Roeboater Thoughts

  Do not let your thoughts get stuck in your head & hear for too long; move them from inside your body, to outside your body with the ACTION you take to make it a reality.  To many times we talk to other about something that they have wanted to do for a long time, but haven't taken a step towards it.  My encouragement for you today is to take a step towards not one thing, but many things you have been thinking about doing but haven't actually pursued yet. (and yes, this can be all over the board) from cleaning out a closet, to walking that mile a day to calling that past friend, starting that class, adding a new routine to your day; you get the idea. Now...lets move that idea from inside to outside. It may feel odd, it may feel great, but know that it was never meant to be kept inside in the first place...we are all but for thought and action together :)

  Many of the tasks we do daily are the same day after day. Many of them are the same task that many others do day after day as well. They can all easily blend in as the same; a bunch of items completed that are the same, bland & blended together. How is it then that we can stand out in the crowd with our moving the spotlight?  The answer is simple: Do the Common Things, Uncommonly Well.  We can choose to blend in -or- we can choose to be bright (a light) where we are by doing what we do, saying what we say & being who we are in an uncommonly way that stands out.  Think about your daily routine. Think about how you may be able to level up parts of it in an uncommon way. These small choices, over time lead to a greater impact in a positive direction for us & those around us.  

  The first battle we face is usually within and not external. It's our self talk, our self doubt, our self thinking of can't before CAN. The external threats to our success or our happiness are second to the blocks we put up to our our hearts at times or to prevent us for the possibility of failure.  Not accomplishing a goal is tough I get it, but not trying to accomplish that is is the real failure in my opinion; and I mean really trying. Not just dipping our toe in slightly or wading out a but; I mean really going for it. When we really go for it we give ourselves a TRUE chance at the victory ahead of us. We control our self talk. Do not allow negativity to be the current that pushes your forward. If you are battling negativity or doubt I have always found that listening or reading something uplifting often and regularly can elevate my head and my heart. With both of those on the right path, my actions can follow and follow strongly in the direction of ...

  The world is big and there is a lot happening it in that is near to us as well as far. Some things that directly impact us while others may indirectly have an impact or literally no impact at all. Do not get too consumed with soo much that that you are weighed down.  Focus on what is closest to you that is impacting you, those around you and then make an impact there. The sidelines are not where you are meant to be so do not choose to live there.  This Roosevelt quote is one of my all time favorites. It's about action. Doing what you can, with what you have, where you are. Progress, not perfection. For ourselves and for others. It's completely unfair to expect others to be on our timelines, our responses, our needs right at the snap of something being needed. Tunnel vision & tunnel action is not for any. Remember that patience, grace & understanding are 3 of the best qualities each of us can posses & live in use.  It's about Us making an imp...

Goals:  The result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aimed towards.  Standards:  The minimum level accepted to a habit or end result.    We get what we accept/tolerate; our standards. Standards are what we will allow for ourselves daily.  How we allow other to treat us, what we eat, where we invest our time, etc..   We can have our goals, they can be lofty, but if we don't have standards in our daily life/activities then those goals will always be out of reach.  Today I have one question, though it is not simple: What is your standard for yourself? This  questions has a bit of depth to it, but when we find the depth in in we will be better prepared to go out and achieve our goals, personally & professionally when we align our standards daily so we have the potential for achievement. This could small tweaks  or drastic changes. Its easy to make goals, it's much harder to do the standards dai...

  This being today...This being this week. Today we start our journey through our work week. I have found that it is of paramount importance to take 5-15 minutes on Sunday afternoon or evening elevate my week exponentially. I get to feel like I am approaching the week and the week isn't approaching me.  A slight shift with a substantial impact.  Weather you are using a paper planner or your Outlook to schedule your days the outcome is the same. Taking the time to review and prep minimizes the 'surprises' that can happen; that can shift you off course. You are able to print, get or find what is needed before it is needed so then you can focus on who you are with, where you are at and what you are sharing.  If you are currently doing this weekly, AWESOME!!! If you are not, I want to challenge you to commit to doing it for the next 4 weeks and see if you notice a difference (you will) and it will be for the better for you, your family & those you...

  It is more blessed to give than to receive. That can be in items or in service. To be of service to another is an opportunity that we are presented with many times a day. Its just a matter of if we notice it or not; and sometimes if we are seeking it. I promise you, if you are seeking ways to serve through the day, you will find ways to serve. Service can come in many, many ways with a very similar ending for all of those ways. Gratitude, happiness, a bond formed, inspiration given; any of the biproducts of service are beneficial for yourself, them and those that both of you touch because it creates a ripple effect of positivity and I think we could all agree that there is never a bad time to bring a little more light into the world. Today how can you serve others? Here are a ways to get the ideas flowing.  Be someone's cheerleader Open a door with a smile Call and mend an old relationship Offer a solution and support to someone Call or write a word of encour...

When we are meeting with people are we talking with them. Showing them something that we think is good. OR....are we creating value with not just what we are showing or talking about or delivering value based our our insight as well? It's not what we sell, it's about creating value around it.  Value isn't just in what something can do, it's in what it actually does and how to enact it.  Value is not just in what we do, but how we do it. Value isn't just being on a team, but how the team cohesively works together in support of one another.  Value is earned and worked for.  Value is what can set you apart in the office, market and even your community.  Strive to be valuable and bring value daily. That does not happen on accident, but by intention. Our value rises as we invest in ourselves, becoming a better version each day. Through this growth process we will also attract though that have the same mindset and goals. That creates accountability to...

  What IS possible for you today?  Do that. Don't let what cannot be achieved today stop you from achieving what CAN be done today. At times we can focus on the cannot, and not the CAN. It is true that many this are not possible to achieve today....so. It is also TRUE that there are MANY things that CAN be achieved today...do those things & do them world class.  There can be circumstance that are out of your control, don't let them hold you down; pivot.  There can be people around you that are negative, don't let it in your hear or hear.  There can be opportunities disguised as hard work, go for it.  There can be people around you to help, be of service.  It comes down to choices & not chance. Today, focus on what IS possible. Do those things & do them well then see what happens. You may be surprised that what becomes possible tomorrow grows due to your actions & attitude of today. 

When we are successful on purpose we can replicate it. We know how it happened or at least some of the ingredients to the recipe of success. When success happens by design, it's a beautiful thing. When we design, stay true & execute a game plan it really is a wonderful thing to be celebrated. Not just celebrating the end result, but also celebrating the ground work that was laid that helped create that end result.  Life By Design is something that we have all heard at least once or twice. We cannot design it all by any means, but we can set forth a vision of what we would like right? With that we also must lay our a plan to get there though as well and that can be tougher, but it is the key to the success. Shooting from the hip isn't a game plan for achieving goals, whatever they are.  If it's important to you, it is important to set aside the time to plan, really plan, vet & dial in a plan of action to achieve your goals both BIG & small...

  Opportunity...opportunity who? Opportunity that just knocked twice; you better open up the door.  Sometimes I think there is a fear of success that can outweigh the fear of failure. We can see an opportunity before us, it's right there, but we have this invisible rope that is holding us back. For each of us I can be something completely different, yet it is rendering the same hesitancy or inaction.  Remember there is risk is going for it AND there is also risk in not going for it; either way there is risk so you might as well risk it with an opportunity rather than risk it for standing still right? Don't over think it or make it too heavy. Breath, smile, prep & go for it. 

  What are we chasing? Make sure it is what you want, because when the chase becomes more difficult we only stay the course when we really want that end result.  Goals that are worth while do not happen over night and they are usually goals that we don't just achieve but goals that we grow into as well.  Is your goal(s) written down? Where you can see them? Putting pen to paper or creating a vision board of sorts helps us in maintaining pursuit as a form of accountability.  One of the best and simplest ways of dialing in goals is to use the SMART system here to the right. Action: By the end of the week have 1 personal & 1 professional SMART Goal set & share it with 1 other person to keep you accountable. 

  Too many times we OVER THINK as step or action that we are about to take. It will never never be the perfect time to do it, so don't wait for it to be. Plan, Prepare & Execute it. A well executed plan is WAY better than the 'perfect plan' that never leaves the starting line. Getting out of our heads, or out of our own way is sometimes the ONLY obstacle between us and who we want to be -or-  where we want to be.  Go For IT! Whatever your "IT" is, rip off the band aid or as Tin Fey put it....go down the chute! Either way it'll be a heck of a ride that you did, instead of the one you never took. 

  Sometimes we forget that the first thing we all should be grateful for today is simply waking up. A sunrise is a beautiful thing as it brings light into what was just dark. It is a gradual beginning that makes a profound impact.  For us, we should not just wake up and roll into our checklist, but pause and appreciate that we get to wake up today.  Don't just lock into only doing what is on your calendar for the day, but be open for other opportunities that may arise in the day. If we are not looking for those opportunities, we mill most likely miss them.  Today you woke up....now what?  What will you choose to invest your time in to    make today a day to be proud of knowing that    this decision does not have to be a one time thing reserved for a special occasion; because  truly each day we wake up is a special occasion indeed.  

  We would like to think we control wayyyy more that we do. That is our natural tendency. Often times things that take the most of our time, brain space or worry are things that are beyond our control.  Something, that when harnessed that can create huge momentum for each of us is properly identifying what is in our control and what is not. Once we get that then we can energetically go after making in impact there.  When we do this we are better investing our 3 T's and that will make us unstoppable. That doesn't mean that it will happen fast, but trust the process. Invest your TIME, TALENT & TREASURES in what you can control. Focus there, trust the process & you will succeed & hopefully inspire others to do the same on their journey. 

  We all have our hiking boots on right? We have a hard, but very rewarding climb ahead of us. Being able to ascend to a peak begins way before the trail head. It begins in the prep work; the gear, the map, connecting with others that will be on the journey with you.   Think about your IG feed and the excitement that people have when they post pics after a great bike ride, hike or excursion that took work to get to where the photo was taken. There is a lot of pride in that because they choose to step up, step out & go for it! We have that choice every day. Lets work hard, together so we can enjoy the view and remember the view never comes before the climb, it is always the reward after it.  Get it! :)

Back in high school I had a wrestling coach (Coach Griffin) that would always remind us before every match that we, as a team of individuals pursue victory, but it is always with honor. We win the right way.  It took a bit of time to sink in what he really meant by that. He cared about who we were becoming and not just about what we were achieving. Wins will come and go, but how we respond to both victory & defeat reveals quite a bit about our character.  I believe who we are and who we are becoming is very important. Victory achieved through corners cut may have a short term elevation, but it will catch up & that is not a place we want to be standing. How we approach each day, each activity, each interaction is our choice.  I encourage all of us to make sure the Who we are & the How we are doing things is in line with the person we want to be. There will always be distractions calling out to you to do it another way because oth...

  This is 100% true today, yesterday & tomorrow.  Fear would have you believe that it will always go wrong in one way or another.  Fear would have you believe that it's safer to not grow.   Fear would have you believe that you have reached your potential, so staying put is best. Fear would have you believe a ton on BS!! Fear is a LIAR.  Do not let the whispers of fear in your ear prevent you from stepping out & stepping up. This could be in large or small acts; fear works in many arenas. Instead I would charge you today & going forward to choose faith in moving forward. Faith in growing to where you want to be & who you want to be.  You see Fear & Faith have 1 thing in common. They both would have you believe in something that has not happened yet.  Faith will take you to far greater places than fear ever could dream of. Push the mute button on fear & crank up the volume on faith, action & encouragem...

  Are obstacles real? Yes, they sure are; but do we give them move head/heart space than they deserve...unfortunately for most of us the answer is yes.  The great news, is that WE can change that. This choice is 100% up to us. Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will & focusing on the present obstacles or the obstacles that may lie ahead keeps us from achieving our goals.  Yes, it may be more difficult for you than others, but you also don't know the silent battles others may be facing as well; focus on your road ahead and you'll be closer to your goals.  This Morning:  Remind yourself of your WHY(s).   Tell yourself that you can achieve your GOAL(s). Invest in yourself; YOU are worth it.  Attack your day with verve towards each endeavor that you have, big & small.

 The chatter doesn't matter; the vision makes the decision.  We each have a vision for our lives right. There is a lot of chatter out there about the economy, the market, the list could go on. That does not have to change your goals. Keep your vision. Pursue your vision. Achieve your vision.  Our mind is powerful and what we allow in through our ears & eyes has an effect on us. Don't let the negative chatter push you down mentally, physically or emotionally. If you let it in, use it as fuel that you WILL #BeTheException. You will rise up and success no matter the circumstances & pursue that!

This one today comes inspired by Darren Hardy.  When adversity hits people typically talk about 2 responses that we have to it Fight -or- Flight . It is correct that those are 2 responses, but Darren pointed out this morning that the third response may be the most detrimental of them all.  What is it? ....FREEZE!  As he discussed it I began to think more about it. Fight:  You are making a choice and the choice is to go into battle; weather you feel ready or not and you are determined to beat the circumstances, the market, the opponent; whatever 'it' may be you are determined to WIN.  Flight: You are at least making a choice; a choice  that it is too difficult and you are not choosing to continue. The circumstances, the market, the opponent; whatever 'it' may be you are making the choice to go away.  Freeze: There is no choice made. You are standing still. This one is the most dangerous one of the three and it's not talked about. When we choose n...

There are risks when we take actions. There is also risk when we don't take action.  Risk taking is usually though of as being big or grand. I believe it's the little risks that we don't take that really cause the paralysis that holds us back. When we are able to take the small risks it breaks down the mental barriers that would prevent us from taking bigger risks.  By taking small risks, regularly it makes larger ones seem smaller and much less risky. (most of the time they are) Our mind, our imagination can create the feeling that a certain risk is HUGE; too costly if not achieved. When in reality, it may cause some temporary pain, but nothing lasting and the gain of experience and wisdom that we get from going for it valuable.  Go into that office today.  Make that 12th call to that person.  Have the meeting you have been avoiding.  Ask for that meeting, opportunity, introduction.   The risk in doing is much smaller than you...

 Life is a series of choices and each choice we make will make us.  The choice to hit the snooze button.  The choice to put in the one extra set of reps.  The choice to have the salad and not the cheesesteak.  The choice to open the door with a smile for the person walking up.  The choice to make one more call.  The choice to go into one more office.  The choice to speak encouragement.  The choice to do the follow up.  The choice to prep for tomorrow.  The choice to ask for the referral.  The choice to _________________.  The choice is in each moment, each day, each week, each month and each year. Making the choice we need to make to reach -or- stay on track for the goal(s) we have in life is not always easy, but worth it. 

  It is always our decision. Will we do it One Day or will this be Day One? There are most likely a handful of things that you have wanted to do, but they have been pushed back either by reason or excuse; both can happen. Today think about one of those either personally or professionally that today can be your Day One of getting towards that goal. Commit to your self that Day One won't stay solo, but you'll pursue that one thing, skill, goal, hobby, etc... one day at a time until you get there. The destination may seem daunting but if you break it down to doing it one day at a time each day becomes a manageable and attainable goal. It cannot be achieved though unless we all start with Day One.  Don't forget to enjoy the journey!

  So some of you know that in about a month Nicolette will have her first day of school. This approaches with a great deal of excitement, but also a little nervousness (probably on both sides). Many of you have had 1st day with your littles and have been through it for decades.  We have really been focusing on being engaged with her. Playing outside, reading in the evenings, including her in dinner prep; really just trying to created connection moments & positive conversations.  As I was doing some searching online for ways to help lessen the nerves of starting school I came across this above. It's labeled "8 Powerful Words-For School Kids". Though I believe that these reminders really know no age bound so I wanted to share them with each of us today.  Take a few moments today to read through all 8 of them. Something will happen today, this week or going forward that we will need a reminder of 1 or more of these in our minds or hearts. It may not just be for...

  Standing out in a crowd. Sometimes we want to, sometimes we want to drift into the sea of the same. It can definitely be a battle. Standing out in a crowd isn't just about 'look at me' it's about having your voice heard. Knowing that people will benefit from what you have to offer.  There is a lot of 'noise' in the world, not just in general, but in our worlds close to us.  Social media, email, push notifications, calls, bill boards, ads, billboards, etc... In order for us to be heard, by the audience that we would like to hear us we need to be better, we need to be different. Sometimes it doesn't take a great deal to stand out, but sometimes it will. We need to be willing to recognize those opportunities and seize them.  When we put in the work/time to be prepared when we have the opportunity we are able to shine with our savvy; share with our care & secure or strengthen relationships with satisfaction all around. 

Today as I was driving into the office I was thinking through my mornings and how 'boring' they are. I have the same exact routine 99% of the time. I then through of how I could 'Change it up'. I immediately went to my 'Should' list.  I realized that the change doesn't even have to remove what I'm already dong, they are needed, but I can dovetail in what would make it better not just then, but down the road as well. For me in the mornings now I'll be striving to read for 10 min & the big one is SWEAT. That may be cardio, Peloton, lifting or boxing; it just has to go on for long enough that I break a natural sweat.  What is something that you have wanted to add to your routine that hasn't happened yet? What obstacles are there & how can they be removed? This is where accountability &/or Growth Groups can help.  This can be on the personal side as I cited above or on the professional side with adding in more or a different type of Lead ...

  Having a routine has many, many benefits. We'll look at some of them today knowing that there are many more out there for each of us. Also, when we think of the word routine, it's typically tied to our morning which is truly important, but I have found that having an evening routine is also a game changer in the right direction as well.  Routine can reduce the stresses felt by the feeling a full day, deadlines, goals and more.  Think through your day. Your routine. Do you have one? What is it? Can it be edited to enhance it?  Below is an excerpt from Northwestern School of Medicine as well: Health Benefits of Having a Routine Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share through Email Print Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle People are creatures of habit, and routines offer a way to promote health and wellness through structure and organization. Having a routine can greatly improve your health. Many people who don’t have any type of routine suffer from: Stress . No rou...

In a world full of notifications, alerts, updates, pings, and so on we have a lot of things that pull for our attention. Not all are bad, many are actually quite good. The struggle is really the timing. When they detour us from what or WHO we have in front of us it creates distraction. That distraction moves us away from the direction we were going that we were tuned into.  I want to encourage us all today as a start today and challenge us to keep it going for the week at a minimum to really tune in on being present WHERE we are. With WHO we are with and  WHAT we are doing.  This kind of intentionality is actually more rare today than it should be. It lets the person know in front of you that they matter. If it's a task we are completing it reminds us that we began it for a reason and we should finish it as such as well.  Sometimes the best present that we can give to another is simply our presence. Lets be there; all there! :)

  Making the Choice to take a Chance, in order to  Change. When we suggest something to a client or prospect me are asking them to do just that. To make a Choice to take a Chance on what we are sharing with them. If they do that we are telling them we believe that it will Change their business for the better.  We need to put ourselves in their shoes as well. As the market has shifted, we need to do the 3 C's as well in our own approach & execution to what we do in order to not just maintain, but grow.  If we keep doing what we were doing before we will not continue our growth trajectory.  Today, look at what you have planned for the week: Prospecting, Retention Follow Up, 1-1's, presentations, after hours product/presentation development, open houses, office visits, digital outreach, etc... What can you enhance or enact that you think will lead to real growth? Not what is the easiest to enhance or enact, but the best.  Lets Roll!

Think about the effect that one comment, action or event has had in your life.  I bet it wasn't a large or grand thing, but something that has made a big impact, but arrived in a normal or small capacity. That is true for many of us. One small thing can make an impact for sure. Think about it...ever had one small pebble in your shoe...you knew it! One little seed grows food, one bite from a mosquito and you'll know it too. One word of kindness, encouragement or truth...one small thing with a big impact.  Think about this today for yourself and when you are with others. One small thing that you may do could have a profound impact today, tomorrow or for a lifetime. 

What if _________? Fill in the blank today. Many times during our day we face the decision To Do, Not To Do, Go, Stay, Engage, Pass ...you get this picture. I want to encourage each of us in the small and large instances that are in front of us to T-R-Y .  When you try it is not just for yourself, it's for your families, teams, their families & all of our futures. When we think small, it make it ok to pass on opportunities, but when we realize that the small things create the legacy towards the larger things in life their impact matters much more.  Go for it today....don't let any part of your past be a chain holding you back to attaining the present & future that you desire; or more than that, better than you desire!  

Many obstacles that we face in life are either invisible -or- smaller than we perceive them to be. Something that may have tripped us up in the past does not have to have the same outcome today.  We grow, we overcome, we succeed.   Check out this story below: The Elephant Rope As a man was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not. He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” trainer said, “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break fre...

  That attitude we bring to the 'what' of each day, each interaction matters. It matters a lot in fact. It is received by the people in our offices & outside of them when we are making sales calls in person, zoom or even on the phone.  Below is a picture chart that I got off of Tony Robbins website. Let that sink in. I know that when we practice scripting that we really focus on the what we say, but we need to remember the How we say it and How we portray it as well.   These are the components that come together for us as communicators in all facets of our loves, not just in work.  Today as we are communication let's think about what we are saying with the other 55%  and 38% of our communication. That may be the gap in where we are and where we want to be going.  Typing this out today hit me so I'll be digging in here to grow.  Let's grow together team!

What calls for our attention? There are distractions galore in our worlds. It's out charge to fade out the true distractions and hone in on where & what we need to be doing. Many times we 100% know what to do, but we don't want to do it or we don't want to do it for as long as is needed to render the results we really want. The hard part of that is we may be right on the cusp of succeeding when we give up while at other times we really didn't give ourselves a chance to succeed & that could be for a myriad of reasons. We need to remember a couple of important points every day. Some days we sill go faster & further than others. They run together.  Some days we will feel like digging deep & some we won't feel like it. Dig deep anyway.  We need to always be pushing ourselves to move forward. Part of pushing ourselves to move forward is having real conversations with ourselves an an accountability partner on what we are doing, where we are going,...

  The first step towards something can be the hardest one; though the most important one. The problem is that we tend to look way down the road at the finish line instead of breaking it down into sprints, but together to make up the whole road or race. When it comes do getting task done that are important we need to take the time, in the beginning to game plan, break it down and then go. We are to busy to not take the time in the beginning to plan. Planning is a necessity.  An example for all of us in making our task small and manageable is to divide and conquer. That be all you or delegate. For me writing 5 cards a week happens. If I tried to write 20 cards once a month I would have 0 cards going out to teammates, referral partners & clients.  What is a large task that you have bee putting off that you can spend 15 min today breaking down into small, manageable tasks to bring you closer to the finish line on?