Honor.The.Gift Podcast

How is it that 80% of our current lives and focus is actually our past self (security) that stops us from becoming our 10x future self (freedom)?   IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I interview Dr. Benjamin Hardy, an organizational psychologist, keynote speaker and best-selling author who focuses on the psychology of exponential growth and transformation, future self science, and entrepreneurship.    We also discuss some of the key lessons from his recent Ben's NEW book and collaboration with Dan Sullivan titled 10X IS EASIER THAN 2X.  Two key messages he shared that really stood out to me are: “If you're not going for something impossible, then that means you're operating from the assumptions of your past.”  “People would rather have a lesser future that they can be sure of than a better future that's not certain.”     Show Notes: Dr. Benjamin Hardy is an organizational psychologist, keynote speaker and best-selling author who focuses  on the psychology of exponential growth and transformation, future self science, and entrepreneurship. Ben's new book, 10X Is Easier Than 2X is now available for purchase at https://10xeasierbook.com.   Subscribe to Ben's newsletter - https://benjaminhardy.com/    Social links: Website: https://benjaminhardy.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.benjaminhardy  Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenjaminPHardy  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjamin_hardy_phd/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjaminhardy88/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminhardy88

I've been fortunate over the years to coach some incredible human beings. People from all walks of life. Brother and sisters on their journey home.  I am inspired by the mess and eventual triumph one experiences as they navigate their own personal hell.  IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share some quick thoughts on the EDGE OF EXISTENCE and how we might navigate the deep waters afforded by true growth.    For each of us, we travel a road riddled with twists and turns. Choices to lean in or the choice to flee.  It's in these moments that the world seems to slow down for just a moment, to allow us to see, to feel, to hear, and to witness a blank page in time.   It's in these very moments of confusion, humility, and presence, that we find our edge. Moments that shape us. Moments that transport us to a place we can only muster as a traveler's gift.  The EDGE OF EXISTENCE is a sacred space. Join me for this insightful episode.

Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. brilliantly proclaimed:   “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”   What he knew and exemplified is simply the notion that the time for change is now.   There's never the guarantee of tomorrow. There's never an opportunity more viable than the imagined one today. There's never a table more perfectly set for the future than the now.    IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, it's time for a little check in and some deeper conversation around the notion of CHANGE.   Over the last twenty years I've been fortunate to work with and coach some of the world's most incredible human beings.   I've found that each of us seek significance, whether it be internally or externally. We crave an existence of meaning as opposed to non-impact, and we seek truth in times of humility.   In our lives we'll be faced with multiple options for change.   You have today; this exact moment, to begin the most brilliant transformation of your life. Will you honor the gift?   Join me in the conversation, and if you like it, leave a comment or rating on the show. Share it on social. Pass along what resonated with you so that perhaps it might help someone else. Spread good. Be a part of the change this world is calling for right now. 

Werner Erhard defined personal power as: "...a function of the rate at which you translate intention into reality. Most of us disempower ourselves by finding a way to slow, impede, or make more complex than necessary the process of translating intention into reality." Eventually, there's no escaping the big questions: What's my best life? What do I believe in? Where do I belong? IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, it's time for a little check in and some deeper conversation around the notion of YOUR GREATEST WORK. When things get messy and the moment seems to call you back to the familiarity of the First Mountain, I hope you'll find a drive within that helps you recall your north star and gives you the quiet confidence to walk the road towards your Second Mountain. I believe that each one of us will find great meaning and purpose in the gnarled and unfamiliar path that takes you to the beginning of your grand opus. Join me in the conversation, and if you like it, leave a comment or rating on the show. Share it on social. Pass along what resonated with you so that perhaps it might help someone else. Spread good. Be a part of the change this world is calling for right now. 

In 1 Corinthians 4:3 Paul reveals his stoic view on the opinions of others, while also sharing some of his recipe for personal progress: “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.” It's clear to me that Paul had little time nor space in his own head for the opinions of others, neither did he entrench himself with self judgment. It's often we become soaked in the decoy of criticism and over-evaluation of others and one's self. Both are most often ego driven.  Certainly the assertion of right to cast a critical evaluation of another, is a clear mark of someone expending effort in avoidance and procrastination of their own personal growth. IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on REACTIVE VALIDATION and how we as humans beings continue to let our fears manifest themselves in outburst after outburst in an effort to be validated by own scarcely founded reactivity  It's your time! Own it. Learn from it. Live it. And, as Paul taught us, give space for it. Life is meant to be lived in. Smile with the reassurance that our best is all that is expected.  I hope you'll join me for this episode. 

I believe the greatest introduction I could make for this week's guest is simply this…he's a dear friend. He's someone who was there as a co-facilitator during one of the most pivotal moments in my life.  IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE you'll meet Travis Anderson. Travis Anderson is the founder and president of Culture Builders, a global management consulting firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Known for his ability to transform teams, his work with the Denver Broncos (3 years leading up to the Super Bowl), facilitating their path to victory at the 2015 Super Bowl, and his work with several division-1 college sport teams sets him apart from those in the industry. He has consulted for numerous Fortune 500 companies, as well as several fast-rising, multimillion-dollar startup companies. The focus of our conversation is on BUILDING CULTURE, more particularly, some of the key leadership principles and foundational elements of high performing organizations. If personal GROWTH continues to knock at your door, and you're ready to move beyond self optimization to more impactful level of leadership, this is one episode that promises new insight and perspective.  Join us!

Bedros Keuilian advised: “Don't ever make permanent decisions on temporary feelings. The pain of loss, fear, regret, shame, anger, hopelessness and rejection will pass...and when it does...you'll make the right decision for your life when you're clear-headed. How quick are we to assume, react, and then act based on a biased judgement? How often do we take a path of comfort rather than one that challenges our ease? How ready are we to avoid the hard rather than embrace the right? IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on REACTIVE VALIDATION and how we as humans beings continue to let our fears manifest themselves in outburst after outburst in an effort to be validated by own scarcely founded reactivity  If your aim is noble and righteous, be faithful and humble enough to be guided in your life. For it's on this road that you'll be met with choices and inclinations. Trust the inclination to do good and expand your being.   There is a metamorphosis available for us all, but it is hidden in the practice of curbing our own agenda during times of fear and doubt. Faith proceeds the miracle. Faith proceeds to change you seek as you learn to let go of the belief that you have to have all of life's answers right now. Remember that growth is always a choice. Join me in this journey we call life!    

She's been in a psychiatric hospital, several agencies, and a global research firm; on both sides of the glass, and both sides of the law. WINGIN' IT is her life philosophy for life.  IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE you'll meet Stacy Thomas, a friend , a collaborator, and someone who is impacting the world in a big way. Stacy is the Founder of President of Good Run Research and Recreation, a global firm specializing in youth and women's research, and yet she still considers herself an accidental entrepreneur. She's known for navigating the tricky line between creative and business objectives during communications research, and for being a bit of a madwoman when it comes to innovation.  The focus of our conversation is WINGIN' IT, more particularly, the nuances and benefit of just diving in and allowing great things to take place.  If personal GROWTH continues to knock at your door, and you're ready to move beyond self awareness to self optimization, this is one episode that promises new insight and perspective.  Enjoy!

Helen Keller said: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on the BATTLEFIELD OF CHANGE and how we as humans beings tend to postpone change in an effort to stay in the comfort of our own pain. REAL EMOTION flows at the surface. It's raw and unfettered. When it is seen, felt, and experienced first hand, it slows you down in a moment of open and honest reflection of circumstance and your place in it. From both ends of the spectrum it can light a fire.  I hope that you'll take the time to be present to the most impressive and earth moving emotions around you. What you'll find is that they are pure and beautiful and leave no room for judgement, aside from managing your own actions or reactions to them.  Some times...they might even leave you in a deep place of gratitude. Join in. 

Brendon Burchard said: “If you are tired, sleep. If unclear, meditate. If sore, move. If angry, forgive. If unhappy, love. If bored, give. Common sense is not always common practice and so we suffer.” Seems clear, yet the internal resistance and justification to steer clear of the obvious, is something we continue to give power. IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on the BATTLEFIELD OF CHANGE and how we as humans beings tend to postpone change in an effort to stay in the comfort of our own pain. On the battlefield of personal change, our ego must learn to humbly surrender. All too often what we want, and see clearly as possibility, quickly finds a seat as second fiddle to a path of least resistance. It's not surprising that we have the intellect and clarity to see what must be done, as we were each designed as creators with divine growth potential. With that design also comes opposition for choice. Remember that growth is always a choice. Until next week my friends, make it a great one, and remember to always...HONOR.THE.GIFT.

In Robin Sharma's book “The Leader Who Had No Title,” he shares an opening notion that “Getting lost along your path is a part of finding the path you're meant to be on. Sometimes we need to get off track before we can develop the clarity to be on track.” IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on OWNING OUR MESS and how we as humans beings tend to deflect the mess of change in an effort to stay in the comfort of our know pain. As human beings we will go to great lengths to avoid life's most precious and messy opportunities for growth. In fact, I believe, and would be willing to bet that most people tend to avoid tackling their own demons because they don't want to lose their suffering. Personal experience and folly has manifested this in my own life. So when life has you whirling in anger and frustration, with a quest to assign someone else the mess...make sure that the reflection staring back at you isn't a call to action. It's most likely on you to solve, and never was someone else's to hold for you.  Join me!

Seth Green said of himself: “All of my activities are so pedestrian. The extreme sport I play is ping pong. And we play it hard. If any of you suckers want to step up to the table, be ready.”  Well we did play a little ping pong. We tried to score the match. Brad definitely had the upper-hand, built from wisdom in the trenches. Ultimately this match goes to the noble gamesman.   IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE you'll meet Brad Bizjack, a fellow Certified High Performance Coach, and someone I am grateful to have formed a friendship with.  Brad is a Mindset Mentor and the Founder of Appreciation Academy. His mission is to help high-performers maximize their life and feel alive each day, so they can elevate their mindset, career, and relationships to the next level and beyond. He is a father, husband, and leader. As a coach to some of the worlds brightest entrepreneurs, and someone who lives his truth, he is impacting the world in a big way.  The focus of our conversation is APPRECIATION, more particularly, the nuances and benefit of an APPRECIATION Mindset.  If personal GROWTH continues to knock at your door, and you're ready to move beyond self awareness to self management but wonder how fostering an APPRECIATION mindset might help… Join us!

In his pamphlet series, The American Crisis, Thomas Paine declared that “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.” IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on CROWDSOURCING DRAMA and how we as humans being…well…human, seek external distraction in the face of great change.  Personal growth is the opposite of an external charade. Duality vs. individual ownership is the  choice. Know that crowdsourcing opinion or validating stance is a form of drama. It will not bring you peace, but rather short term installments in a journey far from your desired destination. I hope you receive great value from this episode. 

Two quotes; the first by Keith Cunningham which reads: “Growth is what you say “yes” to. Success is what you say “no” to,” and the second by Robin Sharma: “Every time you resist temptation and pursue optimization you invigorate in yourself heroism.”  What do they have in common? Personal ownership requires just that, so let's start with JUST ONE DAY.  IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on owning your day and some tips on how to truly give yourself to the beginning stages of excellence by committing yourself to JUST ONE DAY.  There is a great avoidance found in multi-tasking. Be willing to be with your stuff. Slow down. Let go of the self imposed or chosen distractions in your life. Clear the window and then face the storm, recognizing that personal excellence in any area of your life will require some trade offs. Often times it is our present habits that are robbing us from a life of significance and impact.   If you are ready to commit yourself to better results, take a listen to this episode! 

Everything hinges on mindset. Every single action we take starts right there. One of the most powerful tools in our lives is that squishy matter between our ears governed by the choices we make each day. We also have this uncanny ability to program and train our brains to adopt fabricated or designed realities as a way to help us adapt to change or combat insecurities. As an example of this: Ego developed during times of abundance, if not curbed, will be the same ego that will shield our growth during times of scarcity. IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on MOVEMENT, MINDSET, and MUSIC and how they play together. If your holding tight to old habits, past results and the need to be right...LET GO! This death grip is just that. You've stopped developing and your path forward will be riddled with roadblocks. Progress lies on the other side of this purgatory. Join me in the conversation!

“YOU CAN'T ESCAPE YOUR BRAIN, however, you do have the ability to choose what you will think. There's great freedom that comes from that understanding. Further more, I don't have to bring the past into my present and future.”  Every once in a while someone really good at their craft comes along in a way that is simply remarkable. For me, the key attribute of personal ownership and responsibility is more than evident in this week's guest.  IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE you'll meet Jody Moore, Founder and CEO of Jody Moore Coaching. Jody is a Master Certified Life Coach with a BA in Communications and an MA in Adult Education along with 15 years of experience as a Corporate Trainer and Leadership Coach. She's a mother of 4, and someone who lives her truth. Jody is the host of the Better Than Happy Podcast and the founder of the BE Bold Program.  The focus of our conversation is COACHING, more particularly, the nuances of GREAT COACHING.  GREAT COACHES practice one thing better than the rest. They exercise restraint of opinion and they hold sacred the space for a client's own discovery.  If personal GROWTH continues to knock at your door, and you're ready to move beyond self awareness to self management but wonder what COACHING is all about… Join us!

Throughout our lives, we will each be faced with moments of harsh clarity. Clarity of what is, a real awareness of what must change, and an emerging desire to align with the vision of what we know we can become. It's in these moments we are rocked to the core of our present existence. It's in these moments we are tested against our potential to become. It's in these moments of potential, that our future self begs us to commit. IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on being SELF AWARE and the choices that follow. On the path toward ongoing significance and impact, let me remind you of this simple yet resonate notion: Creativity at its pinnacle is contribution. Join me in the conversation!

In The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday shares this profound insight from Epictetus: “The beautiful and good person neither fights with anyone nor, as much as they are able, permits others to fight...this is the meaning of getting an education - learning what is your own affair and what is not. If a person carries themselves so, where is there any room for fighting?” - Epictetus, Discourses, 4.5.1; 7b-8a IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on LETTING GO so we can move forward. Growth requires that we let go of our ego and refrain from romanticizing the past. In an effort to create a brilliant future, be careful to not nourish resentment, for it is a weed that will take over your future garden.  Epictetus challenges us to let go of the petulant stranglehold we have on BE RIGHT, by pursuing and cultivating our own affairs. The go-forward will always require that we let go of what might be holding us back.  Join me in the conversation!

Tom Bilyeu stated that “Humans are designed to grow: Literally designed to do it. So, since you're human, if you're willing to focus and push yourself, you will grow. And that's awesome. And you're awesome simply by being human. You don't need to have made a single right choice in your life up to this point. You have the raw material, now it's just a matter of shaping it. Love yourself for that. Be aggressively stoked on yourself for that.”  IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on how each of us are DESIGNED FOR GROWTH. As a caution: don't let ego and insecurity get in the way of your own personal growth.  On this journey to become our best self, let us find grace. BECOMING is a constant effort to BE the humans we are divinely appointed to BECOME. While on this path you're certain to come across tremendous obstacles and tempting paths, away from the best version of you.  Join me in the conversation!

“Enlightenment could be defined as the absence of resistance to what is, the total intimacy with whatever is taking place without any desire to reject or replace it; so intimate that there is no room for a self to separate itself out from the whole.” - Rupert Spira   LIFE is not an individual sport. We were designed for relationship. The relationships we foster in this life through selfless engagement and service, will produce the highest growth factors possible.   IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE, I'll share with you some quick thoughts on the EXCHANGE found in relationship design.    Challenge for us all: Stop trying to control others and make the conscious choice to invite others to our party ONLY through our efforts and example of personal growth, and reverence for the journey.   If you're ready to own your impact on those around you, join me for this week's episode!

ARE YOU AWAKE? This foundational question, is very much the premise of Dave’s steady work in the field of leadership development and personal growth.    IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE you’ll meet Dave Graff, the Chief Operating Officer of Shipley Communication and Shipley Coaching. He’s a 20+ year veteran, having served the industry as a Senior Consultant for Franklin Covey, Executive Coach for Shipley, as well as a 27-year military career as an Officer in the United States Air Force. Dave is an innovator and profound educator, and someone I’m grateful to call a friend. Of all his accomplishments, including a life by design training for Ironman’s from his home in Hawaii, Dave’s most impactful work is in the home. This year marks his 39th year being married to his sweetheart, with 7 children and their 14th grandchild on the way, his personal mission is becoming the best husband, father and grandfather he can be.     The focus of our conversation is MATURITY, more particularly, the level of awareness we might have around the choices we make and the way we  engage of deflect our leadership and growth responsibilities. The insight you’ll gain through his experience in the field of personal growth and emotional intelligence will no doubt leave you more reflective and open to introspect.   If personal GROWTH continues to knock at your door, and you’re ready to move beyond self awareness to self management…   Join us!   As mentioned during the show, here’s a link to the INSIGHT STRENGTH SORTER:   https://insight.sawtoothsoftware.com/52virtues/login.html

Ed Mylett said that “Being an entrepreneur is the most tremendous personal development program in the history of the world, with a massive compensation package attached. It is also one of the greatest self-awareness and self-discovery processes you will ever go through.”   For those of you that have been there, or are there currently, you know this. You live it. Entrepreneurism is the grand experiment. For some, entrepreneurism is a life-long journey that will keep showing up until the root of growth and responsibility is discovered. You see, entrepreneurism is in its infinite sense, CREATION. Creation requires the abandonment of  excuse and finger pointing and requires that you take full ownership of the outcome.    You cannot skip the work!   IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I’ll share with you some quick thoughts on ENTREPRENEURISM, and how our times spent in the barrel of creation can afford us some of the richest lessons in our lives if we will face those moments with intention and resilience.    Join me!

For each of us, we will at some point in our lives, find ourselves entering THE WILDERNESS. It will be a place of vulnerability and high risk. It will be a place riddled with choice and accountability for solving the new. It will also be a place where the comfort and safety of what once was no longer exists.    IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I’ll share with you some of my thoughts on THE WILDERNESS, and how our times spent there can afford us some of the richest blessings in our lives if we will face those moments with faith and resilience.    Join me!

29,029 you say? Why not start at the top of the mountain? For Dave, the reality of life and the growth it affords in the challenges we each face is tangible. In his return to the figurative mountain, Dave bravely laced up shoes and kept climbing. 2020 would prove to be one of his toughest years yet, as he learned to navigate the open seas in a new and unfamiliar life that continues to demand his very best.    IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE you’ll meet Dave Hollis, a New York Times Best Selling Author, Coach on Growth Day, and host of a podcast called Rise Together. He served for a season as the President of Global Theatrical Distribution for The Walt Disney Company and speaks regularly on mindset and leadership. First and foremost, he’s the father of four children, an adoptive father, and four-time foster dad. He’s the captain of his own ship, and a beacon for others.    The focus of our conversation is GROWTH. The insight you’ll gain through his own personal stories and hands-on journey will leave you inspired and open to what might be possible as you lean into growth and leave the harbor of safety and habit.   If personal GROWTH continues to knock at your door, and you’re ready to explore deeper, that choice…   Join us!

In a world caught up in EGO’s declaration, I find myself looking within to ask myself, how am I part of the problem?    With so many moving parts for the human race right now, I believe it is far too easy to try and levy opinion and popular speak as a way to find collectability and cover from our own level of ownership of who we really are.    IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I’ll share with you a bit more context behind the details of this EGO RELEASE TECHNIQUE and how it might help you get out of your own way, and others, when it comes to showing up in contribution to the world around us.    Join in!

Am I willing? That’s the question we’ll explore on this week’s episode on the topic of owning each day. Grab a few minutes and take a listen. You’ll find two specific challenges for this coming week, that can have a massive impact on the results you desire in life, and that can help add some confidence along the way. OWN TODAY. Make a choice to protect and honor your time. Keep that commitment.   Let's do this!

In the challenge to create and not just consume, where might it provide new opportunity?   One way then that we might create and not just consume, is to teach someone something. Reflect back in your life on the lessons learned and even the lessons you might be learning right now in this season, and then share those lesson with someone. While we are proximally distanced, we are more connected than ever through technology, allowing us unique ways to connect and deliver our own lessons learned to the world around us.   IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, we’re talking about CREATION as an alternative to constant consumption, and the power it has to transform our lives.    Listen in for some NEW possibilities that might just help you unlock a NEW you! 

It began with a personal epiphany that David had about 30 years ago. David experienced three life changing events that seemed to invite a bitter and frightening existence. He also experienced a miracle along the way. Encouraged by Donna, and a helpful group of trusted friends and colleagues, David put his experience to paper and published his first book titled The Power of TED*.  At the time, David and Donna had no idea how much this little book would make such a big impact in the lives of so many—at home; at work; and in many of their most important relationships.   IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE you’ll meet David Emerald and Donna Zajonc, both of whom are dear friends that have provided a tremendous level of impact and influence in my life. David is a gifted author and educator. Donna is a master coach and skilled facilitator. Together, as co-creators, they are committed to making the world a better place, not just in their immediate circles, but for generations to come . Through their joint work, and a network of likeminded individuals, they are pledging their time and talents to help people see for themselves the possibilities found in EMPOWERMENT.   If the level of drama in your life is a bit out of control, and you find yourself seeking a new level of clarity and contribution, you’ll want to join us for a truly remarkable episode!   Join us!

One of my all time favorite quotes is from John H. Groberg, regarding the storms in our lives. he said this: “Sometimes the lord calms the storm, and sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child. we learn lessons from storms we cannot learn from calm seas."    IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, we’re talking about STORMS, and the power they have to transform our lives.     Storms vary in their season, definition and timeline. The “perfect” storm is one where it all aligns, all of the good, the bad and the ugly, where the beautiful gift of upheaval becomes the teacher for an incredibly humble student.    In Mark 4:40: Jesus said unto them, why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?   Where can you find peace, even in the storm? The eye of the storm. The eerie calm. Presence in spite of the storm with no way out but through the gnarly. The moment in which the storm is clearly articulated and the familiarities and necessity of change are upon us.    The calm will come, but for so many, right now it’s not. In order for the storm to be most effective, it must rage in and around us.    For more on STORMS, tune in!

Drew Dudley said to best during his TED talk on Everyday Leadership: “…there is no world. there's only six billion understandings of it, and if you change one person's understanding of it, one person's understanding of what they're capable of, one person's understanding of how much people care about them, one person's understanding of how powerful an agent for change they can be in this world, you've changed the whole thing.”  IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, we’re talking about the power of TODAY, and the significance of ONE. TODAY, you can make a difference in one person’s life. TODAY, you can have influence and impact. TODAY…connect with the one. Don’t gloss past the one by searching for many. At home. At work. In your community. There’s one person each day that can benefit from your kindness.  Remember that you, yourself, are one human being. We connect individually. One-on-one. We have such a tremendous opportunity in the pace and presence of engaging with each other at that level. My challenge for your this week is to reach out to the one.  Forget the numbers, and focus on the one.  Let's do this!

Dr. Benjamin Hardy said it best: “In an obsessive state, you begin to justify away what you truly want from life. Yet, in a moment of clarity,  of seeing life without your unhealthy passion,   you feel immense hope and joy again for the life you seek to create.”   When things start to feel pressured and tempest, I have found that a good timeout is something that can afford us an opportunity to get a bit more grounded and intentional. In this space I have also found that a well framed question is something that can help us see, feel, hear and explore new possibility and claimed space.    With that, let me give you five questions meant to help you explore where there is an opportunity for real CLARITY in your life.   What do you feel most certain and clear about in your life right now? What are the things you value the most in your life, and why? Do you feel clear about who you are, and why you exist?  Do you feel aligned in your efforts to become your highest and best self? What new level of impact and influence can you have on those you serve?   IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, we’re talking CLARITY.  CLARITY is a foundation of growth and significance. It is a tenet of a life by design, and one of intentionality.    Let's do this!

When emotion moves from an internal feeling to an external mode of manipulation or justification, paired with a rant, therein lies the obstacle. Emotion is either rich with connection, or ripe with expulsion. As it goes, let me draw attention to three terms and/or concepts that show up for us as complex organisms thriving and jiving in imperfection:  Counterfeit Emotional Language Rational-Emotive Approach Emotional Intelligence IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I talk about EMOTIONAL ENTITLEMENT. When it comes to our emotional state, our physiology, perceptions, and social experiences all come into play. In a self serving state, we become less effective when we express our emotions in generalities, without ownership and from a state of counterfeit.  In this new paradigm, might we challenge ourselves to consider that while we are fully entitled to our own emotions, we are never entitled to the emotions associated with dismissive behavior and criticisms of another, particularly when the behavior is one we’ve too been guilty of in our own times of imperfection. Let's do this!

When asked if he could only choose one pen to write his legacy, he chose gratitude as his go to instrument. When given a few more choices he coupled it with self-confidence, and grit, as staples in his tool belt, to create the biggest IMPACT and INFLUENCE in life.   IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE you’ll meet Ryan Harris, a dear friend, and someone who’s impacted my life for the better. The topic is IMPACT & INFLUENCE. This conversation is off the cuff and one you won’t want to miss.   Ryan is the Founder and Visionary of RizeX, an organization of regional entrepreneurs and business owners focussed on redefining market contribution. He’s also the Chief Innovation Officer and Co-Founder at Arcane Marketing, a full service agency. Ryan lives by the philosophy Zig Ziglar taught:  “You can have EVERYTHING you want in this life by helping enough other people get what they want.”    When your soul's work is to create a lasting legacy, everything just seems to line up for what must be done.  Join us!

Without getting too long winded, and deep into my thoughts on each of these three fundamental rules. When life is in session, we can each continue to find opportunity, and more openly growth, from these guideposts:   1. Be a contributor.  2. Live the change you believe is possible.  3. Be a light to those who are looking.     IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, it’s a speed round on CHANGE and CONTRIBUTION, and the notion that in order to change the world, we must first believe in the world, and then work to be the change we want to see in the world by living our beliefs.  At the end of the day, the very heartbeat of influence and contribution beats ONLY when you recognize the responsibility your own growth has on it, and act accordingly.   Dig deeper. Be courageous. Stop rehashing the old story and start writing a new script.  Let's do this!  

Is it time to take inventory and realign? Can you still see your north star? Is your mind strong enough to weather the insecurities and inadequacies found in comparison? Is it strong enough to manage pain and anger? Is it built to withstand unqualified criticism? Life is a mind game you are playing against yourself. With that knowledge should also come an understanding of the need for constant programming. It is my promise to you, and reminder to myself more than anyone, that personal MINDSET will make or break us. Period. IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, it’s a speed round on MINDSET, a refresher if you will, on the one thing that dictates our very existence. Let’s do it!

If you were asked to write your eulogy, what would it say, and more importantly what would your legacy be? Would you be proud of your impact on the world? IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE you’ll meet Justin Batt, a dear friend, and someone who’s impacted my life for the better. It’s rare that you’ll find someone so connected with their calling in life. He’s intentional about his role as a husband, father, and leader in his community. When it comes to living true, Justin walks the talk.Justin is the Founder of Daddy Saturday, and one of Nashville’s newest. As a successful writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, you’ll find him engaged in his greatest work along side his family, building a faith forward legacy.His calling: Eradicate Fatherlessness.  If you feel like you’ve been on the sidelines too long and are being called to get in the game, Justin invites you to go deep with him on the topics of Fatherhood, Driveway Devotionals, Keystone Habits, Living True, and the remarkable lessons he’s learned along the way.Join us for a truly remarkable episode!

I’ve heard it said before, “When you disrespect yourself, you go looking for disrespect in others.”What does a mature approach to growth look and feel like?IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE we’re talking MATURITY “in the journey.” On this journey to become our best self, let us find grace. BECOMING is a constant effort to BE the humans we are divinely appointed to BECOME. While on this path you’re certain to come across tremendous obstacles and tempting paths, away from the best version of you. Be patient, yet persistent with the things that seem hard, but will ultimately lead to a stronger you. BE a light for others who are no doubt on this journey as well. You see, the cool thing about this is that progress is a natural desire and one divinely placed in us to brighten the world of those we serve, including our own special project of BECOMING our best self. Let's do this!

If you were to ask your future or highest/best self to advise you in this season of your life, what would they tell you to do?IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, we talk about the empty seat at your personal advisory table, and a qualified candidate to fill that seat on the regular. When it comes to high performance, there exists two fundamental characters, called upon often, to help solve for key decisions and next steps during turbulent times. These two characters are one, your highest/best self, and two, your future self.When one or both of these characters are called in to help make decisions that count, they show up brilliantly, and without fail seem to always have the exact answer and insight into greater results and higher level performance. That empty seat at the table. Tap into it. It’s here that you’ll start to see more clearly the future that can be and when acted upon will be. Join me!

As with seasons of change, so too comes the realization that all cannot remain the same. New growth comes only after a marked move from what once was. As a natural course of progression, one must learn to let go of the past and lean into the future. It’s that letting go that at times can feel so destructive and unsafe.I believe that the universe only holds reserved space for us in one of two areas: decision or indecision, however it only rewards one with new providence. If a new paradigm exists as a choice, then how might adopting a paradigm that new growth will require the destruction of a misaligned past serve your future self?   IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, we explore the paradigm of creation and destruction as a necessary continuum.In order to make room for certainty, you must be willing to let go of uncertainty. If we want the bright horizon of tomorrow to be different than the familiar and dim glow of today, we must be willing to loosen the grip we have on our fixation of the past. We must be willing to lay down our old, comfortable self, in order to re-define and move towards our future best self.If you’re itching for a change but having trouble letting go of the habits creating your present existence, let’s dive into the reality of change as a chosen paradigm. Together, let’s do the work of being better.

Hello friends and welcome to another weekly episode. In this week’s episode I’m saying THANK YOU to 2020 and I’ll share 10 THINGS I LEARNED throughout the year. Here’s the list:Change Is GuaranteedGrace DefinedThe Greatest Opportunity for Leadership is in the Home Excuses Remain the SameIntentionality as a ChoiceThe Go-Forward OptionThe Necessity of Inner WorkAct on InspirationRoutines are a Tool to Protect Your TimeWhat’s OURS to Solve ForLet's do the work of being better. Remember that GROWTH is always a choice.Until next week my friends, make it a great one, and remember to always…HONOR.THE.GIFT. 

It’s no wonder that the words to the serenity prayer offer so much insight, eloquence, and wisdom to one suffering from the most tumultuous of internal demons found in self service and preservation. It’s an epistle, if you will, to help shape a fleeting effort to CONTROL life in a manner inconsistent with an opposite reality. When we seek to CONTROL, we give our power to a predictable habit of futility. We seek for gain. We seek to eliminate the pain of the present by casting it on another. We seek to manipulate the flow of progress to accommodate the lack thereof.  IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, we’re talking CONTROL as a contra-concept to OUT OF CONTROL. I say contra-concept, because sometimes what one would normally consider the cure, in reality might actually become the curse.  The only things in our CONTROL are the choices we make. That’s it. And thus the dichotomy of being OUT OF CONTROL, is the reality that we are in complete CONTROL based on the gift of choice.From Jay Shetty’s book Think Like a Monk: “You can only keep up the myth of your own importance for so long. If you don’t break your ego, life will break it for you.” Are you willing to break the glass ceiling you’ve created for yourself? Hide and seek is a game not intended for self sabotage.Remember that growth is always a choice. Let us find joy in the work of becoming better tomorrow than we were today. 

@yung_pueblo invites us to: “Pick the path that lights you up. The one that you know deep down is the right choice. Stop listening to doubt. Start connecting with courage. Do not let the idea of normal get in the way. It may not be the easy path, but you know great things take effort. Lean into your determination. Lean into your mission. Lean into the real you.”I believe most people would say that two roads exist: an easy road and a hard road. Those well traveled would likely say that both provide vistas, recognizing that one seems to always come up as the more provident choice looking back. IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, we’re hitting the ROADS, exploring attributes of both the hard and easy paths and their predictable vistas. The light will always shine brighter than the darkness. That spirt that burns inside of you is of divine appointment and built to love and serve.Each one of us have the ability to impact this world and help shape those around us through our influence for good. Lean into the growth life affords you, for it will set the foundation for progress in your life. Let us choose the path less traveled as we lean into becoming our best selves.  

As I reflect on my own personal contribution, it burns within me to rise to the challenge of more. More time. More respect. More patience. More hope. More service. More love. There are individuals who need us now. There are communities and nations that need us now. Not because we are better than they, but because we have hands that can hold and hearts that can give. IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, you’ll find a different message than you are used to. It’s from the heart and candid. The light will always shine brighter than the darkness. That spirt that burns inside of you is of divine appointment and built to love and serve.Let’s do the work of being better.

Today’s market place is being claimed by a unique breed of entrepreneur. Choice is a recognized gift, and one that’s being used to differentiate and produce marked results. It is not for the passive expectationist. It will require a resilience and commitment to the unordinary. In the session you’ll learn how career, when recognized as an integrated way of being, and not a separation from your normal life, is a foundation for living true. If you’re ready to take your results to the next level, your starting point is “YOU,” and an immersion in this episode.IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I’ll give you a few QUESTIONS for consideration, and a short list of keys to unlock your best self.It’s your time. Let’s do this!

Real leadership comes from within. It’s only when we make a deep commitment to personal growth, that we’ll begin to see and feel alignment with the world around us. Secondly, within each of us resides a spirit of aspiration and improvement. We strive for more. We yearn for better. Sometimes…we unleash the hounds, while other times we snaffle any action towards improvement. We take the easy road, and well…we just don’t. IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I share some of my thoughts around this question: WHAT ABOUT TODAY? It’s the premise and opportunity for us all as we lean into the next 60 days of the year to be “in momentum” as we begin another year on this planet.As you seize the opportunities before you with reverence and zeal, may you find wild success in the tomorrows initiated each day. May you find yourself IN momentum, with high energy, as opposed to thumbing it on the roadside when the new year arrives.It’s your time. Let’s do this!

We are living detached in an attached world. It’s confusing. It’s felt. It is damaging our existence as a species. It is impacting our contribution in the lives of those we love and serve and more importantly, we are un-substantiating our existence. Unfortunately, it’s beginning to be unconscious and habitual. We are losing our ability to focus on what matters most. IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I share some quick thoughts on one particular type of DOPAMINE HANGOVER, and one that is challenging society in a big way.The DOPAMINE HANGOVER I reference, is one of the mental fatigue and short circuiting caused by the constancy of short-term engagement in our lives. We check our devices as if they hold the nutrients essential to our existence. When we go without, the crave to re-engage is evasive at best leaving us lonely, agitated, anxious and a physical unrest without its influence. In the end, I guess what I’m saying is when we are together, you and me, I want just that. No distractions. Space to SAVOR all it has to offer. Will you join me?

Without a predetermined response and a plan of action for the choice that will come, we often times find it impossible to keep up or even catch that choice point until it has come and gone. It’s then we realize that we had a choice, knew better, but refused to stop mid-path to pause time and allow for an adjusted and more appropriate path forward.This requires practice. It requires an awareness of self when triggered. It requires a daily commitment to start chipping away at ego’s persona.IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I share with you my thoughts on change and the impact it can have in the world. In your world. Will you allow a pace and space for discovery and stillness, or will you avoid the change all together? We’ll not find perfection here, but we will certainly be given ample practice time in this big game we call LIFE. Let’s do it.

I remember seeing a t-shirt once that had the words: “THE CRITICAL SLIDE” printed on it.  Whether it meant what I took from it or not, it brought clearly to my own mind, the slippery slope of criticism and aimed skepticism.What I mean by that is simply this: Your own bad attitude will never solve for someone else’s incompetency. It’s an easy path for certain to react or to act out. In fact, often times it’s a reactionary coverup for the familiarities brought on by the procrastinated efforts of personal change. Your world will change today. Will you be there for it, and be active in the shift? IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I share with you my thoughts on change, and the impact it can have on the world. In your world.If you want to make a mark in your life and in the lives of those who count on you through your legacy, let this thought sink in: No one remembers easy! Off we go!

The dichotomy of courage exists where external influences (love and trust) might strengthen one’s ability to go into the danger, while at the same time the movement comes from an internal commitment to take risk in spite of the fear and repercussions of those external to us, even those we…(love and trust.) For most of us, these moments that challenge our courage and question our contribution and existence, we will run as fast as we can to avoid the pain of change.IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I share with you my thoughts on the choice to exercise more COURAGE in our lives and the outcomes available. That feeling of HOME is found and felt when we exercise the COURAGE to live true.Let’s do this!

On the topic of character, a life well-lived and one of resonance, will undoubtedly be fraught with the hard stuff. The unsightly cracks and holes in our character will be exposed, whether invited or not, and when you face those moments, how will you respond? Will your decided path find you on it?  For most of us, these moments that challenge our courage and question our contribution and existence, we will run as fast as we can to avoid the pain of change.IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I share with you my take on the opposite of intentionality, by introducing you to the notion of DECOY STRATEGIES. We’ll also discuss a couple of hacks that can help us in our outcomes and confidence level. Here we go!

This week we are closing shop to do a little inventory. Personal inventory that is, and the shop is social media. It’s that time of year. The seasons are changing. Some of you may be feeling the itch to create some change in your life. Many companies are looking to evaluate their condition as they head into the final quarter of the year. If you’ve got the itch and are feeling anxious for something different, it’s time to close down your own shop to take inventory.IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE, I deliver a challenge/invitation for you to take some intentional time away from the social distraction and to get really intentional about your own growth heading into the remainder of 2020. Listen to the episode. Take the challenge. Focus on where you want to go or who you want to become. Recognize you have a choice. Plan for the creation of new habits that can inform and manifest a daily commitment to a better you. I’m in. My time starts now. I am closed for inventory. See you in 7 days.