When was the Last Time your Reached for Something?

When was the last time you actually reached for something, actually physically challenged yourself or stepped out of your comfort zone? A goal, a position at work, an accomplishment, a physique, a competition or try something new.

Are we falling into mainstream mediocrity? There isn't one thing that I hate more than mediocrity. Why should we just settle for the crappy job? No, get up and go fight for what you want! Why should you just settle for being 15 pounds over weight? No, get up and work out every morning and go get it! Why should we just settle for living paycheck to paycheck? No, stop bleeding spending on things you don't need - create a spending plan, be disciplined for once in your life and save your money.

There are a couple areas of my life where I am reaching right now. And there will be a few more in the next month or so. The main one would have to be work because without the money, that pretty much eliminates the majority of the things I want to get or do from my list. So focus #1 is income. I'm in sales as a commercial insurance agent. My prospecting involves making X amount of calls every week. Now, how am I reaching to increase my sales? Well, my main focus is to be consistent with the number of phone calls I do every week. Because there are weeks where I lose focus, fall behind. This requires planning out my day.

Something else that we are reaching for as a family is getting our personal finances in order so we are prepared for the future. For example, we want to have $6,000 in an emergency fund, we want to buy a house in a few years and we want to be able to go on a family vacation each year. From the little I have experienced in my short life of 31 years, I have realized that it is not what you make it is what you keep after you make it. Granted, it is nice to make a decent income, but in all reality, those that have a good sized house, with the new cars; the majority of them are living paycheck to paycheck as well unfortunately.

The last thing I want to share is I am reaching to spend quality time with my 3 boys and wife. Life can get so busy with so many distractions (television, dvr, sports, cell phones, texting) that it is as if I go to work, come home, be with the kids for two hours, put them to sleep - start over. The weekend arrives and it is over so quick. So instead of allowing the winds of life to push me around, I am going to fight back. My son's love to explore so this spring we are going to purchase a GPS and go geo-caching all summer to explore this beautiful mountains we live near by.

The bottom line here is sacrifice now for a better tomorrow. Don't become mainstream mediocrity. That is not what you want. Be disciplined, be consistent and for heaven sakes, start your career, settle down and go after it.

What Are You Really, Really Good At?

Well it has definitely been some time now since I last wrote here in my blog. To be honest I have missed it and wished I had made the time to do so. On the other hand I have found it difficult finding the inspiration I did have, to write such dynamic posts. I feel that is the case because I was going through such a difficult time last year - I was able to really have a fresh perspective on things.

My post today is based on the following question:

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU ARE REALLY, REALLY GOOD AT?

I was having a conversation with some friends and this came up and he mentioned what he was really, really good at. And I sat there and thought and thought - trying to figure out the one thing that I was really, really good at. The honest truth about me is that I like to do a lot of things, so I tend to be average in all of them. But I have never chosen to focus on just one.

There has been a ton going on lately...Roger Federer, the tennis champion got bumped from the Wimbledon in the quarterfinals! The previous 7 years he was the dominating champion consecutively. What the heck happened to this incredible player? LA Lakers claimed the NBA championship once again (I'm not a fan at all) - so we will move on. World Cup Soccer champion team was garnered by Spain - their first ever in history. And now the Tour de France is about 1/3 the way completed and this last Sunday, Lance Armstrong has taken the biggest time deficit ever in the history of his cycling career. The cause? Unlucky...he was involved in 3 different crashes that set him way back. And as he was racing back to be with the peloton, right as he arrived, that is when they headed up in to a big climb. Needless to say this did not work in his favor.

Why do I even mention all of these athletic events? These teams or individuals are really, really good at what they do. Part talent, part persistence but the bottom line is they have what it takes to be a champion, not once but again and again and again.

Back to the real world. What can we learn from our most prized champions? Well if I personally want to be anything like Lance Armstrong with my hobby love of cycling or in the professional world - I need to:

One, be freaking confident (on the verge of cocky-that's a joke).
Two, in the midst of pain stay focused.
Three, don't get distracted by your opponents, stick to your game plan and your strategy.
Four, you must work as a team. Nothing is accomplished as an individual or a one man show.
Five, fear nothing.

I have been thinking what I really, really want to be good at. Something substantial, something you can see and I am really struggling to figure this one out. In the past, I was an ok student in high school, I did my best in high school soccer & track, went to college and was an ok student there, played club soccer. Got married and now I am a husband & father - which I love. I cycle now and my profession is in sales. I want to be the best husband, father & businessman - there I just made my mind up. And I would like to become a much better cyclist.

Also think about what you really, really enjoy doing? Lets not forget there are other people out there besides ourselves that we can help in the journey of life.

Does Your Job Define You?

Do you feel your job defines you?

This has been something I have been struggling for some time now. At least that is the way I used to feel. So instead of being involved in a job that I felt was not me - I ventured off on my own and it was great. But unfortunately I got a bit cocky and lost my shirt (well more than that).

So now I have ventured off onto a completely new career path, but this time it is a family affair. I work with my father and brothers. And to be brutally honest, I absolutely love it. I have experienced way too many work environments where I have to be around people I don't want to be around, or I don't trust my boss, or the organization simply doesn't care about me. But now its family and there is nothing better I could ask for. I feel at ease in my work environment for the first time in a long time.

After thinking about it - I'm going to spend 40+ hours a week at a job, who should I spend it with? I felt no better place than with my father & brothers. Boy do we have some good laughs while at work, we push each other to be more successful, we help each other out and we got each others backs.

So does your job define you?

I say no it does not or at least it shouldn't. For me, I have found a lot of things that I like about my job and the core of that is pretty much the 'Game of Sales'. I'm on the phone a lot prospecting. I don't see it as cold calls anymore - I see it as a game. And I feel that is very important. I have really gotten into it. I won't lie, it can be tough at times - but the reward is great. I'm learning how to effectively communicate, how to work the phones, how to market and most important step out of my comfort zone and ask the tough questions. It only takes me once to make a mistake before I realize how important it is to ask the tough questions up front - so I don't waste my time.

What defines you is not your job but your decisions, actions & behavior. And what you do when you are off the job. Don't let anything dictate who you are. Bring your personality, skills & talents to your job and be successful.

I Dare You To Do Better!

Life sure is an interesting journey. This past year I turned 30. I'm sad to have left my 20's but on the other hand very happy. In my twenties, I was very young & naive. Now I actually feel I have some wisdom on my side from the many experiences I have had over the last 10 years. I have no regrets, I have really enjoyed the last ten years of my life but I do look forward to fulfilling the next ten years of my life being 30 something.

Happy New Year and welcome 2010. Around this time of year I set my new years resolutions and I will admit I am taking it to a whole new level this year, but this is not what this post is about.

A few weeks ago my wife and I watched Star Trek for the first time and I really enjoyed it, mainly because there was some substantial meat motivating statements that caused me to be recommitted to becoming better. If you haven't figured it out by now I love self-help, personal development and believing one can become anything they choose to be. But at times one needs to step aside and take a hard look at themselves, at their track record and reflect on what they are doing and where they are headed.

I did this and some of the dialogue from Star Trek really inspired me and I would like to share these pieces with you to wish you a Successful 2010.

At this point in the film Spock is discussing with his father whether being half human is a detriment to his being versus 100% Vulcan. This is what Spock's father shared with him in response,

"You are fully capable of deciding your own destiny. The question you face is which path will you choose? This is something only you can decide."

I totally agree with Spock's father on this, in essence 'You are the captain of your destiny.' You choose whether you are happy or sad, you choose whether your are rich or poor, you choose if you are successful. It's just a matter of how you deal with what is thrown at you.

This last piece is my favorite. At this point in the film Kirt the younger has just been discovered by Captain Pike the current captain of the Starfleet Enterprise at a bar in the Midwest. They sit down to have a little chat and it goes like this,

Captain Pike - Something I admired about your dad, he didn’t believe in no-win scenarios.

Kirt – He sure learned his lesson.

Captain Pike – Well, it depends on how you define winning. You’re here, aren’t you? You know, that instinct to leap without looking, that was his nature, too. And in my opinion, it’s something Starfeelt’s lost.

Kirt – Why are you talking to me, man?

Captain Pike – Cause I looked up your file while you were drooling on the floor. Your aptitude tests are off the charts. So what is it? You like being the only genius-level repeat-offender in the Midwest?

Kirt – Maybe I love it.

Captain Pike – So your dad dies. You can settle for a less-than-ordinary life. Or do you feel like you were meant for something better? Something special? Enlist in Starfleet.

Do not settle for a less-than-ordinary life. I believe ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Never give up! Fight the fight, wage the war and circumvent mediocrity.

"I DARE YOU TO DO BETTER!"
-Captain Pike

Temporary Defeat

It has been exactly 3 months since my last post. Which was definitely not intentional. 3 months ago we moved from Detroit to Salt Lake City to pursue a new career. Needless to say life has been very interesting. Turning 30 this year has given me a very new perspective on life. My tolerance for risk has decreased. I've realized the importance of family and what my overall goal is now for my family.

The mistakes that I have made in the past in business cannot be repeated. Right now I am starting over in a brand new career, but unfortunately I am not starting at 0. I am in the red and having to dig myself out of a pretty decent hole.

The most important thing I have learned is to create a stream of income that comes in monthly first! Then invest in real estate. You see a few years ago my only stream of income was coming from real estate and that was it. So if my ventures in real estate did not produce one month - I had no income. I then reached a point where I was unable to receive financing anymore and the whole operation came to a screaming halt. I chased that venture for 12 months - confident that next month something would break. Well something did break and that was just about everything I had.

My lesson learned here is about sustainability. Going into business is not about the short term. If so, you will fail. I had a good run while it lasted but not I am paying the price painfully for business mistakes. Napoleon Hill calls this Temporary Defeat - we do not fail and we are not defeated unless we accept it and stop. I am a more prudent businessman and now have to play catch up.

The new career I have embarked on is that of the family business - Commercial Insurance. My father has been in the business for over 30 years; which is very difficult for me to fathom doing the same thing for that long of a period of time, quite impressive though. His knowledge of the industry is bar none. The one thing I like most about the insurance business is I close an account one year and if they renew I get paid year after year - which in a sense would be considered passive income.

It is very important during these times for us to work smarter and not harder. Look around and realize how blessed you are.

Need an Escape From Fear?

During crazy times in my life I have found that I need an escape in order to stay afloat mentally, physically and emotionally. Things can get soo overwhelming that I literally shut down, fall to the wayside and just get tossed to & fro like a yellow rubber ducky in the ocean - and its messed up. So what I found out is that I needed an escape, a place I can go or something that I could do that would be my constant, my recharge, to clear the slate, get plugged in and completely reboot fresh.

For me, cycling is my escape. I cycle about 3 times a week and log about 30-40 miles each time. Not only do I enjoy it, but its a place I can go to take control of what is in front of me. Control is a big deal to me and I need that in my life. I get to size people up and compete. I love to sweat, work-out and have an instant feeling of accomplishment. I like to be recognized and for people to say, "Hey man nice ride, it was fun." I like to be outside and experience the scenery of beautiful lakes, magnificent houses and nature.

I would like to follow this discussion with a question.

What does it take to gain a greater appreciation for life?

In my opinion take away whatever it is you have, go without for a week, a month, a year. Go experience life in someone else's shoes. Or even better go put yourself through excruciating physical pain, like running until you can't run anymore, cycle until your legs burn so bad you want to scream, go live in a 3rd world country for 1 year and only speak their language, go punch a bag until your arms want to fall off, go run stadium stairs until you can't breathe, go do an Iron Man - Do It! That will give you a greater appreciation for life

Here is a little pep talk before you go:

Get your freakin confidence back and kick butt! Success is there you just need to get off the ground and go get it! Screw them, who cares what they think - it's about you, quit moping around and do something!! Everyday people make money, some slowly, others do it in their sleep. REPROGRAM YOUR MINDSET! You are a millionaire, you just need to realize it monetarily! Trust me your are worth it! Money is a tool, it's neutral - it's what you do with it that makes it a positive impact on you and the world or a negative one.

Check this out - it is an excerpt from Marianne Williamson's book "A Return to Love"

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

You Are Worth It!

Family Is a Lot Like a Fist!!

Ever since I graduated high school I have been away from home (as in living in other states or out of the country). Immediately after graduating high school I left the country to go serve a 2 year mission for my church in Caracas Venezuela. After returning home, 6 months later, I left for college. At school I met my sweet heart and we were married. We moved to Houston, Texas for a summer door-to-door sales job. Then we transferred schools up to the panhandle of Idaho to the University of Idaho. Upon graduating we moved to Saint George, Utah where two of our sons were born: Dominic & Cash. We then moved to Detroit.

Some say I’m running from something others see it as me pursuing my goals. I was born and raised in southern California. I loved it there. I am very independent and wanted to venture out, explore and see what the world had to offer. But lately I have had a change of heart. It has been 11 years now since I have been very close to my family (physical distance wise). After living in Metro Detroit for 1 year I have realized how important quality of life is to me and family.

I will admit I miss my parents and I miss my siblings. It's time to venture back...

A friend of mine gave me an audio CD the other day of a live recording of Frank Abagnale. Ever since I saw "Catch Me If You Can" I was always intrigued with his story. He never does interviews and very few actually know this mans real story. Well on this special occasion of this live recording he personally shares his story.

At age 16 he was pulled out of class and taken to a place to meet his parents. He had no idea what was happening. His parents weren't there to meet him outside, they were already inside. So the doors swing open and he is escorted into a court of law where his parents are getting divorced. The judge greets him and then asks Frank Abagnale of his two parents with whom he was going to choose to live with.

He did not answer the question and ran away never to see his parents again for 7 years and that is what started his journey.

The following is a very powerful excerpt from the live recording that really hit home for me that I would like to share with you, this is Frank Abagnale sharing some of his wisdom from what he has learned from his life:

"To put life into perspective is to put it into one word. Why we exist as a human being, is not difficult to understand, for life - the meaning and the essence of life, comes down to one simple word called family.

"Family is a lot like a fist, the most powerful force on the face of the earth - together; but when you separate it, it slowly deteriorates and eventually it falls apart. I’m here to tell you that success comes to anyone who tries to achieve it, honestly, ethically and straight forward. But success is far from everything. Materialistic things anyone can buy, money anyone can obtain, but your family is something God gave you and gave you to cherish and to build and is the most important thing you will ever have in your life. You are a fool if you put anything before your family.

"Two people brought you into this world, two people raised you in this world; who only until you become a mom and dad and know how much you love your own children will you ever understand how much they loved you and sometimes it is a little too late – they are already gone.

"I never admired a man much for his money; I’ve never admired a man much for his intelligence. What I admire in a restaurant is when I look across and see a man with his wife and his children. A man who loves his wife, loyal to her, a man who is there for his children and for his family all the time. For in the eyes of God, as in the eyes of all human beings, the man who puts his family first above everything else is by far the most respected; the most man of men that there is."

So there you have it. This is coming from a man who never got to see his father again after that day he ran out of that court room. His father passed while he was in prison in France. This is a man who was placed in a prison in France that was 5 feet by 5 feet by feet. He was not told how long he would serve in that prison, that was part of the punishment. Frank was 6 foot 3 inches. He couldn't see his own hand it was so dark. He never saw a soul while in prison and never sun daylight. He lost 100 pounds in 6 months and left that prison not able to walk.

Enjoy every single day you have on this earth - take advantage of it - live it to the fullest and don't sit around and wait for anything! Go get it.

Milestones of Life

This past weekend my Father came to town to visit us for the first time here in Metro Detroit. And boy did I have an agenda packed for us. There is so much history here - it blows my mind. But one particular afternoon we visited Meadow Brook Hall, also known as the Dodge Brothers Mansion (Dodge as in Dodge the car).

Here is what Meadow Brook Hall is all about:

"Meadow Brook Hall is the fourth largest historic house museum in the United States and is renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale. Built between 1926 and 1929 as the residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson (widow of auto pioneer John Dodge) and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred G. Wilson, the 110-room, 88,000-square-foot, Tudor-revival style mansion is complete with vast collections of original art and furnishings." And it sits on only a mere 1,500 acre estate.

This place is huge, incredible and beautiful. One room really stood out to me and that was the study. The entire room was paneled with solid wood from top to bottom. At the very top of the wall there were various "charactchers" that depicted different milestones in John Dodge's life. And for some reason that word "milestone" rang true to me that day.

I see life as a journey. I just turned 30 years old this year. I have a beautiful wife, two outstanding boys and one on the way (we are so excited - hoping for a girl). Right now is a huge milestone for me. All of my business ventures failed. I have been struggling to provide for my family, I am scrambling to get a job; I sit down, look up and think, "What was I thinking? What is happening? I'm 30 years old, with a family and don't even have a career to sustain our needs."

So right now is a MILESTONE for me - a huge one. Lets say this is a turning point for me. I'm closing out the chapter of the last 4 years of my real estate investing, internet marketing and the ups & downs that come with being an entrepreneur.

What is ahead?

I have a great opportunity to work side by side with my father and brother. Up until now I have avoided the family business to pursue my own ventures, but now I am ready. There are great opportunities there for me and my family. Much more stable income. My wife and I need stability very badly. My tolerance for risk is starting to recede, I will not be going "all-in" anymore, and will be much more frugal with what we have.

I've learned a ton over the last 4 years. Have absolutely no regrets. The last 2 years have been tough - I will admit that. So I'm going to regroup some now but I still have very ambitious goals for myself in the future.

Don't get me wrong the entrepreneur in me is still very alive.

The plan is to maintain a steady income outside of all of my crazy ventures. Goals that I am aspiring to, would be:

• Author a book one day
• Get into the seminar/platform speaking business
• Visit every National Park with my family
• Overhaul my 1986 Chevy Suburban
• Create my own mentorship school for aspiring entrepreneurs
• Hike the tallest peak in each state & document it with photographs
• Cycle a century in each state
  

Feel free to share any milestones you have experienced in your life below in the comment section. May you stamp your own personal milestones in life to become a better, better person.

Quality of Life...

Back in January of this year (2009) I wrote a post titled "Success is not Calculated - It's Earned"
A friend of mine replied back which is below, via email. He is discussing quality of life. This is definitely a lesson learned for me and of course I had to realize the importance of this concept on my own at my own time. This was 8 months later...

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I read your blog...Its interesting story! If you would like to discuss my experience on the road to financial independence and how it relates to yours give me a call sometime. Please understand that my long email is not an effort to deter your admirable efforts it is simply a chance to reflect upon some of the lessons I learned. How you choose to apply them is completely up to you!

I had to learn a bitter lesson about this priceless abstract concept called "Quality of Life".

I too was absolutely determined to succeed as an entrepreneur and reach financial independence. I made tremendous sacrifices, subjecting myself and my family to all manner of hardship to pursue the goal and dream of financial independence. Along the rough and unpredictable road I would rationalize the hardships and sacrifices with everlasting hope that the rewards would justify the means (hoping and praying that all of the hardships and sacrifices would eventually have some amazing payoff).

Much like you I was determined to “Succeed” and I was unwilling to accept failure, quitting, or the notion of getting JOB as an option. I too believed that as long as I kept pursuing my goals, dreams, and ambitions that eventually I would find my “Big Break”.

In my mad rush to accomplish financial independence, one day I ironically met a guy at a “Free Real Estate Seminar”. This guy’s name is Tony and we met for lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Garden Grove. I told him about all of the things I was pursuing and all of the hardships and sacrifices I had incurred to accomplish my goals. He kindly and carefully explained to me this abstract concept called “Quality of Life”.

Although, Tony commended me for my ambitions he softly explained that life is too short not to enjoy every minute of everyday. Explaining that Time (not money or real estate) is our greatest asset; once it is gone it is gone for good even with all the money in the world can you not buy it back.

I realized a lot of important lessons that day with Tony as he explained this abstract concept called “Quality of Life”:

• My goals and dreams were mine (not my family)
• In my boundless determination to “Succeed” I had put my pride and ego above my family’s immediate health, welfare, and happiness
• How much is my family’s immediate health, welfare, and happiness worth?
• I was so determined not to fail, quit, or get a JOB that I was in reality sacrificing priceless opportunities and moments with my family everyday
• Can I put a price tag on spending quality stress-free time with my family
• Can I put a price tag on having a happy wife
• Can I put a price tag on being able to sleep well at night knowing that I will have enough money for all of my bills and more
• Can I put a price tag on knowing that I will get paid to go to work each day and not having the stress, torment, and anxiety of trying to figure out where I was going to get my next pay check

I whole heartedly endorse the pursuit of obtaining multiple sources of passive residual income and the ultimate goal of financial independence. However, I would warn you if your goals and pursuits are substantially and negatively encroaching on you and your family’s quality of life your goals are probably not worth the present value sacrifice despite the perceived future value reward.

I hope you will ponder and consider this email. I wish you well in your pursuits.

Stay in Touch!

Warmest Regards,

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Reflecting on this now it really hits home. Unfortunately as an entrepreneur I have hit my rock bottom temporarily. I have no regrets other than the pain and unfortunate heart ache my family has incurred as I pursued something that never came to fruition.

Was it worth it? YES!

Would I have done things differently? Absolutely. I risked way too much way too fast and was expecting a wind fall at the end of this venture - yet not providing the basic necessities for my family along the way.

I have realized that quality of life is so important for me and my family. I am at the point now that it is simply not worth it. I just want to be able to have the means to take off for the weekend occasionally with my wife and two boys and enjoy what nature has to offer - stress free.

More to come - until next post.

Only at the Precipice Do You Evolve

Just the other evening my wife Mary and I rented a movie. This is off the subject but have you ever heard of Red Box? What a phenonmal business model, virtually no employees, creates traffic for the grocery store, $1 a day for movie rentals, no late fees - incredible! Anyhow, we rented The Day the Earth Stood Still with Keanu Reeves. The movie was alright, but the reason I bring it up is because of this one part in the film where Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) and Professor Barnhardt (John Cleese) have this discussion. Klaatu is an alien that was sent to earth to determine whether the human race should be exterminated off the face of the planet. Professor Barnhardt, a Nobel Prize winner for biological altruism is trying to convince Klaatu to not exterminate the human race from planet earth - here is their thought provoking dialogue:

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

Professor Barnhardt: There must be alternatives. You must have some technology that can solve our problem.

Klaatu: Your problem is not technology. The problem is you. You lack the will to change.

Professor Barnhardt: Then help us change.

Klaatu: I cannot change your nature. You treat the world as you treat each other.

Professor Barnhardt: But every civilization reaches a crisis point eventually.

Klaatu: Most of them don’t make it.

Professor Barnhardt: Yours did. How?

Klaatu: Our sun was dying. We had to evolve in order to survive.

Professor Barnhardt: So it was only when your world was threatened with destruction that you became what you are now.

Klaatu: Yes.

Professor Barnhardt: Well, that’s where we are. You say we’re on the brink of destruction, and you’re right. But it’s only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don’t take it from us. We are close to an answer.

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

We could interpret this a million ways and discuss it for hours, but I'm going to keep it short and to the point. When I'm speaking to you, I'm speaking more to myself.

You are the problem!

You lack the will to change!

It is only at the crisis point that you are willing to change and evolve.

You have reached your Precipice...

Are you willing to pay the price in order to succeed?

YES YOU ARE! Don't you quit, don't you ever give up. There is still some fight left in you. You are blessed beyond your wildest dreams - you just need to go out there and realize it, make it a reality. I believe in you, don't let me down. You are their only hope.

Success is an Endurance Sport

Well my wife is certainly delighted that the 2009 Tour de France has came to an end. Due to the fact I did not have the Versus channel - I was glued to my laptop watching the Tour de France on the Versus web channel just about every morning for the month of July. I am an avid cyclist but the reason I tuned in this year was because of Lance Armstrong - I was impressed with his comeback. Don't worry I'm not going to bore you with cycling terms and facts this post. I want to focus more on how Team Astana and cycling relates to achieving success!

I have had more than my fair share of adversity this year. Yet the goal at hand has still not changed - I want to achieve financial independence. My mindset has changed though and here is why. I have realized that success - true sustainable success is going to take time (I wanted it to happen over night but...). Success is an endurance sport, not a sprint. And success is a team sport.

To become a pro cyclist is a challenge in and of itself. Not that I have much insight on what it takes to become a pro because I haven't tried. But these guys freakin haul butt, they practically live on their bikes and are fit beyond imagination. So to become a member of the club and even compete you have to put in the miles. That is required by all cyclists. And with those miles comes persecution, lactic acid, pain and real life questioning as to why you choose to undergo such pain. Sound familiar my entrepreneur friend?

Second, to become a champion one needs endurance! Success is not a sprint. These cyclists ride over 2,150 miles in a 3 week period, riding about 100 miles every day. They ascend over 62,000 feet in the mountains, averaging speeds of 25 miles per hour throughout the stage and have reached over 70 mph on downhills. What does one do when the pain kicks in when striving for your goals? Or if a close friend or relative tells you, "You can't do it, you're crazy".

Third, success is a team sport. In the cycling world you have what is called the peloton. That is where the majority of riders hang out. Its pretty easy to stay with the crowd, no wind, plenty of drafting, less pain, but you don't get recognized for being in the peloton. Alberto Contador could not have won the Tour de France on his own, he had the assistance and support of his team and a huge mentor with years of experience and strategy Lance Armstrong. The team protects you, they set you up for winning and you get to draft off your teammates for the majority of the stage, which in turn allows you to preserve your energy to be used when attacked by your opponents. Each teammate serves a different purpose on the team throughout the entire journey. When the going gets tough who is your team that you can turn to for support?

Being a champion and reaching ultimate success takes courage, tenacity and especially endurance. Don't give up, never quit and the sun will rise again in the morning. Lets work together to be successful. Life is a journey...here are the thoughts of Tony Robbins in his book, "Unlimited Power".

"It is not what happens to us that separates failures from successes. It is how we perceive it and what we do about what 'happens' that makes the difference.

Did you know, "Only a small percentage of people really live the life of their dreams. Why? It takes effort. It takes consistent action.

"In every man and woman's life there comes a time of ultimate challenge - a time when every resource we have is tested. A time when life seems unfair. A time when our faith, our values, our patience, our compassion, our ability to persist, are all pushed to our limits and beyond. Some people use such tests as opportunities to become better people - others allow these experiences of life to destroy them.

"Why do some people overcome horrible, unimaginable adversity and make their lives a triumph, while others, in spite of every advantage, turn their lives into a disaster? Why do some people take any experience and make it work for them, while others take any experience and make it work against them?"

Are you willing to pay the price?

Secretariat the Race Horse Legend

I want to share with you a very special letter that I received from my father while I was living in Venezuela at the time. The letter is a story about the race horse Secretariat of 1973. It came to me at a time that I really need to be uplifted and motivated. This is just the story to do that. Stay the course!

Here is the letter from my father:

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

Well, Millward, down the stretch you go. Will you be like the horse that no one knows of, kicking back, enjoying nature, keeping up with the crowd, not pushing, just hanging in there waiting for the end? Huh, Millward! Are you going to be one of those to come back and say, yeah I had a good time – I gave it about 80%. I was better than most, so why not just stay with the crowd, it’s comfortable, no one notices and no one bothers you – it is as they say ‘playing it safe.’

Or Millward, how about being like Secretariat, the race horse? The first to win the Triple Crown in 1973 in over 28 years. He was a big brown stallion. Huge by comparison to others in his arena (the finest race horses in the world) he would start out dead last and move to the outside. Most jockeys would try and move him inside, it is shorter distance, but you have to fight to get in there and fight to stay there. No, Secretariat didn’t want anything to do with the inside, he wanted to run, and run at his own pace. Start dead last, move to the outside and go.

You have 3 races in the Triple Crown: The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes & The Belmont Stakes. In the Kentucky Derby, the jockey didn’t know what to do, dead last and on the outside. He was riding a horse that was huge but seemed not to follow the book, go inside. He didn’t know that the horse could outrun anything alive and he was running out of time. Finally, he did what only a few jockeys in the world would do, he let him go. He let the reins go limp in his hand and whispered in his ear, “It’s all yours big fella – go for it!” Secretariat lunged forward and it almost knocked the jockey off his back, the power & the grace with which he moved. The majesty…from dead last to winning by a nose! Wow, how could he do that and from the outside!

In the Preakness Stakes the race was the same, poor start, dead last but not quite outside, in the middle. The jockey kept hold of the reins and maneuvered the horse so he could run without being interfered with. He let the reins go earlier and the same result occurred, won by a nose over the same horse he beat in the first win. Now, the jockey knew his horse and the horse knew his jockey.

The last race for the triple crown is the Belmont Stakes the longest of the bunch, I think it is over 2 miles long. Since it is the last race, the horses are tired and since it is the longest, it is the biggest test of any horse of any era. The distance has not changed and the track has not changed since 1878. Horses, son are measured by the guts they show on this last race. They are sore, battered, exhausted and still running against the best horses of their era, some who have not run the prior two. You can see, with the distance and placing as the last race, it is the true measure of something that all animals and humans have in common, how much heart does he really have?

The gate opened, the horses took off. Secretariat was dead last, on the outside. Afterward, the jockey said he was moving so quickly he was holding him back so he could finish the race. No horse was going to last. 2 miles is one hell of a long ways going at full speed. Many a horse has started out way too fast and died at the end. But Secretariat would not let up; he just kept moving forward, telling the jockey to let him run his race. After about a quarter of a mile and still dead last, the jockey let him go, the reins went limp. Secretariat lunged, pulled, heaved and gathered himself. He not only pulled to within a hair of the leader, the same horse he had beaten 2 races previously, he just barely pulled ahead. He didn’t stop son, he didn’t let up, he didn’t quit & he didn’t look back. He pulled and pulled and pulled.

The jockey said afterward he actually thought Secretariat would kill himself. Full out, full sprint. The leader of the pack stayed with Secretariat for awhile. Sides heavy, air coming in – in great gulps, so he pulled ahead. His closest competitor gathered himself and gave chase, to no avail. Secretariat pulled and pulled and pulled. Some say to this day it was the most magical & spiritual experience in sports history, human or animal. To most, me included, when you see it on TV, you have tears come to your eyes as you see about halfway to the finish line, not 10, not 5, not 3 but one horse in the lead. He doesn’t slow down, he doesn’t look back, he doesn’t waiver, he doesn’t flinch & he doesn’t do anything but one thing. He wanted to be the best at what he was doing for all time. He wanted to set an unprecedented record that would stand for all time. He wanted to set a standard that no one ever, could ever break.

It was almost inhuman to watch this horse pull so hard, for so long while so long in front. Son, the camera had to back up the lens as far as it would go to get in the whole picture of Secretariat and the other horses. The announcer, at ¾ of the race gone, was announcing the jockey was crazy for letting Secretariat run so hard so early, it would kill him. Records were being torn down and no one could believe what they were seeing. On the film the horses looked like ants. Because son, you see Secretariat was 31 horse lengths in front of his nearest competitor, the finest race horses in the world, in the last race of the season, in the longest track of the Triple Crown. He won in a world record time that will stand forever, it seems, as no horse has come close to it since. When he passed the finish line, the rest of the horses were almost a quarter of a mile away and pulling for all that it was worth. They were giving it all they had.

What makes a horse do that? No one else in the history of racing has ever pulled for so long, so far ahead and not eased up, no one, not before, not since. What is that essence, Trav that makes Secretariat and humans give everything they have for a cause? What is it deep down inside that makes athletes perform above their capabilities for that one shining moment in time? How about a horse? Where did that come from? It was one of the most awe inspiring and majestic moments I have ever witnessed on TV. It puts tears in my eyes and others at that track, on that day, were crying and when they recall what they have witnessed, they cry, full on. That son, is effort, that is dedication, that is keeping your eyes fixed to the goal ahead of you. That is not giving up. That is finishing what you started, no matter how tired you are, no matter how beat up you are, no matter how lousy you feel. You don’t give up, ever, ever, ever!

Be Secretariat son, give it all you have. You are at the prime of your life.

I love you, Dad

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

For your viewing pleasure and as proof to the story above is true:

Detroit Red Wings Lose 2009 Stanely Cup Finals in Game 7

What the heck happened? I actually just moved to Detroit August of 2008, so I am totally new to hockey. So of course living here - I wanted to engulf myself into the culture of Detroit. And one of the requirements of doing that is to go buy my first octopus, boil it and go down to the Joe and throw it down on the ice and watch it bounce (I have yet to earn my Detroit Red Wing merit badge). And I also decided to invest quite a bit of my time and ultimately a lot of emotion into watching the Red Wings pursue their quest of winning the Stanley Cup back to back.

So first off - hockey is pretty entertaining it has been a fun ride and I have learned a lot. Second, why did we even let the Penguins back into the series in the first place? And third, was this whole series just an NHL conspiracy?

Detroit as a city really needed this win. There are plenty of us out there that just need to see and feel some personal victories right now to lift us up. We all need to be prescribed just a spoonful of hope and we were really counting on Wings to dish that out last night.

The question remains...what the heck happened last night?

This next line will sum it right up: "It wasn't about the Red Wings losing the finals; it was about the Penguins winning it"

And poor Marian Hossa chasing his dream for the last two years of winning the Stanley Cup.

What can we all learn from this? We should never be cocky. I feel the Red Wings and the city of Detroit (myself included) got just way too cocky. We felt this was in the bag - no big deal. Being cocky will always set you up for failure. We always need to respect our opponents. It's just the mindset of being cocky that makes you think that you are just going to show up and be handed the championship. But here's the problem - the Red Wings didn't show up last night and that's what was the most frustrating for me. Dang, I was so upset last night - that was not how the story was suppose to end.

All I can say is that these experiences just allow us to build character. Learn from it and we will be back next year. Until then - Go Tigers!

Roger Federer Wins The French Open

First off it has been months since I last posted here on my blog unfortunately. I really enjoy blogging and have missed it. It has been a rough few months and unfortunately it's not over yet. But a weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I am able to blog again...

I feel one of the most beautiful experiences an individual can experience is triumph and victory over the greatest challenge ever before them. For some that is winning the French Open, for others it's surviving in Survivor and for most it is the ability to be successful in your endeavors. Every one of us is paving our own road to success. I see it as a journey. Some take detours, others are in holding patterns or downward spirals. But it is the very few who are able to conquer and accomplish what they have set out to do.

I have dreams and I have set out to accomplish those dreams but right now I am stuck between a boulder and a hard place.

Roger Federer is not only an incredible athlete but it seems he is an incredible person as well. I think after Federers loss to Rafael Nadal last year he felt he had a monkey on his back. Nadal has won the French Open for the last 4 years straight: 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008. What an incredible accomplishment. I was absolutely blown away when Nadal lost in the 4th round of the French Open 2009 to Robin Soderling. But it appears Nadal has been having pain in his knees. That makes total sense because when I was watching him play against Soderling - it didn't seem like Nadal at all.

So now Federer is tied with Pete Sampras at 14 Grand Slam Titles. Federer definitely beat that monkey off of his back - well deserved. Federer is on his way to making history. I think the greatest obstacle we will ever face is ourselves. Why is that? Why do you get in your own way? Why do I get in my way?

Federer is living proof that you can defeat whatever obstacle lies before you. I love to witness people reap victories - I look forward to having my own one day.

Crossing the Intersection of Persistence and Opportunity

I have been thinking lately, why do I like certain reality TV shows so much? I have concluded that the shows that really get me going are those where a persons character is challenged. The type of show where people are forced to make hard decisions to become better people. The type of show where I get to witness the person cross the intersection of Persistence and Opportunity.

I'm sure plenty of you can relate with all of this. For example: American Idol, Biggest Loser, The Contender, Survivor and the Office! (sorry the Office was just a joke-its a funny show though) People on these shows have a goal and we get to witness a short part of their journey where all of their hard work just might pay off. When Persistence crosses the intersection of Opportunity.

It's almost as if you are in the trenches just working as hard as you can, then you look around and realize you are getting dirty, you are all alone and then you begin to doubt: Can I really do this? What if...? I've invested so much of my time, why has it not paid off yet?

But the best thing you can do right then and there is put your head down and persist. Shake the doubt, slap adversity in the face and tell him to get lost-because you are a winner and you are going to make it happen.

After so much persistence and hard work it's as if you arrive to the chasm. Imagine standing in a semi-lit location. Everything behind you is dark and right before you is a cloudy wall, you try to see what is ahead but you can't make it out. You don't know what is ahead-it doesn't matter though, because you wouldn't even begin to fathom what therein lies ahead; but your gut tells you to take that leap of faith forward. Trust your gut!

You turn around and look back. You don't see anything but darkness and you think to yourself, "Am I worthy to become what I desire in life?" You don't hesitate for a second. You know what Opportunity has in store for you; it's that one thing that you have wanted all of your life. You leap forward and cross the chasm, but you don't know what is happening, you don't know where you are going, you don't know what you are becoming.

Then BAM! You've done it. All of your hard work paid off, and after forging forward tenaciously on the road of Persistence you hang a sharp left onto the road of Opportunity. This is what I like to call the "Catalyst of Life". It's all you needed just one spark of recognition, of being noticed, the stamp of approval.

This is what happens to people on these shows, like American Idol, Biggest Loser & The Contender, the second they capture that Catalyst their old way of thinking is cut off and now their eyes are open. They see what Opportunity can provide.

3 Feet From Gold!

As I journey through life, there are times when I feel so overwhelmed, that I sit down and look around, I blink and blink again trying to see clearly but my vision is blurred. Its hot and the pressure is on. I question my ambition and desire. I conclude that I am lost. What direction am I going? What do I need to do to arrive at my destination? Where am I? And how did I get here?

Have you ever been lost in an urban setting or in the wilderness? No, seriously...have you ever literally arrived at a location where you knew absolutely nobody and you had no idea where you were? Just think about that for a moment.

Do you know what that feels like? There has been a few times where I have been completely turned around out in the wilderness. Its pretty scary. I think the scariest for me is when I lose sight of my son for seconds at a time. I hate when that happens.

Right now I feel I am literally 3 feet from gold. I have worked so hard and have came so far but where am I? One day I'm on top of the world the other its as if I been kicked so many times-I'm down and don't know what to do.

I need an anchor, a bearing, a true north. In boy scouts I was taught to use a compass. In college I got into photography, night photography. I would go out after the sun had set and take long exposures of the starry night sky. They are called star trails - but the cool thing is when you shoot the north star, it doesn't move. Everything goes around it. Its beautiful.

We need to establish our true north and find someone who we can trust who can help us arrive to where we want to go. Its not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. And guess what? You can do hard things.

The conclusion I have come to is - when I make a lot of money what exactly is going to change? A few things but not much. So why not just assume the sale, be confident, be solid and believe in yourself. Know its going to come. Its only 3 feet away, you just need to keep on digging.

"One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when you are overtaken by temporary defeat. Every person is guilty of this mistake at one time or another." Napoleon Hill

Is Pressure Your Greatest Single Ally?

I was driving to work the other morning listening to this great audio series Winning Strategies. The man I was listening to Dr. David Cook - is definitely the man! And we was talking about pressure.

What he said hit me like a ton of bricks; the funny thing is the exact same thing was told to me by a friend of mine the day before, "Embrace pressure, it is our greatest single ally!" I did a double take when I heard this. I'm the type of guy that hates pain and I will do whatever is necessary in order to avoid physical pain. But pressure is different. Beautiful things are created from pressure.

Lately I have been struggling with moving forward in work - primarily sales and I have came to the conclusion that perhaps I have been purposefully avoiding selling because its pressure and it causes me to feel uncomfortable.

In order for me to realize my potential, I have to embrace the pressure. I need to walk the line. "Feeling a little pressure is practice for the big day. Pressure is your ally, not your enemy."

So I have decided to enter into the UPC, also known as the 'Ultimate Pressure Championship.'

It's time I walk the line and do what needs to be done.

How is it that we become better at what we do? How do athletes refine their skill? How do we compete and execute when the pressure is on? "We need to live it, to work through it, to perform in it, before we can become great enough to become the ultimate. Walking through pressure pushes us."

So what is the real deal? People are saying that the economy stinks. Personally I don't look at it that way. I see opportunity abounding among us. One thing that really bothers me is when people say, "Timing is everything." So due to the fact that the economy is tough, do you just wait until the timing is right to start your business?

"We don't get to control the environment that we perform in - but we are asked to do it in a championship level every single day." An economy you don't get to choose, a real estate market you don't get to choose, the value of the dollar you don't get to choose, a day and time you don't get to choose. What are you waiting for? My point is this...no matter the circumstances we still need to compete. It's times like these when millionaires are made.

Are you standing in your own way? Embrace the pressure.

Do You Have True Inner Beauty?

How many of you had the opportunity and privilege to watch the reality TV show True Beauty? Despite the fact it was a little over the top for me-I have never seen so many conceited and vain people in my life, but at the same time I could always implement a little more confidence like our True Beauty contestants.

I will have to admit Billy Jeffrey was my favorite contestant and for those of you who didn't know, he is from Lewiston, Idaho! How cool is that? I went to college 30 minutes north in Moscow, Idaho. Anyhow, the point of all this...

So the purpose of the show was not to determine who was the most beautiful on the outside but who was the most beautiful on the inside! They determined this with the use of hidden cameras and providing situations where the contestants were tested on their choices. For example, Billy Jeffrey was on his way to the Hall of Beauty to plea his case why he should remain in the competition. So the limo guy drops him off and as he is walking into the building this 'bum' is crossing the street with his grocery cart filled with cans & bottles. Mind you, Billy is all suited up just about to open the door and this 'bum' crashes his grocery cart with cans, bottles flying everywhere!

So the question is did Billy stop to help? Whats weird is through all of these hidden tests, I ask myself "Would I do that?" And to be totally honest half the time I probably wouldn't have. So this shows concept has had a deep impact on me because I'm always looking to improve and become a better person. For example, a few weeks ago I went into Staples to purchase some large white paper and the tripod that would hold it up. There was one tripod made out of wood for $50.00 and the aluminum one was like $75.00. I went with the aluminium because it looked nicer and was easier to assemble. But I should have grabbed the cheaper one.

I was checking out with the cashier and she told me the total. And it seemed way low, but I went ahead and paid it. What I realized was that I was charged the cheaper price of the wood tripod for the aluminium tripod. So I'm assuming the cashier either messed up or whoever tagged the item mistakenly placed it.

So as I walked out of the store I thought to myself, "I failed that inner-beauty challenge."

Is There Purpose Living In Detroit?

I had an incredible conversation the other day with a friend. The dilemma that we both face is that we want to fix the city of Detroit, bad! So bad that we are willing to put our families and livelihood at risk to help the city of Detroit return to all of its glory. We want this region to be prosperous, exciting and successful. We want people to desire to live here and move here. If you are ever having way too good of a day in Detroit and need a little reality check-just turn on the news (this is a joke-by no means, whatever you do-do not turn on the news). We feel the need to remain living here to be a part of something great, a transformation & revitalization of the greatest city that was. So as you may feel right now, this is exciting and anyone with true desire would want to take part.

The challenge is the day-to-day. One day I'm up and pump, others these crazy questions run through my head, "Why in the world did I move here?", "Why am I trying to fix Detroit?", "Why am I living here?", "Is it really worth it?" It is questions like these that can break a mans spirit. You have one little voice on your right talking about the positive things in the preceding paragraph, then you have the other voice on your left talking about the negative things above.

Problem #1:
My friend expressed that he shouldn't even be living here anymore, due to lack of work and income (mind you, this is coming from a very positive, upbeat guy who is on the team of fixing Detroit-I was appalled). He said he should just leave the state and move to New York for work. And I thought to myself, 'That's a valid point'. But I felt he was missing the picture. I feel we all suffer from this and that's identifying our problems and attaching them to a location. For example, the economy has been better, right? My friend, myself and all of us are all going through our own challenges whether they be financial, spiritual, personal relationships-the list goes on. My friend feels that by moving from Detroit to New York that all of a sudden his problems here will disappear and things will be great again. Granted he may get a better paying job in New York but living in New York could just bring a whole another slew of potential challenges. The real question is will he be more happy living in New York AND will he have a divine purpose for living there?

Here's the thing, I moved to Detroit from the west coast seven months ago. My family thought I was crazy and the friends that I have made here think I'm crazy. The deal is I had no purpose for living where I was. The only purpose was selfish. There was no drive, no cause, nothing to join forces with people and go fight. The other problem-I was comfortable, which means I was getting lazy. When I say lazy I mean, I took things for granted, I wouldn't help others, I was selfish, I was a fool.

Here in Detroit that is all there is to do, purpose, cause and fight. We are joining forces, figuring out how to work together and combating the issues at hand. Solutions need to be created and leaders need to emerge and lead. Without this occurring, this city could very well end up similar to the stomping grounds of Will Smiths New York in "I Am Legend", deserted, dismal and deathly quiet.

Problem #2:
Why move to New York for work when we can make money on the internet living from anywhere we want? People, the last time I checked we are living in the most advanced age of technology. There are so many different ways to make money it's silly. The challenges we are facing today are allowing us the opportunity to put down our guard and come together as a region, help your neighbor and give back. We will fail miserably if we don't work together.

Problem #3:
Every inspirational movie I have seen is a story of persistence. What good is an inspirational movie if the main character quits and gives up. Excuse my language, but if that happens I get pissed! The same goes for you, don't you ever, ever give up. Quitting is for losers and you are a winner (especially if you are reading my blog). This is the way I look at it. I burnt my ship, I left my house, packed up and moved my family across the country to Detroit. I can't quit, I can't give up, I can't return home and tell my parents that I didn't have what it takes to be successful. I simply can't quit-its not an option, its not a thought, I can't even fathom the concept of quitting. I've embarked on the craziest and the wildest journey of my life and I will be victorious. But you know what?...all the more exciting the story. The truth is WE all are creating our own story. Don't be the person who quits-no one will watch that movie, those movies suck.

Do you know what we all need a little of? Hope. Lets make this happen, so when the evening news anchor Brian Williams reports, "As unpredictable as it may seem, people are moving to Detroit in droves. A few key leaders have emerged and played a huge role in the city's revitalization efforts. The number of vacant houses of declined significantly and employment has skyrocketed. Even the Lions are winning games."

How Do You Keep Score In Life?

I had the opportunity and privilege to participate with an organization by the name of Cornerstone Schools last month December of 2008. An acquaintance of mine suggested I go. I was intrigued by the invitation, so I didn't ask any questions and just scheduled it in my calendar. The truth of the matter was I had no idea what I was getting myself in to.

I pull up to Cornerstone school and parked my car. There was this buzz of excitement in the air that chilly Detroit morning and I had no idea what to expect. I enter the building and it is literally packed with adults in their winter coats, in this elementary school? There was some fruit available on a table and I could hardly get around - there was so many people. It reminded me of the good old days...high school dances; but this was nothing of the sort.

The other bizarre observation I made was everybody was so happy, hand shaking, hugging, laughing and calling each other by name as if they had known each other for years. I thought to myself, "Who are these people and what is going on here?"

What I came to realize after asking a few questions was that I was getting involved with the Cornerstone Partner Program. Well first let me briefly explain that Cornerstone School is a private charter school. As we all know Detroit's public school system is suffering. So what Cornerstone has arranged is a Partner Program, meaning adults are assigned students. You go to school every quarter and spend about a hour or so of your time with your student. Its almost like a mentorship. I could provide much more details about the program but I want to take this in a more profound direction...

Cornerstone accepts donations but to me it seemed that was not their top priority. Of course donations keep the private charter going, but what is really going to change and impact a child's life in this community facing so many challenges? The reason I do what I am doing in real estate in Detroit is because I want to fix a problem, I want to give my part in shaping the future of a city who needs it. Now, what if money was not an issue and we were able to buy every vacant foreclosure in the city of Detroit, rehabilitate it and occupy it with a family, would the city be cured from its problems?

Perhaps, but I doubt it. I feel that in order to help a community I need to help the people but even better...help the children, they are the future.

So my question for you today is, "When winning at life, how do you keep score?"

Is it the amount of money you make each year? Or is it the time you invest in a community, family or child?

Which will have the greatest Return On Investment?

Do You Feel As If Your Wheels Are Spinning?

Last weekend my wife left the house to run a few errands. The day before we had received about 4 plus inches of snow, so the roads were covered. The day she was out, the temperature was well below freezing. The conditions were not ideal to say the least. Anyhow, shortly after she left I received a phone call from my wife informing me she had slid off the road and ended up in someones front yard.

But the whole story was she was only driving about 20 mph and out of no where did two 360 degree spins in the middle of the road and then hit a street sign - landing in a front yard. Thank goodness she was safe and no harm came to her, but the car did receive a blow to the body and a flat tire.

So as I ran this unexpected event through my head I thought of 'How could we have avoided this possibly devastating accident?', 'Did she slip out of control due to the risk I took of not getting new tires when the tread was practically gone?'

Well here is how this applies to you, me and life:

Do you feel as if your wheels are spinning?

• What type of business vehicle are you using to achieve your goals?
  
  
• Are you lacking some major traction?
  
  
• Are you driving on thin ice?
  
  
• Are you driving down the right road or are you totally lost?
  
  
• What can you do if you lose total control?
  
  

These are all great questions to ponder about your life & business.

I want to narrow this down to the 3 most important things to consider in your life & business:

1. The Vehicle

2. The Tires

3. The Road

Go in for a Tune-Up. Evaluate these 3 things above and figure out which one is the most skewed and change it out.

Reap the success & happiness you deserve!

Success Is Not Calculated - It's Earned!

"Success is not calculated - it's earned," was a quote I heard on an audio cd of mine a few weeks ago. And what I would like to discuss today could get a little deep, so I hope you are up to it. I don't know what your goals and ambitions are for 2009 and years to come, but I want to become a millionaire this year. And while I am at it, I want to assist 7 others become millionaires along with me. Ambitious goal? Of course, but the opportunity has presented itself.

So here is the premise, "An admired & trusted colleague of yours - contacts you. He/she presents to you a business opportunity and explains: by investing some money & time in this business you will become a millionaire this year, guaranteed!"

Will there be challenges and obstacles along the way? Absolutely!

The only catch is, you have to invite 7 other non-millionaires to become millionaires with you.

• First, they will not know that you are guaranteed to become a millionaire through this business in a single year.
  
• Second, they will not know that they will become millionaires in a single year.
  
• Third, no one can quit.

If anyone decides to drop out and quit; the entire model falls apart and everyone fails. So in other words all 7 individuals, including yourself have to work together as a team in order to make this venture successful and become millionaires.

So the largest hurdle you will face will be: Who will these 7 people be? And can you work as a team?

What traits are you looking for?

What is their passion?

Do they have what it takes to persevere?

Will they use their million for good?

How will they make the world a better place with this money?

One thing that I have needed to clarify with my wife is - money is neutral! It's what you do with it that makes it good or bad.

Have you seen Seven Pounds with Will Smith yet? I believe this is very similar in concept. Thoughts that come to me are, this appears to be a very simple yet profound opportunity. I feel one of the most challenging things to accomplish in life & in business is to be able to work as a team with a group of people for an extended period of time.

Take a look at an old post of mine on the New York Giants O-Line.

Either way...there is nothing better than the feeling of success when you work as a team, forget about yourself and put team first. Can you imagine the power of this very concept?

I invite you to please leave comments.

Networking Your Way...

Had a friend recommend an incredible book to me a few weeks ago that I had never heard of before. Which is pretty unusual because I keep a pretty good pulse on business books. Its titled "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi.

And one of the things that I have been struggling with and also wanting to master is Networking. I have lived on the west coast all my life up until August of this year when I moved to Detroit, Michigan. And an observation that I have made is that professionals network much more here in the mid-west. I love it. And, due to the fact I moved to Detroit not knowing anyone - I had a lot of work to do; better yet a lot of networking to get done.

Keith Ferrazzi has done an excellent job in his book explaining how to network effectively and making things happen. I'm not going to get into much detail about the book because I don't want to spoil it. But here are the facts. Where I am today and the company I am working with is all due in part to a few individuals.

Here is a quote I want to highlight from Keiths book, "Never Eat Alone"

"I came to believe that in some very specific ways life, like golf, is a game, and that the people who know the rules, and know them well, play it best and succeed. And the rule in life that has unprecedented power is that the individual who knows the right people, for the right reasons, and utilizes the power of these relationships, can become a member of the "club," whether he started out as a caddie or not."

My point is this, you cannot become super successful alone-its not possible. You need to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. You need to realize that every person you meet is an opportunity to create a very successful business relationship with & friendship as well. A lot of you may be asking..."Great, but how do I do this?" Well for one read the book. If you need help from there, contact me.

Here is my short personal example that happened to me this year 2008:

I was doing some research online and came across the Brownfield Conference that was held in Detroit. I called a guy from the website and he told me I needed to speak with Doug. I called Doug and he connected me with Steve. Steve then connected me with Nathan. And now I am experiencing one of the greatest opportunities of my career. I don't mention this to brag-only to illustrate how powerful networking can be. And due to the fact Doug helped me out I am now sending him all the business I can. The law of reciprocity...