Colin's Motivational Mondays

  There are many distractions around us, some come from the environments we are in, while others come from within us. Those distractions can detour us from what & more importantly WHO we are with. Time is one, if not the most valuable asset we all have & the great equalizer since we all have the same amount each day. We can choose to spend it or invest it.  When we are with others today, take a extra moment to prepare yourself to be present, to listen & not just hear them. Hearing them is the biology that comes with functioning ears. Listening to them takes intention, requiring focus & a bit of curiosity.  We can assist ourselves in being more active listeners rather than hearers, by shifting just a few things.  Lean in with good posture. Our body language sets a tone.  Make eye contact. It is hard to drift away from the conversation when eye contact is there.  Be curious. When we are more interested in being interested, instead of interesti...

  One of the biggest differences between title execs who stay inconsistent and those who consistently grow their book of business is this: Top performers understand that the first meeting is not the finish line. It’s the setup for the second conversation. A lot of title execs unknowingly approach their initial meetings transactionally. They drop off marketing, introduce services, talk about rates or tools… and then hope the agent reaches out when they have a deal. Hope is not a strategy. The highest-performing execs use that first meeting to accomplish three things: Build trust Understand the agent’s business, goals & gaps Position themselves as a strategic partner, not just a vendor The reality is agents aren’t just choosing a title company. They are choosing who they trust to help them grow, protect their business & elevate their client experience. 💡 Trust is built through: Asking better questions Creating clarity around their business Setting expectations Demonstrating ...

  There are a lot of benefits of encouragement for both the giver & receiver.  Encouragement isn't just about being 'nice', it's about adding fuel to the person you are with to give them more energy, confidence, passion & drive forward.  Encouragement doesn't just have short term effect either. The words you may share with someone can stick with them for a long time, even outliving the relationship you may have with them. Do you remember an encouraging word, conversation or experience you had a while ago? See...it's still with you.  When we encourage others we also also putting in-courage to their hearts & minds. Courage is a great thing that we sometimes leave idle instead of using it as the driving force it can be.  Today, remember to encourage others & yourself. When we add in-courage into our daily recipe its enhances the flavor making it sweeter for us & those we are around.   

  Building Resilience & Strength. Perseverance, Perspective & Purpose. What is above are fruits that when developed in us will help equip us for what is on the horizon. Building/developing these traits usually isn't one of those "Yahoo!" moments that excites us; they are usually the moments, the times that bring us to the brink of break. The good thing is when we persevere bas break, we hit breakthrough !  Building strength within us we did not have before. We may have not needed it before either, but it's now upon us because what we are about to embark on will require us to be a different person.  We grow into success, we don't just achieve it. The only reason a butterfly has it's beauty, grace & ability to fly after the cocoon is because of the struggle that it went through. If there was no struggle, or even less struggle the needed internal fluids would have not reached the extremities & without that flow that fly would be a crash. It would ...

  What if we began each day by writing down 3 things that we are grateful for? What effect do you think that would have on you for the next 12 hours of your day? Would it make it better or worse?  I hope each of us smiled at the last question. It would make it better. Beginning the day with thoughts of gratitude is like giving our mind & soul a healthy breakfast. Not just any fuel, but the kind of fuel that we best feed off of. The fuel that is healthy for us. We can run on anger, fear, even doubt, but the best fuel; dare I say the one we are designed to run on is gratitude. Those other types of fuel may work for a little while, but will burn out our internal engine.  Try this week to write down 3 things you are grateful for before you bein your day, take a deep breath or two and then say Thank You...the results from one simple change may be exactly what you are looking for :) *Bonus: End your day the same way :)

  How intentional are we with our time, our talent & our treasures? Regardless of how much we have of any of the three...how intentional are we with them? Time is one of those things that is the great equalizer; we all have 24 hours in each day. If we hit the snooze button, we are taking away some of those minutes. If we just scroll on our social instead of going for that walk, having that conversation or making that connection we have spent it instead of invested it. We also have to be sensitive that every second cannot be maximized, but when we are intentional and viewing life through that lenses our perspective tends to change to a more clearer vision.  Our talent is something that is not stagnant. We grow or we slide back. Maintaining is something that really doesn't happen. Invest in yourself; it will not return void. Then apply/use those talents of yours to help others grow theirs, make impact for good where you & with who you are with.  Our treasures...wher...

  Something that is unexpected that turns the edges of a smile is a beautiful thing right! :)  We can probably each think of a time when we were surprised by someone that lit us up. It may have been recently or a long time ago. The gesture could have been grand or relatively small; either still making an impact that was not just received, but more importantly FELT.   These surprised delights do not have to be a high cost or grand in any way; they do however have to be genuine & specific to them.  This can be professionally for a teammate, client or prospect. This can also be personally for a child, spouse, friend or neighbor.  Look for an opportunity to bring delight today...I promise you that the delight won't just be felt on the receiving end. 

  Each morning we wake up and choose what we are going to pursue. Some may even make that chose that night before. For better, or worse we have many options to choose from. There are may 'races' going on. There are many voices telling each of us what race we should do. When our why is not clear that can not just be distracting, but detouring. Even when our why is clear it can be distracting.  I want to encourage all of us today to choose to run our own race. Do not allow comparison to steal your joy.  Comparing your lap 3 to another's lap 33 isn't fair right?   It is also not enjoyable or edifying for you or who you are running for/with.  Embrace your journey/path; it is unique for you.  Focus on your process, not just the results. As you refine your process, get more dialed in the results will happen. Developing your skills/talents are a part of the race.  Choose yo run YOUR race. Choose not to not let the success of others detour YOU. Choose to becom...

  I can tell you that you are capable of more. That does not matter unless you believe it for yourself. The truth is, we are all capable of more. I'm not just talking about doing more; I am talking about becoming more. Elevating who you are, how you do what you do, where you are at. Pushing our boundaries isn't always about moving on; many times it can be exactly where we are, but elevating the who & how.  For our Mindsets: Shifting from "Why me?" to "Why not me?" Believing that just playing it safe is the scariest place to be.  For Us in Action: It can be saying "Yes!" to trying something new. It can be going back to something that you drifted away from. This part moves us from wanting to grow, to taking the steps to pursue growth.  How this Helps Us: It builds up resilience in our minds & hearts that doesn't allow limiting believes to take root.  I'll bring this back to reawakening a Childlike Curiosity . When we were small, ...

  You may not know this, but I love live theatre. There is just something about the dedication to craft, excellence & entertainment that has always pulled me in.  In case you are not familiar with Hamilton; it's a pretty good one. In 2016 they were nominated for 16 Tony awards & ended up taking home 11 of them, coming up short to tying the record of 12. There is a scene in the play where one of the songs talks about being "In the Room Where it Happens." I want to ask us that question.... Are we in the room or rooms where it happens? With the people that are making it happen?  We need to be. That is something that doesn't just happen, but is curated. It takes strategy, persistence, connection, value, you get where I am going with this. We can also create those rooms & invite others in, but that is for another day. 

  We have both; we should strive to decide, live & act with both.  We are created with both for a reason. If we only us one of them we can be off balanced in life & decision making. Them being in harmony with each other is how we were created to be. Using logic & data are key; paired with empathy & Emotional Intelligence they are a super power.  Most of us would say we lean one way more than the other. Just knowing that is being self aware of our tendencies so we can look to balance ourselves out.  Framing our hearts & minds to look at all sides is a strength since everyone we are around & present with leans different ways as well.  Analyze the data rationally paired with empathy to gain perspective. Then we have a balanced process for decisions which is a asset of strength personally & professionally.  

  One of the most powerful things we can have personally or professionally are quality conversations.  Conversations lead to connections and connections lead to the beginning of establishing and investing in relationships.  They (relationships) don't begin on their own, they need a genesis; a beginning. Us picking up on phone, dialing nine digits and talking are that genesis. At times there can be a fear of vulnerability, unknown, rejection that creep in and prevent us from dialing that final number or doing something else entirely. On the the other side of the coin though there is opportunity. Do not rest on the fear side of the coin, but flip it over the the opportunity side and press on for yourself.  Many times when we think "What if" we follow it up with the negatives, but what we if changed our thinking to follow it up with the positives. Believe in yourself, believe in who you are, believe in what you are doing.  You will be more grateful for the things y...

  Today is an investment you'll never be able to make again; so make it count. There are many things we can do again, but the same day is not one of them. Once those hours are spent or invested they are gone.  Lets treat them with a conscious of how precious these coming hours really are.  Where we choose to go; be there.  Who we choose to be with; be with them.  What we choose to do; do it wonderfully. How we choose to make today count is up to each of us. The goal of the day can simply be when we get ready for bed tonight we are able to breath deep and say to ourselves we invested our time today and did not merely just spend it. When we invest our time we are fuller knowing we are fulfilling purpose & serving others while doing it. 

Rome wasn't built in a day & big goals are not achieved overnight. Many times we feel that we want to goal NOW, but it doesn't happen that way. We are growing into the person to achieve that goal though, by the steps we take becoming.  Embrace the small tasks on the way, they all matter. If motivation isn't overflowing, dig in and begin. It'll come, but begin.  Make segment goals along the way. Kind of like check points on a ling journey. That way you have small victories on the way to the ultimate goal. That will help the motivation from fading.  Progress, not perfection. The last time I tried to walk on water I sank & I believe that to be true for you as well. Perfection is not attainable; really amazing is though. Make it your goal each day to move forward from where you are at. Some days you will cover a lot of ground while others it may be a short jaunt. Progress forward. Small steps add up. Remember this the next time you are at a staircase and it will hit...

  Today I would like to share some words from a prolific coach, leader & much more; Mr. John Wooden.  You can see it next to to the words I type. It's good to look on the horizon, but we cannot live or act in the next. We can live & act in the now though. Each next day is influenced by today though. Don't get overwhelmed with the week or month you may have ahead. Instead focus on what is in front of you now, or who. Make that time the best you are able to. Strive to repeat that and your tomorrows will be better by being present today.  Today I want to encourage us to focus on the present, taking responsibility for making today the best it can be. Find those opportunities and maximize them with the effort you put forward by embracing them. You can make today a masterpiece indeed. 

  Our mind & our day can become cluttered right?  Sometimes, we don't even realize that it has happened until we are sinking in it. The good news is that we don't have to live in the clutter that has been created around & in us (by ourselves &/or others) we have a choice. We can choose to prune back and de-clutter to create room to breath.  Stress & clutter are two different things as well. There can be good stress, that locks us in, bringing focus towards a goal. I have yet to find a positive aspect of clutter :) Tips: Write it down:  If something hits you that you need to address, but you are in the middle of something. Write it down, then get back to finishing what you were doing. Get that thing across the finish line so you then don't have two things half done.  Post-It Note: You can't have a ton of top priorities, but you can have a few. Take a post-it note and write down your top 3 priorities for the day. Do those first. Only 3 on the post-...

  It's not just one or the other, but a blend of choices & chances that lead us to change. My favorite is the choice of preparation. It is my favorite because when the chance or opportunity arises, we are prepared to take it.  Some key choices we can take to prepare ourselves for what chances may lie ahead are taking initiative, taking intentional actions, personal growth & creating a path or gameplan of where & who you want to be. When we do our part, our controllable actions, we are then ready to pursue when chance presents itself.  We don't know when or where those opportunities may be, but we do know when we see them and we are prepared we feel a lot better then we we recognize the opportunity and we are not prepared. Fear & doubt then creep in; we combat those things by being prepared. They will still be present, but they will be muted by how we are prepared.  Keep investing in you, your growth so when opportunity presents itself you can make the...

  The world as a whole is noisy. Online, in person, billboards, radio, offices, etc... It can be overwhelming at times right? Is what we are taking in good for us? Just like what we consume for our bodies has a direct effect on our health, what we consume with our eyes & ears has a direct effect on our mental & emotional health. What we take in will either act as an anchor or as wind in our sails.  I have found more recently that the anchors are abundant & easy to find while the wind can be a bit tougher. The wind shows up more like a whisper. Something we have to choose to tune in to so we can hear it best. It not the loud noises from anchors.  What are your whispers of wind & where do you find them? My encouragement for us this week is to go there & tune in to the whisper. Tune in to the encouragement, the nourishment that your head & heart need to be full. 

  I can. I will. I am.  Potential is a great thing to have, realizing that potential is the goal & can be a gift to yourself & those around you. Not just by what you achieve by realizing your potential, but by also motivating/inspiring them to pursue theirs as well.  Progress towards realization of potential takes place in the small, every day decisions we choose to make or choose not to. Most of the time it is when others are not around for the decision(s). They will be around for the outcomes though.  A few tips on growing from potential into progress & realization of it are below.  Decide...Build...Grow...Achieve to who you can be.  Identify & Cultivate the skills you are capable of. Set Clear Goals. Take Consistent Action.  Embrace Challenges.  Learn from Mistakes.  Your efforts, over time will transform potential into the progress, places & person you want to be. 

  Are we plugging in & if so what are we plugging into?  Plugging in to recharge and be ready for what is ahead of us is of the utmost importance. Being able to recharge is required to have the energy we need to not just survive what is ahead of us, but thrive with what is ahead of us. We need to charge into a source that fills us at a level that will recharge.   What I mean by that is that we can plug into some things that do recharge us, but we can also plug into things that really don't. When it's time to recharge, it's up to us to make sure that we plug into things that give us energy back.  Sometimes we plug into things that don't give us back energy & that hiders us; even more to be watchful of is plugging into things, surroundings or others that actually take away even more energy.  Plug in, recharge in order to reengage with verve. 

  The past in gone, the future has not arrived, but the present is here & now. When we choose to be present, fully present in it we enrich ourselves & those we are with. Don't rob yourself  (or others) by living the present in the rear view mirror or looking through binoculars into the horizon.  The smallest moments we are present in can hold some of the greatest beauty & satisfaction. 

  What if is a question that we probably ask ourselves frequently. My question to that question for us is the conclusion that follows in our thoughts, because that leads to our actions.  When we as ourselves "What if?" does what follows that something positive or something that feeds into doubt? I hope it's all positive and we are pursuing our goals the best ways possible. I do know, at least sometimes what follows "What if?" tends to be the worst case scenario. That may come from a place of preservation, doubt or fear; or a combination of the three.  I want to encourage us today to evaluate our "What if's?" from a place of strength. What if you do and succeed with your goal? What if you do and you don't ger the target you were after...what did you learn? I have found that our worst case scenario typically only lives in our minds and rests in fiction.  What if: we made the call? had the conversation? tried that new thing? did the practice when...

  Hearing & listening are two very different things, though they may look the same. The results of the two can be very different.  When we minimize distractions and hone in on the singular goal of active listening we are one step closer to having a better understanding of the person on the other end of the table & connecting with them. For many us us we listen, hear something we like and then wait for the opportunity to respond. That usually isn't a bad thing, we are excited to connect. Though, when we pause & continue listening we allow that other person to truly share what they have inside, allowing it all to come out. That gives us the better opportunity to understand, empathize & connect.  When we enhance our active listening skills, putting them into action we elevate our conversations no matter what the setting is. It will prove to be valuable at home, in work scenarios, with friends or even at a store. When we listen, digest, paraphrase for clarity ...

  How are you chasing what you want? It is a simple question & a difficult one as well. Pursuit or chase of what we want has to be more of a feeling or soft desire in most cases. Mostly because what is worthwhile to pursue usually takes time, commitment & growth. Our society, for the most part does not elevate those three anymore. What we get from media & the scroll is fast, shortcuts & now. Those things fade. I want to encourage us to write down what we want to chase after, achieve & become. If it's worth it we will choose the pursuit, the chase for it. We may just be surprised who or what may come along side on that path to help us on our chase. We may also be surprised who we may inspire on our chase to begin their own. 

  A simple reminder today that we all know, but do we all listen & then do...probably not.  - There is so much to do.  - I'll do it later...later gets pushed wayyyyy back.  - It's not that important.  Those can be some of the things we tell ourselves that prevent us from becoming charged/refilled again. We make sure many 'things' are charged/refilled in our world, (our phones, gas tanks, etc...) but we at times neglect ourselves. I want to encourage all of us to prioritize well-being. Make time for activities that refresh, recharge & refill you.   Making time for yourself to refill isn't selfish, I would argue that selfish could be draining yourself down to zero. You cannot take care of others unless you take care of yourself to. The time doesn't have to be long to be impactful either, take the time, make the time...because YOU are worth it. 

Stay the course & trust the process. We have all heard this before. It works, it's hard, but it works.  First, we need to have a process to stick to. Then we need to stick to it...daily. It's not a process if we only do it sometimes. It's only a process when it's what we do regularly. Then, we have to choose to do it no matter what. With tail winds, head winds or cross winds. We have to choose it when we don't see the results yet. Just like a seed planted in the ground there is an effect happening below the surface when we are watering it that we don't see until it pops through the surface. Believe & pursue your goals knowing that it will pop through the surface.    

  No matter what the day holds ahead of us, meeting it with the energy of optimism gives each of us an advantage for the day. Looking at each instance as an opportunity to grow & do something good with impact gives us the vantage point that many others miss.  If something happens to us that could be uncomfortable, instead of responding with "Why me" we can respond with "What can I learn/How can I grow" this means nothing is wasted & all things work together for good.  When things come together like every piece of the puzzle is fitting in line, celebrate & share with others.  Whatever we walk through today will be what we walk through; that doesn't change. How we do it changes it though. When we walk with optimism we walk with a quit strength that cannot be taken, only given up....don't give it up...ever :)

  Approach today...act in today knowing that what you choose to do, or not do makes a difference...because it does.  YOU make a difference, whether you what to or not, you do make a difference. The cool part is that we get to choose what difference we make. In our homes, offices, the line at the coffee shop, we can choose to make a difference. All differences don't have to be grand. Sometimes one of the greatest differences we can make is a smile to a stranger, a door held open or giving that compliment that we have held inside. These small things can create a ripple effect for others & in turn for ourselves.  How will you choose to make a difference today?   

This situation is tough. It's here to hurt me. ...not necessarily the case.  When we face hard situations; and I promise you we all will or are facing one or more than one right now. We can be broken by them, or we can be strengthened by them. Either way we go through it, but it's about what we allow it to do and what we do through it.  Protect your mind; thoughts are powerful .  Go forward. At a sprint, walk or inch by inch through it. Motivation in powerful .  Things that are tough, may be the things that are preparing us for what are on the horizon for us and others. Fire can be harmful, it also is thing thing that fortifies and strengthens steel. Pressure is hard. It also is what is needed to transform coal into a diamond. Beauty & strength comes from these. Whenever a hard time comes I want to encourage us to flip it from 'Why is this happening' to 'What can I learn from this...how can I grow' That perspective changes everything. Hard...yes, worth it......

  There are quite a few things that we probably find interesting. Things that will captivate our thoughts and curiosity for a bit and sometimes even our actions for a while, but interest fades. Interest fade over the years due to many factors; growth, relocation, change in desire, etc... Interest fading isn't a bad thing, it's actually pretty normal.  The cool thing about interest is that can can convert into something amazing kind of like a caterpillar into a butterfly. Interest can convert or transform into commitment. Commitment to things is a cornerstone of life personally and professionally. Commitment means we have drawn past initial interest & we are vested. We are unwavering in our pursuit. It becomes a priority to us whether it is convenient or not. We are willing to pay the price when we are committed.  Is there something in you right now that you are interested in? Stay curious about it and see if it's something that will transform into committed.  Is ...

  There are many distractions that call out our name for attention. Not all are bad by any means, but it many not be the time. I want to encourage all of us to stay present int he moment, don't miss what is in front of you or who is. What is present there or who is present there is for a reason.  Staying in the moment helps prevent us from dwelling on what may be in our past or worrying about the future. The future doesn't have one key ingredient to it; that ingredient is you. Don't take the key ingredient of you from the present, it needs you, they may need you.  

What we do when it is just us really matters. It also matters what we don't do or choose. Many victories on a field, in work or personally are won before the battle or instance even takes place. When moments come up in our lives, it's the preparation leading up to that moment that gives us the courage to execute on our training, knowing who we are, to get the outcome(s) we desire.  I want to encourage each one of us today to keep putting in the work in the dark. Keep giving the effort when no one else is around. It's those times of us choosing to pursue the better us today & tomorrow that prepare us for what tomorrow holds. Our preparation may not just be for us, it may be for those around us that we are able to inspire, empower or assist in their journeys as well. It may be for our family, friends, teammates, a stranger or those little eyes looking up at us for guidance, direction & love.  The work we do in the dark, when no one is watching is the fuel that allows ...

  This one hit this weekend. I overheard a conversation and that was the advice that was shared. I have heard the saying before, but it simmered a bit more this time.  It was a reminder that if we are not actively seeking to change something we are not satisfied with, then we are inversely choosing it by inaction. I don't think that all the actions need to be large, swift or paramount though. They could be thoughtful, small & impactful as well.  It's about taking responsibility, 100% responsibility for who & where we are. Then giving it our very best pursuit. Best can look different day to day, &  perfection is not attainable. The two things we control every day is our attitude & our effort.  My encouragement for today is to CHOOSE to pursue your potential; the best version of yourself.  

  Creativity is an essential ingredient to success & joy, in my opinion. I was thinking about it over the weekend watching my littles play around in the yard. They were full of wonder, innovation & creativity. In hearing their creative thoughts and imagination I began thinking on how it seems as we grow up, we grow less of our creativity. I don't know if this is true for all, but I know it is true for some. Maybe it's the play it safe mentality or we are older now and are more risk averse. Either way it pushed me off the chair in the backyard & into the middle of the play, imagination & creativity with them.  I want to encourage us to fan our creative flame a bit, have fun....try. New problems need new solutions, also though new solutions can lead to breakthrough of old problems as well. Don't let fear stop you, go for it.  How can you foster creativity for yourself this week?

Eye contact is a crucial element of effective communication, fostering connection, showing respect, & conveying sincerity, while also helping build trust & rapport.  Distractions are aplenty which makes it even more difficult to 100% tune-in. Being present makes such a difference in the full experience & 'feel' of the interaction. This is true for a first interaction or any other interaction down the road in a relationship personally or professionally. Think about a time when you were with someone & the phone with them was the top priority; how did that make you feel? Now, think about a time when you felt engaged with, listened to & interested in. Major difference right?  Let's be that kind of difference with each interaction that we have, whether it's a brief interaction or a longer one. It will make all the difference in how each person feels as well as the depth achieved in the connection.  

  Overcoming adversity can show it self it many ways. That is because adversity itself comes in many forms. Adversity at times can be used to grow us into who/what we need to become in order to enter what is next for us on our journey or what is needed for the next track on the journey we are on. Obstacles come up & I believe we are more ready then we realize in most circumstances to go through whatever is before us; it may not be easy, but we may be equip for it. We tap into what is in us & who or what is around us as well.  We can do hard things...you can do hard things.  The very wall, or walls that have been a block for you can turn out to be the stepping-stones on which you can climb on. Tearing down walls that are in our minds, our hearts or in our worlds can be difficult for sure, but committing to being an overcomer is a commitment you/we will never regret. 

  All work is honorable work.  Each action or word has significance.  Sit on those two lines for a moment. Let them sink in. When we allow those two thoughts to become a part of who we are it changes our perspective. Nothing is to big & more-so, nothing is to small or insignificant. Whether it's in front of a crowd, in front of one person or along what we do or say makes an impact.  This means nothing is below us to do for another to enhance.  It means that when we choose to go the mile or the extra mile it makes a positive impact.  It means that when we choose to try instead of stay on the sidelines it makes an impact, no matter the outcome; we grow.  It means that when we choose to speak encouragement, it makes an impact. That can be encouragement to another or encouragement to ourselves; self talk matters.  

  Clutter outside of us in our environment is one thing thing that can slow us down for sure. The clutter I want to address is the clutter that can build up in our heads & our hearts. These types of clutter can really effect who we are and how we show up personally or professionally.  Addressing the clutter is not easy by any means, but not addressing it leads to it being even harder. Some things can be handled by simply writing them down so they can live somewhere other than inside of you. Some of them are more complexed in the head & the heart so that is double. Getting a game plan together (and that can be with you or with help) can help you remove some clutter. Once we start in we sometimes will find out that there was more clutter than we first though; don't let that burden you. Remind yourself that as your deal with, walk through or remove clutter in relieves you of the weight of what it was or may still be.   Removing clutter isn't something that needs...

  The rhythm we are going to talk about today isn't our dance floor rhythm, though there are a lot of similarities between the two.  The rhythm of today is our daily rhythm. Do we have the 'beginning steps' of our day down or are they improvised? When we begin with standard steps it creates an expectation and take-off for our day that is in the direction we want to go.  Then when out day comes at us we have our foundation or fundamentals down so when a curve ball comes we can improvise, in-step and make it a part of our rhythm. They don't have to throw us off, they can actually be something that leads us to discovering (or growing) a new move/skill that will enhance ourselves and out performance.  If you have a morning daily rhythm for yourself that is great; you are starting off leading into the direction that is desired. If you don't, start by making a few simple morning tasks a routine to build a rhythm. Enjoy each day, and each rhythmic step of the day. The step...

You hold the pen. No one else does. Write the story for you and what you want to accomplish and who you want to become. This may sound though  because I know there obstacles that we face that are outside of us. We fight and grow to overcome those if we must on our way to our goals and growth. For today, I'm really talking about the obstacles inside of us or in our control. Are we doing what we know we can and then pushing ourselves as well out of our comfort zone, into our growth zone? (Because we know those two are not the same) It is vitally important to keep the pen in your hand as well. When a gust of frustration comes through, hold firm and let it pass; gather and continue forward. There will always be adversity, trials & bumps on the journey towards something of worth.  

 ...we woke up.  It's up to us now how great of a day it will be.  Today we have been granted the priceless gift of walking up to have today. Begin it with gratitude that we get to greet the morning, instead of we have to wake up. It can be easy to let our routine become laborious and feel insignificant, but it is very significant. We don't pick our outcomes, we pick our routines and our habits and they decide where we go, who we become and what we accomplish each day.  Choose gratitude today as you lead into your day. Choose to be the exception in a world that looks to blend.  Choose to pursue your best today; for you, your family & those around you. You will elevate & you may even inspire another to not just go through the motions, but to thrive as well. 

  Monday we are ready to take on the week with full steam ahead. My encouragement for us today is to not let that fade in the middle of the week & let the pursuit of our goals go into coast mode. For us to stay engaged with our activities, big & small we will gain & benefit from a competitive advantage.  Intentionality in our thoughts, words & actions mean we select them, it doesn't just happen to happen. Being deliberate means we are consciously choosing our words & actions. When we approach our daily activities with intentional & deliberate actions we will yield results at a higher level when we create opportunities, relationships through conversations and actions that others will miss. These are the unseen 'shots' that will make a difference. 

Go forward.  Keep pushing, even through things that suck. It may not even be adversity, just something you don't enjoy. Sometimes we need to do that exact thing in order to reach the destination that we want, that we really want.  Our excuses can destroy us if we let them, don't. Excuses may help us feel better temporarily, but it doesn't get us to our destination. Go forward in the face of ________ (fill in the blank for you). It may be a person, circumstance, something to learn, whatever or whoever it may be; I encourage you to keep going. Temporary discomfort for where you want to be....is that a trade you are willing to make?   

  During any holiday season things tend to get a little extra busy. Gap times in our calendars disappear and are filled up with obligations *some that we love & some that we don't so much ;) It is important for us to remember to be present where we are and WHO we are with. Settle our minds on the here & now, not the next. It will create more meaningful connections in any season of life or setting. This can be true outside our homes, as well as inside our homes. Be Present...we will not regret it.  For me, at times that I have a lot going on, before I enter an event, meeting or conversation I will remind myself that I need to be present for them as well as for me. That little reminder has made a strong, positive impact for me. 

  The small things we do can be the things that make the biggest impact on who we become, what we accomplish & achieve. When we take on the mentality of 'better every day' we focus on doing each thing a little better & sometimes that means beginning to do something or stopping something that is detracting us from becoming who we want to be & achieving what we want to achieve. It's important for us to self reflect/audit what we can do to better get to where we want to go. That may mean pruning, which can hurt in the short term, but leads to more growth long team. That may mean stepping out into unfamiliar waters, being vulnerable, failing forward on our way to where and who we want to be. My encouragement for all of us today is to think about the rudder of a boat. It's a very small portion of what a boat is, but makes a very large impact. The biggest changes we can make are sometimes the smallest ones that get us going into the direction who and where we want...

As the weather turns a bit, I'm sure at least a few of us have checked to make sure that we have an umbrella in our car just in case we need it. Umbrellas are a neat thing; when used properly they provide a barrier over us to keep the outside element of rain from soaking into us...some of you may see where this is going.  Today is a small reminder to not allow other people to rain on your parade. Make sure you have your 'umbrella' of mental toughness with you in case you come across a storm front of negativity. When others see obstacles, look for the opportunity. When others see darkness, look for the light at the end of the tunnel. A cool thing, is that we can be that light as well or the umbrella for others.  Many right now are  struggling with seeing the glass as half empty, instead of half full. When we have the opportunity to encourage, I say we do it. When we have the  opportunity to uplift, I say we do it. We not only bright up another persons day, but as we e...