t value effort or work or time spent on an activity; they value the results. Unsuccessful individuals attach great importance to the time they spend at work and their attempts at getting results—even if nothing happens. The difference here is connected to the concept of being unreasonable. Let\’s face it: Like it or …
Motivation refers to the act or state of being stimulated toward action. To succeed, it is critical that you be stimulated, excited, and driven to some action or actions. Although the definition of motivation suggests that there\’s a reason behind the action, the study of successful people also makes it apparent that their high levels …
January 17, 2018 Have a High Level of Motivation Read More »
Whereas the unsuccessful spend their lives thinking in terms of a job, successful people approach their activities as though they are on a religious mission—not as work or merely “a job.” Successful employees, employers, entrepreneurs, and market changers consider their daily activities to be part of a more important mission that will change things significantly. …
A goal is some desirable objective—typically something yet to be achieved—that a person or company needs in order to move forward. Successful people are highly goal-oriented and always pay more attention to the target than the problem. They are seemingly able to bend bullets because of their commitment and focus on the goal. Far too …
The most successful of the successful go beyond the concept of mere change and challenge traditional thinking. Look at organizations like Google, Apple, and Facebook, and you will see companies that challenge traditions and create new ways of doing things. They break that which already works in order to get to a better place. The …
The successful know that they can quantify what works and what doesn\’t work, whereas the unsuccessful focus solely on “hard work.” The right approach may be to institute a public relations program that softens the market, provide consumers with the right tool, or compel management to make the most powerful connections, find the best first …
January 13, 2018 Determine and Take the Right Approach Read More »
Successful people love change, whereas the unsuccessful do everything they can to keep things from changing. But how can you create success when you are trying to keep things from becoming any different? It is impossible. Although you never want to alter the things that are working, you should always look for ways to improve …
Courage is that quality of mind or spirit that compels people to face dangerous situations in spite of fear. It\’s rare that people feel or are described as courageous before the event that compels them to act in this way. Rather, they\’re referred to as such as a result of taking action regardless of their …
There exist only two times for the successful: now and the future. The unsuccessful spend most of their time in the past and regard the future as an opportunity to procrastinate. “Now” is the period of time that successful people utilize most often to create the futures they desire in order to dominate their environments. …
As they say in AA, “Half measures achieved us nothing.” For members, this means that you can\’t get sober if you are drinking—even a little bit. In the world of success and achievements, half measures achieve nothing in terms of results—except for tiring out the person engaging in the half measures. This is why most …
The successful fully and consistently commit to activities—some of which require them to put it all on the line. This goes back to the concept of being “all in” that I described earlier. It also relates to operating with some level of danger and refusing to play it safe. Unsuccessful people rarely commit to anything …
To really go at it in life and in business, you have to say yes to everything. It\’s something you\’ll see successful people do time and again—not because they can but because they choose to say yes. They eagerly engage in life and realize that the word “yes” has more life and possibilities in it—and …
The highly successful take unbelievable amounts of action. Regardless of what that action looks like, these people rarely do nothing—even when they are on vacation (just ask their spouses or families!). Whether it is by way of getting others to take action for them, getting attention for their products or ideas, or just grinding it …
Attitude toward wealth is an especially significant distinction between the financially successful and the unsuccessful. Poor people believe they need to work in order to make money and then spend their lives either spending it on nothing of importance or conserving like crazy in order to protect it. The very successful know that the money …
Since you were a child, someone has been trying to keep you from danger. “Be careful” is the mantra that parents repeat to their children while buying products from entire industries that have been created just to “safe proof” a home in order to protect a child. Unfortunately, many people get to the point where …
No, that is not an error; it does say unreasonable. In my book Sell to Survive, I introduced the notion that the successful salesperson must be unreasonable with his or her client in order to consummate the sale. This clearly flies in the face of what most of us are taught—that is, to be reasonable …
Once when I was in Vegas, a man sitting next to me said, “These casinos will always make money because the people that play here are never willing to take risks at levels great enough to wipe them out.” I am not suggesting that you go out and try to take a casino down; however, …
The ability to persist on a given path regardless of setbacks, unexpected events, bad news, and resistance—to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, or course of action in spite of conditions—is a trait common to those who make it. I assure you that I, at least, am more persistent than I am talented. …
Successful individuals love to seek out problems because they know that almost every problem is universal in some way or another. Some industries actually create problems so that they can “solve” them by way of selling their products to you. (Think of all the things you\’ve purchased over the years because you “needed” them. Did …
Whereas many people loathe challenges—and use them as reasons to sink further into indifference—highly successful individuals are compelled and invigorated by challenges. The idea of being overwhelmed, I believe, is the result of never taking enough action to generate enough winning. Success begets more success, and losses increase your chances of more losses. Challenges are …
Successful people see all situations—even problems and complaints—as opportunities. Where others see difficulty, successful individuals know that problems solved equal new products, services, customers—and probably financial success. Remember: Success is overcoming a challenge. Therefore, you can\’t succeed without some kind of difficulty. It doesn\’t really matter what the challenge is; as long as you handle …
This outlook goes hand in hand with the “can do” attitude. Again, it refers to the individual who is always looking to be responsible and solve a problem. Even if you\’re not sure how to do something, the best answer is “I will figure it out”—not “I don\’t know.” No one values a person who …
December 28, 2017 Believe “I will figure it out.” Read More »
I will be sharing from the book “The 10 X Rule” for the next 32 days Grant Cardone’s keys to success. These are short items that have real power and as I have applied them personally and with my leadership team we have seen great results. I hope you enjoy and encourage you to get …
Automation has today penetrated nearly every aspect of our lives. Most of us now drive cars equipped with computers that automatically engage the brakes and reduce transmission power when we hit a patch of rain or ice, often so subtly we never notice the vehicle has anticipated our tendency to overcorrect. We work in offices …
December 26, 2017 Learning to live with Autopilot Read More »
“The mind must be given relaxation—it will rise improved and sharper after a good break. Just as rich fields must not be forced—for they will quickly lose their fertility if never given a break—so constant work on the anvil will fracture the force of the mind. But it regains its powers if it is set …
Locus of control has been a major topic of study within psychology since the 1950s. Researchers have found that people with an internal locus of control tend to praise or blame themselves for success or failure, rather than assigning responsibility to things outside their influence. A student with a strong internal locus of control, for …
Albert Camus posed the question, “Should I kill myself, or have a cup of coffee?” His point was that everything in life is choice. Every second of every day, we are choosing, and there are always alternatives. Existence, at least human existence, is defined by the choices people make. Think about what you do when …
Focus determines whether you perceive your reality as good or bad, whether you feel happy or sad. A fantastic metaphor for the power of focus is racing cars—a real passion for me. Driving a Formula race car can sometimes make flying a jet helicopter seem like a very relaxing experience! In a race car you …
In his book I Ain’t Much, Baby—But I’m All I Got, the psychologist Jess Lair comments: “Praise is like sunlight to the warm human spirit; we cannot flower and grow without it. And yet, while most of us are only too ready to apply to others the cold wind of criticism, we are somehow reluctant …
December 21, 2017 Make people happy to follow your suggestions Read More »
When nothing else works, try throwing down a challenge. The desire to excel! The challenge! Throwing down the gauntlet! An infallible way of appealing to people of spirit. Charles Schwab said: “The way to get things done, is to stimulate competition. I do not mean in a sordid, money-getting way, but in the desire to …
Socrates, “the gadfly of Athens,” was one of the greatest philosophers the world has ever known. He did something that only a handful of men in all history have been able to do: he sharply changed the whole course of human thought; and now, twenty-four centuries after his death, he is honored as one of …
December 19, 2017 Get the other person saying “yes, yes” immediately. Read More »
Building upon yesterday’s message, I would like to share another flaw in my personality that leads to arguments and puts up barriers to achievement on teams and in relationships. You can tell people they are wrong by a look or an intonation or a gesture just as eloquently as you can in words—and if you …
December 18, 2017 Don’t tell others they are wrong. Read More »
I have always been talented in the area of arguing. When I was a young child my grandmother heard me in a heated argument outside and rush to keep it from becoming a fight. When she turned the corner she found me alone playing with my toys. She asked me who I was playing with …
There is one all-important law of human conduct. If we obey that law, we shall almost never get into trouble. In fact, that law, if obeyed, will bring us countless friends and constant happiness. But the very instant we break the law, we shall get into endless trouble. The law is this: Always make the …
December 16, 2017 Make the other person feel important—and do it sincerely. Read More »
This morning as I finish my study the feeling of gratitude is overwhelming in my heart and mind. I’m truly the luckiest and most blessed person on earth. As I sit here typing this message I am overwhelmed with the remembrance of so many blessings in my life. I wish to use this time to …
Two books I have studied this year stuck out to me yesterday after a meeting with our company leaders. One Extreme Ownership and the other Multipliers. We were discussing what it will take for 2018 to be a better year than 2017 for our market. Many different opinions were shared but the thing that stood …
If you have ever been to the doctor and had a prescription medication that required you to revisit the doctor, the you will understand the difference between responding and reacting. We have read about the power of words we use and how we control our thoughts. In life do you respond or react. When you …
Harry A. Overstreet in his illuminating book Influencing Human Behavior said: “Action springs out of what we fundamentally desire …and the best piece of advice which can be given to would-be persuaders, whether in business, in the home, in the school, in politics, is: First, arouse in the other person an eager want. He who …
December 12, 2017 Arouse in the other person an eager want. Read More »
What is it about how we are treated and what people tell us that makes such a difference in our lives? As humans we need honest and sincere appreciation to help us simply keep our sanity. Sounds crazy but research has shown people can go insane simply looking for a feeling of appreciation. “Why do …
December 11, 2017 Give honest and sincere appreciation Read More »
“I say, let no one rob me of a single day who isn’t going to make a full return on the loss.” —SENECA, ON TRANQUILITY OF MIND, 1.11b People spend a lot more money when they use credit cards than when they have to pull out actual cash. If you ever wondered why credit card …
December 10, 2017 Don’t Sell Yourself Too Cheaply Read More »
“If You Want to Gather Honey, Don’t Kick Over the Beehive.\” Dale Carnegie When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity. Bitter criticism caused the sensitive Thomas Hardy, one of the finest …
December 9, 2017 Don’t criticize, condemn or complain. Read More »
This week has been a great example of finding what you are looking for in life. Personally, when you have a birthday one can reflect on the past year or many years and see if they have achieved the life they desire. I have had such an opportunity this week and received many wonderful gifts …
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, also referred to as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or Pearl Harbor Day, is observed annually in the United States on December 7, to remember and honor the 2,403 citizens of the United States who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. …
As I continue to read about “How the Mighty Fall,” by Jim Collins the theme seems to be a mixture of doing what works and not panicking. Collins describes the stages of decline in which the first three stages are easier to correct but harder to recognize and the latter two are easy to see …
One of the greatest tools available to every person is the ability to visualize what we want. The mind is an incredible tool and will do what you tell it to with descriptive words or images. You have heard about the law of attraction. That which you focus on you attract more of into your …
In Jim Collins book “How the Mighty Fall,” we learn about Packard’s Law in Stage 2 of a company’s decline. Several things stood out to me and I feel I need to use these specific thoughts when I evaluate myself and our leadership team. Packard’s Law states that no company can consistently grow revenues faster …
You don’t believe it when you see it; you see it when you believe it. Develop a clear mental image; visualize it as if it was already in existence now. This is the most important step: you will achieve it to the degree you are able to see it so make your pictures clear and …
Momentum is a wonderful force if you are on the right side and riding it to achievement. One key in keeping momentum is to avoid hubris. Pride comes before destruction. When people become complacent with their success and see success as an entitlement. They fail to remember what made the great and take it for …
OMG, did you wake up today and realize it is December? Where did the year go and what can I still accomplish as the clock counts down to 2018? One of the interesting things about time is that it does not stand still for anyone. If you have goals and plans but then look up …
Did you look at your life yesterday and review your defaults? What are you doing differently? One item I would bring to your intention is how you default to the path of least resistance to avoid risk and fear of failure. Many people will invest money in a certificate of deposit (CD) at a bank …
November 30, 2017 The biggest risk is not taking any risk. Read More »
Adam Grant author or “Originals, How non-conformist move the world,” was asked this question in an interview about his book. What does a person\’s Internet browser says about their level of nonconformity? “I love this study. So I\’m sitting at a conference one day and this economist, Mike Housman, presents a study showing that we …
Yesterday our team set the 2018 BHAG goal for our building. Reflecting on the process reminded me of something I wrote back in August. I as read the passage again I thought it would be worth sharing again here. August 28, 2017 Effort versus results This morning I have been considering the impact of what …
Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s one of the cartoons was of He-man. Like most super hero types his abilities were greater than the average man and he could draw upon these special abilities to overcome evil. This weekend we went to see the latest Thor movie (I will try to not spoil anything) …
“We are like many pellets of incense falling on the same altar. Some collapse sooner, others later, but it makes no difference.” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 4.15 What’s the difference between you and the richest person in the world? One has a little more money than the other. What’s the difference between you and the oldest …
axr Dec 2014 Queen of Procrastination she ruled kingdoms three the land were prisoners roam free she spent her time staring at walls making worlds which would never fall the chieftain came in and bowed at her feet \’My Queen,the enemy has left us no option – surrender or retreat.\’ Aghast,bewildered and tensed she paced the …
Black Friday, more money is spent today than any other day of the year. Retailers salivate over the anticipation of people lined up ready to rush into stores and find that deal of the century. It is 31 days until Christmas and now that Thanksgiving is over everyone switches gears for the big holiday. It …
Happy Thanksgiving everyone, I pray you have a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends, enjoying your favorite foods and remembering what wonderful things in life you have to give thanks. For me growing up Thanksgiving was all about the desserts. I remember one year I ate 12 pieces of my grandmother’s homemade pies. It …
There are times in life we have to deal with difficult people. How can we do so and still be effective in our work and families without the burden of grief these critics cause us to feel? Marisa Peer a world famous therapist wrote this about critics in her book Ultimate Confidence. I highly encourage …
November 22, 2017 Critics really just need our help Read More »
Various internet sources estimate that an adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day (in contrast a child makes about 3,000). This number may sound absurd, but in fact, we make 226.7 decisions each day on just food alone according to researchers at Cornell University (Wansink and Sobal, 2007). As your level of responsibility …
November 21, 2017 May the choice be with you, always. Read More »
Thinking of my present situation and the direction in life I want to move towards has caused me to reflect on my goals and the entire goal setting process. Today, I will not share anything new about how to set goals, but I will try and show that all of the goal setting books and …
We all know the importance of setting goals and working to improve ourselves physically, emotionally, spiritually as individuals and families. We know for the most part what it will take to accomplish these goals and have written a list of actions to achieve them repeatedly. Then why did we spend yesterday doing the same things …
Today is the 147th day since I started living the Miracle Morning. For those of you following my journey I have a question, have you read “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod? This morning I went back to day one of my process and reviewed my journey. I would like to take a few of …
November 18, 2017 Day 147 a reflection on my first 30 days Read More »
If you really want to change your life and attract more things into your life to be grateful for make a daily list of gratitude. We get what we focus on, if you focus on the negative you attract more things to be negative about. When you focus on the things you are already grateful …
I have always enjoyed driving. Since I was 8 years old and I started working on large equipment on my grandfather’s work sites, I enjoy operating anything with an engine. I had go-carts and motorcycles as early as age 4. The feeling of control and freedom to go and do things without limitations was and …
In his book “The Happiness Advantage” Shawn Achor talks about our minds ability to focus and block out information. It is amazing how we can see things when we are focused on them and totally miss them when we are focused on something else. So if we go around looking for the negatives all the …
Recently we had the missionaries over to our home for dinner and the sisters shared a scripture from the Book of Mormon in a way I had not considered previously. Helaman 6:21 But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands …
“Don’t allow yourself to be heard any longer griping about public life, not even with your own ears!” —MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 8.9 Not only do even the most fortunate of us complain, it often seems like the more fortunate we are, the more time we have to do so. Marcus Aurelius was a reluctant chief …
This is the excerpt for your very first post.
