I thought you’d like to read the announcement yourself, so here it is…

I am pleased to let all of you know that we are indeed opening our first Chipotle restaurant at 2825 West End Avenue. We are looking to open on Friday, November 13th.

What you all probably don’t know is that I’m prepared to announce a second site, opening about a month later. The location is in Green Hills and we’re opening on December 11th. I’ll let you know the location as soon as I can let that cat out of the bag, which will be very, very soon.

Thank you all for your support and I look forward to meeting a bunch of Chipotle fans at our grand openings!

Bobby Shaw

If you’re interested in staying updated on the latest, join our Facebook group, “Bring Chipotle to Nashville.”

• Chipotle is coming to Nashville If you

Savannah (2) & Caleb (5 months)

Caleb at 5 months and 22lbs

• Caleb @ 3 months I snapped
• There will never be another tonight I can
• Introducing Caleb Douglas… This morni

Initially, I catered it to the 40+ crowd, but then I realized that success is subjective and it shouldn’t be about any one demographic. With 29 comments to-date—a record for my blog—it’s obviously a conversation that is of interest to you too, and one that I hope to continue.

By the way, if you haven’t contributed to the conversation, I invite you to jump in. You don’t have to be perfect nor have some letters after your name. I’m simply interested in knowing what’s worked for you.

Here’s a snapshot of some of my favorite replies so far…

“If we had it to do again, we’d spend less money on ’stuff’, save more, and travel more to experience our country and our world.” —Liz Jenkins

“I never really leveraged my time to become all that I wanted to be. I leveraged my time so that my husband and children could become all that THEY wanted to be. And – to that end – I have been outrageously successful.” —CeCe Dubois

“The answer for me is “I can do it all—just not at the same time.” —Maria Keckler

“Rhythms of life are vital. If you work to maintain rhythm, somehow everything seems more doable. … Intimacy with God and others. I’ve found a dearth of this practice in my own life and others, especially Christian leaders. This intimacy is the key to a satisfying life. I’ve made my work, my hobbies, my ego, my food, alcohol, sex and many more things my lover. But, there is only one who can truly bring you fulfillment and meet your deepest needs. God wants to be your lover. He wants to seduce you to intimacy with him. Have you ever had a time with God as good as your most wildest sexual moment? if not, you are not alone. Search for this type intimacy with God with all your body and soul. I have found that a true love affair with God spreads to all others in my life.” —Randy Elrod

“The other thing I’ve wrestled with – and finally given into – is an early-to-bed, early-to-rise schedule. You know me – I’m a night owl to the core. Even with 2 young kids it’s still so hard for me to go to bed early, even harder for me to wake up at 5 AM. But, wow, what a difference it has made. As I’ve studied history and found my heroes, I’ve realized that none of them were undisciplined.” —Jim Cowart

Finally, Mark Maxwell, a entertainment lawyer, friend and elder at New Song Christian Fellowship, wrote a very insightful and compelling reply on his Facebook page. There are 16, yes 16 points, to his reply and I compel you to read every one of them. It is chock-full of wisdom and very timely. In case you don’t make it over, here are a few of my favorites…

I have chosen to keep my work time at a very controlled level. I strongly defend the boundaries between my work life and home time. I don’t believe I have ever lost or disappointed a client due to this firm commitment.

The foundation for serving well is my commitment to pray for my clients on a weekly basis. (This is my version of a Monday morning staff meeting). This by far is my very best time investment concerning my business.In my view, “networking” as it is traditionally thought of, is a four letter word. I am convinced that humility, love, genuine concern, and interest in others is the best business marketing plan for my law practice. “Networking” is generally concerned with what I may gain or receive from others, whereas God’s kingdom principles are based upon sowing, serving and giving to others. I have intentionally rejected the notion of “potential” client “networking” lunches. When it comes to lunch meetings, my goal has been to simply hear from the Lord — who might need some time with me — who might need some encouragement this month — or, who might I share some mutual dreams and kingdom visions with over a meal. Typically, this leads to a great lunch experience with an old or new friend. The person with whom I have connected usually does not become a client. But, like clockwork, 4 to 6 months later, I will get a marvelous new client referral from that very lunch partner. This happens again and again for me.

Finally, discontentment can impact everything you do. I truly only enjoy about 50% about the tasks that are laid before me in any given week. But, I have learned that if I truly focus on my clients and not my own needs and concerns, then the daily routines of my law practice that are unpleasant or stressful or tedious become miraculously invisible.

I am discovering that there are scores of people, just like me, who struggle to live life well. I believe that if those, who have gone before us, will share what they know, it could help me and my generation(s) to avoid the mistakes that have already cost you so much. Sure, some things are better learned in real-time, but guidance and support along the way can give us the assurance and strength we need when encountering the unknown.

For those of you who have already joined the conversation, thank you. For those of you who are about to jump in, please do, and thank you.

Here’s to learning!

• It’s a boy! Kristy and

That statement changed my paradigm forever.

Frustrated with someone? Why? Have they ever given you permission to expect what you’re expecting from them?

If yes? Then press in and press hard. Relational conflict only builds depth.

If no? Perhaps your expectations are too high.

Relationship templates will only hurt those you love and care for. Adjust your expectations, change your paradigm and I guarantee you’ll see growth.

Nobody likes to feel like they are failing.

No related posts.

All three, right?

If I was a real estate agent and someone contacted me with interest to list, I would pursue them like I would the sale of their house: prompt to reply, looking for opportunities to explore, readily available and like I always do, make people tell me no, twice. I would show this prospect client that I’m serious about selling their house. Creativity, attentiveness and persistence are the keys to sales, so when opportunity knocks, it’s show time. It’s time to show them that I am the guy for the job.

Makes sense, right?

If you are a real estate agent in the Nashville area and you want to sell my house, I invite you inquire within. Sell me on your selling ability, don’t just tell me about your template marketing plan.

For the three other agents I recently contacted, I’m sorry it didn’t work out. It’s not because I wouldn’t have hired you, it’s because you didn’t bother to ask.

No related posts.

I’m a husband, new dad, small business owner, a christian who earnestly desires to live a fully devoted life, and thanks to my new Wii and Wii Fit I got for Father’s day, apparently I have about 25lbs to lose to get back in the “normal” BMI range. Nice.

Bills. Small business time. Quiet time. Quality time. Kid time. Wife time. Romance time. Household chore time. Hobby time. Blog time. Workout time. Friend time. New idea time. Client prospect time. Client maintenance time. Staff time. Innovation time. New idea time. Sleep time. Sabbath time. Prayer time. Me time? Oh my! And what else am I forgetting?

We, my generation, are no stranger to the concept of mentors, but the reality is, they are few and far between.

So today, I stand for all those in my generation whose life applies to one or more of the above identities and responsibilities. Together, we ask the generation before us…

How do you do it all?

What success have you had in leveraging your time to become all that you want to be?

If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

What is your key to quality relationships?

• Difference between idea and success I’ve
• How to do it all My earlier

I’ve talked to people. I’ve asked questions. I’ve even began to put together documents to show how serious I am about it.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about it. I see it’s need everywhere.

I would go as far as saying that it’s not just my idea, but that it’s a divine idea.

People have even agreed, it’s a good idea.

Unfortunately, it’s still just an idea.

We all have ideas. Some big. Some small. Some hopes. Some dreams.

The difference between an idea and a success? Obedience and unwavering commitment to make the idea a reality.

Success isn’t indicated by money in the bank (although that’s a nice reward); it comes by execution.

You may fail, but failure can also be a success.

What are you waiting for?

You were made for that idea.

You were made for success.

• So, We Didn’t Punk’d Ashton (an update) Update: Mo
• Buy shoes, make a difference Yesterday

The context of the film is quite simple and common today, unfortunately. You have a guy who gets any girl he wants, except the one he really wants. So rather than pursuing her, he rejects, mocks and is audaciously crude in a weak attempt to conjure up a jealous reaction. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Meanwhile, the story reveals that his Uncle taught him how to be “that guy” from an early age, based on the following statement…

Control belongs to the one who cares the least

Wow.

This is so remarkably profound that I have yet to be able to prove it wrong. In fact, I believe that it reveals a truth behind the majority, if not all, relational breakdowns experienced in marriage, parenting, friendship and even in the workplace.

Control is nothing more than displaced power. Ultimately, the best friend, spouse, parent, leader, manager—you name it—inspires others to live up to their potential. Moreover, they understand that relational power is delicate and very powerful when harnessed for the good. When harnessed for the bad, it become self-centered, manipulating and ultimately destructive for both parties; guaranteed.

No related posts.

Because I own my own business, part of the challenge that I’ve faced for the past three-plus years is that it doesn’t matter when or where I go, I am always on call. This boundary has been almost impossible to set otherwise.

This year will be different.

Today, I committed to checking out of work responsibilities for the entire week. No phone calls and no checking or responding to email the whole week. I will turn off email on my phone, set an out-of-office responder and say goodbye, officially, at 5pm CST on Friday; buh-bye.

Why? Good question.

The number one thing that I’ve learned about living intentionally is to be fully present in every moment. If I’m going to have a chance of realizing the anticipation I already have, I have no choice but to say no to what’s normal. It is my hope that in doing so, that the time will be more restful, enriching and deeply satisfying. But as I dig deeper, this isn’t really about me; it’s about my family.

I hope that when we come home, we will have loads of memories, pictures and video of the little things that were capture and celebrated. From the sand castles we built, to the hours in the kiddie pool, to the sweet times we’ll have on the porch swing, these are the times that can be missed—quickly—if I’m not intentional and fully present.

So, let the games, movies, conversations, sleeping, dreaming, swimming, eating, shopping, exploring, laughing, loving, golfing, fishing, sleeping, sunsets, sunrises, beach time, sleeping, date nights….begin. I can’t wait!

When was the last time you unhooked and unplugged?

PS. Attention clients. I wouldn’t really ignore you, so I’ve set up an emergency email account that you can reach me anytime at—JUST KIDDING!

No related posts.

If you’re a Google Reader user as well, you can access this same data by clicking on the “Trends” link in your navigation area.

Okay, here we go:

#1 Macworld – I am a Mac enthusiast and I find that Macworld offers one of the most comprehensive feeds for Mac related news, software and products. I read 25% of their posts.

#2 Advertising Age – Makes sense…I’m a marketing guy at heart and this is one of the ways that I stay tuned into what’s happening in my market. However, just tonight, I found Mediaweek which is a promising read as well. I read 25% of their posts.

#3 FlowerDust.net (Anne Jackson) – Anne’s blog is a new favorite. She is the author of Mad Church Disease, a book dedicated to helping those in ministry, vocational or volunteer, steer clear from burnout—which is a MAJOR problem. One of the reasons that I, and many others, enjoy reading her blog is that she is one of the most honest bloggers out there. Seriously, it stretches even me. Check it out. I read 100% of her posts.

#4 Nielsen Wire – I just recently found this blog. It’s written by the fine folks at Nielsen and it is FULL of great articles about what’s going on in our culture. Topics include, but aren’t limited to: TV, technology, trends, economy, and much more. Did you know that just over 1/3 of American’s have an HDTV and the average person watches 153 hours of TV a month? Yeah, that kind of stuff. It’s a must-read for me. I read 19% of their posts.

#5 Without Wax (Pete Wilson) – Pete is also a new favorite. He is the senior pastor at Cross Point church here in Nashville and is one of the more forward thinking pastors I know when it comes to how to use media, technology and the Bible, all in one blog post. He’s building a great community of thinkers, believers and activists at Cross Point and on his blog. I read 94% of his posts.

So there you have it. Five blogs that I read regularly that I think you might enjoy. Feel free to share with me some of your favs in the comment section. I’m always looking to expand my horizons.

No related posts.