The day I walked into that interview, I was carrying more than a résumé. I was carrying my father’s unfinished story and the weight of knowing time with him was running out.

My dad coached varsity basketball and taught for 39 years. He cared about his players, built men, and lived for the game. He was respected, loved, and known for giving everything he had to others. But after my senior year, following a championship season and a valley playoff run, he was fired. That wound cut deep for him, and in its own way, it landed on my brother and me too.

Years later, when I felt God nudging me to apply for a Varsity basketball coaching job, I thought maybe this was the moment to redeem that story.

I’d spent a large part of my life around the game, played college basketball and worked elite camps, but this wasn’t about stats or ego. It was about legacy, volunteering and giving back what the game had given my dad, and me.

But the interview didn’t go as planned.

Halfway through the interview I had an asthma attack. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t speak. I walked out of the room embarrassed and frustrated. They never saw the vision I prepared. I never got a second interview.

It hurt more than it should have, not because I didn’t get the job, but because I felt like I’d failed him. His pain and my drive had become tangled together. It wasn’t about basketball anymore; it was about closure I never got to give him.

About six months later, my dad passed away.

Those final months became sacred. My mom, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew carried the heavy load of daily care. They were true heroes.

I talked to him about Jesus, about the peace that only comes through Him. I prayed over him, and for the first time, coaching didn’t mean drills or plays, it meant guiding someone I loved toward eternity.

Those conversations became the most meaningful coaching I’ve ever done.

Later, when I asked God why the rejection of the basketball job hurt so bad, I sensed this truth:

“You weren’t rejected. You were released.”

Released from carrying my dad’s unfinished story. Released from trying to fix what only God could redeem. Released from proving myself in a world that often chooses the safe choice instead of the one that brings real transformation.

My dad never failed. He just didn’t know the full harvest of the seeds he planted.

Now, decades later, I hear from his former players, men who are now grandfathers, leaders, and coaches themselves. They tell me, “Your dad was a role model, inspiring, a righteous man, life teacher, class act, principled man, great coach and was loved.

My dad walked the walk, not just talked it.

That’s legacy. That’s impact. And that’s success, even if the world never hands you a trophy.

Here’s what I know now:

Rejection doesn’t define you. Purpose does. The panel didn’t know my heart, my passion, or my commitment when they said no. But God said, “Not here.”

He’s still leading me to the court He wants me on, and when it’s time, I’ll be ready.

To every man who’s felt the sting of rejection or loss where he thought he was called, you’re not weak, and you’re not done.

Sometimes God walks you into pain to free you from burdens you were never meant to carry. Once they’re lifted, you can finally build something eternal.

Dad, I prayed with you. I talked to you about Jesus. I know God has your soul. And I trust that what He began in you, He’s completed.

I’ll keep running my race until we meet again where the court is eternal, the season never ends, and the victory is already won.

So here's what you should be doing:

1. Do Stuff. Lots of Stuff.

Try different jobs. Don't get locked into some career that you're not excited about too early. You're not supposed to "have it all figured out" yet. Get out in the world. Start a small business, work a job that interests you, lead a project, and try new things. Get your hands dirty. Every skill you learn now compounds later.

2. Learn to Speak Like a Man People Listen To.

Forget charisma and fancy vocabulary. Speak clearly, with purpose and conviction. Practice out loud. Record yourself. Join a speaking group. Speak in front of people, even if it makes you sweat. Confidence in communication will raise you above 90% of your peers. Learn to lead with your words.

3. Stop Comparing Yourself.

That guy you think has it all together? He doesn't. He's winging it too. The polished image on social media is likely a mask. Focus on your lane and keep moving forward.

4. Lift Weights—Not Your Ego.

Build muscle, build strength. It's your armor for life. But don't let your ego push you into injury. Trust me, I know. I partially tore my right pec, trying to max out my bench. (Nobody cares about your bench by the way) You don't need to deadlift a car. Focus on longevity, not vanity lifts. Walk daily. Sprint sometimes. Movement is medicine.

5. Soak in the Sun and Breathe Fresh Air.

Get outside. Vitamin D, circadian rhythm, mental clarity, this isn't just longevity guru talk. It's biology. Nature can do wonders. Use it.

6. Start Something. Anything.

Try a side hustle. Start a business.You’ll learn more running a failing $500 side hustle than sitting in ten business classes. You don't need a perfect plan, start. Fail. Learn. Iterate. That's how you build. You might never succeed, but the education in the real world will be worth it. Take control of your destiny

7. Learn to Manage Money.

Track your spending. Save more than you spend. Learn basic investing. Avoid credit card debt like it's poison, because it is. Study from experts and learn as much as you can. Don't listen to the hype; seek out professionals.

8. Stay Away from Drugs and Alcohol.

You don't need it. Period. What most people call "partying" is just slow self-destruction. The decision to avoid these evils early can pay huge dividends later in life.

9. Eat Like You Respect Your Body.

Protein, eggs, fruits, vegetables. Cut the junk: sugar, processed garbage, and the stuff that comes in shiny wrappers. Treat your body like a well-oiled machine, not a garbage can.

10. Don't Waste Fridays and Weekends.

Use that time to build. Read. Train. Work on Something meaningful. You don't need another drink. You need discipline. This is the time to move your dreams forward and focus on what matters in life.

11. Drop the Pressure to Fit an Image.

Nobody's thinking about you as much as you feel. They're too busy worrying about themselves. Focus on your growth. Build your life. Create your version of success.

12. Find God.

This is the most important part. I’ve been a believer my whole life, but it wasn’t until I faced vicious attacks against my family, my business, my soul that I truly realized: Jesus was there. Right there. In the darkest moments, He didn’t flinch. We won by standing tall and strong together.

You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be focused.

Drifting through your 20s might feel like freedom. It’s not. It’s a trap. One day you wake up in your 30s wondering where the time went and why nothing feels solid. Your 20s will shape the rest of your life whether you’re intentional or not. Most guys drift. Don’t.

Get right with God now. Don’t wait for the storm to figure out who you are. Be kind. Be sharp. Be relentless.

And most of all, start today.

“Boost your testosterone.”
“Try this new workout.”
“Take this miracle pill.”

Scroll, scroll, scroll.
Hack, hack, hack.

Maybe it’s the algorithm knowing my age. Maybe it’s desperation targeting. Either way, I get it. A lot of guys feel the pressure. Testosterone this, hormones that. Everyone’s looking for the magic fix.

Here’s a thought:
Maybe you don’t need a magic fix.
Maybe you just need to stop trashing your body.

I’m 55. Just got my annual bloodwork. Total testosterone? 761.
No TRT. No “biohacking.”
Just discipline and basics.

This isn’t medical advice. It’s lived experience.

I track my blood every year. I adjust when needed. I stay ahead.
Because if you’re not looking under the hood, you’re guessing.
And most guys don’t fall off because of “age.”
They fall off because of lifestyle.

Booze. Pills. Junk food. No sleep. No exercise.
I’ve watched men disintegrate from self-abuse, not birthdays.

I go to business events and watch grown men act like they’re on spring break.
Booze. Late nights. Garbage food.
They laugh it off.
But that stuff stacks up.

Meanwhile, I’m in the hotel gym. I eat clean. I train.
I don’t chase trends. I keep the edge.

Look, social media can trick you. Filters, angles and more.
Don’t be fooled. The path is boring. The path is real:

• Eat real food

• Sleep 7–8 hours

• Lift weights

• Walk daily

• Get sunlight and fresh air

No gimmicks. No shortcuts.
Supplements help, but they’re the last 5%.
The other 95%? That’s built through consistency.

This isn’t complicated.
It’s just not exciting.
And that’s why most people ignore it.

Bottom line:
If your habits are garbage, no pill will save you.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and reflects my personal experience. It is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.

I grew up in Porterville, California, small-town grit, where basketball wasn’t a hobby. It was life. My dad, a high school varsity coach, didn’t just teach the game, he taught me how to compete. How to build from the fundamentals up. That talent doesn’t mean jack without discipline, heart, and consistency.

What I didn’t realize then? Those early days built the framework for everything I do now in life, in business, in leadership. Those principles still show up in every decision I make.

The Game Was My First Classroom

I played college ball at UC Santa Cruz. Coached youth and high school players. I taught the fundamentals because the fundamentals never go out of style. I loved it. Coaching lit me up. It felt like my calling in college and I was on the path to follow in my dad’s footsteps.

But life doesn’t always go according to the playbook.

A Detour That Became My Destiny

Instead, I found myself applying everything I learned from basketball into the business world. And it worked.

Over 22 years, I built a company from scratch, no investors, no handouts, just drive, vision, and relentless execution. We made the Inc. 5000 six times. Entrepreneur’s, Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America and even cracked Deloitte’s Tech Fast 500.

People ask, “How’d you make the leap?”

Simple. I took everything sports taught me and became a coach in business.

Basketball = Business = Life

Running a team or running a company, it’s the same game.

You build culture.

You develop people.

You make real-time decisions under pressure.

You don’t win with hype. You win by doing the little things, the boring things - right, every single day.

On the court, you stop practice to reset. In the boardroom, you call a timeout when the team’s off-track. It’s the same mindset, just a different scoreboard.

Coaching Is Leadership at the Highest Level

Coaching isn’t yelling from the sideline. It’s building people. It’s pulling greatness out of others when they don’t even see it yet.

That’s what I do in business. That’s what I did in sports. That’s what real leaders do. They coach.

Here’s what coaching taught me about success:

• Show up with consistency, especially when it’s hard.

• Do what you say. No excuses.

• Be coachable. Ego kills progress.

• The team > the individual.

• Lead with integrity. Always.

Whether you’re hitting free throws or sealing deals, those principles never go out of style.

Sports Gave Me a Launchpad — Life Made Me Build the Rocket

Basketball was never just about winning. It was training for life. I learned how to lead, how to take ownership, how to stay calm in chaos, and how to fight for something bigger than myself.

I believe coaching, whether on the hardwood or in the boardroom, is one of the most powerful things you can do. You’re not just teaching a game or building a business. You’re shaping lives.

The Full Circle Moment

Looking back, it all lines up. The shooting drills, the 6AM runs, the team huddles. They built the foundation for how I lead now.

Whether I’m guiding a business team or was working with an athlete, it’s all coaching. It’s all about unlocking potential.

And that’s the beauty of sports, it trains you for the game that really matters.

Life.

Overcoming obscurity is tough, but a memorable brand can set you apart. Infuse energy and positivity into your brand identity. Consistent branding across all channels, from your logo to your customer service, helps establish a strong, recognizable presence. Your brand should reflect your values and resonate with your target audience. Keep it vibrant, engaging, and authentic to make a lasting impression.

You are your business's best salesperson. Hone your pitch to energetically convey the value of your product or service. Practice delivering a clear, compelling message that highlights the benefits and solutions you offer. Confidence and enthusiasm are contagious, and a well-crafted pitch can turn potential customers into loyal clients. Remember, your passion and belief in your product are your greatest assets!

It’s been awhile since I’ve watched a high school basketball game and it was a little eye opening. As a former high school hooper and a Division III player at UC Santa Cruz, basketball's always been my core. But these high schoolers? They were playing modern hoops like the NBA. They were spacing the court, launching 25-foot threes, and tossing up off-balanced shots. They were emulating the pros but lacking one thing…. the fundamentals.

I read somewhere recently that around 3.6% of high school players make it to college ball. Division I? Just 1%. Dreaming of the NBA? Less than 0.03% make it.

If you want to become a strong player on your high school team and have a chance to make it to college, you need an edge. Today's game loves Flash, but my old-school grind taught me that fundamentals are king. My style may be outdated to some, but it's the work ethic behind it—doing the detailed work when nobody's watching.

In my opinion, here's how to stand out straight from my driveway days

Fundamentals: The Heart of the Game

Modern basketball is about highlight reels, spread offenses, drive-and-dish, and deep threes. Young players try to channel the pros, chasing style over substance. But you can't shine without a foundation. Heck, we all wanted to be Michael Jordan in our time, but most of us had to stay a little more grounded.

As the son of a high school varsity coach, I was raised on fundamentals. Proper shooting mechanics—square up, eyes on the rim, elbow in, follow-through—were second nature to me. I shot 45% from three-point range, not by bombing away but by perfecting my mechanics. I even used a 15-inch rim in my driveway to make every shot a challenge.

As a college basketball player, I also worked as a counselor at some high profile camps of NBA legends, learning from the pros and elite coaches who preached the same truth: everything goes back to fundamentals. High school players, if you want to play college ball, master the basics before chasing highlights. That's what college coaches notice.

Tip 1: Shoot 300 Shots a Day

300 shots a day, every day. That wasn't hype; it was life during the '80s and '90s. There were no club teams, just summer leagues in hot, steamy gyms with swamp coolers or workouts in the driveway.

My workouts were relentless: Running timed 2-mile runs (People to this day still remember seeing me running around town), short sprints, and weighted jump ropes, all to make those 300 shots even more difficult. I'd use trash cans to simulate defenders or come off imaginary screens. I wouldn't go in till I hit 90 out of 100 free throws and over 50 percent on my three-pointers. Commit to daily skill work. Hit mid-range shots, free throws, catch-and-shoot threes. Do all this before moving on to the "off-balance shots. Perfect your form. My "outdated" style might not go viral, but that's the unseen hustle. Those hours alone in the gym or driveway build a work ethic that pays off.

Tip 2: Build Solid Handles

A great shot is useless if you can't get open. Every workout started with ball handling, crossovers, hesitations, and behind-the-back moves before I took a jumper. I'd weave through driveway trash cans like defenders, prepping for game pressure. Make a dribbling routine your foundation. Practice moves to shake defenders, set up shots, or dish passes. Master basics like jump stops and pivots.

The modern game loves flashy handles, but the ones who pair style with control? They get college looks. That grind when nobody's watching? It's your launchpad for success

Tip 3: Do The Little Things Well

Everyone wants the 30-foot-three or the TikTok dunk. But games turn on the little things.I wasn't the tallest at 6'1 or fastest, but I owned the basics. Crisp passes, solid closeouts, and hustle. My dad always said, "Do the simple things well, and you'll be there when it counts." This makes you the one coaches trust: cut turnovers, box out, and make smart plays. The "boring" skills—passing, pivoting, defending—make you indispensable. In a 3.6% world, that's how you stand out.

My '80s—'90s grind—300 shots, trash cans, and 15-inch rims—might seem outdated in this instant-gratification era. However, it built my discipline and work ethic, which enabled me to succeed. If you commit to shooting, ball handling, and the little things that matter, that's your edge.

Bonus Tip:

Bonus Tip:

You’ve got more tools at your fingertips today than I ever did. AI shooting apps can now track your shot mechanics, give instant feedback, and break down film like a pro coach. If you're serious about gaining every edge, the insight is right there—waiting to be used. Here are a few screenshots from a recent workout of mine at 54. If I were a player or coach today, I’d make this kind of tech a core part of my offseason program. No excuses. Maximize every rep.

Have you ever wondered why reaching a goal sometimes leaves you feeling a little… empty?

It’s okay to admit it.

You work hard, push yourself to the brink, and then you get there, standing at the summit of achievement, basking in the glow of success. But before long, the fanfare fades, the trophy collects dust, and the memory of that moment becomes just that, a memory.

Sounds harsh. But here’s the truth: Achievement is fleeting.

Why does that sense of triumph feel so temporary?

Why does climbing the mountain and reaching the pinnacle often leave us longing for more?

Because life isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey.

It’s about the moments.

It’s about the now.

Living in the past keeps you stuck. Chasing the future keeps you restless. But being fully present? That’s where the magic happens.

When I was younger, I was addicted to achievement. Always sprinting to the next milestone: basketball records, half-ironmans, marathons, job promotions, awards, classes, one goal after another, always pushing, always striving.

And sure, there’s nothing wrong with that. Growth is essential. You should challenge yourself, break limits, and become the best version of yourself.

But here’s what I didn’t understand then:

It’s not just about getting there. It’s about truly being there.

Every small step, every little win, it’s all part of the story. But I wasn’t stopping to enjoy those steps. I was too focused on checking the next box, climbing the next hill, and chasing the next step in “success.”

I was so fixated on the destination that I missed the journey.

Think about it. Have you ever taken a walk but been so distracted by your phone that you missed the beauty all around you? The trees, the flowers, the breeze? Or driven somewhere on autopilot, only to realize you barely remember how you got there?

That’s what life feels like when you don’t live in the moment. You move forward, but you don’t experience it.

And in today’s world, where we’re bombarded with notifications, updates, and an endless stream of digital noise, it’s so easy to get caught up in the rush. To forget to pause. To forget to feel.

But here’s the thing:

The journey is life.

It’s where you grow. It’s where you evolve. It’s where you discover who you really are.

So yes, push yourself, set big goals, and strive for greatness. But don’t forget to live while you’re at it. Celebrate the little wins, relish the process, and be present for every step, every stumble, and every triumph.

Because the ultimate victory isn’t just in what you achieve, it’s in how you live along the way.

Don’t just dream about the destination, fall in love with the journey.

🌟Test the marketplace! 🛒
Before diving headfirst into your entrepreneurial venture, it's crucial to see if your idea or product garners interest. Conduct surveys, create prototypes, and gather feedback to ensure there's a demand. This step can save you time, money, and effort in the long run!

Part 1 Of My New Entrepreneur Series! If you are an aspiring entrepreneur and thinking about taking the leap, here's Part 1 of 10 in a series of tips I've put together to help inspire you along the way! 🌟💼 Things that were important to me in building a 6X Inc 5000, 2x Entrepreneur 360 company. 🚀📈

1. Be Friendly, Be Human: Don’t stress if you make a mistake or stumble over your words. We’re all human, and that’s the beauty of it. Just express yourself as best as you can.

2. State Your Purpose: Don’t be afraid to explain why you’re calling and what you hope to achieve. Whether you need an answer, are explaining your thoughts, or seeking feedback, just say so.

3. Embrace Uncertainty: It’s okay to be unsure. If you need answers, simply ask questions. Seeking clarification is part of effective communication.

4. Listen Actively: One of the most vital skills is listening to the other person and processing what they say. While emails and texts allow time to think before responding, live conversations require real-time engagement. Listening is key to meaningful dialogue.

5. End on a Positive Note: Try to wrap up your calls with a positive tone. Being friendly and enthusiastic can go a long way. If follow-up is needed, make sure to clarify the next steps.

• Not everyone will appreciate it.

• Not everyone will like you.

• Not everyone will work hard.

• People will let you down.

• People may even lie about you.

  But remember, this is on them. Don’t let their actions change who you are inside. Focus on the good you can do, the positivity you can bring, and the great example you can set for others. Because there are many people out there who need your support and will appreciate it.

Let your light shine. ✨

In my opinion, taking ownership of your health is where it starts, and for me, this means getting my blood tested twice a year, monitoring blood pressure, getting good sleep, and tracking other key health indicators.

I know that everyone faces different challenges, but if we focus on avoiding obvious health risks like drugs, excessive alcohol, and smoking, we can position ourselves to be as healthy as possible. It's the simple things like eating smart and getting basic exercise that can deliver big results. Simplicity is the key and it doesn’t have to be overly complex.

I believe that getting a checkup from a doctor, doing the necessary tests to monitor your health, setting a baseline, and monitoring is important. Investing time and money in these things can catch potential issues early or even prevent future problems. Invest in yourself and remember, so much can be accomplished by making just a few small adjustments..

You really can’t put a price on the value of a mentor.

It is such a huge advantage to have access to people who’ve “been there and done that.” You can learn so much from them and gain so much knowledge.

Having a mentor who has already accomplished great things can quickly accelerate your growth to new heights! In many ways, they can catapult you past many of the failures you’d encounter without their help. They can lay a roadmap for you to follow, and as Tony Robbins has said, “Success does leave clues.”

Instead of excessive trial and error, look for a mentor, friend, or family member with a lot of experience. Let them help you out and gain some advice. 

Welcoming valuable insights is a trait of someone who wants to be a winner.

Seek out valuable lessons to accelerate your learning and career – This is another way to learn without setting foot in a classroom.

Remember, mentors can be anyone around you. Seek them out and ask for their help. Their knowledge is often more valuable than any you’d gain from a college or university.

There’s no denying that mirroring successful people's positive traits can get you moving in the right direction, but each person has their own method. Ultimately you have to take bits and pieces and put them together to make your own unique formula.

Observe, analyze, and find what ingredients or factors that will work best in your situation.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Don’t shy away from learning from someone else’s mistakes as well as someone else’s triumphs.

Successful people know how to use available resources to their advantage. They know there is nothing wrong with taking the intelligent way to advance.

There is nothing wrong with being weak in certain areas. Everyone has specific strengths and weaknesses.

The fact is you are not going to be great at everything.

Don’t listen to people who say that you should focus on your strengths and ignore your weaknesses or that you should hide your shortcomings where they can’t be seen.

Real growth comes from knowing your weaknesses and evolving them into strengths.

Weaknesses can be turned into strengths by working with the right people. For example, you can easily augment your weaknesses in a business setting by hiring people to do things you are not great at.

What if you need to improve at designing or planning an event or some other project? The right professionals can be tapped to fill in the gaps. You can augment your weaknesses by hiring people to do tasks you are not efficient at completing. At the same time, these individuals can assemble high-performing teams, play to everyone’s strengths, and fill in the spaces where you or others are weaker. Knowing how to do this is a talent in itself. Winners and true leaders are willing and open to learning from others with different areas of expertise.

But here's the thing: we don't have to give these people control over us. We can't let their bad actions change how we feel about life. It's important to remember that people like this are everywhere. It's just reality. We can't be ignorant about it but we need to be ready for them.

Marcus Aurelius, the ancient Roman emperor and stoic scholar, said in his writings Meditations, "When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself: The people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous and surly. They are like this because they cannot tell good from evil." While the vast majority of the people you meet aren't like this, you can't be naive to this and set yourself up to be taken advantage of. The most important thing is to simply be aware and alert to reality.

The key is to not let negative people change the essence of who we are. No matter what is going on, we need to keep our minds on the good in others and how we can be a source of light and happiness. Even when it's hard, we need to do our best to be kind, caring, and patient. But also not become a target of those who don't operate with integrity and honesty.

Remember that you have the power to rise above this, no matter when you encounter. Keep your attention on the good in others and in yourself, and let that be your leading light. You are strong and smart, and you can handle anything that gets in your way. Let's go out into the world and show what we can do!

The question is, what happens when you taste a bit of success? Some people go nuts and spend everything they get and go crazy.

Others keep pushing forward but will eventually have a strange fear creep up. The fear of losing it all. Trust me, it’s real. When you work and build something from the ground up, the worry and doubt of maintaining success can become haunting. 

It can cause sleepless nights, worry and wonder if you truly can keep the momentum going. Here's the deal, you have to let that fear go and basically tell yourself. Who cares? 

Why would I say that? 

Because you have to have the mentality that you could lose it all and know without a shadow of a doubt you can win again!

That’s right, a true winner digs deep, fights and works even harder to recharge, rebuild and reinvent themselves. 

Losers when they fail, quit and give up.

If you are a person who is always building your knowledge, skills, brand, connections and impeccable reputation, you have to key ingredients to come back stronger than ever.

Worrying about holding on to success like it’s fleeting is a waste of time because success actually is only temporary. That’s why you have to always keep improving, growing and keep moving forward.  

If you stay still you lose, you keep moving in a positive direction, you set yourself up for success. 

Yes, when we're faced with tough times, it's natural to feel anxious, stressed, and afraid. But don't let those emotions consume you! Instead, channel them into your inner strength and resilience because you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle that comes your way!

In fact, going through tough times can be one of the most incredible opportunities for growth and personal development. You'll learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible, and you'll discover hidden strengths that you didn't even know existed!

Think about it! When things are easy, it's easy to coast along and not push yourself to your fullest potential. But when faced with adversity, you're forced to dig deep and find solutions to the problems you encounter. And with each challenge, you become stronger and more resilient, ready to take on whatever life throws your way!

I'm here to tell you that you are capable of handling anything thrown your way. You have to believe in yourself and your ability to crush any obstacles. You have the strength and resilience to push through and emerge victorious on the other side!

So, let's embrace the difficult times in our lives, and see them as opportunities for growth and personal development. Let's exercise our inner strength and resilience like a muscle, and come out even stronger and more unstoppable than before!

As we get older the years seem to pass in the blink of an eye, reminding us to value every single moment. It’s something I heard for years but makes more since each passing holiday season. In this fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in negativity or waste our time on things that don't truly matter. This year, make it your mission to seize every positive opportunity that comes your way. It offers you a chance to become the very best version of yourself, realize your dreams, and create an uplifting impact on the world. Let's not let fear hold us back.

But also remember, success is not just about personal triumphs; it's also about the meaningful connections we build and grow along the way. Our families, friends, and loved ones are the pillars of support that lift us up during tough times and celebrate with us in moments of joy. Let's cherish these relationships and give the best of ourselves to those who matter most.

Here's to an amazing 2024! 🎆✨. Now let’s get out and make it happen!

In our modern era, the advent of texting, cell phones, and the internet has undeniably shaped the way we communicate. However, it has also inadvertently eroded our ability to connect authentically with others. We find ourselves consumed by screens, distanced from the profound impact a simple greeting, a warm smile, or a heartfelt "How can I help you?" can have on someone's day. The art of customer service has become a mere formality, devoid of the personal touch and genuine care that previous generations had to learn without the crutch of technology.

The Solution: A Return to the Fundamentals

It is time for a collective awakening, a renaissance of customer service that stems from the heart. Here are some ways we can rekindle the spirit of genuine interactions and make a lasting impact:

1. Embrace the Power of a Greeting: A warm and sincere greeting can set the tone for the entire interaction. Whether it's a simple "Hello" or the way you welcome someone with your tone, let your words carry the warmth of genuine care. Remember, the first impression is often the most lasting one.

2. Smile, Even Through the Phone: Though invisible, a smile radiates energy and positivity. When engaging with customers, let your smile permeate your words with enthusiasm. A smile can transcend distance and create a sense of connection.

3. Cultivate a Friendly Attitude: Treat every customer the way you would want to be. It's that simple. Approach each interaction with kindness, patience, and empathy. Remember that behind every inquiry or concern, there is a person seeking assistance and understanding.

4. Practice Gratitude: Never underestimate the power of a heartfelt "thank you." Express your appreciation genuinely and sincerely. Let your gratitude shine through your words, making customers feel valued and acknowledged.

5. Be Enthusiastic: Infuse your interactions with a genuine enthusiasm for helping others. Let your passion and energy resonate, igniting a spark in those you serve. Show that you genuinely care about resolving their concerns and ensuring their satisfaction.

Let's dive into these vital areas:

Energy & Enthusiasm — First off, Bring the energy and enthusiasm. I am passionate about what I do and dive in determined to get things done. When you get excited and show passion to those around you it’s contagious. It’s hard for others to not feel the buzz of positive energy.

Positive & Optimistic vision — You need to then take that energy and translate it into an upbeat and forward looking positive message. Paint a vision that everyone can see and a path that if everyone joins in can be achieved. People do want to be part of something big that effects positive change.

Be Authentic — People want someone they can relate to. They want someone who is real. By simply being your true authentic self you can truly connect with those around you and inspire people. You don’t have to act, just be real. It’s that simple.

Lead by example — People rally around a leader who is willing to lead from the front. I believe you need to join in with your team or those around you and be part of the process. A leader who gets into the action drives success through genuine teamwork.

Well, when it comes to advice in most areas, the truth is there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Each of us is unique in our strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances. While general frameworks can be helpful, creating a customized plan for tackling the goals we set for ourselves is crucial. One that suits our specific needs and aspirations.

This principle applies to various aspects of our lives, including health, diet, and career, to name a few. Nothing in life is guaranteed, and no foolproof strategies work universally. Instead, our best chance at achieving success lies in setting ourselves up for it by putting in the work and adjusting along the way. It's important not to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, as that can lead to disillusionment. Instead, our focus should be on becoming the best version of ourselves.

Undoubtedly, creating our unique formula requires hard work, research, study and time. It demands a willingness to be a sponge, soaking up knowledge and continuously learning. It involves asking questions, seeking guidance, and trying new approaches. Ultimately, though, the responsibility falls on us to shape our path and define our own version of success.

While it's beneficial to seek inspiration from others and learn from their experiences, it is essential to remember that their journeys are not ours to replicate. We must embrace our unique path and recognize that our strengths and circumstances differ from those around us. Doing so allows us to develop a personalized formula that can truly drive our own version of success.

As an entrepreneur now in my 50’s who has witnessed the shifting perspectives of different generations and having actually known people who were born in the late 1800s, I draw inspiration from the great work ethics of those who pioneered the path before me in eras not dominated by social media feeds and constant bombardment of needless information.

My feeling? We could use a little old fashioned work ethic these days.

My direct ancestors’ careers varied from copper miners to a successful businessman, a farmer to a pioneering female college graduate in the 1920s. My relatives exemplified the transformative power of taking action which was engrained in me. Each in their own way, struggled, persevered, and reached their goals. Through legacies, stories and family legends left behind, they forged an inner drive inside me that I follow.

That’s why when I see stories about how ambition is not “cool” and people want balance in their lives by simply doing just enough to get by at work, it’s disheartening to me. Likely the pandemic was the catalyst for this mentality but to achieve anything in life, one has to put in the effort.

You may have similar stories of grandparents or those close to you, who achieved great things and when you reflect on their efforts you feel a sense of inspiration. It’s hard not to.

The challenge today is we’re faced with media, political and societal influences that often ignore the classic values of the past while continuing to lower societal expectations and pigeonhole generations. I’m tired of reading articles about how one generation is different than the other and we have to accommodate changing ideas. Rather than focusing on the perceived differences between generations, let’s celebrate the timeless values that can unite us all.

Maybe I’m too old fashioned but I stand firm on this – if you want to make anything of yourself, you’re going to need self discipline. You have to work smart too, but the formula for success at anything includes having the ability to simply give a solid effort and persevere even when you don’t feel like it.

It’s absolutely essential to break free from those who push a “lower your expectations” mindset and instead cultivate the mindset of a winner.

Ignore predetermined definitions of success and chart your own path. Just as my relatives before me, we must align our aspirations with our unique passions and values.

Regardless of our chosen endeavors, consistent and unwavering effort remains the catalyst that transforms dreams into reality. Through this we can reach our true potential and redefine success on our own terms while inspiring generations into the future.

In a world that can sometimes feel like it's drowning in cynicism, being called "idealistic" isn't unusual when you insist on seeing the bright side of things. But maybe, just maybe, there's something valuable in holding onto your idealism, even when it feels like everyone else is drowning in negativity.

Growing up, I always tried to see the best in people, and often, I've been told that I'm a bit too idealistic. I prefer to believe in the innate goodness of people. But let's face it: life will eventually introduce you to individuals who thrive on lies, deceit, and hate. These folks could be acquaintances, colleagues, business partners, or random strangers who just can't seem to find it in themselves to be kind.

In moments like these, it's easy to question if you've been living in a bubble of naivety. However, it's essential not to lose sight of who you are and what you stand for. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you navigate this sometimes rough and seemingly vicious world.

1. Trust Wisely, But Keep Positivity Alive: It's wise to be discerning about who you trust, but don't give up on everyone. There are many good people out there, so don't let a few bad ones make you jaded.

2. Stay Authentic: No matter how tempting it might be to adapt to the negativity around you, hold on to your true self. Your positive outlook is the core of your identity and can inspire others in ways you never imagined.

3. Focus on Your Goals: The hate and negativity of others shouldn't derail you from your personal and professional goals. Stay committed to what you're striving for. Never ever quit due to others trying to demoralize you. Stay strong!

4. Remember The Good: Sure, you might have even helped or did really nice things for the very people who later display hostility. Your actions likely left a positive mark on their lives and they know it, even if they don't admit it.

5. Stay Resilient: When faced with adversity, it's easy to become cynical or disheartened. But remember, challenges are opportunities for growth and learning. Approach them with a mindset of being unstoppable.

6. Actions Speak Louder: Keep in mind that the actions of others reflect their character, not yours. They must live with their choices, and your positive actions speak volumes.

7. Don't Entertain the Haters: Distance yourself from negativity and those who thrive on it. Often, their unhappiness is rooted in a lack of purpose, direction and self-esteem.

8. Don't Wish Ill On Them: I sincerely hope those spreading negativity will change, but don't let their actions consume your thoughts or energy. If you do, you become just like them.

9. Balancing Wisdom and Gentleness: As Jesus said to the apostles, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." This approach allows you to be wary but stay true to yourself. 

10. Make a Positive Impact: Lastly, remember that you have the power to make a difference, even if it's not immediately apparent. Your actions and outlook can be a beacon of light for those who need it. Keep your head up and keep driving forward!

You can’t put things off or delay working on projects and expect to win and build momentum. You need to possess an unwavering ability to focus like a laser and get things done.

Some people are list makers and like to tally their accomplishments as they progress. If that’s the case, start your day with 5 things you set out to accomplish from big to small. Maybe it’s setting up an urgent meeting, returning an important phone call or finally making that appointment to visit the doctor. Whatever it is, stay focused and make the mental commitment to seeing it through. The satisfaction derived from completing the list will be well worth it. Success is rarely fast. It’s a thousand tiny victories that add up over time. The key is to take action and keep powering ahead.

Romans 5:3-5

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

2nd Corinthians 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

1 Peter 3:13-14

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

1 Peter 2:15

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

"It's not about how hard you hit, but it's about how many times you can get hit and keep moving forward." – Rocky Balboa

This quote aligns with a Japanese proverb that emphasizes the importance of resilience and getting back up after setbacks. In life, challenges often come at us with force, but the key lies in persevering and forging ahead.

Take a moment to reflect on your daily life. What obstacles or problems obstruct your path and drain your motivation and determination? It's essential to remember that there will never be a perfect, peaceful time when the stars align to pursue your goals. Achieving success in any endeavor requires cultivating a mindset that can endure setbacks while staying laser-focused on your objectives.

You always need to strive for something. It gives our lives purpose and direction. If you have nothing to aim for, then what fun is there? Your goal may be to start a business, help others, land that job, or simply achieve something you’ve always wanted. We all have dreams, but taking action is vital. 

Complacency ultimately leads to failure and stagnancy. Setting key objectives and then taking concrete steps toward achieving them is inspiring and exciting. Goals help you focus on a target and propel you in the right direction. Even if you come up short, all is not lost. You’re still succeeding because the little victories and lessons learned along the way help you grow as an individual.

Don’t lament about your situation without taking action to create a new positive path forward. Go big on your dreams!

Find your true motivation and commit to success.

Sure, it’s easier said than done, but doing nothing is just as easy as taking action, so why not seize control of your life and better yourself?

What school does teach you are tools to learn. Education is a lifelong endeavor and one that never stops. There is no finish line.

Some people are good at the school's "organized" format, do well, and get good grades. Others don't thrive in this environment, but it doesn't mean they won't succeed in life. I know people who were great in school but never accomplished much later; all the while, some who could have done better, became great success stories.

Success in life is much more than school, college, or a degree. It can help set you up for success, but what is more important is your inner drive to learn and grow. Your knowledge can and should keep expanding far beyond the classroom.

Your success in life comes from passion, energy, and perseverance. Whether you do well in school is not the final determination of your success in life.

It's never too late.

While I feel like I did well in school overall and have a college degree, there is very little I learned in college or any classroom that helped me become a successful entrepreneur in the real world.

I learned most through athletics ( leadership, teamwork, hard work ) and self-study on my own. I had to do the work outside of any class. Remember, you have to take control of your education.

1. Be a good person. Be a beacon of light and do the right thing even if others in society around you lack courtesy and respect.

2. Work hard. Nobody is guaranteed anything in life, but hard work puts you in a position to succeed.

3. Be honest. In life, being a person of integrity and trust is paramount. Honesty makes you a reliable as well as honorable person.

4. Listen more. Take time to really listen to someone. People want to be heard, and you will learn so much by truly listening vs. simply hearing.

5. Help others without expectation. By lending a hand and helping others, you are helping lift society as a whole. You can inspire others to great positive action.

6. Be yourself. You have something valuable to contribute, so don’t follow the herd. In an age where conformity and fads dominate, be different. Be true to yourself and not merely a copy of someone else.

Business is about competition, hard work and action. The moment you think you've made it is the moment you've failed. Why? Because all too often that's the moment you take your eye off the ball. Remember, success requires constant action, innovation and desire to keep pushing forward.

2. It’s Okay To Ask For Help

There’s no way you can know everything. It’s okay to admit it. Unlike some people who think that an MBA or some mythical accomplishment allows them to be the enlightened ones, true business leaders aren’t afraid to seek the right help. This allows them to focus on what they are good at and allows specialists to do their job.

3. Don’t Sacrifice Your Health

Nothing is worth losing your health over. Building a business is stressful and it takes a lot out of you. Be sure not to skimp on sleep, proper nutrition, and maintaining your mental health. Stress can wear you out so take some time to relax!

4. Stay True To The Mission

You’re going to have ups and downs, that’s just part of running a company. If you can stay focused and keep the goal in sight and make minor adjustments along the way, you won’t lose course. The biggest mistakes happen when you lose sight of your mission and get sidetracked with trivial things. Be aware of our surroundings but at the same time you need an overwhelming tunnel vision focused on the ultimate goal that eliminates minutiae from taking you off target.

5. Built To Last Not Built To Bail

I’m a believer in building a company with a long term focus in mind. That’s not to say that those who build a company to exit are doing it wrong. What I’m saying is, that if all you are focused on is an exit, you take the risk of ignoring the vital importance of building a strong foundation. Focus on perfecting amazing products and services first and foremost and you'll often find the rest takes care of itself. Too many put the cart before the horse thinking they are the next Unicorn.

6. Never Stop Learning!

Learning never stops. I love to read and learn everything I can about new technologies, ideas and insight of successful people. You just never know where you might come up with your next source of inspiration or a new idea. Great plans can often come from stretching your mind and learning something new. Those who stay stagnant rarely succeed...... so take action and grow your mind!

We’re all consumers to some degree. It’s unavoidable and it’s not all bad. We eat food others grow and purchase products that make our lives easier and more enjoyable. However, if your primary focus is watching TV, eating fast food, playing video games and consuming pop culture all day - you’re predominantly a consumer. These producers profit from this kind of consumption.

Becoming a producer of positive things in one’s life takes time, hard work and effort. But, it also puts you in a place to add value to others. Don’t be a lemming and instead lead by creating and producing value. Bring value to what you do.

We all fall victim to it. Modern technology encourages endless binging on social media or seeing what’s trending on feeds. Here’s a quick tip. Begin your day with a producer mindset and begin tackling items that will advance your personal growth. They can be small items. Do this before you begin any “consumer” activities. If you have this “producer first” mindset, you’ll less likely fall into the trap of mindless consumerism. As a society, we’ve become far too comfortable clicking the “Follow” button. Now is your chance to click the “Lead” button.

Marketing, advertising and pop culture feeds off of everyone’s insecurities of not measuring up.

See, this creates a ton of pressure and feelings of inadequacy for so many people.

So how can you break free from this vicious cycle? You have to realize that life is short. What most people are thinking about is NOT you. They are thinking about themselves. When you look at things from that perspective it gives you a new way to if thinking.

For example, people fear speaking in front of large groups. I used to feel the same way. What are they thinking? Are the laughing at me? Are their smiles really smirks with them doubting everything I am saying?

Your mind can run on for days wondering what everyone is thinking. In reality though, most people are thinking “ Thank goodness it’s not me having to speak up there” or they are are tuned out and daydreaming about their own life. Very few are actually even paying attention or listening.

When you understand that we as people naturally doubt ourselves and are thinking that exact same thing, it’s actually empowering. You begin to say….”Hey, I’m actually doing something that others find difficult”. It begins to strengthen you.

Over time, the more and more you go out and push your limits you begin to become stronger, less fearful and actually gain confidence to be yourself without concern of others thoughts.

So just remember, life is short and all of these worries will never matter 10, 15 or 100 years from now. Also, don’t forget there are around 7.8 Billion people in the world who don’t even know who you are. They aren’t thinking or focused on your “perceived” shortcomings.

Enjoy life, live strong and become the best version of YOU that you can be!

Here’s a little philosophy for you. If you dwell on the negatives and become a victim you remain a prisoner to that mindset. Real change happens when you work to see the positives and recognize you’re making progress toward a better and more successful future. Behind every failure is a path toward winning and positive momentum. Finding a lesson in failure and disappointment while discarding the negative emotion can be a catalyst toward success.

As Babe Ruth once said, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.”

You have to retain the lesson and discard the emotion. Too often we let emotions dictate our actions which often leads to poor results. When you change your mindset, you set yourself up for success.

I don’t think anyone would disagree we live in a world that could use a lot more positivity and people doing good. It's time to take control of our lives and make a difference in our world, one positive action at a time! Sure, there are naysayers out there who think this mentality is wrong, but it’s our choice to move in a positive direction.

I know it can feel overwhelming when we're bombarded daily with news of seeming chaos and conflict. But here's the truth – we have the power to shift our focus and find the good. We have the power to spread kindness and love wherever we go.

Now, it doesn't matter what you're doing in life; each of you has the power to be a light in the world. It starts with how you think, how you act, and how you live your life. Instead of dwelling on the bad, look for ways to help people that leaves a memorable impact.

No matter what anyone says, the world will always have room for good. You might think your small actions don't matter, but you couldn't be more wrong. A smile, a sincere compliment, or a small act of kindness can make someone's day.

But it isn't just about doing little things. It's about showing the way, it’s about leading by example. If you want more kindness to happen, show kindness to those around you. Be loving if you want to see more love. Your actions can encourage others to do the same.

And there's one more thing – it's important to be around positive people. Find people who make you feel good, who inspire you, and who push you to be your best self. Stay away from negativity as much as you can, whether that means limiting your time watching or reading the news or staying away from toxic people.

By focusing on being a beacon of light and doing our part, we can each help shift things in a positive direction, one step at a time.

However, many of us fall into the trap of waiting for the "right time". We convince ourselves that we need to be 100% prepared and ready before we can go for it. But the reality is, there will never be a perfect moment.

Life is unpredictable and there will always be obstacles and challenges to face along the way. They could be financial difficulties, health problems, relationship issues, or any number of other challenges that make it seem like the time isn’t right. But waiting for the stars to align is a mistake.

The key to achieving our dreams is to prepare ourselves to do our best, but not to expect everything to be perfect. We need to train ourselves to be mentally and emotionally strong, to be able to handle whatever challenges come our way. That's where an unstoppable mindset comes into play.

An unstoppable mindset is one that refuses to give up, no matter the obstacle. It's a mindset that says, "I may not be ready, but I'm going to give it my best shot anyway." It's a mindset that embraces challenges and sees them as opportunities for growth and learning.

So, how do we cultivate an unstoppable mindset? Here are a few tips:

1. Embrace failure: Failure is not the end of the road. It's an opportunity to grow beyond what you thought was possible. When we fail, we should take the time to reflect on what went wrong and what we can do better next time.

2. Take action: Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take action now, even if it's just a small step. Every step forward is progress.

3. Live in the positive: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support your dreams. Avoid negativity and naysayers.

4. Focus on the journey: Don't get too caught up in the destination. Enjoy the journey and the process of working towards your goals.

5. Believe in yourself: Never doubt that you have what it takes to achieve your dreams and you can handle whatever challenges come your way.

Remember, there will never be a perfect time to go after your dreams. Life will always throw curveballs at you. But with an unstoppable mindset, you can overcome obstacles and things you never thought possible. So, remember, don't just sit back passively. Get out an go after your dreams.

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. He is known for his wisdom, stoicism, and his book "Meditations" which contains his thoughts and reflections on life. Despite living centuries ago, his words still hold great relevance today, especially in the uncertain world we live in. Here are three key Marcus Aurelius quotes and how they can help bring some perspective to your life.

"If it is not right, do not do it, if it is not true, do not say it."

This emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity and honesty. Something that many people seem to have a hard time with today. By taking a moment to reflect on our actions and words, we can ensure that we are living in alignment with our values and principles. By living a life of integrity, we can build trust and respect with those around us, and ultimately, live a more fulfilling life.

"The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."

This quote emphasizes the power of our thoughts and how they shape our happiness. Marcus Aurelius believed that we have control over our thoughts and that we should strive to focus on positive and constructive thoughts. In a world that is often filled with negativity and uncertainty, it can be challenging to maintain a positive mindset. However, by consciously choosing to focus on the good in our lives and cultivating a gratitude practice, we can improve our overall happiness.

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

This quote is a powerful statement about the mindset one should adopt when facing obstacles in life. In essence, it suggests that rather than allowing obstacles to hinder our progress, we should use them as a means of advancing towards our goals.

At the end of the day can you look at yourself in the mirror and say that you lived up the the task of being a good person and doing the best you can?

Only you can answer that question.

However, the old-school methods of hard work, soaking up knowledge, learning to communicate well (writing and speaking), and overcoming challenges are still as relevant and necessary now as they’ve always been.

One of the biggest reasons why old-school methods are still needed is because they prepare us for the true challenges that life presents. A lot of people are averse to failing, to putting themselves out there and going through the tough times required to gain valuable experience.

The easy way to success is appealing, but it doesn't provide the necessary life experience and skills to handle difficult situations. Those who have worked hard and encountered challenges and failure are better equipped to handle adversity and come out on top.

Another reason why the fundamentals of hard work and grit is important is it builds character. The ability to persevere through difficulties and come out stronger demonstrates a person's resilience and determination - qualities essential for success in any area of life. Simply put, nothing is guaranteed. You have to read, build skills and communicate to get to your goals. This is all something you have the power to accomplish.

From my experience, here are three key areas to focus on:

1. Career: Working hard, building skills, ongoing learning, and listening actively are essential for success in any career. It sets you up for positive results. This is whether you choose to work at a company or go the entrepreneur route.

2. Finances: Building wealth takes time and effort. If you’re willing to save and invest your money wisely, rather than looking for get rich quick schemes or amassing debt by spending frivolously, you’re on a path to achieving financial stability and independence.

3. Relationships: Building strong and lasting relationships requires your time and commitment. Put in the work and true and lasting connections can blossom.

Stress The Importance Of Communication

You have to develop a culture of communication. To build tech solutions that really make a difference, you can’t have teams in silos that never collaborate and communicate. That’s a surefire formula for failure. It all starts with teams who document well, communicate and allow for consistent input. I can’t stress enough the importance of communication.

Ask A Lot Of Questions Before Beginning

The key is to ask a lot of questions before you head down the wrong path in development. It’s essential to really listen to all stakeholders and narrow their core focus points. You do have to hold firm, though, and ensure balance is achieved. It will help you out as well as everyone else involved. It’s easier said than done, but if all parties are heard, it helps the process immensely.

Encourage Testers To Try To Break The Workflow

You can’t afford to build solutions without getting hands-on feedback from end users as early as possible in the process. Keep your beta test group focused on really trying to break the workflow. Ask for defined feedback, and keep communication flowing. If you’re building an MVP, distinguish between core functionality and “nice to haves.” Resist the temptation to add more and more features too soon.

Simplicity

I think we will see simplicity as the driving focus of UX. I think consumers today intuitively know how to navigate applications without much guidance, so UX design will be more about presenting data and information in a visual manner. Good UX should be centered around removing needless text and allowing the end user to get the information they need as quickly as possible.

Include Helpful Visual Cues And Tutorials In The New Version

It’s important to still give the users the ability to access the prior version for a designated time while making the transition to the new one. The key to success, though, begins with a proper rollout. Visual cues to highlight new features and quick tutorials on how to navigate any big changes can help smooth the user experience. Don’t surprise users without having assistance ready.

Commitment To Overall Company Goals

Today’s CTO must have the ability to really dive in and understand the business beyond the tech side. A good CTO needs to be able to collaborate and come up with creative suggestions that mesh with those of the key leadership group. This requires tech leaders to step outside their siloed department and focus on the overall company goals and mission. The key to this success is communication.

It begins with leadership. Melding a team of motivated employees into a high performance group that delivers fantastic service and helps grow the company is the ultimate goal. This requires a leadership team that understands that dedicated, hard-working employees are key to a successful company. Here are five key tips that can help build a great culture.

1. Hire a great team
It is most important to seek out individuals who match your company's personality. Seek people who are high energy, creative thinkers who really want to make a difference in their position. Experience is important, but a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn can often overshadow pure experience alone.

2. Treat your staff with respect
Focus on empowering your staff by providing the tools, training and teamwork to be successful. The mission is to help each team member grow and take ownership of his or her job. Collaboration at all levels happens daily, regardless of job position.

3. Inspire your team with a vision
As a leader, one must rally the staff members around a core mission. Paint this vision by giving your company a core identity that is larger than any individual. It's a vision that everyone believes in and is committed to every day.

4. Reward your team
Recognizing and rewarding the achievements of your team is vital. Many companies skimp on salaries and bonuses to cut costs, but fail to realize that a happy and fairly compensated employee is vital. Leaders should take time to write handwritten thank you notes, provide flexible work schedules and aim to make the work environment a positive place to be. This will increase morale immensely and translate into a better work product and service to the clients as well.

5. Invest in your team
One of the essential components many companies fail to do is to invest in their staff. I believe that by increasing my team's job-related skills through additional training classes, school and job development, it enhances both our employees' skills and improve our team as a whole. Most employees want to grow their skills and careers, so when we invest in our staff, it helps them as individuals and our company in the long run.

As a leader, it is imperative to let each person know they are a valuable piece of the puzzle that creates an inspiring work environment. Investing the time in your staff must be more than just lip service but a way of assuring each employee they are an integral part of your company.

In this social media era marked by self-centered actions and a focus on “me, myself and I", it seems that people lack empathy, understanding and patience.

Simple acts of kindness and just being nice are beacons of light we all need more of.

Thanking a person means much more than being polite. It’s validation of another human being and an expression of gratitude for what they did for you. Who wouldn’t be happy to receive that every day?

Showing genuine gratitude builds connection and elevates our lives. Acts of goodness are much stronger than we can imagine.

Ask yourself, are there people in your life you should be thanking? Are there people you take for granted and they don’t realize you appreciate them? Could you thank that person who bagged your groceries, filled your order, or helped you at the hardware store?  Could you thank a co-worker or your spouse?

Just think, by simply appreciating and acknowledging others, you have the power to uplift even if just for one day.

All with a simple, “thank you.”

Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to sing but are too embarrassed. If you become anxious at the thought of ever trying to sing in public, do something about it! Take vocal lessons, practice at home, sing for a few close friends on a zoom call – anything where you challenge yourself and help overcome your fears.

For me personally, I’m attempting to play guitar and while I’m still learning, often I’ll try out songs for my wife. While I mess up a lot, I just make sure to have fun with it. It’s okay to not be good at something when you’re out of your element.

Try new things where you’ll feel nervous and have some difficulty. Learning a new language, playing an instrument, or taking up a new sport. You’ll be breaking down the barriers that hold you back. That’s how progress is made.

Why?

Because when you’re uncomfortable and you achieve little victories, they add up and suddenly the confidence you were looking for will emerge.

Some people who fear heights take up skydiving to hit that uncomfortableness head on. You don’t have to go to that level, but you can do something that challenges yourself or just take baby steps; but remember moving forward requires that action be taken! It’s the effort made when feeling ill at ease and uncomfortable that propels you to success in other areas of your life.

In life, growth happens when you push yourself beyond what you think you’re capable of. It’s the effort that you make when you’re uncomfortable that makes you stronger in so many other areas of your life. 

Remember, each fear you face down makes you stronger. Every little victory is a building block of confidence.

In baseball when you hit the ball over the fence, it’s a home run. 

If you swing for the upper deck, sure the ball may not end up there but if it lands over the fence, it’s still a home run. You’re a winner either way. 

So go big in life and aim for the momentous goals. If you end up a little short, so what! You’re still powering ahead as a winner inside.

A home run is a home run no matter what. Think big in life.

By doing so, you’ll still end up successful even if you don’t achieve your exact goal or dream. As the saying goes, shoot for the moon and even if you miss you’ll land among the stars. That’s how you should approach life to be successful no matter what.

A costly mistake some people make in their lives is they don’t set goals. 

They don’t think big! They’re afraid of going after their dreams and are stuck wallowing in a mindset where they blame others, make excuses, and find ways not to try.  

If you think big and dream big, you’ll achieve something amazing.

It’s inevitable that you’ll encounter fear, doubt, and stress on your way to becoming successful. Just know that it’s how you deal with challenges that will determine your future.

Fear is normal. 

Experiencing fear is going to happen no matter what. The trick is not to let it stop you or get a grip on your life. 

A lot of people tend to quit, procrastinate, or find ways to stop when they come face-to-face with fear. They find reasons to delay taking action.

That’s not how winners think.

To be a winner, you have to learn to place negative emotions aside and focus on the ultimate goal. Train yourself to push back fear and embrace discomfort. Once you understand this, it will be easier to think positive and move mountains of doubt out of your way. 

When I dreamed of starting my own company, I wanted something different. My ideal workplace is a team atmosphere that allows each person to get their job done without being micromanaged and I want it to feel like a family. If a team member has an emergency or an unforeseen situation to deal with, the team is there to help and support each other.

In 2003, I launched my company as a virtual organization before working from home was accepted in the insurance industry. My company is built on the belief that self-motivated people can be highly productive and deliver amazing results. That belief has held up and proven strong over the years. 

Now, having moved through COVID and the new work world we live in, so many companies are trying to figure it out. It’s something we mastered years ago. Sure, we eventually established a corporate office, but our core foundation is based on a virtual team. 

Today, I get a lot of people asking me for tips on how to create a great company culture while having a workforce scattered throughout the country. So, here it goes, I’m happy to share. 

First off, I want to make something crystal clear – this model does NOT work for every employee. Initially, I naively believed my entire team would embrace working remotely but some simply operate better in an office. They prefer face-to-face interaction and feed off the energy of other people. There’s nothing wrong with that but any company contemplating a virtual team needs to understand that not everyone will fit the model or appreciate it. 

Those who can embrace it are good at self-management. The key is finding the right team members who excel in this environment. 

Here are a few key points that will make the difference in building a fantastic culture.

1. Focus on creating a culture of connectedness. Find ways your team can grow roots together. It sounds so simple but it’s not easy. So, what leads to connectedness? It’s the feeling of being part of a team that cares and wants to help each other. A team that’s focused on being the best. And that comes from communication, which leads to my next tip.

2. Communication is key. Implement a platform that allows for communication in multiple ways, such as internal chat, voice, alerts, company news, and team groups. There are some excellent core platform solutions that can forge collaboration and camaraderie amongst your team. For our company this is our nerve center. Through ours we inspire, motivate, celebrate, cry, and support each other. Having the right platform promotes that unity you want to feel every day.

3. Have regularly scheduled company-wide meetings. Hold monthly or quarterly via video. Arrange lunch for everyone and mix fun with company updates. Give everyone a chance to be heard and recognize team and individual accomplishments. Also make it entertaining with a contest, scavenger hunt or seasonal trivia. I find having a quarterly meeting keeps us engaged and on the same page in terms of company goals. We power ahead together!

4. Encourage your team to have smaller break out meetings to drill down within their respective areas. See what’s working well, what isn’t and where we need to pivot. Many times, it’s in these smaller groups that some of the best ideas are born. I’ve found that ideas can be implemented quicker this way than in a traditional office environment.

5. Commit to an annual (or semi-annual) in-person gathering. If you can, fly your team out to your main location or convenient location for a few days. Over the years, we’ve had summer picnics and winter holiday parties. By having fun with your team outside of work, you build morale and people to get to know each other better.

Let’s not forget that while we spend a large amount of time working and doing our jobs, we can work hard, deliver great results and have fun doing it. Building a positive virtual company culture starts with connectedness, communication, and a commitment to teamwork.

As you grow, your company and its culture will be a work in progress, and you’ll have your ups and downs. But always focus on being genuine and caring about your team and I think you’ll find success will follow.

1. Create a daily list of goals and work it.

2. Have a routine to create structure in your day and life.

3. Always be active. Walk, move, workout and use your muscles.

4. Get outside in the sun and fresh air.

5. Eat healthy & avoid low nutrition junk food.

6. Work on a hobby.

7. Write something each day. Get your thoughts down on paper.

8. Take time to rest. You need down time to recharge.

9. Get your sleep! Don’t neglect it.

10. Take 15 minutes a day to close your eyes and be calm.

11. Do something positive to inspire others.

12. Make every interaction meaningful and be a light for good.

13. Talk to someone and take time to listen.

14. The little things you think don’t matter actually mean a lot.

15. Many of the things you think that matter, mean nothing.

In an era when people bury their faces in their smart phones when out in public, basic communication skills seem to be a lost art. People today encounter store employees and customer service reps who grunt a word or two, all the while completely avoiding eye contact. 

Technology has done wonders when it comes to knowledge at our fingertips. At the same time, though, society’s ability to communicate on a face-to-face level has seemed to devolve into a world where customer service and general friendliness is such a rarity that when you actually encounter it you’re taken by surprise.

The fact of the matter is you can tout the importance of a college degree and higher education all day long, but if you can’t master basic communication and people skills it’s a big waste of time and money.

In a recent documentary on Warren Buffett, it was pointed out that he proudly displays his certificate from the Andrew Carnegie class on public speaking instead of his college degrees. Why? Because the public speaking classes, in a way, meant more to him. Public speaking and great communication teach one how to engage a group, convey ideas, collaborate, and instill excitement among others. All skills which can enhance your career and push you in an upward direction.

The point is clear, effective communication skills makes a difference. Those without these skills will find it extremely difficult to move ahead and succeed.

So, remember, if you want to be someone who is driving toward success you have to polish and elevate your ability to communicate.

It’s a trap that anyone can easily fall into because the trap is set and ready to capture the vulnerable. 

This transcends into our daily personal lives where people don’t think twice about tearing others down, manufacturing lies and contributing to negativity through their actions. Many times, they may not even realize they’re doing it.

Here are my thoughts on this – we have two choices when waking up every day:

A.    Join the chorus of negativity, hate and unpleasantness.

B.    Choose to focus on the good, the positive and lifting others up through our actions.

Yes, it’s that simple.

We make choices. None of us are perfect, but if we can focus more on the good, on being a shining light for others, we just might see things slowly turn around. 

I’m not saying this as some generic “don’t worry, be happy” post but it does start with you. 

I’m a realist, and every day is a chance to reset. I believe adopting an attitude of daily gratitude and thankfulness for even the basic things in life can help you focus less on the negative.

If you’re not seeking out or making room in your life for uplifting and positive actions, you cannot expect to set yourself up for success and happiness.

 Remember you have two choices every day within your control.

I’m 51 years old and I feel much younger and better than ever.! My latest blood tests even showed testosterone levels of 750 ( UPDATE DECEMBER 2022. See below. I retested my testosterone and it came in at 829 ! The best ever. ) and my CRP was 0.30, all naturally. Yes, that’s right. Solid testosterone levels and super low levels of inflammation.

Old in your 30’s? I don’t want to hear any excuses. When I was younger my inspiration were people like Jack LaLanne in this picture below who told me to keep up my workouts always! My goal is to be active and fit to 100.

Am I doing something magical? No, I keep it simple.

Now keep in mind, I’m not giving anybody any advice, I’m simply telling you my anecdotal story of what works for me. So here’s what I personally do at a high level to stay fit and feel better than ever.

1. I don’t drink alcohol.

2. I don’t smoke.

3. I don’t take drugs.

4. I have a morning routine in which I take an array of supplements & vitamins along with a cup of coffee and light cream.

5. I do a daily routine that includes 5 minutes on a balance board, 15 minutes of red-light therapy and 5 minutes of foam rolling.

6. Strength training 5 times a week. Much of my work is kettlebells, FitFighter Steelhose and bodyweight exercises. I’ve gained more muscle using these tools than when I lifted heavy weights.

7. Walk 6 times a week. ( Swim 3 times a week in summer )

8. Get 10 to 15 minutes of sun per day.

9. Try to get good sleep every night.

10. Eat steak, red meat and try to limit excess junk carbohydrates.

11. Focus on the spiritual and mental side. ( one of the most overlooked areas )

There’s no way to be perfect all the time but my goal is to be consistent at least 80%. Consistency is key and goes a long long way toward success.

For me, I prioritize exercise.

As a lifelong athlete, physical exercise is something I just do. It’s a way of life.

Right now it’s more important than ever to stay healthy and my workouts keep me at the top of my game. It’s no secret that daily exercise can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and elevate your mood. These are benefits to be had by anyone who puts in the time, effort, and commitment.

During the last two years I settled in on the basics:

1. Walking. Every day, I walk at least 30 to 60 minutes. I take and return calls, listen to a podcast or simply enjoy my surroundings while listening to the birds sing. But it’s about consistency. I put my shoes on and head outside, day in and day out. It’s non-negotiable, no excuses.

2. Strength Training. I do some form of strength training about five days a week. No gym, but rather simple things. It’s a lot of pushups, squats, bicep curls, triceps and shoulder raises. My equipment consists of a kettlebell and some weighted hoses but the premise is simple – strength training builds muscle which makes you stronger.

When I want to mix it up, I’ll do some boxing, cycling, and swimming.

Essentially, I make sure I’m moving my body and working muscles daily.

By focusing on my fitness, I feel better than ever. The stress and uncertainty I do experience doesn’t overwhelm me. In fact, I’m ready to crush it. The boost and motivation I get from my fitness routine allows me to get more done daily and drives me toward my goals. 

All by keeping it simple and keep moving. 

There you have it, a simple easy lunch packed with protein, some fats and a nice spicy zing of ketchup.  I like to keep my meals simple, flavorful and repetitive so I know day in and day out what I’m generally going to eat. With a plan in mind, you are less likely to go out and eat bad food or junk food. Just a little planning ahead can make the difference. 

It’s amazing how even just a week of consistent healthy eating can improve your energy levels and overall well-being.

Best of luck on your own journey and stay tuned for some more samples coming in the future!

Many startup entrepreneurs dream of being the next “Unicorn” company. That’s right, those companies that somehow get valued over $1 billion dollars yet are burning through cash and trying to get big “fast”. Many aren’t even profitable in the traditional sense. Don’t get me wrong, some may be worth every penny but in my opinion much is merely hype.

My advice for a beginning entrepreneur is simple. Focus on building a great product or service that has a market. Put all your passion, drive and energy into it and live it! If you are not passionate about what you are doing and just trying to cash in, people can tell. People can also distinguish those who really care about what they are doing! My focus has always been on creating a great company with great solutions, all delivered by great people.

That’s my philosophy.

Now let me get one thing straight. I love technology and I think it’s amazing how we can use it as a tool for efficiency, managing our lives, getting information, building businesses and much more. Technology and innovation is saving, extending and bettering lives and has really changed our world for good but as with any tool, it can be turned into a weapon.

This is where I have a problem

1. People are more connected than ever before, yet more disconnected from the human experience. Just take a look at people staring at their screens and phones all day. Outside there are wonderful blue skies, fresh air and sun, so many people are hunched over looking at pixels, and controlled by algorithms while ignoring the beauty around them.

2. Investors of all types throw money at AI and technology to eliminate the need for humans to do many tasks. Sure, it is great to increase efficiencies but where is the point where these solutions eliminate the need for people at such a mass scale that people lose the joys of simple things in life?

3. The constant push for more and more digitization is opposite of what the human experience is all about. Life is about people, interacting, connecting in person and communicating. Technology has created a fake online world with people who have lost the real art of communication. They hide behind a profile, blurt out 140 characters and some emojis. Is that who we are? AI is controlling more and more of our interactions and most of us don’t even realize it.

4. Hate, anger and vitriol. The world of social media has devolved, divided and created a sense of anxiety in so many people. While is can be used for good, in many cases it used for the opposite. We are better than this.

So what is the answer?  

I don’t have it all, but I have some thoughts.

1. Get outside, walk, enjoy nature, breathe and put the phone down.

2. Talk to people in person, face to face and be kind. Give people real attention not divided attention

3. Be understanding, forgiving and kind to others. People make mistakes. We are human.

4. Find ways to harken back to simpler things. Write on paper, read a real book, go analog and come back to simplicity

Taking a break and doing these things can reduce the constant anxiety, stress and pressure the technology had imprisoned us with. Don’t let our moods, emotions and decisions be ruled by AI or a computer. Once you break free, you just might never want to go back.

Winners put in the the hard work by building great solutions, products and skills that actually make it happen.

It’s that simple.

There’s a hack for almost everything. Basically people want the cheat codes to winning without having to put in the time. It might sound good but hacking your way to success is rarely the path to long term results. You might get some short term success but the likelihood of any sustained results are small. 

I personally believe there is nothing wrong with encouraging efficiency however when it comes to success and becoming a winner, there are really no shortcuts. 

Yes, hard work is often the only way to go! Unfortunately it’s often the boring way as well because it doesn’t make for exciting stories.

Understand that to succeed, you really have to put in the time and the effort to make things work. 

Hey, I’m not saying that you always have to take the hardest route and forgo sensible shortcuts and things that can make your life easier. What I am saying is you will have to do some serious hard work which includes building your experience, growing your knowledge and perfecting your communication skills to become a winner.

More often than not, those who succeed only look like they’ve taken the easy way up and achieved success overnight when the reality is they have toiled countless hours over months, years, maybe even decades to finally have what other people see as ‘overnight success’. 

Just because we don’t see the immense amount of work put in during their climb to the top doesn’t mean that things were easy. Oftentimes, it’s what we don’t see that leads to winning results. 

If you want to achieve great things in life be prepared to put in the work. It sounds corny, boring and doesn’t make for exciting reading but it’s the truth

One sure way of spinning your wheels is living your life seeking the approval of people who in reality don’t even care about you.

We live in a time when celebrities, pop culture icons and fake social media influencers are worshipped by the masses who scroll endlessly through their timelines wanting to see who is one upping the other. 

The thing is just because everybody is seemingly caught up trying to impress and outdo each other doesn’t mean you have to buy into it all.

Remember that it is entirely up to you to break free from the nonsense and focus on what’s important in life. 

Try not to get stuck emulating the life of some celebrity, trying to impress other people, and worshipping fake empty lifestyles when you can focus on what TRULY matters.

Much of what you see in the world of social media is simply catered and crafted posts to create an image. Often one that’s highly enhanced. We see this all over social media where people live a make-believe life trying to get the attention of other people who don’t even care about them. All in the pursuit of likes, fame and acceptance. 

Now being liked and accepted is natural and fine, but when it mutates into an obsession and it takes over your life, it can wreak havoc. So many people are living under massive stress and suffer huge disappointments in the quest for social “acceptance” of others who don’t even notice them.

“A life of wealth and many belongings is only a means to happiness. Honor, power and success cannot be happiness because they depend on the whims of others, and happiness should be self-contained, complete in itself”  - Aristotle 

Forget about all that and focus on the things that matter. Focus on your personal mission so you can set yourself up to be a winner in REAL life. 

Stay away from things that make you feel like you have to impress people. Instead, get involved in things that bring you closer to your real life goals. 

Learning to ignore other’s opinions is a skill you must learn if you truly want to succeed in life, especially those who seek to hold you back.

Keep in mind that it is not necessary to impress others and that no matter how successful you’ve become, there will always be people who will make fun of you. As they say, you have to ignore the haters!

It’s great to be different and not follow the herd.

When you find yourself trying to “fit in” where you don’t feel comfortable, stop and ask yourself whether you are on the right path.

Often people allow minor setbacks, fears or failures to derail them from their goals. I’m here to tell you that you have to look at these as merely speed bumps. 

The key to building massive momentum is simple. Keep your foot on the gas and don’t let up.

If you keep moving forward with little victories that continue to add up, they begin to build on one another. You get the wheels moving faster in one direction and it becomes easier to too keep going and you become harder to stop. 

You have to be so committed to what you do that you have an almost irrational belief that you will succeed no matter what.

You have to completely believe to the core that your goals are attainable no matter how tough it gets.  Giving up is not an option and proving what it takes to succeed is your driving force.  These internal beliefs are what will get you through difficult  situations in life and power you to heights you never expected were possible.

You know where this all comes from?  Taking action!

We’ve all heard it from almost everyone who is successful but so many fail to take that first step!

We are truly in the midst of uncharted territory when it comes to the future of work, the economy and the direction of our daily lives. There is so much uncertainty that all of us have no idea what will happen.

Much is outside of our control but what we can control are the actions we take. 

This is the time to start fueling our engines, building skills and preparing for the next chapter in our lives. This is truly the opportunity to reset your mindset. 

The life you had before the Pandemic will no doubt change. However, you can use this as a tremendous opportunity to obtain that job, start a business, learn a new skill or simply better yourself in some area you’ve always wanted.

It’s time elevate the winner inside, believe in yourself and take action!

The Exciting Future Of Driverless Cars

The driverless car arena has been filled with hype for many years, but the bridge to full autonomy is long. With that in mind, I think self-driving cars will become mobile offices, shuttles or delivery units and be relegated to niche, low-speed routes in large cities or basic planned routes. These vehicles can provide more entertainment options and increased safety features and will be highly customizable. - Ernie Bray, AutoClaims Direct Inc. (ACD)

How To Leverage AI and Machine Learning

Look to tackle specific problems, and focus on areas that will help drive the efficiency of your employees by augmenting their talent and removing mundane tasks. See if you can test out AI/ML with existing solutions in the market, and look at that as a test case. The key is to look for real ROI, not buy into the hype. Test small, adjust and scale up if the results are positive. - Ernie Bray, AutoClaims Direct Inc. (ACD)

Biggest Barriers To Innovation

Often the barrier is a client’s resistance to objectively looking at their current processes. Real change requires a mindset that embraces innovation, and my strategy is to help them get quick and easy wins to build confidence. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Once you open their eyes to the fact that innovation can drive positive results and not become disruptive, you set the stage for bigger transformation. - Ernie Bray, AutoClaims Direct Inc. (ACD)

Jobs That Shouldn’t Be Automated

Insurance adjusting is an area that can be heavily automated by removing mundane tasks, but when a policyholder experiences an auto or home loss, it is often one of the most stressful times in their lives. I’m a big believer that you still need the human touch in the claims process to handle the complex situations and provide empathy where AI and ML fall short. - Ernie Bray, AutoClaims Direct Inc. (ACD)

Tips On Starting A Tech Business

When you are entering any competitive industry you have to find your differentiator. A great way to do that is to focus on a niche and excel in that area. Don’t try to be all things to all customers. If you can hone your solution to solve an important problem that the bigger competitors overlooked or neglected, you could create an amazing company and have a solid market share. - Ernie Bray, AutoClaims Direct Inc. (ACD)

Society today is about now, now, now. 

People want fast service, immediate gratification and have little patience. This concept flies in opposition to the reality of accomplishing big things in life. 

Simply put, overnight success is extremely rare.

If you want to be highly successful and become a winner, you must think long-term. I know it’s not sexy and exciting to say that but those are the facts.

You need to know…there’s really no such thing as overnight success.

So many people dream of fast cash and quick riches but are disillusioned when confronted with disastrous results. This is why there will always be people on the internet falling for scams because they’re trying to get rich quick. They fail to see the reality that successful people are mostly those who put off short-term satisfaction for long-term results. 

So how does long-term work and planning help you?

If you think about long-term results, you’ll focus on the hard work. You’ll focus on doing the little things that bring you closer to your goal and hone your effort on what matters now. In other words, putting off short-term satisfaction is setting the stage for long-term success.

Again, if you embrace the long game, you set yourself up for success because the victory is in the journey. It’s the little steps that add up and build upon each little win that make you a winner. 

Winning is a continuous process. 

And even when you experience some success, remember it’s only a temporary moment.

What?

What I mean is success is short-lived. The journey is what counts. No one can take that away from you nor can they steal the lessons and knowledge you’ve gained for yourself.

You can be successful now, but things can easily change in a few days, weeks, months or even a year, or more. Just look at the world today. What worked before the global pandemic might not work ever again. Many who were successful before this crisis are quickly realizing they may lose it all. They may have to start over and begin the climb again.

What you can do is use the lessons you’ve learned to create more opportunities and open bigger doors to even more achievements by keeping that long-term focus.

You can’t afford to lose momentum even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Sure, the pace may slow but the direction needs to be the same - Forward. 

Enjoy the challenge of the entire process. The process of setting goals, doing the work, achieving milestones, and claiming win after win. 

Even when you suffer setbacks you can still keep winning, one small victory at a time. Winning isn’t one final destination, it’s an ongoing quest that becomes who you are in life. You become a winner because you’re able to keep going while others quit. 

You have the endurance to keep taking the punches and keep bouncing back up.

This isn’t a revelation but you can’t hear this enough – to obtain success you have to find ways to overcome obstacles. 

Analyze problems quickly and develop real solutions.

See, if you perceive hurdles as dead ends then no way can you win in life. A winning mindset finds a way to succeed whether you must go under, around or through the problem. 

Find a way, figure it out and make it happen!

Winners see a problem as something that needs to be solved. This mindset allows for creativity and innovation…thinking of ways to tackle every situation. They’re focused on improving processes and eliminating inefficiency. 

Those who are successful don’t stop when things get difficult (and they will) or quit when the odds don’t look good. Those who do are doomed to fail, and that’s certainly not you!

Be the person who finds a way to succeed, in a positive way.

Just think, the wealth of the future might be from big ideas but then again, much will be from small niche ideas that haven’t even been thought of yet. The money makers will be the creative thinkers who think big. They’re looking at everything through a lens focused on solving problems with ingenuity and innovation.

In an era where thousands of jobs may be taken over by machines and artificial intelligence, more value will be placed on people who can think outside the box, who come up with new ideas. People who are content working at a repetitive job are at major risk because it’s only a matter of time before a machine will come and replace them.

To deal with this kind of future, be someone who’s curious, someone who keeps thinking (and not just doing things), and someone who asks what can drive efficiency and improve processes.

Many businesses and careers can be started by simply asking the right questions. The kind of thinking that asks, “What if?” and is always looking to do something better. In fact, people who think this way will be more equipped to fit the evolving job market. They’re the ones who often end up driving their own success. 

Why? Because they seek new ways to do things and if they can’t find it, they create it. This opens opportunities for themselves and for others. They breed success.

So, are you ready to elevate your game and think big?

Less is often more.

Most people don’t have it figured out.

Avoid negative people.

Say what you mean.

Question the motives of others.

Do what you say.

Savor the good times.

Don’t feel embarrassed, nobody cares about your mistakes.

Give your best effort in everything you do.

If everyone is doing it, it’s probably wrong.

Control your spending.

Think 10 steps ahead.

Stand up for what’s right.

Have a discerning mind.

Be good to others. 

Even if you’re lacking in some areas, energy and enthusiasm count for a lot. It leaves a positive impression – and you’ll stand out from the crowd and inspire those you meet.

You can help people in ways you may not even realize by always bringing your upbeat energy and positivity. 

Your constant energy and enthusiasm can help boost morale, build team culture and foster camaraderie. You’ll be a catalyst for growth!

Positive energy radiating from you will go a long way in attracting success in your life. 

Remember, nobody likes to be around people who are negative, low energy and lack enthusiasm. What you choose to bring during your interactions with people can either exude gloom or elevate a room. 

There are so many things to look forward to every single day, to wake up and be excited about!

I’m not trying to sound like a cheesy motivational coach but it’s true. 

Sure, there will be tough times, failures and mistakes made. That’s life. Stoic philosophers in ancient times taught people that outside events cannot be controlled but your thoughts and reactions can be. This is your power and although events may not go as planned, you must work on achieving your goals and not waste time dwelling on the failures. Visualize attaining your goals – you’ll be inspired and driven with a purpose!

Make it a mission to wake up excited. 

Don’t turn over and hide under your blanket when it’s time to face a new day. 

Wake up, get up, and get out into the world. 

Think about all the things you can accomplish and goals you can chip away at little by little. You won’t do it all at once but every step, every day, counts. 

Be excited and passionate about what could be, what’s waiting for you to unveil, transform and create. That’s how those who move the world act!

Sure, modern technology has made our lives easier in many ways but when you think about, has it really? We might get more information faster and feel connected to everything but is it really necessary to be plugged in all the time at expense of our health and well being? I don’t think so.

In my opinion, too much technology can overwhelm us. 

Too much information

Too much negativity

Too much noise

Too much stress

Take time to tune out and take a break! Break free from your digital leash and take control of your life!

Ditch the computer and go outside into the fresh air

Turn off the news and read a book

Put down the cell phone and talk to people in real life

A reminder of my first real “win”.

For me, it signifies the start of a journey.

One that built confidence and empowered me to realize that hard work, effort and drive can lead to real results. I’ve carried that competitive drive through collegiate sports and on into the business world decades later but it also reminds me that a trophy is only temporary. The award is only for that fleeting moment in time and time moves on, and it moves really fast. 

Much like is the Bible’s book of Corinthians, verse 25, in which Paul writes,  “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

In life, the “wins” are the good we do that truly matters. It’s about positive growth, helping others and being a light to those around us.

The trophy doesn’t matter. It’s what we do and the people we help that endures. 

So think about this, what are you doing every day to stack up wins that truly matter? Are you wasting time on worthless things instead of making a positive impact? 

It’s never too late to take that step in the right direction!

An ongoing pandemic, economic uncertainty, global chaos and a general sense of unease permeates daily life. These are the exact times that require resilience. When the flaming arrows are coming at you from every angle, you have to put on your armor, grab your shield and fend off the attacks. 

These “arrows” could be challenges you are trying to overcome or simply hurtful comments or lies from others. Maybe they are failures beyond your control or even mental anxiety and fears. 

Whatever it is you are facing, remember, tough times such as these are what forge you into a stronger version of yourself. The battles and scars earned today creates the invincible warrior you can become in the future. 

It’s time to get up, embrace the challenge and take positive action to move in the right direction! It doesn’t happen in a day. It’s the small victories and wins that add up over time. The victory is found in the journey. Being able to endure and grow is what matters. 

Here’s a few thoughts on getting through adversity:

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant. - Horace

Ecclesiastes 7:10  Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.

The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered, there is opportunity for growth.”—Unknown

In life, there is no one definition of success. You have to find what that means to you and then go after it. Regardless though, to achieve your goals you still need to do the work. Here’s 4 vital things you must do to set yourself up for success in life.

Passion To Learn. Life is about continual learning and growth. Once you think you’ve attained some pinnacle of knowledge. ie college degree, MBA etc. and are “special” is the moment you fail. Life isn’t about a degree, it’s about never ending growth and seeking to learn more. Those who are successful keep challenging their mind.

Bring Energy & Enthusiasm. If you want to be successful you have to bring energy and drive. The passion to be successful comes from within and often those who have a high level of enthusiasm about what they do are able to surpass others who might have talent but are not driven to win.

Perseverance. Life will always have roadblocks, challenges and tough times. Those who are able to accept this, adapt and keep moving forward are those who are setting themselves up to succeed in life. They don’t quit when things get tough.

Do Good. Simply be a good person who is looking to bring positivity, help others and inspire. It sounds so simple but it truly is the difference in becoming successful in the long run.

When I was just starting out after graduating from college, the mindset at the time was that you needed a college degree to get into the door for a good job. In many ways this was simply not true. Looking back, I put so much pressure on myself in academics but was severely lacking in real world skills which rendered my “degree” basically worthless. I’m not sure if others may have felt this way after college but now looking back, there are seven KEY areas that can drive your future success that are much, much, more important than you realize. If you work on these areas, you’ll be light years ahead on your road to achieving your dreams.

1. Communication skills - Learning how to speak in front of groups, communicate effectively and how to put your thoughts into writing are vital for your future.

2. Strategic thinking and problem solving - You have to think ten steps ahead, anticipate outcomes and plan ahead. Finding solutions to problems with creative ideas is a highly valuable skill.

3. Ability to learn and grasp new concepts and skills quickly - You won’t know everything and you have to learn new skills and concepts fast. Many times it will have to be self-directed and on your own.

4. Networking - You have to learn to build your network. Focus on those who are successful or striving to be. If you want to elevate your career and life, hang around and associate with those who are like minded in their goals.

5. Basic finance and math - Learn to manage your money effectively, save, invest, spend less than you take in and grow your financial aptitude.

6. Ability to sell - Selling ideas, products, solutions and even your talent is key. Learning to be confident and passionate about things and sell value is a skill that never loses importance.

7. Real life experience - Nothing beats doing the work. Getting in the trenches, doing the job and learning in real life is superior to simple book smarts. Experience matters. Get as much as you can.

A lot of times we think that making a difference is people’s lives means you have to join an organization or make a conscious effort outside your daily routine to give back and contribute. While those efforts are truly commendable, I challenge you to look a little deeper.

How about using daily life to be a force of good and positivity. Yes, that’s right. There are literally countless amazing opportunities right in front of our face that we often ignore because it seems too obvious.

Maybe it’s a co-worker needing help and they are going through a tough time. Maybe it’s an elderly neighbor who needs help coordinating things or getting the grass cut. Maybe it’s the person at the checkout in the grocery store who needs a friendly voice to cheer them up instead of you standing there staring at your cell phone.

The key is to be “present”. Present in the now. There’s people who can be inspired by you, and your presence can make someone’s day by just providing a positive upbeat interaction. A friendly smile and cheerful talk, all genuine and caring, can bring so much to a person. You have no idea the positive power you have inside, so never underestimate the ability you have to do good!

Making a difference can be as easy as simply just being there, being present and seeing the people right in front of you!

How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI/ML

Look to tackle specific problems, and focus on areas that will help drive the efficiency of your employees by augmenting their talent and removing mundane tasks. See if you can test out AI/ML with existing solutions in the market, and look at that as a test case. The key is to look for real ROI, not buy into the hype. Test small, adjust and scale up if the results are positive. 

Barriers To Innovation?

Often the barrier is a client’s resistance to objectively looking at their current processes. Real change requires a mindset that embraces innovation, and my strategy is to help them get quick and easy wins to build confidence. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Once you open their eyes to the fact that innovation can drive positive results and not become disruptive, you set the stage for bigger transformation.

Tips Starting A Tech Business

When you are entering any competitive industry you have to find your differentiator. A great way to do that is to focus on a niche and excel in that area. Don’t try to be all things to all customers. If you can hone your solution to solve an important problem that the bigger competitors overlooked or neglected, you could create an amazing company and have a solid market share. 

Click here for more of my tech tips. at my Forbes Council page.

Negativity on the other hand creates a cascade of emotions and likely actions that definitely won’t put the odds in your favor.

Next, you have to define what success means to you. It’s different for everyone.

Now back to the “positive mental attitude”. Simply being “positive” won’t guarantee success. You have to build the ability to overcome challenges, difficulties and roadblocks but still keep moving forward with a belief that you can succeed. Much of success is believing that you can achieve what you set out to do. Will you always get there? No, of course not. But framing each situation as a way to learn and grow and not letting negativity creep in is vital. A positive mental attitude to me is about finding ways to set myself up for success by taking positive constructive action, realizing there will be mistakes but seeing them as learning opportunities on the way toward my goals. Mindset is key. If you mesh energy, enthusiasm with a positive mindset, you give yourself the best chance for success.

I’ve worked out at both home and traditional gyms using basically every piece of equipment you can imagine. In fact there was I time I actually believed that the “serious” and “real” workouts needed to be done at the gym.

Oh how I was wrong.

I naively thought I had to use heavy weights and push myself to the max. I would strain my ligaments, be sore for days and walk the fine line of near injury. 

I began to ask myself… Is this really necessary to get in great shape? Have I been sold a bill of goods for years? Countless wasted hours in gyms only to end up with sore joints and no better results?

Well, I started to experiment and try new things. I stopped working out at gyms completely a decade ago and then I started to do less and less barbell work.

In 2020 I pared down my workout tools to these basic things:

Pushup Handles 

Resistance Bands

A 30 pound Kettlebell

3 Weighted Firehoses

Walking ( my two feet )

That’s it. 

And guess what? I’m now in the best shape ever. 

Simplicity can make the difference! It makes you think about how many other areas in life one can simplify and actually become better off!

Cells phones and social media anyone…..?

It’s simple. 

You treat people fair, inspire your staff and be good leader. 

Just as in sports, a team isn’t made of one person, it takes a great group of individuals working together to win and the same goes for success in business.

That’s my mindset. 

I’m super competitive and I want my team to be the best they can be. Sometimes they have no idea what they can accomplish and it’s your job as a leader to help them bring out their best. You can motivate, teach and light the fire within them to take their performance to the next level.

I’ve worked for several large companies before I started my entrepreneurial journey eighteen years ago and there were few managers or supervisors who knew how to truly lead. Many brought negativity to everything, only looked for mistakes and were seeking to further their career at the expense of others. 

That’s a recipe for failure. 

So I’ll leave you with this. Starting a business, being entrepreneur and leading a company is about building a profitable organization. It’s about making money. That’s why businesses exist but that doesn’t mean you can’t create an amazing company for employees to work, grow, build a career and have a family/team atmosphere where everyone is inspired! That’s right, you can build a successful business by being a down to earth person.

Be good to your team

Inspire your team

Help elevate your team’s skills

If you focus these core things, you’ll often find the journey is fun and the success you can attain will be truly worth it!

You can probably relate to looking for a shortcut to save time. I sure can. Everyone wants fast results because who wouldn’t want to achieve more with less effort? It’s human nature to take the easy route but in reality, that’s not how you get to where you want to be. Every January, people see the chance to start fresh and tackle new goals.

Common ones are:
· Lose weight
· Cook more and eat better
· Look for a new job
· Be a better partner, parent or person
· Make more money
· Start a new hobby

The list goes on and on.

Everyone has their own set of priorities and goals but often times people quit too soon and give up right when the hard work starts. They see the goal as something enormous and it can feel overwhelming. So how do you combat that? I believe you need to break goals down into manageable bites. Look for small victories that add up. Get a little better each day. That’s all it comes down to. Keep inching forward toward positive progress. Before you know it, you’ll have made tremendous gains! Take that mindset to heart and you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish

Here’s some thoughts on how you can make 2021 a great year.

Most people don’t realize the difference between success and failure is often very small. If you were headed to the moon and were off just 1 degree, you'd miss your target by 4,169 miles. Simply by changing one’s attitude, working smart, and giving a solid effort, you can achieve amazing results that, otherwise, would seem impossible…..

Read Ernie Bray's answer to How does one succeed in life? on Quora

I’m sure you’ve seen the obligatory picture of “entrepreneurs” boarding the “private jet” to fly off to some imaginary amazing destination. They pose in deep thought as they gaze out the window with the aura of success. Add that to the Lambos, piles of cash and mansions and almost any budding entrepreneur would think of themselves as failures having not attained such heights.

Sure some might be real and for those who are… great for them! But in reality, most of it is simply fiction. Just over hyped, aspirational acting to lure wannabe entrepreneurs into thinking they have the answer to your dreams.

I’m hear to tell you, that if you really want to succeed, much of the path will be a lot of hard work, countless hours, tons of doubt and lots of risk. It’s not first class seats or private jets. Oftentimes it’s the flight you can get and the seat that will get you there. As much as some people want to avoid it, the formula is simple. Do The Work.

2021 is right around the corner and this past year was one like no other. It has tested all of us and pushed our abilities to handle adversity. Unfortunately, it isn’t over yet.

But life doesn’t sit still. We have to tackle what life throws at us and still keep moving ahead.

That’s why winners have goals they want to achieve. They have a drive burning inside to accomplish big things! They’re the same individuals who start their day asking themselves, 

“What’s the goal for today?”

“What is today’s mission?”

“What do I want to accomplish today to move my life, my business, career or other areas forward?”

If you’re not consistently thinking about advancing and growing your skills or improving something in your life, then you’re not going forward, you’re staying stagnant and you’ll end up going backward!

How so?

Because successful winning mindsets build forward momentum!

They don’t let small setbacks stop them. Winners understand that not achieving every goal they’ve set is not the same as failing. They don’t fail because they’re always keeping a positive momentum moving forward. 

That’s how you should think!

Remember, you’ve got to have goals to keep pushing yourself otherwise things remain stuck.

You need to set goals beyond what you think you can accomplish. Those huge goals will stretch you and force you to reach beyond what you think you are capable of. Will you fail? Sure you might, but if you get anywhere close, you still will have accomplished something great!

Start your day with a goal, a purpose, and a reason – that’s how you win in life!

Hardly anyone I know has been successful unless they have a competitive spirit and the drive to try to be the best that they can be. 

Successful people have a competitive fire inside that hates losing. 

Personally, I’m a big believer that a competitive drive inside can fuel great success when harnessed properly. Competition can bring out the best in an individual and make a person strive for perfection.  Pushing for success is about forcing yourself to drive ahead to be the best you can be.

Yes!

What you want to be is the best version of yourself!

Always have a fire inside to take on new challenges, goals and missions. When you have something positive to go after it creates a buzz of energy in your entire being. You’ll find a smile on your face and passion to achieve. 

I’ve put in many late nights working on little sleep and being in a constantly tired state. Did it help move my company forward? Sure, it helped me work harder to get things done but it was only for a limited time. I never made it a habit then nor I do today.

Your primary goal, first and foremost should be to take care of your health. In fact it’s much, much better to get a lot of sleep, take a nap when you need to and operate fully rested. You’ll bring more energy to everything you do, you’ll think faster, more clearly and you’ll be much healthier. I know it may seem counterintuitive that the popular image of relentless grinding to succeed, but rest is vital to pushing your company ahead.

Don’t get drawn into the hype and mythology of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. The reality is much different. Take my advice, never sacrifice your health, it’s not worth it.

It depends on the business, type of company and so many other factors that may be out of one’s control.

So, what can you do? I look at it this way – in challenging times, you have to take on a mindset and understanding that things are happening that are much bigger than us and any attempt to control the situation is a waste of energy. I’m not saying simply sit back, what I’m saying is that you have to reframe your outlook.

 Even the ancient philosophers understood we can’t control everything.

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”  - Marcus Aurelius

 Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens. — Epictetus

So, consider their thoughts and embrace the mindset that you can only control your actions. 

Sure, emotion, frustration and worry will surface. Acknowledge it, then move on to what you can do to set yourself up for success. I’m a big believer that you can find the positive in any situation.

Here are five questions I ask myself:

1.   Is there something actionable I can do to move my company forward? Can I develop a plan or strategy and creative ways to adapt?

2.   What can I do to lift up others around me?

3.   Can I be an inspiration and light of positivity for others around me?

4.   What new skill can I learn?

5.   How can I expand my network and meet new people, even virtually?

I hope this inspires you or nudges you in a new direction. Use this uncertain time to take positive action that will set the stage for a brighter future.

Achieving goals and making huge progress fast is what we all want. That’s right, everyone dreams of overnight success but reality is much much different.

So how can you get amazing results fast?

See, the hidden secret is actually so simple. You have to slow down a bit and change your mindset. To make massive forward progress you have to focus on the small wins! It’s by chunking together small efforts and little victories, connecting and building upon them.

Sounds boring? Sure, but that’s how winning is done. Ask anyone who is successful and you’ll find out what seems fast to others is actually steady forward action.

Even though it seems counterintuitive to popular culture, this one big mental mindset change of focusing on small wins can actually speed up your path to success.

A lot of times people think they can take one big “action” or make a certain decision and their results will appear in no time. This mindset is looking for the easy way or the proverbial “silver bullet”. Unfortunately the path to success is messy, rough and never a straight one.

Everyone’s road is different. The formula that might work for me won’t work for you. Achieving your goals is truly a unique recipe of hard work, effort, knowledge, skill, timing and luck. Yes, luck does play a part regardless of what others might tell you.

So what can you do?

Focus on your goals but focus even more on the small wins. Every little success you have whether it’s daily, weekly or monthly. Make each one count! Your mission is to set yourself up with the best opportunity for success. You have to do the work.

You add a new client, you walk for 30 minutes, you make ten phone calls, you gain a new skill, you read a chapter in a book. Each step moves you along to the next guidepost. Just do your best and enjoy each little step. Every step counts!

Trying to tackle a huge goal can seem insurmountable by itself. If I told you to walk 45 miles you’d probably think it’s impossible. Walking 30 minutes a day for a month isn’t. Before you know it, in a month you will have walked 15 hours or nearly 45 miles and you’ll be that much more healthy. It all adds up.

Read a chapter a day and a whole book is finished in less than two weeks!

This mentality helped me grow my business into an amazing company but it didn’t happen overnight. It all began by adding a client here and then another there. Little by little and suddenly over time you see progress. 

I used the same method to complete many long distance triathlons, marathons and open ocean swims. My goal was just to make it to the next aid station or even the next telephone pole in the distance. 

If you can look at goals and break them into bite size chunks, you will often find that the victory is truly in the journey. That’s where each little success adds up and delivers you the bigger win! That’s what looks like “overnight” success is in another’s eyes.

Here’s five simple things your team must do to deliver a great customer experience and create positive reactions.

1. Respond to email. It sounds simple but all too often a delayed response or worse yet, no response can give your clients the feeling you just don’t care. Be sure to answer timely with pertinent information.

2. Return phone calls. Unreturned calls can further sink your image and confidence customers have in your company. Reliability in a customer’s eyes in vital. It’s simple, pick up the phone in the first place and if you miss a call, quickly respond back in kind. Don’t answer a voicemail with just an email.

3. Proactively reach out and build relationships.  If you are looking to build your business for the long term then client retention is the lifeblood.  Creating a long lasting relationship and building raving fans is the way you do it.  Reach out, keep in touch and always provide value to your customers.

4. Answer the phone.  Yes, it is that easy. Sure we live in a world of texting, short messages and minimal attention spans but the good old phone still matters. When a client calls, you better answer.

5. Bring solutions not problems.   Lastly, are you providing solutions instead of problems? You have to bring a positive experience and good results to your customers. If you’re clients see you lacking answers and creating problems without solving them, they will find someone else to work with…. your competitors.  

1. Focus on continuous improvement. Winners are always looking to find ways to improve their skills and knowledge. The opportunity to keep growing and learning is a lifelong process. You can always get better!

Click below for the rest!…

Read Ernie Bray's answer to What is the secret to success? on Quora

I think the value of a college degree is one of the biggest lies I’d been taught to believe.

How can I say such a thing when I was brought up in a family of teachers?

My grandmother, aunt, uncle, and father were all public educators with my grandmother starting in the 1930’s. All I lived was education.

The importance of top grades were drilled into my head from as long as I can remember and rightly so. Education and knowledge is essential, but “conventional wisdom” feeds all of us a fairy tale.

I was led to believe that if you do well in school, get good grades, go to college and graduate with a degree, your path to success will be laid out for you. While it may not have been that overt, the implication by my teachers, parents and society in general was that successful people have a degree. Anyone else who doesn’t follow this path of education is destined for much less or some menial job.

With that societal idea that a college education means “success”, so many people have gone out and secured huge loans in pursuit of the “degree” hoping it will pay off with a great job. For some it may but for others it might not be that simple.

I used to believe in the dream well until I graduated and then realized it couldn’t be further from the truth.

I interviewed for countless jobs, got turned down for most. Nobody ever asked to see proof I even graduated or went to college! I was terribly frustrated. When I did land a job, the “degree” didn’t put me on any fast track to upper management or success. I started at the bottom in an entry level job with little hopes of promotion. I had to pay my dues and prove myself. Again, the degree didn’t open any doors for me as I found out many of my co-workers were without them. I soon figured out my internal drive and work ethic was much more valuable.

Here’s the reality.

A college education can be great, however it by no means guarantees you anything. It’s a tool in the toolbox toward success. Education and personal growth is a lifelong pursuit, not so something that ends with a degree. I’ve personally learned much more on my own after graduating.

There are countless entrepreneurs and successful people in careers who simply went out on their own and built amazing small businesses in areas where many may think are “boring”. All without a diploma.

My point is not that college is useless or wrong, but that idea that college is the only way is a fabrication. Success in life comes down to a one’s true goals, motivation and how they choose to use their education. Every one of us has unique talents and often people are funneled into what “society” is pushing instead of what the interests and passions of the individual are.

I know it’s the time of year when many college graduates prepare to enter the workforce and are proud of their accomplishment. That’s great and attaining a degree is something to be proud of, don’t get me wrong. The key though is not to think the degree matters more than what you do with it. Don’t buy into the hype that it guarantees anything.

Remember, it’s not the piece of paper that counts, it’s what you choose to do in life that matters.

Read Ernie Bray's answer to What are the most common mistakes first time entrepreneurs make? on Quora

For now we’re sitting at home in what feels like a holding pattern. Where do we go from here? For those of us chomping at the bit to get out and get going, it’s beyond frustrating. So much is out of our control.

The uncertainty and anxiety is natural during such a crisis but we can look at this as an opportunity. A chance to slow down, take a breath and reflect on the state of our life.

It’s a time to really ask ourselves some tough questions and, perhaps, reset our thinking.

1. Why is there such a rush for speed in our society? It seems everything is centered around immediacy and the “I want it now” mentality. Instant gratification. We rush through the day watching the clock, rarely taking time to witness nature and really enjoy the small moments in life. All to what end?

2. In the race to make money, many people end up working in careers or jobs that don’t make them happy. Is it worth it? Have we sacrificed our passion and doing things we love in order to simply become a cog in a machine?

3. For those who have neglected their health, is this now a wake-up call to focus on mind, body and spirit? Maybe this is the time to get in shape, become more spiritual and committed to your well being.

4. Why have we allowed so much negativity in our lives? Negative people, news, politics, social media and jealousy? It’s time to change that and focus on positivity and good. 

To create a better version of ourselves, we need to ask the tough questions and really be willing to make changes. It’s rare we’re gifted an opportunity to hit the reset button so take time to own it and reshape the present and the future. You’re worth it. 

When I got out of college I was woefully prepared for the real world. Sure I had a degree but I didn’t know how to manage my money or take care of my finances. Even though without any knowledge, I employed some common sense and took control of my money even when I had very little. 

I’m not giving you financial advice, but what I am giving you are the tips that worked for me.

1. Realize the idea of getting a job and staying there for 30 years isn’t going to happen. I was raised to believe that if you get a job you stay there and work your way up and then retire. Unfortunately that was outdated thinking and I quickly figured it out. Keep your paying job but don’t hesitate to look for better opportunities to advance or gain higher pay. Remember you chart your own course. More income is something you have to work at. Don’t expect it to come to you automatically or easy.

2.  Keep track of your money.  If you are spending more than you take in, you’ll be in trouble. Pay your bills on time and get organized. If you track your income and monitor your outflow you will know where you are at. You can do this in a simple notebook. That’s all I used. 

3. Don’t rack up credit card charges. If you can’t afford things, don’t buy them. Once you go down the path of relying and living on credit cards you become locked into a vicious cycle. The interest is usually high and you rarely gain ground. I kept a card but rarely used it.

4. Keep a cushion for emergencies. Some say store up around three months of salary. At the time that was impossible for me. I just did what I could but I always made sure I had some type of back up savings. You need to set it aside and don’t touch it. 

5. Don’t try to impress others at the expense of your bank account. If you are spending money trying to live a lifestyle you think your friends would envy, you’ll going down the wrong path. Don’t put your financial future at risk for a short term “win” in impressing people who in truth, likely don’t even care in the long run.

Read Ernie Bray's answer to What are the pros and cons of being a leader? on Quora

The biggest stressor is the unknown. And the question is, how do we move past adversity and operate from a place of certainty? 

As Roman Emperor and Philosopher Marcus Aurelius once said, “You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” 

It’s tough on so many people and we’re all trying to find ways to cope and move forward. For me, I view this as a time where we can come together, focus on positivity and do things to help others. This is the time where real growth happens for us as individuals. Trying times and adversity is where we dig deep and become better than we ever have been.  

Keep your spirits up, remember this will pass and out of it, we become stronger people. 

Focus on your health, stay safe and be a light of inspiration to others. 

— Ernie

I’ll leave you with two quotes to think about….

“Even if some obstacle comes on the scene, its appearance is only to be compared to that of clouds which drift in front of the sun without ever defeating its light.” - Seneca

“Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths. Prudent people look beyond the incident itself and seek to form the habit of putting it to good use. On the occasion of an accidental event, don’t just react in a haphazard fashion: remember to turn inward and ask what resources you have for dealing with it. Dig deeply. You possess strengths you might not realize you have. Find the right one.” Use it.” -Epictetus

Read Ernie Bray's answer to Are successful entrepreneurs generally good employees? on Quora

Sounds easy right?

No! It’s damn hard if you are driven and passionate about your business.

But remember, your competitors will likely mess up and you need to be ready and be “top of mind” when that happens. That’s why when you hear a no, you don’t quit marketing to those prospects.

Also, you need to keep stoking your pipeline and keep marketing to new prospects and leads. Focus on forward momentum…mentally and by taking positive action.

I hated hearing this but much of this sales process is simply a numbers game. The more outputs and touches to prospects via postcards, calls, etc. means you are likely to land new business.

I was a guest on the Success Unfiltered podcast a while back talking about all the No’s I experienced in building my company. Rejection is part of the game, but remember, don’t let those speed bumps derail you from your ultimate goals.

Read Ernie Bray's answer to How hard is it to be an entrepreneur? on Quora

The other day I thought for a moment who am I?  So I made a list. 

Husband

Father

Son

Brother

Entrepreneur

CEO

Author

Athlete

Investor

Historian

Seeker of Knowledge

Student of Science & Health

Human

Who are you?

Remember we are defined by more than just a job title or an image in your head.

We’re different things to different people and our goal should be the best we can be. Perfection isn’t possible but striving to be better is. Are you getting better, improving and striving?

1. Inspirational. You have to motivate and inspire your entire company and get everyone to buy into the vision. You are the inspirational leader.

2. Be a strategist. You have to create a great strategy, know the marketplace and keep your company competitive.

3. Ability to create the culture. You are the face of the company and you need to create the culture that defines your mission. Positive, forward thinking and driven.

4. Be a decision maker. Be ready to take risks and make countless decisions in various areas of the company with the input of department executives.

5. Money skills. You need to make sure there is money in the bank, spend wisely and ensure you keep the company on a strong footing.

6. Leadership. Accept responsibility and ownership that you are the one guiding the ship and do the best of your ability at all times, make every decision in the best interests of the company and do the right thing.

I learned a ton, had some small successes but never made it big. The key though was, I had the fire inside, kept learning and kept trying.

It took me until I was 33 when I finally launched the successful company I lead today. Had I launched it when I was younger, I simply wouldn’t have had the real world experience needed. Even now in my 40’s I keep learning every day.

I think an older entrepreneur can definitely succeed if they have the drive inside to make it happen. The fears I see are that many times, older potential entrepreneurs are more risk averse and have more obligations than recent college graduates. This is totally understandable.

Here’s my advice if you want to test the waters

Try a side business. (The benefit of this is that you get to try the entrepreneurial world in your free time.) Another good reason is that you’ll likely be tired from your regular job and finding time for your side business will test your ability to push on. In reality, becoming an entrepreneur will be much tougher than your day job. You have to find the energy, drive and passion even when you’re past the “fun” stage of starting a company.

Ernie Bray is the dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of ACD a claims technology company that is also on a mission to inspire others to go out an achieve their goals joins Enterprise Radio.

Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Ernie Bray discuss the following:

1. So what have you been up to with your company these days since you were on last time? I see you’ve been on the Inc. 5000 6 times!

2. I noticed you published your book the Entrepreneur’s Field Manual not too long ago. Being so busy, what inspired you to write it?

3. On your blog erniebray.com you cover alot of other topics like health, mindset and fitness. Do you feel they play a big part in your entrepreneurial success?

4. There’s alot out there about morning routines of Entrepreneurs. You see people getting up in the early morning hours working out…. people dunking themselves in cold water. Do you do anything special?

5. What would you say has been that biggest challenge in growing your business over the years and what advice would you give someone trying to build a company who’s experiencing that now?

1. College degrees and MBA’s don’t make an entrepreneur.

2. You don’t always need a lot of money to start a business.

3. Raising money doesn't mean you are or will be a success.

4. Most people who talk a big game about business know very little.

5. Choose your business partners wisely.

6. If you can’t manage yourself you can’t manage others or your business.

7. There are many fakers who act and pretend to be entrepreneurs.

8. If you think you’ll make money fast you’re dreaming.

9. Building a company is stressful, tiring and can drain your confidence.

10. Work life balance doesn’t exist.

11. If your business isn’t working to become profitable you don’t have a real business.

12. Nobody can’t be fired up 100% of the time. Those who pretend aren’t real.

13. Watch out for hanger-ons and those who drain your energy.

14. Don’t take advice or listen to people who aren’t successful themselves.

15. Most people don’t know what it takes to lead or have the stamina to persevere during adversity.