JayTheBanker's Blog

THE COMFORT ZONE

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 16:08:00 +0000

I really like being in my comfort zone…and the older I get, the more I look around for opportunities for me to stay in it. Are you like this too?

For years I did everything I could to avoid the "uncomfortable situations" that showed up in my life. Still not a real fan.

Here's the thing: Have you ever noticed how comfortable you like to be?

Ok, I am not talking about being comfortable as in sitting in an incredibly cushioned chair type comfortable.

I am talking about:
· Arriving at a busy and crowded restaurant and avoiding absolutely everyone.
· Enter a business meeting full of people…and you avoid everybody.
· Get asked to speak on a given topic and being quick to say "NO THANK YOU!"
· Not extending your hand to meet someone standing right next to you.

It doesn't matter where I go…I always tend to look for a comfortable spot to be…or maybe even how to avoid them altogether. BUT…

The challenge I gave myself several years ago - and I pass on to you is this.. >>> Look for those opportunities that make you uncomfortable…opportunities that will create a better you. Trust me, you will recognize them when you are asked to do them. Your heart may even race a bit when the situation arises.

Every time you step into a situation that takes you out of your comfort zone…you will get better at handling it.

Some examples of things that might make you uncomfortable:
1) What if you asked the customer at your desk or in your teller line or on the phone about…Who they do their investments with…you might have the opportunity to bring up an investment person.
2) What if you took a minute and called that customer who you spoke to yesterday who was having a bad day… "just to check on them".
3) What if you chose to finally go sign up for that class you've been putting off…
4) When the neighbor asks if you'd like to come over for dinner and you have really never met them…
5) Apologizing for the error of judgement made with a friend.

Here's the thing…the situation may totally flop…OR you may totally kill it…you might actually meet a few new people…they might even say yes…
Regardless of the outcome, you'll still be you on the other side. You'll have more courage the next time and you'll be able to "chalk that one up to experience" if it doesn't go quite as planned.

When confronted with the chance to be uncomfortable vs comfortable…I really do my best to step into the situation I know will make me uncomfortable. (and it still hard to do)

WHY DO IT? Because you'll grow, you'll improve, you'll be more courageous, you'll become an even better leader…likely a better person too.

Choose to step into the place where magic happens…get out of your comfort zone.

Hope your week is awesome!

Jay

La Luna!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:49:00 +0000

Great shot of the full moon this morning on my walk. Hope you were able to view it too!

Good morning!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:49:00 +0000

Have a beautiful day.. : )

Squirrels in the…PUMPKINS!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 16:58:00 +0000

Never knew squirrels 🐿️ ate pumpkins?!? We have a total of four squirrels fighting for position currently and it appears the pumpkin seeds are the treat they are (very literally) climbing inside the pumpkin to grab!

When you live next to the woods you just never know.

As the lady of the house says.. "Welcome to the jungle"..

Jay E

Am I walking by the Spirit or by the flesh…

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 13:20:00 +0000

Am I walking by the Spirit or by the flesh…

"The need for certainty is often the enemy of obedience…but it's Interesting that I don't need certainty to sin. Yet I want certainty to obey? Because sin will generally get me what I want." (podcast)

-10 Second Rule (book)

Jay

TODAY

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 12:52:00 +0000

Read this earlier today:

"Realize that whether the decisions you make today are minuscule or monumental , with them you travel down a road of your future." (C. Stanley)

Also applies to my actions too.

Who will my decisions/actions honor?

And will they reflect...
wisdom?
compassion?
truth?
Integrity?

JE

Great White PELICANS!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 13:54:00 +0000

A unique thing showed up in our neighborhood lakes this week....

PELICANS!
Actually, American White Pelicans...

Not sure I've ever seen them in OKLAHOMA.

Glad they stopped on their way to the Gulf of Mexico..

A Chance..

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:17:00 +0000

A statement that struck a cord with me today:

"THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO RESPOND IN A WAY THAT HONORS GOD." (by Charles Stanley)

I'm sure I'll have opportunities today.

Jay

Hello Monday! (8-17)

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:58:00 +0000

Great wisdom for 2020

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 19:52:00 +0000

Great wisdom for the new year!

"If you want a different result, try different actions and habits, if you plant corn, don't be shocked when you grow corn." - Dave #Ramsey

Potential is great...but habits (and actions) are what form us and make us who we are..

Jay

Financial Things To Consider - 2020 // #planning

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 17:12:00 +0000

Happy Year End 2019!!

This is a short list of things you need to make sure don't get lost in the craziness of your year end 2019 roundup and new year 2020 kickoff!!

"If you want things to change, MAKE THEM CHANGE!" - Dave Ramsey

#Generosity has an impact.

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 03:09:00 +0000

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." -W Churchill

>>You leave a legacy by what you give – or said another way – you leave a legacy by your generosity.

----- ////// ------ ///// ----- ////// ------

Good morning and HELLO MONDAY!!

I believe wholeheartedly in the statement: "Leadership is Influence"

Your influence can be positive or negative… and generosity is a way to lead and inadvertently have influence…a positive one.

You all are an incredible group of generous people and this picture is a great example. And while we don't have everyone in the picture…we all share in the generosity of our fellow bankers and great customers who participated in rounding up all these toys for Santa's Toy Shoppe (Yukon)

Your generosity will bring joy and hope to a child in Canadian County!! You guys are awesome!

----- ////// ------ ///// ----- ////// ------

Your generosity makes me think of the generous gift given to us over 2000 years ago in a little town of Bethlehem. Yes, the story of Jesus.

· What would it take for me (us) to be generous at that kind of level?

· What would this look like for you?

o Not to give my child necessarily…but to be generous at a level that is unimaginable in my situation.

You leave a legacy by what you give – or said another way – you leave a legacy by your generosity (or lack thereof).

The challenge is to see how generous you can be…whatever that looks like for you!

Lead Well..

IMpatience is all around us. 😖

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Sat, 26 Oct 2019 14:15:00 +0000

No doubt about it…FALL..IS…HERE…and thank goodness because I was getting tired of waiting!

Something I noticed a few months ago that really surprises me – about me – I am growing in my IMpatience. And while I am sure you are doing better than me – you are probably growing more impatient too.

The particular "A-HA" moment was a few months ago after my bride and I had ordered a coffee and we had to wait an entire 5 minutes for them to call my name. "JAY, YOUR NITRO COLD BREW IS READY.." Sadly, this revelation occurred to me as I looked around the coffee shop and saw (literally) everybody around us with a look of disgust and frustration on their faces too.

"HOW DARE THIS BUSINESS TAKE FIVE WHOLE MINUTES OF OUR LIVES WAITING ON COFFEE – SURELY THEY CAN MOVE FASTER THAN THAT!" – ok, I really didn't think or say this…but I probably looked like I did.

I did think to myself – "wow, how crazy is it that I am very impatiently sitting here (and all the people around us) waiting for a silly cup of coffee".

THE REALITY: We live and do business in a culture of impatience. Can you imagine if waiting for a coffee causes frustration – consider what bank customers could experience.

Sure, there are people who are very patient – and I hope you are one of them – but as I look around I have come to the conclusion that we live in and serve in a culture (very) full of people growing in impatience toward those of us serving customers.

Not long ago I read a book by HORST SCHULZE (called "Excellence Wins")wherein he shares about the differences between serving customers (and their patience) back when he co-founded the Ritz Carlton in the early 1980's in contrast to today… this a high end – swanky hotel chain.

In the early 1980's Horst had actually determined via a study of their customers…that they felt very well taken care of…IF… when they arrived to "check in" they were served within 4 ½ minutes. Fast forward to a similar study in ~2018…the current Ritz Carlton customers feel totally dissatisfied IF they are not served within about 30 seconds. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE.

I believe our customers (and you and I) are similar..

All of this to say – WE NEED TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE CULTURE OF CUSTOMER WE ARE SERVING.

So, a quick challenge for you: the next time you go ANYWHERE (other than a Dr's office) – see how long it takes you to be served. Better yet, send a text message to your pals and see how impatient you are in receiving a response.

OUR OPPORTUNITY: to "flip the script" and serve customers politely, timely, answer the phone quickly, ask great questions and deliver in a big way AND ALWAYS Keep the "culture of impatience" on your mind as you serve customers.

We should all be more patient as we deal with each other… and shop…and go to restaurants…and even order coffee, etc…but the reality is many of us (and our customers) usually are not very patient.

You may be asking ask.. "So Jay…why does this matter?"

1) We serve people like us.

2) We serve people (in general) with low expectations of service and timeliness. Because not many people/places deliver.

3) We live in a culture of impatience.

4) We should apply the "PLATINUM RULE" with customers (and each other) each and every day:

a. THE PLATINUM RULE: "Treat others better than you want to be treated."

We do an incredible job of taking care of customers…but we need to never take them (or each other) for granted.

As Horst says in his book…"We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen."

Serve Well and Serve using THE PLATINUM RULE.

Have a great week!!

Jay

#CBMC #Yukon - 6:30am WEDNESDAY - Aug 28th

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 01:12:00 +0000

Hello men!

I'm looking forward to seeing you this week and consider inviting a guest on Wednesday.

I ran across this statement (below) in yesterday's devotional in that blasted "Bible In One Year" app on my phone.

Sometimes I really don't like it – as it seems to ALWAYS (yes, ALWAYS!) get me thinking and praying a bit more which slows me down.

And I don't always have time for that…because I am busy! (boy, don't we say that a lot..)

This particular statement is not anything new…on the contrary, we have all eluded to (and spoken similar) statements many times over our adult Christian life.

It goes something like this: "IT IS SO IMPORTANT NOT JUST TO START WELL BUT ALSO TO FINISH WELL" (nicky gumbel)

You can quickly search verses on the subject and several will pop up. Go for it.

The chapter in the Bible I was reading revealed an example of NOT finishing well (2 Chronicles 24). Not fun.

What I find intriguing about the whole finishing well idea …..is that I have always focused on the END goal.

But it's always tomorrow that throws something at me which can make me stumble. It's as if I am looking so far down the road – I miss the pothole right in front on me!

For sure, finishing well is the goal… but as my friend Dave Ramsey says…IT'S BABY STEPS...lots of them over lots of days. There is no shortcut to finishing well with money OR finishing well as a man of God.

We should absolutely focus on the end goal…but we need to be Living Proof of Christ TODAY…a Marketplace Ambassador for Christ TODAY…and then each and every day thereafter!

Thank you Jesus for the great reminders and examples you have given us in your Word!

Thus far today….I have officially taken 8,971 steps.

Yes, I'm still thinking about my goal…but I have lots more steps to take today to reach it!

So, how are you doing??

Have an awesome week!

Thank You!

JE

#CBMCYukon - Wed 6/26/19 - 6:30am - @cbmcok #davidcurran #russelmigl

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 01:49:00 +0000

Good morning men!

I hope your Monday has started off well!

Will you join us Wednesday morning bright and early?…consider inviting a guest.

This week we will begin to wrap up the last principle of the Living Proof study and then do about a 2 week quick review of the Living Proof principles which will take us through the end of July. All great and worthy information!!

➖This week's principle:

"Evangelism and Discipleship are one continuous adventure"

HEADS UP: we will have a few special guest speakers starting in July which are listed at the bottom of the email.

------------------------------------

STARTING OFF THIS WEDNESDAY MORNING…
we will consider the questions listed below and share responses. (if you volunteer to do so).

"The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self—all your wishes and precautions—to Christ. But it is far easier than what we are all trying to do instead. For what we are trying to do is to remain what we call 'ourselves', to keep personal happiness as our great aim in life, and yet at the same time be 'good'. We are all trying to let our mind and heart go their own way—centered on money or pleasure or ambition—and hoping, in spite of this, to behave honestly and chastely and humbly. And that is exactly what Christ warned us you could not do. As He said, a thistle cannot produce figs. If I am a field that contains nothing but grass-seed, I cannot produce wheat. Cutting the grass may keep it short: but I shall still produce grass and no wheat. If I want to produce wheat, the change must go deeper than the surface. I must be ploughed up and re-sown." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Use a journal this week to reflect on one or more of the following questions: (I suggest wading through all the questions.)

A: What are some of the reasons I fear giving my life completely to God?

B: Which areas of my life am I most reluctant to surrender to God?

C: In what ways have I experienced the heavy burden of trying to remain in control of my life?

------------------------------------

➖Don't forget June 28^th CBMC NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK!! SIGN UP HERE..

FYI…CBMCYukon schedule the first weeks of JULY:

Date Speaker

July 3^rd David Curran - CONQUER SERIES (A WOW topic and great speaker you don't want to miss)

July 10^th Russel Migl - Personal testimony and YOUTH FOR CHRIST lead – Deer Creek, Piedmont, Yukon)

Hope to see you on Wednesday morning!!

Jay

CBMC - 6:30am - Wednesday 5/22/19

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Tue, 21 May 2019 22:44:00 +0000

Good afternoon men!

I hope to see everyone tomorrow morning bright and early – 6:30am @ 2500 S Cornwell Ave!
Consider inviting guest…Go for it!

What a week it has been and it's only Tuesday (as I type) ! I pray you are all safe and dry..

Dave, Jack and Marc – God's speed in accommodating all the needs of the constituents you serve in Canadian County. May the men and women under your leadership remain safe and serve with hearts of compassion and have great wisdom over the next few days and weeks..

Just like these great men of valor raised the flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima many years ago showing their allegiance and pride of the USA…and that the mount was officially taken. WE, too, are challenged to "raise our flag" of dependence on Christ and pride of Jesus in our lives and that we are officially taken.

And as we have talked many times…we must ask the question - "HOW AM I DOING?"

Tomorrow we will continue with our discussion of Living Proof – Principal #10: "Raising the Flag and sharing Faith Stories leverages rapport and creates spiritual curiosity".

We have one specific assignment for tomorrow, just one. Take a few minutes today prior to going to bed tonight and Write out a recent experience when God prompted, comforted or gave you wisdom and how you might use it in a Faith Story.
Examples: Helping someone when you had "other things to do" .. Offering to pray when everyone else opted out. Stepping out of a conversation that was inappropriate.

God is at work everywhere and all the time….so jot down one example where you were encouraged to do something…that raised the flag of Jesus.

See you in the morning!!

Jay

Growth via EVERYTHING..??

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 15:01:00 +0000

Yes, it is true that "everything you go through grows you"…both good and bad.

But, if you're like me or even close, I am not a guy who wants the world to just "happen" to me. I'd rather "happen" to it? Right?

Why not just be intentional?

Create, foster and orchestrate opportunities for growth.

A few ideas:

· Read non-fiction books? (are you reading any books?)

· Listen to Podcasts? (so many excellent podcasts out there..)

· Take that online class?

· Go to an event of some kind. (lecture, church, volunteer,etc)

· Find people you want to become like…and you can learn from…and ask them for 30 minutes of their time. (Entrepreneur? wealthy? excellent parent? brain surgeon? excellent pie maker?)

A sure way to grow and become more knowledgeable is to ASK for time and ASK questions. Yes, there may be some people that won't give you the time of day. However, most people who you would like to become will be more than happy to share their wisdom with you. Heck, they'd probably even take it as a complement you'd even ask.

Nothing worthwhile comes easy…it will always take effort.

And so it is with growing me (and you).

Have a great day!

Jay

@jaythebanker

Where the ”magic” happens..

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 11:54:00 +0000

Boy, I really like being in my comfort zone…and the older I get, the more I look around for opportunities for me to stay in it.

For years I did everything I could to avoid the "uncomfortable situations" that showed up in my life.

Have you ever noticed how comfortable you like to be?

Ok, I am not talking about being comfortable as in sitting in an incredibly cushioned chair type comfortable.

I am talking about:
· Arriving at a busy and crowded restaurant and avoiding absolutely everyone.
· Enter a business meeting full of people…and you avoid everybody.
· Get asked to speak on a given topic and being quick to say "NO THANK YOU!"
· Not extending your hand to meet someone standing right next to you.

It doesn't matter where I go…I always tend to look for a comfortable spot to be…or maybe even how to avoid them altogether. BUT…

The challenge I gave myself several years ago - and I pass on to you is this.. Look for those opportunities that make you uncomfortable…opportunities that will create a better you. Trust me, you will recognize them when you are asked to do them. Your heart may even race a bit when the situation arises.

Every time you step into a situation that takes you out of your comfort zone…you will get better at handling it.

Some examples of things that might make you uncomfortable:

1) What if you asked the customer at your desk or in your teller line or on the phone about…Who they do their investments with…you might have the opportunity to bring up our investment representative and how they can help them reach financial goals.

2) What if you took a minute and called that customer who you spoke to yesterday who was having a bad day…"just to check on them".

3) What if you chose to finally go sign up for that night class you have been putting off…

4) When the neighbor asks if you'd like to come over for dinner and you have really never met them…

5) Apologizing for the error of judgement made with a friend.

Here's the thing…the situation may totally flop…OR you may totally kill it…you might actually meet a few new people…they might even say yes…
Regardless of the outcome, you'll still be you on the other side. You'll have more courage the next time and you'll be able to "chalk that one up to experience" if doesn't go quite as planned.

When confronted with the chance to be uncomfortable vs comfortable…I really do my best to step into the situation I know will make me uncomfortable.

WHY? Because you'll grow, you'll improve, you'll be more courageous, you'll become an even better leader.

Choose to step into the place "where the magic happens"…and get out of your comfort zone.

Hope your week is awesome!

Thank You!

Jay

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 11:30:00 +0000

GOOD MORNING!

If I have heard it once, I have heard it one thousand times….

In fact, Samantha and I have said it to our kids over the years.

"ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING"

So, a question for us: How has my attitude been lately?

I know customers can be difficult sometimes, work schedules can be a problem and coworkers are occasionally a handful. The reality is…we all have the ability of either having a bad attitude or giving someone a reason to have one. But the cool thing is…we are in control of the attitude we have.

Be sure to think before you ask the next question…or give constructive criticism. You may never know what impact you'll have on the person you are assisting.

Interestingly, Paul of the Bible made this statement in 1 Cor 10:23 - "I have the right to do anything, but not everything is constructive". No matter what you believe…this is an accurate and true statement…especially as it relates to my attitude. We can have any attitude we want…it just may not be real beneficial or constructive to my neighbor, myself, my family, my career or even my workplace..

Let's commit to having a great attitude both at work and home. Life is much too short for a bad attitude either place.

Have a great week..

Jay

🍳Great CBMC-Yukon Breakfast // @cbmcok

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 01:01:00 +0000

So good to see the men who came out early...on a rainy-ish morning to Jimmy's Egg.

A few guys even brought their sons who were in town for spring break. Nice!

Great group of men! 🙏

The Few, The Proud, The Hungry!!

You are #powerful!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 12:56:00 +0000

Wow.. if this quote doesn't make you reflect.. right?

No kidding, I run across these quotes in the books I have read over the years and I snap a picture of them. As you might imagine I have THOUSANDS of pictures of this kind on my phone. (to be exact – 13,388).

Consider the statement though.

"YOU ARE MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE. ACT ACCORDINGLY"

In many situations, we don't feel super powerful at all. But if I got pulled over for speeding and told the patrolman in a scowl…"you are not real smart pulling me over…I am innocent and I am taking you to court!"…you have the power to get yourself placed in his backseat..

The reality is that everything we do or say carries the ability to land a blow that can rock someone's world for the good or the bad. Think about what happens if I respond in a negative way if someone asks me a question at the office. If I respond poorly and don't think before I speak (as I am prone to do) My negative "power" seeps into them and it spreads like wildfire.. In the end, several go home that night and share that "power" even further. It's "no win" situation for anyone.

This quote made me think of a passage from the book of James: "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire…" Bottom line: it takes a little spark from our words to cause a massive issue quickly and ruin a day or a week of someone. And we are prone to this…especially at work.

However, this doesn't just apply at work and not even with just words…Most of us have young people in our lives – whether they be our own kids or our kids, kids - or the neighborhood kids…even the kids we have at the bank on Monday and Friday. We just need to understand that we are significantly more powerful than we think we are..with our words, looks, nods, tone…so many things to keep in mind as we communicate.

So, if you determine you've done this…take the risk of approaching your coworker/family member/friend and simply apologize…and both parties will learn and grow from it.

I won't get it right all of the time…and I will speak before I think sometimes…but if I realize the power I have (and you have) life will be better.

Have an incredible week!

@yukonrotary 52nd PANCAKE BREAKFAST

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 18:53:00 +0000

Who knew the 52nd would be the BIGGEST CROWD EVER!!

Great job YUKON ROTARY!!

💥 @YukonRotary ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 12:35:00 +0000

7:00am - 3/2/2019 - Dale Robertson Center, Yukon, OK

🥞 🥞 🥞 🥞🥞 🥞 🥞 🥞

Our Yukon Rotary Club ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST is this Saturday morning! I'll be cooking the sausage early and it will be ready when you get there.... so come see us!!

SECRET FORMULA:

Pancakes + sausage + syrup = YUM!

#pancakesFORaHEALTHYlife

@yukonrotary

@jaythebanker

CBMC-Yukon - Every Wednesday @ 6:30am

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 02:37:00 +0000

Good evening men!

Come join us any Wednesday @ 6:30am in Yukon at the CBMC men's group - 2500 S Cornwell. I'll have the coffee and donuts. ☕️

Roads shouldn't be a concern.

Rest well!

Link to Yukon location:

https://tinyurl.com/yavcwtod

Dates to Remember:

3/20/2019

Breakfast meeting - Jimmys Egg

Yukon

4/19/2019

CBMC Metro Prayer Breakfast

OKC

#CharitableGiving in 2018?

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Emory) — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 21:17:00 +0000

The ability to itemize charitable giving in 2018 has changed a bit and it will be discovered as people file their taxes.

All of the same charitable type things are deductible but the change is primarily due to the standard deductions sizable increase (through 2025 I think).

Just a heads up as you may have questions or have inquiries when your tax bill is better or worse than expected..

There are many great resources to read about this on the internet...this is only one:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/make-the-most-of-your-charitable-donations-under-new-tax-law/

Jay