True Growth Is Never Comfortable

Become Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

"Be willing to be uncomfortable.  Be comfortable being uncomfortable.  It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream."...Peter McWilliams

True growth is NEVER comfortable. It's the situations and experiences that challenge us the most that make us stronger and prepare us for the future challenges that await us.  If you are to become the very best version of yourself possible you are going to have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

It's from dealing and coping with our problems and our unique challenges that we learn how to dig deep within ourselves, find out what type of energy we are really ready to commit, that allows us to face adversity or a new challenge, that the growth comes from.  

This isn't the easiest thing in the world to understand or to do.  And sometimes we may have to go through the same ordeal over and over again until we finally learn the life lesson that we are supposed to. This may not happen on our timetable. But when we do finally reach that breakthrough moment we come out of it with real growth.  We're stronger, smarter, and better for it.

It's a process that we just have to trust in. It's easy to remain in our comfort zones and avoid the hard work and pain that's going to be required out of us to overcome a new challenge. And sometimes when we're not "up to it" we'll defend our decision not to put forth the effort by rationalizing and making excuses.  Not good.  It's avoidance. And we all know it deep down inside.  We can fool a lot of people...but we can never really fool ourselves.

There's always so much more room to grow in all areas of our lives. What sense does it make to remain comfortable when we're not realizing our God given potential?  I believe strongle that if we're too comfortable, we're usually being too complacent.  It's where stagnation breeds. It will manifest itself in some...if not all...areas of our lives...whether it be our personal or professional lives.  

We only get one shot at this remarkable thing called life.  Let's get the most out of it...even if that requires us being a little uncomfortable.  Let's meet new people and try new things.  Open our minds up to some new possibilities.  And whenever we encounter a struggle of some type...understand that there's a certain degree of growth that we'll benefit by overcoming it.

Until next time...which may be a week from now!  I wanted to continue posting three times per week, but I have a new opportunity in my professional life that I am trying to make the most of. With that being the case I will update this blog once a week, unless time allows me to post more frequently.  For the time being.  

Here's this week's video: Harlan's honesty is pretty amusing too!  

You Want To Be A Pro Like Gino

Gino Is Going To Hook Me Up!

"All successful empolyers are stalking men who will do the unusual, men who think, men who attract attention by performing MORE THAN IS EXPECTED OF THEM."...Charles M. Schwab

I need a few new suits so it's time to visit my guy Gino.  Gino is a mens fashion consultant at the department store I shop at. I'll admit that Gino has spoiled me.  The last time I shopped for a couple suits was probably 2 or 3 years ago.  That's when I met Gino.  Gino is a pro.  You want to be a pro like Gino.  Gino is going to hook me up!

I called this morning to make sure Gino was going to be in later in the evening when I would be able to make it across town. Unfortunately, he'll only be working until 2 this afternoon so I'm out of luck. He won't be there until Monday. That's OK. I'll wait till Monday.

You see I'll wait for Monday because I know what I'm going to get from Gino.  A great shopping experience!  Gino has a terrific personality and made it fun last time I was in.  The fact that he has impeccable taste from working in the men's department for a considerable amount of time helps also. He know what's in style. Knows how to accessorize.  He's going to make me look as good as he can, and I'm going to walk out of that store happy that I shopped there. Gino likes what he does and it shows. I kept his business card last time because the moment I left that store I KNEW the next time I was going to be in need of a suit I was going to call him.  I'm a faithful customer when I receive exceptional service.  Want more repeat business? Provide exceptional service. 

Gino was happy to hear from me.  I'm not 100 percent sure he remembered me...I'm sure he will when he sees me...but he appreciated me telling him that I remembered how well he took care of me and that's why I wanted to see him. I told Gino the truth. That one tends to remember professionals who provide excellent services.

That should be the goal for all of us.  To try and go above and beyond in whatever we are doing to earn a living. Even if it's not the ideal situation we should always strive to do the best we can. People notice. They remember. It does make a difference when you do more than is expected of you.  That's a key to success.  One of many that should not be overlooked.

Opportunities open themselves up when you have this type of mindset and attitude.  When you enjoy what you're doing, and you go that extra mile, the inevitable conclusion is that you are going to stand out from the crowd and you will be noticed.  That's how you get ahead.  That's how you create separation.    

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously
#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy

Here's today's video:
     

Stay Motivated!

This Blog Post Is Going To Rev You Up!!!

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best!"...St. Jerome

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."...Walt Disney

Sometimes you just have to go outright commando on yourself. I'm talking Navy Seal, Chuck Norris, Mike Tyson in his prime, full out ass kicking mode!

Let's face it...we all need those little bursts of intense focus to get things done. To accomplish some things that need to be done but for whatever reason...probably because there's some serious work involve...you've been avoiding.  Look, we all get tired and complacent. So it's good to have sources that we can rely on to help us ramp it up a notch.

Sports has always done it for me. Right now our Cleveland Cavaliers are in the NBA Finals for the second year in a row, and for the second year in a row they face the Golden State Warriors. Now anybody that knows basketball knows what's at stake between these two teams. It's going to be an epic showdown between LeBron James and Steph Curry and their two respective teams.  I'm talking one for the ages!

#AllIn216

#AllInTogether

Go CAVS!!!

Look I was tired as can be just a few moments ago! Not wanting to do this blog post!  But I channeled my inner LeBron James and just went BEAST MODE! 

Now I'm gonna treat whoever tunes into this page to a couple cool videos that should get you pumped up to take on something with gusto! Courtesy of me and the incomparable LeBron James! 

Until next time my friends...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy

#CavsRule

Here's today's video's:

Memorial Day Thoughts

Memorial Day Remembrance

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."...Nathan Hale

"Memorial Day isn't just about honoring veterans. it's honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans had the fortune of coming home. For us, that's a reminder of when we come home we still have a responsibility to serve. It's a continuation of service that honors our country and those who fell defending it."...Pete Hegseth

"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."...John F. Kennedy

They are America's best. And without a doubt it is with deep and profound appreciation and respect that we should honor the most courageous segment of our society on Memorial Day...the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price for us to savor the liberties that we so thoroughly enjoy on a daily basis.

Courage and valor. Honor and dignity. Strength and pride. There aren't enough words to describe how I feel about the people who donned an American military uniform to serve and protect our country since winning our independence from England.

I really wish I had of served. I admit that is a true regret of mine. It's not based on trying to prove that I was as brave as the next man...nothing misplaced like that at all. It's more about recognizing that I had some misplaced priorities when I was younger, and that my revised life philosophy necessitates that we are all here to serve. We are here to serve our family, our local community, and our great nation.

There is huge dissatisfaction, and a seemingly unbridgeable divide in the way us United States citizens view our own country. We have people who just can't grasp the significance of what we contribute globally to the ideas of freedom and democracy.  They want to set Old Glory on fire, or lay her flat upon the ground and tread on her as if she is a useless rag.  They do not understand the complete sacrifice that so many have paid in order to keep her waving proudly in the wind. All gave some...some gave all!

I am not saying that our government is perfect. But really...can you imagine another country doing a better job than we do in trying to prevent the rogue nations of the world from encroaching upon their hapless neighbors if not for having the full support of the United States and our armed services?

Truly we all owe a huge dept of gratitude to our nations veterans, and an even greater debt to the families of those who lost a veteran while serving their country. If there ever was a true and valid need for an entitlement program, then that is it.  I am talking over and beyond anything available and offered so far.

I know many who will read this post have a family member...or perhaps several...who served our country and didn't make it back. It is not lost on me the pain and anguish you had/have to deal with. But it is with great sincerity that I say to you that...in this guys eyes...they are heroes of epic proportion.  And that I am extremely grateful to them.  Every last one regardless of ethnicity, race or gender.  They represent...quite simply...the very best that America in all her splendor has had to offer.  God bless our U.S military personnel and God Bless America.

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

Letting It All Hang Out!

Sometimes You Just Got To Have Fun!

"Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun."...Randy Pausch

Sometimes you just got to have fun! There's nothing like getting together with a few friends and just enjoying each other's company. I have a few friends that, when we get together, it's guaranteed we're going to have some deep belly laughs and stories to tell at a later date.  

There is no reason why, in the pursuit of everything important for a person to get ahead, that fun should be sacrificed. Work hard. Play hard. It's the best way to recharge your battery.

I received two phone calls this week from old friends.  One is a friend who I just don't have a lot of contact with anymore. I tell you what. After just a few minutes of talking we fell into a few laughs reminiscing about things that we both nearly forgot. It was great. It was like we were just transported to a different space and time. With my other friend it turned out that we both had some available time this weekend so we planned to get together tomorrow. Now I can't wait. No matter what we do it's just going to be great.

Sometimes just getting on social media and sharing a few posts with friends can hit the spot.  Tonight for instance my Facebook crew and I are sure to have fun posting about how our Cleveland Cavaliers are going to torch the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals series! Exchanging a dig here and there with my cousins up in Canada is just fun to us.

Look life is serious business.  But that doesn't mean you have to be a stiff who doesn't know how to enjoy him or herself. Loosen up a bit when the opportunity is there. I always tell my boys to TCB. That stands for "Take Care of Business."  If they TCB then they can have as much fun as they want.  As long as nobody's getting hurt in the process.  As a matter of fact my oldest son is at the Virginia Beach National Duals this weekend.  Now I know for a fact he's going to put some work in.  But I bet ya he's going to find more that a few ways to enjoy himself with his teammates!  That makes me happy to think about.

Look I could go on...but today's message is intended to be light and easy.  You know why?  Because I want to go have some fun!  And I encourage you to as well!

GO HAVE SOME FUN NOW!!!!

Until next time...

#YouMatter Tremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

I didn't say everybody's fun is of the same variety. These people are wild!!!

How To Be Your Happiest

Happiness Is Found In The Present

"The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common."...Ralph Waldo Emerson

I posted this on my Facebook page but it really bears sharing to the entire world: "Of all the things someone could wish for you...health and happiness are BY FAR the greatest. Life is too short to fret upon most of the things we WORRY about...most of which never COME about. 

We can't let the years, the chances, & important opportunities pass us by...thinking mistakenly that happiness is somewhere in the future...a destination to arrive at.  Happiness is HERE!  It's in the NOW! It's hearing your children's laughter. It's spending time with your family and the friends who mean the world to you.  It's doing activities that you've enjoyed since you were a kid. It's the greatest gift you can...and should...give yourself. We have to be present to appreciate the moments that would otherwise elude us."  

This, choosing to live in the present, IS something we have a choice in doing.  I know too many people who stay firmly entrenched in the past, feeling guilty about transgressions and mistakes they made in an earlier chapter of their lives. Blaming themselves for things that occurred and that they can never go back and change. That type of emotional baggage is just too much to carry around.  It serves no purpose except to weigh you down.  You cannot change the past.  Let it go.  

Constantly worrying about the future is the ugly twin sister of living in the past.  It creates needless anxiety.  It robs you of the sights and sounds of the here and now that you can get pleasure from. People all to often fall into the "what if" trap.  "What if this happens?  What if that happens?" Running a million scenarios through their heads that usually never take place...and if they do it's usually not as bad as they thought it would be.

Happiness is such an important part of our emotional well being. I know that the entire field of psychology has opened up to the model of studying happy and well adjusted people, not just the people who have behavioral and emotional problems to deal with. I really think that's a step in the right direction. Let's become students of successful, happy people also to see what we can learn from them in order to better help people with true clinical depression. We have to know and understand both sides of the spectrum...and everything in the middle. Kudos to the modern day practitioners in the mental health field.

I am admittedly not a mental health expert.  But I have enough life experience behind me to know that unconditional love, acceptance, hope, faith, perspective, gratitude, and choice all are factors which play a role in how happy one can be.  And it's helped me to examine my own thoughts and utilize the advice of many who suggest trying to get the most out of life by focusing on the here and now.  There are wondrous things surrounding us each and every day. We have to tune into the present to derive the most out of life. Tomorrow is simply not guaranteed.  Plan and work for an awesome future, but enjoy the journey. Reflect on the past...but don't obsess about things you are unable to change.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change...the courage to change the things I can...and the wisdom to know the difference.

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

Discipline

Discipline.  The Creator Of Achievement.

"Discipline is the bridge between GOALS and ACCOMPLISHMENTS."...Jim Rohn

This is such an important word to grasp the complete meaning of early in life.  I am absolutely convinced that you can be the most well intentioned person in the world.  You can have the best idea's and dreams. You can have charisma dripping from every pore in your body. You can have creativity and imagination in abundance. You can be bursting with energy and optimism. You can have all these wonderful attributes...but without self discipline you will still fall way short of your goals. The all important character trait of discipline has everything to do with a person realizing their biggest dreams.  It is the creator of achievement.

Without applying discipline to our lives we tend to let things slide. A little bit here, and a little bit there. And there within lies the problem.  The "little bit here" and the "little bit there" all adds up. Outside of a really horrendous life decision being made that can alter your life in an instant, a person failing to reach their personal or professional goals can usually be traced back to the moments when they "should have"...but didn't.  You could be a college student, for example, who has an important exam coming up and instead of studying like you "should have," you decided to go to the big game.  When you take that exam and don't do as well as you could have done there is nobody to blame except yourself.  If that type of poor judgement and lack of self control is repeated throughout your academic career, this can be a problem.

There is nothing I have ever achieved that wasn't the direct result of utilizing self discipline.  On the flip side most of my life's failings, with the advantage of hindsight being the great teacher that it is, were the direct result of not utilizing self discipline or self control. Having personal responsibility and accountability requires a high degree of self discipline.  They go hand and hand like peanut butter and jelly.



Talk to ANY successful person about what it took for them to reach the level of success they enjoy, and you will most likely come away with a lesson on how to properly set priorities...and more importantly...see them through.  They use words like sacrifice. They delayed the instant gratification that was before them many many times because they were focused on the bigger vision/goal that was lying in the distance.  That takes discipline.  Everybody wants to go to the big game.  Not everybody does however.  Some want the A+ on the exam instead. Discipline. 

Being able to say NO to others is an important skill to learn.  Being able to say NO to yourself is absolutely vital to your success.  This was perfectly demonstrated using young children in the famous Stanford Marshmallow Test.    

Until next time...

#YouMatterTremendously

#GoldenRuleLifeStrategy
#LiveYourLifeWithPurpose

The Stanford Marshmallow Test video.