Live it Full

Relationships are hard. Make them legal and they can be harder.  They can make or break a business. Business partnerships are a lot like marriages, legally and emotionally. What can you do to be better prepared for them?Episode 101 of the Live it Full podcast discusses this! You don't want to miss it. www.liveitfull.com

100th episode of the podcast.I thought about making it a big dealThen I realized that doesn't match my message that every day life is all we have. 100 hours a year of being intentional can change your life.www.liveitfull.com

Tracy and I sat down and talked a little about faith, family, business, and fitness, especially mental fitness with Tracy Read. Tracy is as about as multifaceted of a guest as we have had on the show. She has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry including the last few on the clinical trial side. She is a domestic abuse survivor. She is a mother and grandmother, she has reinvented herself at an age when many are considering retiring, and she started a new chapter with her passion. What is that passion? Educating women on how to protect themselves. You can check out her website at https://www.mydamselpro.net/WARRIORUP/Something near and dear to Richard's heart being the father of three young ladies. We talk about our own mental health struggles and triumphs and how those peaks and valleys help mold our lives. You don't want to miss this episode. www.liveitfull.com

John 10:11-1311 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.As an employer, do you have hired hands? Do you treat them as they are?Your employees build your business, they have to be bought in. Can you build your dreams while building theirs? Absolutely. www.liveitfull.com

Start with why.As leaders and parents do we explain the why often enough?Do you want to be good or great? The why is huge. www.liveitfull.com

Are you free?info@liveitfull.comwww.liveitfull.com

Richard sits down with experienced real estate investor Quentin West.They talk a little about real estate specifically rental arbitrage. About Quentin:Quentin West is a Real Estate Investor, Short Term Rental Coach, and Serial Entrepreneur. He started his career as a full time real estate agent, taking a gamble on himself and quitting his job without any previous experience selling real estate. He excelled in this career and surpassed $100,000 his very first year, subsequently dumping all of his profits into real estate investing with a future plan of becoming a full time investor.Quentin dedicated his time and attention to learning about Investing and soon turned his rentals into Airbnb properties because of the promise of larger profits. With this change came 3x his usual profits. Quentin took this opportunity and ran with it. Since that time 3 years ago from the time of this writing, he has turned those first couple units into a Multi-Million Dollar Airbnb empire surpassing $130k months and coaching others to do the same.To Quentin, his career isn't all about money. He has a deep desire to reach his potential in all areas of his life including making a difference in the world and people around him. He has a large following on social media where he shares his experiences, business ventures, and real estate knowledge.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and all that jazz. Find it all at www.liveitfull.com

Richard talks about a familiar story from Luke today on the Live it Full Podcast.It centers around the sister Mary and Martha. One was too busy to live in the moment, the other sat at Jesus' feet.www.liveitfull.com

Intentional living is the practice of making deliberate and conscious choices in order to live a life that is meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with your values. It means creating a life for yourself that reflects who you truly are and what matters most to you. Intentional living helps you create space for peace, joy, connection, creativity and living your life's purpose. Intentional living is all about planning and creating a life you love by intentionally taking action towards the goals and visions that are important to you. Intentional living also means being mindful of how we spend our time, energy, and resources - understanding that every choice matters and has an impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. Intentional living is about creating a life that is both deeply fulfilling and sustainable, so that you can live with purpose and joy for many years to come. By focusing on what matters most and taking intentional steps towards your goals, you can create a life that reflects who you truly are and brings you happiness. Intentional living is the key to creating a life you love. So take the time to plan, be mindful of your choices, and make intentional decisions that will bring you closer to achieving the life you desire. Intentional living can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment.   Intentional living is about connecting with yourself and your values, understanding what matters most to you, and taking action to create a life that reflects your true self. Intentional living helps you create balance in your life so that you can live with purpose and joy. When we become intentional about our lives, it allows us to focus on what brings us meaning, to make better use of our time and resources, and to live in a way that honors who we are. Intentional living helps us create the life we want - one filled with joy, connection, passion, and purpose. Intentional living is not just about planning and goal-setting; it's also about being mindful of how our choices affect our lives and those around us. Intentional living is the practice of taking conscious steps towards creating a life you love. So start today - take the time to plan, be mindful of your choices, and make intentional decisions that will bring you closer to achieving the life you desire. Intentional living can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment - so let's get started!Here is the link to the planner I discussed in the podcast.https://amzn.to/3QOIdLi

Are you running on empty? Same crap different day, so to say?Like Groundhog Day but without the comdedic relief of Bill Murray? Lord knows I felt that way. Burned out and pissed off. I had everything I ever dreamed of, the house, cars, amazing wife, 2.5 kids, dog, and white picket fence. You know, thr American Dream. But...That dream was a nightmare most days. My priorities were so out of whack that my cup was empty. Honestly it wasn't just empty, you can refill an empty cup, it had a hole in the bottom. I tried to refill it but nothing made me while. I poured my business life in there...When that didn't work, I filled it with alcohol.That didn't work. I tried to do the right thing and focus on my family.That was better but still, my cup did not proverbially runneth over. I have gone to church my entire life. I'm a good person. I take care of my family, my friends, customers and all of it. I give to charities and help those who need it. Why wasn't my cup full? Why?!?!?I finally screamed that out to God one day sitting in my truck at the cemetery where my father is laid to rest. God answered. Not in a burning bush, or a thundering voice way but in a go read your Bible Rich, and I'll show you why my son.  Often in life I have attempted to handle everything on my own and carry a broad load on my shoulders. To do it on my own, it was weak to seek help, from man or God. I learned that year though, my cup was empty because my faith was put first. I'm not saying it wasn't an important part of my life but I am saying it was in the fourth of fifth spot on my priority list. I made a conscious effort to put my faith first, above all other things, and even though I struggled and still do at times, I realized my cup felt full. God plugs the hole at the bottom of the cup. If your faith is not first, you will always feel empty, you will try to fill your cup with other things and none will suffice. Nothing can fill our life's, our souls, the void in our chest except our creator. Seek Him first and everything else will fall in line. When life starts spinning a bit out of control, it is usually because I've stepped away from my priorities and let them get out of balance. Faith-Family-Finance-Fitness-FreedomI use the F5 method in my life. I ultimately believe taking care of the first four leads to a life of freedom. If you find yourself empty and unable to fill your cup, go to Him. He will be more than you can ever need. “Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.””‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬#liveitfull-Rich

In criminology, the broken windows theory states that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes. The theory suggests that policing methods that target minor crimes such as vandalism, loitering, public drinking, jaywalking, and fare evasion help to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness.Taking a step away from physically broken windows in a building. Can we look at our lives, our faith, family, finances, and fitness and find broken windows? Will fixing those small things lead to bigger things? The psychology behind the theory is the same. Fix the small things.Join Richard as he discusses his thoughts on the Broken Windows Theory on the podcast.www.liveitfull.com

As Christians are we supposed to be pacifists and turn the other cheek?Was Jesus being literal when He said this in Matthew 5:38?  Retaliation38 “You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.Richard shares his thoughts on this and more on episode 88 of the podcast.www.liveitfull.com

Is it true?Probably. In some regards. Care about your faith, family, finances, and fitness and you'll be fine. Merry Christmas and God Bless.www.liveitfull.com

Do it now. Don't wait for January 1. 

Zach Sasser-What have been the #1 best choices in faith, family, and finances that you've made over your lifetime?Drewbie Wilson Favorite family meal to make?Lewis- What is your best advice for balancing multiple businesses at once?Treyvon-  What was the biggest obstacle you had to get over within yourself in order to step out and start your businessSimple Blessings Farm - Event Barn and ProduceInterested in your thoughts on the “(Dis)respect for marriage act” and your thoughts on how a Christian business navigates this if it passes. I'm a firm believer that your business should reflect who you. Are and what you stand for. After all, aren't our businesses a gift from God? Aren't we to honor Him with everything we do? The world is trying to take away our religious liberties. Equality is not silencing or making some bow down to make others happy if it makes us go along with things we don't believe in and question our integrity. We can love people while not agreeing and partaking in things that go against the Word. So, when the government threatens our business to have to take part in things we don't believe is how Gods will Do you shift gears with yo ur business when you're asked to “conform to the ways of the world” , shut the doors, or stand firm and risk the persecution and lawsuits. Our children and future generations are watching.www.liveitfull.com

I have been wronged, but I have not been a victim. I have been broke, but I have not been poor. I have been unhappy, but I have not been bitter. I have known loss, but I have not been defeated. I have bent, but I have not been broken. In life, we have total control over just two things, our attitude, and effort. Our circumstances are often out of our control but how we respond to them is totally on us. We all face trials and tribulations, do not let those define who you are. You may have been wronged but you can choose to not be a victim. You may be broke but you can choose to not be poor. You can be unhappy and choose not to be bitter. You can lose and choose to not be defeated. You can bend and choose not to break. We may not get to choose what happens to us but we can choose how we respond. You have some choices to make, control what you can control.www.liveitfull.com

I've been told I am difficult to work for. I've been told I am the best boss they've ever had.I've heard both multiple times. They are both right. I expect excellence, some people want average.The mistakes I have made aren't in my coaching or mentoring employees, it is hiring the wrong fit from day one. www.liveitfull.com

I want our kids to start at a point I worked my entire life to get to, for their floor to have been my ceiling but...I have to be careful to let them fail and learn on their own. It's a careful balance. www.liveitfull.com

The enemy didn't tempt Adam and Eve to Murder, steal, or tell a lie. He tempted them to question the Word of God.His tactics haven't changed. 

Fire can be one of the most destructive forces on the planet. Yet it is also regenerative.Richard discusses his thoughts on fire. Like a phoenix, we will rise from our greatest adversities. www.liveitfull.com

God literally tells us what to do in times of trouble.Be still.It's hard to do in today's world, it's loud, there are lights everywhere, phones chiming and buzzing. It is hard to be still. It is not in my nature. It has to be intentional. Be still and know I am God. He's there for us, we just have to slow down enough to hear Him.www.liveitfull.com

So today I talk about being there for your friends, the difference between knowing and believing, the love of money, and being lazy and unorganized. Too many thoughts were rattling around in my head this week so I shared them all!I've had a lot of life happen this week and felt like sharing. www.liveitfull.com

I remember talking to a colleague about ten years ago after we bought our first couple of rental properties. He was super condescending and basically said "that's cute, everyone is buying rentals these days."I don't think that he meant to be, he may have been well-intentioned. He acted like it was trendy and a fad. Maybe it was, hell maybe it is but the jokes on you buddy.  We got addicted to it, went all in like it was a box of Oreo's and a gallon of milk. No self control whatsoever .Some people may have jumped in and quit but we've stayed for the long haul . I don't know what made me think of this conversation today but I wanted to share with my Facebook family. Do not let someone belittle your plan, dreams, and goals. Unfortunately it will usually be people close to you and not strangers. Be careful not belittle others plan even if you are well intentioned.Surround yourself with people who have vision and understand how to execute it, those who don't say things like "that's crazy" or "that won't work." Be around the misfits and rebels, the crazy ones who also think they can change the world. They are your people. www.liveitfull.com

“It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.”  Lou Holtz

Are you the calm or the storm?What about your spouse or business partner?Understanding how you react and deal with stress is the first step in taking control of it. If you never take the first step off the boat, you'll never know if you can walk on the water.www.liveitfull.com

The first rule about fight club is you don't talk about fight club."You go to a job you hate, to buy things you don't need, to impress people you don't even like."- Tyler Durden www.liveitfull.com

Richard takes follower questions from their Facebook group, Live it Full-The Community. www.liveitfull.com

Do you want to read more but don't always have the time?Do you want to learn and develop but are on a tight schedule?I read, a lot, but I know it's not as much as I would like to. So I went looking for something to help me since my schedule is insane most of the time. I found blinkist. It doesn't replace books and audiobooks but it does give me a 15-minute "blink" on just about any book you want to.  It's pretty amazing to get the high-level details of a book in less time than it takes to walk around the block. Here is our affiliate link, I encourage you to do the free trial.  We do receive small commissions from our affiliate partners. I haven't met anyone yet that didn't subscribe after that. blinkist.o6eiov.net/e4ZWB6

I broke a rule I try always live by last week. I didn't upload a podcast because I did not think it was good enough. Done is better than perfect. Listen today as I discuss that and the original topic of ADHD.www.liveitfull.com

Do you want your business to not only survive but thrive in the next 18 months? The world is changing fast, you better adapt and overcome. Had a sub-contractor tell me they failed to get something done because the way they've always done it isn't working. Yet, they are still doing it the way they've always done it. Let that sink in. They know it is broken. They see it in hindsight yet have not changed. Even acknowledged it. Absolutely blows my mind. The most dangerous words in your business right now are "we've always done it that way."Keep doing things the way you've always done them and you won't have much to do very soon. I promise you that. liveitfull.com

Richard sits down and throws out some random thoughts post fathers day in ep 66 of the live it full podcast.

Monday was National Weed Your Garden Day. I was thinking about an analogy a mentor of mine shared with me a decade ago as I started in the business.  I share it and my thoughts about our mental gardens and how to handle the weeds. www.liveitfull.com

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen is a book that changed the trajectory of my life. https://amzn.to/37ZhBFi (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)www.liveitfull.com

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.Hebrews 12:11-12

Why do we let doubt stop us from pursuing our dreams?This is a reference to “Doubting Thomas”, the disciple who famously refused to believe that Jesus had been resurrected until he had seen him with his own eyes. The story of Doubting Thomas is used as a parable about faith, and how true faith should not be predicated on a need for tangible evidence.I am the Man, Thomas, I am the ManLook at these nail scars here in my handsThey drove me up the hill, Thomas, I am the ManThey made me carry the cross, Thomas, I am the ManI am the Man, Thomas, I am the ManLook at these nail scars here in my handsThey crown my head with thorns, Thomas, I am the ManThey nailed me to the cross, Thomas, I am the ManThey pierced me in the side, Thomas, I am the ManI died on the cross, Thomas, I am the ManThey buried me in the tomb, Thomas, I am the ManIn three days I rose, Thomas, I am the Man

Kaitlin and I reviewed these 21 Rules of Money last year on Episode 18. Richard decided to make a 2022 edition and address some of our current financial concerns and plans for the future following these rules.The 21 Rules of Money 1: 70/20/10 - Live on 70% of your income, invest 20% and give away 10%. 2: If you can't buy something with cash, don't buy it with credit (other than car or real estate). 3: Have six months of living expenses in cash but no more than that. 4: Don't waste money.5: Don't spend money based on emotion. 6: When investing your money, do your due diligence, then do it again. 7: Think four generations in the future before you spend or invest your money. Will it benefit my children's children? 8: Never carry a credit card balance unless it's at 0%. 9: Never have all your money in one account. (Read Profit First if you haven't) 10: Never have all your money in one investment (unless it's your first deal).11: Never spend more than you can truly afford. You have to know what you can afford. 12: Don't spend money solely to impress others, the Joneses are broke, you just don't know it. 13: Make sure the reward always outweighs the risk. 14: Treat your money as if you worked hard for it, even if you didn't. 15: Never work for the same dollar twice.16: Manage and adapt your budget monthly.17: Know your numbers (this is most people's biggest issue) 18: If it sounds too good to be true it is, trust me. 19: Inform yourself of how taxes work and pay accordingly, get a good CPA. 20: Never rely on just one source of income, the average millionaire has seven. 21: Spend your time earning money until you can spend your money earning time.

When you learn to sit at the table with your Judas, you'll understand the love of Christ. Be able to discern your Judas from your Peter. Peter had a bad day, Judas had a bad heart. Peter, you restore. Judas, you release. You have got to know who to restore and who to release. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson said; “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.” Do you struggle with consistency? You always will, until you learn how to create habits that serve you.You must be intentional until the habits that serve you are second nature, they are your character. To quote Uhtred; "Destiny is all."www.liveitfull.com

What are your business core values? What about your personal ones?Are they different?Are they intertwined?As Christians, we are called to have core values of Faith, Hope, and Love.I'm going to reconsider my core values that aren't different from my personal thoughts to my businesses.As always my core values for Live it Full are to live each of these to the best of my abilities in faith, family, finance, and fitness.liveitfull.com

I hear people say that kids have changed. I was thinking about it tonight. Is that true? We are experiencing a shortage of qualified teachers. I can't blame them. I couldn't do it. Why though? Must be because kids have changed. We are seeing a lower number of kids playing youth sports. Why? Must be because kids have changed. They are just getting lazier, right?We are seeing lower test scores across the board. Why? Must be because kids have changed.I could keep going but you get my point. Have kids changed? Probably. Maybe not even probably, they have. The real question isn't have they changed but why? Why in one generation have we seen such alarming trends?Kids will rise up to the expectations they are given at home. Bottom line. Yes kids have changed, but only because their parents allowed it. They allow the disrespect. They allow laziness. They allow mediocre results. They allow half assed efforts and say it's good enough. They allow YouTube to kill the time that sports and sitting down for dinner as a family once filled. They allow mindless videos be watched instead of books being read. I thought about this tonight as I watched a group of girls bust their tails at basketball practice. Half of whom came straight from softball practice. They all had to have been exhausted because nearly everyone of them jump roped in Lubbock last night. Yet they were there putting in the work. Hustling until the last minute. They all make good grades. They are respectful and kind to their peers and teachers. They all lift each other up. Why? Would they do it on their own? Maybe. I think most would at some level. Not the level they do though. I think the difference is that it is the expectation from their parents. It starts at home. Bottom line.If we want to see change in our schools, our communities, and our nation, it starts at home. We can't blame teachers. We can't blame coaches. We can only blame ourselves when our children do not thrive. They will rise to the expectations you set. We are their examples. I saw some tired moms and dads tonight set an example for their kids. They were spent but showed up anyways. Kids have changed but only because parents have let them. I may be biased but I think it's a pretty special group of girls. I've been blessed to coach all of them in multiple sports the last 5-6 years.www.liveitfull.com

2-18-22 Richard sat down and was a guest on the top rated podcast "Chronicles of a Modern Beast" hosted by his good friend Pedro Meneses. From Pedro's Podcast;"From rock bottom and $500 to my name, I moved to the US, left everything behind seeking answers to turning my life around, becoming an entrepreneur, and thriving in business. This show will take you from good to great, from fearful to fierce, from average to the most elite version of yourself, by helping you develop mental toughness and teach you how to win! I interview world-class entrepreneurs who will share their stories to help you get a clear vision, operate at the highest level, and build an empire. I'm Pedro Meneses. This is my journey towards greatness, and I want to take you with me!"LIsten to Pedro and Richard talk bout how to Live it FullFor more information you can find Pedro's podcast here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chronicles-of-a-modern-beast/id1506279899As always you can find more information on Richard and Kaitlin on their website. www. Liveitfull.com

“The greatest fear in the world is the opinion of others, and the moment you are unafraid of the crowd, you are no longer a sheep, you become a lion. A great roar arises in your heart, the roar of freedom.” - Osho When I was younger I thought others had to lose for me to win. I had a weird dichotomy, I believed in abundance but that it was in scarce supply. I've learned that what I thought was a abundant mindset actually was quagmired in scarcity. It seems silly now but I believed there wasn't enough for us all and I was going to get mine. I've learned there is more than enough for everyone that seeks more. You don't have to lose for me to win and vice versa. Even if we have the exact same business, we aren't competitors, there is plenty for us all. The problem with worrying about your competitors failure is you becomes so focused on that you miss success in your life. I don't want you to lose, I want us both to win. I'm not in competition with anyone, but myself. I'm my only competition. My ego, my selfishness, my pride, those are the things I'm competing against. I saw such a fundamental shift in my life when I wanted others to win as much as myself. I cheer for my circle, I clap the loudest for them. If your circle doesn't clap the loudest for you, it's time to find a new circle.

I want to win, but not at any cost. I will win, but not at any cost. I want to build an empire, but not at any cost.I will build an empire, but not at any cost. Not anymore, at least.As a young man, I would have sacrificed any and everything. The end always justified the means. I read “The Prince” and thought Machiavelli was writing literally but with wisdom, I've learned, maybe it was satire.My health.My relationships.My faith. All that mattered was winning. I could put anything aside to achieve my goals. I believed it was an admirable trait, I looked down on others not willing to sacrifice the same. The truth is, I really didn't have anything that mattered in my life. It's easy to convince yourself it is a sacrifice but is it really when you don't have anything to lose? Nope. It only gains meaning, it is only a sacrifice when you truly have something to lose. Today I was honored to baptize my eldest, in the same baptismal I was baptized in as a child. In the last decade since she was born, Kaitlin and I have built so much.  We have grown so much. We now have so much to lose. This drives me more than when I had nothing to lose. It scares most people, it stops them from taking risks. For now, the sacrifices mean something. They are real, they hurt a little more. I will win but not at the cost of my faith, my family, or my health. I will build an empire, with my family by my side and honor our Lord at the same time. You can have everything you want in life. You can have financial success, a faith life, and a family by your side.  The secret is, it's harder than you can ever imagine. It's harder than the sacrifices I made when I had nothing to lose. It takes planning, being intentional, and working harder than you ever thought possible.You have to work as hard at being a good father, husband, and son as you do in business. You have to strive to be the best disciple you can be. You have to prioritize your life.None have to suffer for the other if you decide you are willing to make it happen.You have to become the most elite version of yourself though. I will win. I will build an empire. I just will not have to sacrifice the most important things to me, I will do it with and for them. I will Live it Full.www.liveitfull.com