Mental Mastery

When it comes to achieving our goals, we all go through tough times. Times when it feels like we can't pick ourselves up and keep going. But if you want to achieve your goals, you have to find the motivation to drive you forward. In this video, I'm going to share with you how I picked myself up and kept going no matter what. So that you can do the same!

Making changes is a natural part of life, but it's not always easy. In this video, I offer three tips for adapting to life's changes and expanding your comfort zone. Change can be scary, but it's also the key to growth and happiness!

Why do we endure? Why do we keep pushing forward when it seems all is lost or the situation is ending?   1.Enduring is something that humans are built to do. We can endure because we have the ability to think and reason. This allows us to put things into perspective and devise ways to cope with difficult situations.   2.Enduring is good for us because it helps us build character. It teaches patience, resilience, and how to cope with difficult situations. These are all important life skills that help us succeed in life.   3.Enduring also helps us develop strength of mind and spirit. It helps us become stronger emotionally and mentally. This makes us better able to handle stressful situations and setbacks in life.   4.Enduring can also make us more humble. When we go through difficult times, it can help us realize that we are not invincible and are not the center of the universe. This can help us become more compassionate and understanding toward others going through tough times.   5.Enduring can also make us more grateful for the good things in life. It can help us appreciate the little things we sometimes take for granted. When we experience hardships, it makes us appreciate the good times even more.   6.Enduring can also make us stronger emotionally and spiritually. It can help us develop a deeper sense of faith and hope in adversity. This can help us through difficult times and give us the strength to keep going when all seems lost.   7.In conclusion, enduring is good for us because it builds character, strengthens our minds and spirit, and teaches important life skills. It can also make us more humble, grateful, and resilient individuals

The tough times in life can seem so daunting that it's hard to imagine getting through them. When it feels like everything is against you and there is no end in sight, it can be hard to keep going. But the truth is, if you want to make it through, you must prepare for it.    There are a few key things that you can do to help yourself endure the tough times: develop mental strategies, physical preparation, supporting characters, and goal setting.   Mental strategies are important because they give you the tools to stay positive and focused during difficult times. One of the most important mental strategies is having a mantra. A mantra is a phrase or sentence that you repeat to yourself to help keep you grounded and focused. It can be anything from a simple affirmation such as "I am strong" to a more complex verse that speaks to your situation.    Clarity with one's purpose is another important mental strategy. It can be difficult to hold on if you don't know why you're going through something. Having a clear purpose gives you something to focus on and something to aim for.    Acceptance of the situation is also key. You cannot change what has happened, but you can choose how you react. Accepting the situation allows you to focus on what is happening now and not what might happen in the future.    Physical preparation is important because it gives you the tools to act instead of reacting. When things get tough, your instinct may be to run or fight, but if you're not prepared physically, those reactions may not be an option. Training and skills development allows you to become better equipped for whatever comes your way. Being physically fit allows you to withstand more physical stress and fatigue, which can be crucial in survival situations.    Breath control is also an important aspect of physical preparation. When things get tough, we often panic and breathe quickly and shallowly. Understanding breath control allows you to regulate your breathing even in stressful situations, which will help keep you calm and focused.    Supporting characters are an important part of enduring tough times. They provide emotional support and help keep your morale high when things are tough. They can also offer practical assistance when needed. Building a team of supportive people around you will help make enduring easier.    Finally, proper goal setting is essential for enduring tough times successfully. Having goals gives you something to focus on and something to aim for. Make sure your goals are realistic and achievable so that they act as motivation rather than discouragement during difficult times  

Enduring the stress and struggles of life can harden us to adversity but also allow us to feel alive! How do you endure? Let's discuss this in this 3 part series! 1. Suffering patiently is a common human trait. It's what helps us get through difficult times and keep going. 2. There are many reasons why we endure as a species. Some of them include the need to find food or shelter or to protect our families. 3. It takes a lot of strength and courage to endure. People who endure often have a strong will and are determined to reach their goals. 4. There are many examples of people who have endured difficult times. Some of these people are famous, while others are not well-known.

Investments are the future of your success. Investing can open doors for you that you didn't know existed. Let me show you this foolproof Investment Equation: Abundance Awareness = Gratitude Gratitude = Appreciation and the Return of Kindness Return of kindness = Better world   All of that is FREE to invest. It only takes time and awareness of what you have to allow you to singlehandedly change your day, the day of another person, and, ultimately, the world.

Knowing your reason why for doing anything can make or break your success in it. There is a billion-dollar industry built around helping people find their why. It is a true problem and one that you may have faced before!

Stress and anxiety are all around us and we have many opportunities in a day to allow them into our brains and our lives. I have a few strategies for reinforcing the mind and combating the potential for stress and anxiety to be allowed to roam rent-free!

Forward ambulation or movement has been researched and scientifically shown to suppress the amygdala and its response to fear.  Moving towards a few will suppress the thing that's telling you to be afraid. This is crucial in accomplishing goals and overcoming fear!

There is NO WAY you would allow someone to speak to your spouse, your kids or your parents the way you speak to yourself. Yet you allow it. Why?

Seriously, have you ever found yourself asking that? Join me as we explore how we get there and how to get out! Follow what I am doing: FB - https://www.facebook.com/mentalmasteryMM/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mentalmasterymm/ Website - https://getmymindright.com/ Subscribe on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwmbocXA8K_2jXjqXxgvxLQ Meet Jeremy: Three-time Ironman finisher, 253 miles in 24-hour bike race, Bandera 100K running race – 16 Hours (Qualified for Western States Ultra), 1-day Mount Whitney summit, 200-mile bike ride, blah, blah, blah… Husband, Father, Coach, Friend – These are the important things. I realized I had a passion for sharing the knowledge I learned and enjoyed celebrating the success of others. Helping fellow athletes achieve their goals is my passion and greatest reward, even over my own successes. My philosophy is founded on the power of the mind and I believe that training the mind, as well as the body, is vital to success. Knowing that the power of the mind is often not addressed, I've assembled an amazing team of professionals to help you reach your full potential. #motivation #inspiration #personalgrowth

Consistency is the key. We have all heard that before. What does it really mean?

Durability is something that we all seek in one way or another. I talked about durability in the “Just Show Up” Coffee Chat when I spoke about Cal Ripken Jr and his accomplishment. No way that was possible without him being durable, mentally and physically.    What is durability, actually? It is the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.  - Strong - Dependable - Reliable - Resilient   You are uniquely durable. Always have been. Durability is innate for some and earned by all, over time and due to “exposure”   In my mind, being durable is having the ability to last. Think of one thing that is durable, to you. To me: Trees   To take that one thing a step further. They develop strategies through adaptations to make them more durable.    Some trees have “learned” to shed their lower branches to prevent forest fires from consuming them. Some trees have learned how to take their roots in any direction to access water. A willow tree will completely go through an old water/sewage line when looking for water.    They use the wind to make them stronger by developing “reaction wood” which is a wood within the tree that has the ability to support the tree, make it grow in weird angles to access the best light. Without this type of wood in it, it would fall. There are many things that are durable but my question now is what makes YOU durable? You have been through a lot in life. Even if life is “good” or has been going well We all endure some form of “wind” or “drought” in our lives.    Understanding what makes you durable is a key to growth and success in the future. So, what makes you durable, both physically and mentally? What strategies can you implement to help you become more durable/wind resistant?   There is something to be said for understanding how you are uniquely durable and to see where the room for strengthening is. 

How do you respond to the pressure and stress in the life and world around you?

Are you getting comfortable with where life has moved to or are you still pressing the limits and exploring more?

Expectations are all around us. What are yours of yourself and others? 

When things didn't go your way, how did you react? How did it change you?

It is a concept that has been used for years to teach a reconstructive lesson but can it be used in other ways? Listen in!

If you are looking for bad, you will find it. If you are looking for good, you will find it. Do you have a glass that is half-full or half-empty?  I am starting to see a glass that is 2 times bigger than it needs to be. I see a glass that you don't appreciate so you are always lacking something. Always. What if the glass is just enough? What if the glass is what you deserve. What you have earned. Is your glass full of goodness and thanks or is it full of want and lust? Perspective is about the lens we view the world through. One of my favorite things is when we see someone successful we think of them as great, or rich, or successful. What we don't see are the things that got them there. The setback, the falls, the misses.  When leveraging the power of perspective, those visuals can be empowering if you understand how to use them for you. To some, the struggle is what drives you and to others, the wins are what pull them along.

What is mentoring? By definition it means  noun an experienced and trusted adviser. And  verb advise or train (someone, especially a younger colleague).   Mentoring definition is easily understood but it is so much more than that. Mentoring is something that has been done for years. The first hunter and gatherers passed down the lessons learned.  Our job is to continue to share that information with those coming up to help them grow and develop.  Mentoring s something we all can do that doesn't cost us anything but can change the world!

Resilience. Earned through time and experience. How does your tribe, your goals, your appreciation, and your health impact your ability to be more resilient? Let's discover!

Effort and intentions. They are the 2 things you need to succeed in any situation you find yourself in. Regardless of your feedback metrics, these 2 things ensure that you are progressing towards the desired end state.  An effort has nothing to do with talent. Effort is between you and you. No one else can give you that.  Effort doesn't quit. Effort doesn't seek a finish. Effort is relentless, in the dark, on its own. Effort doesn't seek the approval of others. Effort can't be given or taken away by others.   Effort is what gets shit done. Intentions are necessary to provide your own fuel for the effort. Intentions are the goal that creates the plan that requires the effort to accomplish.  Intentions are what guide you and pull you near but without effort, intentions are just ideas and theories.  You need to understand how to apply the proper effort in order to maximize your exposure to the elements that reveal the strength you have inside.  “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is a little extra”

When you step back and evaluate, which are you? We are one or the other, or both. Sometimes we are an anchor for ourselves but a sail for others. I have been there before. I have also been the sail for myself but an anchor for others.  So what does it mean to be a sail, not an anchor? Anchors keep us in place, in one place. Sails help us move from one place to another. Sails respond to the wind. Sails are an image of freedom, of adventure, not standing still, going over the horizon into the unknown.  Sails are powered by the wind, which we have no control over. They carry us to places we may never have visited or stopped without the wind. The wind, in this situation, is others. We have many opportunities to do many things in life but if we don't have a little “wind power”, we often can't make it there on our own. Sails carry us into the vast expanse of the seas, where the storms rage and the waves are big. That is where we earn our sea legs. Just like anchors, there is another side to sails as well. Some “winds” can move your sails without knowing or caring if you are ready. They don't take the time to understand if you are ready for that push and are only seeing the pushing off the boat, not the personal growth.  “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”   H. Jackson Brown, Jr.   Anchors are great for keeping boats and ships safe. In a protected harbor, out of the elements. Safe. Anchors are not necessarily negative or bad people. They are just complacent and hold you back from your potential. They prevent you from making change and feel finding potential growth that is deep inside you. They view mistakes as fatal flaws and thus make you afraid of what you might become if you did something different.  Conversely, anchors can be good things in your life. They can ground you because you aren't ready to be pushed forward. They care about you enough to hold you in place so you can prepare yourself to be pushed forward. So, how do you know which you are at this moment? Do you hold others down or do you push them to reach their potential?   Do you take time to whether the person you're helping needs to be pushed or grounded?   If you're the wrong kind of anchor or sail, it's really easy to change. All you have to do is realize that every person wants to improve, and if you will embrace that fact, you'll instantly figure how you can be the right kind of anchor or sail that will help them harness their winds of change to move them to the place that they want to be in the manner that they need to get there.   You are the captain of your own ship. 

What does it mean to “Take the Hill” In military terms, it is the declaration of a tactical maneuver that will include a violent assault upwards (physically) in an attempt to take the high ground. The higher ground is the tactical advantage. It could be on top of a building, a hill, a canyon rim, or a watchtower. Tactically, this is a superior advantage over being “downhill” To take it a step further, taking the hill is a commitment to achievement, at any cost. The mission is to attain the higher ground so strategically, it is planned for. With every aggressive action in life, there are consequences. Some severe and some not but it is understood at the beginning.  How can you apply that to life? Like the “burn the Boats” discussion, we must find something that is so tactically important to our lives that we are willing to make the sacrifices to attain it. The uphill battle is one of the toughest ones you can fight from a tactical setting but in the end, the value of the hill supersedes the known and accepted risk. What do you have in your life that is your “hill”? What objectives do you have that are of high value? Oftentimes, we do not see or appreciate the hills in our life that need us to stand on them. This can lead to a feeling of despair or being lost. This can lead us to just fumbling through the daily process without real meaning. From a mental health perspective, this can be very damaging to our progress and self-worth.  I like to think of goats when I think of high ground. They love to stand on things. Whatever they can get on to be higher than those around them. We have all seen those silly goat videos.  Find yourself the hill in your life and pursue it with purposeful action and an aggressive pursuit to earn it.  Be like a goat and go stand on something :)

How do you go from good to great? How do you become what you are meant to be? Going from good to great requires many things but it is attainable for anyone.   “No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking”  Voltaire  Going from good to great requires a few things but the most important one is desire. The desire to put in the reps. The desire to grow. The desire to become.  Putting in the reps Let's look at some of the all-time greats and try to understand why they became great. Sports is the easiest to see quickly but there are many more Jordan, Kobe, Will Smith, Favre, Nolan Ryan, Drake, Bill Gates, Serena Williams, Elvis, Muhammad Ali, Michael Phelps, Justin Timberlake, Usain Bolt  What sets them apart? Work ethic is probably the most obvious one. Sure they all have “talent” as society defines it but we all know the quote. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard” There are literally millions of talented people in the world. Why do the ones on the list, or ones you think of, prevail over all of the others? There are many things but the key is the hard work. The reps. The miles. The hours. The grind.   Have you seen the Under Armor commercial with Michael Phelps? It is called “Rule Yourself” The quote that comes from it is: “It's what you do in the dark that puts you in the light.” The reps. The practice. The time in the movement of your craft.  Think about the thing that you do for business, work, and sport in your life. Think about where you started and where you are currently at. What can you attribute your growth to? Luck? Fate? Passion? Desire? Work? Focus? Sacrifice?  I bet if you wrote down the things you think helped you get where you are, the work ethic, grind, and maybe stubbornness can be attributed to a lot of your success.  Does luck play into it? It depends on what you consider luck. Do some people just get lucky? I am not so sure. In order to be able to take advantage of the thing we call luck, you have to be in a certain position to be successful when that opportunity presents itself. Just something to consider.  Perhaps I should have talked about what the difference between good and great is :)  Remember, as Zig Zigler said:  “You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”   https://vurbl.com/station/1V33hTFynhC/

Relationship development and the impact (good and bad) of those around you.  Invest in those relationships as they keep you grounded and give you a solid foundation for personal growth.    We have discussed it many times but it is worth reiterating. Your ability (empowerment) to be open to being vulnerable partially hinges on the circle of people around you. If you have the right people in the right places in your life, you are more open to being vulnerable and ultimately, having more growth opportunities.    I call this one “Breaking Bread” because to me that is the physical act of sitting with someone over coffee, dinner, or drinks and exploring the path, lessons, and experiences of another person. It is giving your time around a table or commonplace to connect and learn about another person.    To have the right people in the right places, you must be more invested in the growth of those around you than your own growth. Understanding relationship development is something that people have been trying to do for years. Is there a formula for it? Not really because you are dealing with logical and emotional creatures. One thing that I have found to be true in all scenarios, is to care about others more than you care about yourself. Care about their success more than your own.  Focus for the week. Do one thing to give back to someone who makes a difference in your life every single day for the next seven days. This can be a spouse, co-worker, parent, team mom on your kid's sports team, really anyone   “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” — Dale Carnegie   Shameless plug. If I've made an impact on your life in a positive manner please like and subscribe to YouTube channel, follow me on Instagram and share out content those impactful for you that you may be a benefit to those you were connected with socially.

We are always searching for something. Sometimes we are afraid to look at that question and allow it to lead us somewhere. The unknown. The fear of it and what could be out there can grip you. So I ask you...what are YOU looking for? We look for things like: Purpose, Money, Love, Happiness, Challenges, Intent, and so much more. A lot of the time we are afraid of what we will find so we don't allow the desire to search and explore to prevent us from doing just that. Let's search and destroy!

Life has made me ask the question of why a lot this year. Why I am the way I am. Why I care. Why I get frustrated with certain things. What I've learned is that it's not what I want to know why about, it's how I ask myself.  Do I ask myself from a place of frustration or a place of exploration? Am I open to exploring or puzzled at the reaction I have? Seeking the why is the 2nd level of exploration. The first is appreciating and understanding that something needs to be discovered. It could be the pursuit of a new hobby, a new relationship, writing a book, or a new job.  Why is a very powerful word. How you ask why is just as important as the question itself! My challenge to you this week is to ask why about 3 things.  Why are you reactive to certain situations? What is it about that situation that creates the reaction? Is it a logical or emotional reaction? Why do you do what you do? Hobbies. Work. Family. Travel.  What is your why for those things? Why do you care about exploring why? This one is the harder one because you may not know There is always a reason behind the further exploration We don't just explore for the fun of it. There is something there drawing us to it This week make those 3 questions become real and let's see where it takes you. Be open to where you may go with it

Be a better me   I had someone reach out recently and the main question they wanted to ask was if I would talk about how to “be a better me”. When I read that in the email it caught me off guard at first because it didn't make sense. Then it hit me.   This person was searching for something. They were looking for a foolproof way to “be better”. But be better at what? Being better, isn't that just a state of self-imagery? A place that you look to see if you are different but in a progressive way?   We have all wanted to be better at some point. Better at our relationships, better in school, sports, better parents, etc. But what in the hell is being better actually? What if you are better now but just don't see it?   So in an attempt to provide that answer let's do a little searching. Better is being more than you were yesterday. If that is how we are going to define it then how do we measure it?    What is it that you really are seeking when you ask that question? MUST LISTEN TO PODCAST RECOMMENDATION   Better, Etc with Trista Sutter - Podcast     Be more consistent with your exercise, more sleep, drink more water… You have to know what you want to be better at and make it measurable so that you can actually achieve.    If you cannot define being “better”, you will be unable to change it. Period.

The word struggle is a word that when we hear, we cringe. We know the context. We know what it means to struggle.  We work very hard to ensure that our children and family don't feel the struggle. Sometimes we even put ourselves into compromising situations to make sure that those we care about don't struggle. As a society, we have an extreme aversion to discomfort.  What if I told you that the struggle is what you need? We are all “from the struggle” whether that is your upbringing, college debt, losing a job, or a failed relationship. The struggle is what shapes us and helps us realize what is really necessary.  Struggling, and subsequently, surviving a struggle makes us feel accomplished, powerful. It makes you feel like you actually matter.

Everything that is old becomes new again!  I am mixing it up and getting back to the roots of the quick, 2-4 min Monday ear worm to get your week going! 

Have you ever encountered something so profoundly awesome that it drew your attention and you could not seemingly look away from it? It could be a school you attended, a person you were attracted to, a home remodeling project, or just a place you wanted to travel to. Something that causes you such great Focus that you are willing to make whatever sacrifice necessary to achieve. Something that grips you. Changes you.  When is the last time you went deep? I mean really tested yourself. Entering into it knowing that you could fail but moving forward anyway? This weekend I was able to witness something truly incredible. I watched one individual who set such a lofty goal that is taking them multiple years to achieve it. They set out on this goal believing they could make it every single time it was their intent. The goal, while seemingly crazy and virtually impossible for the majority of people, isn't necessarily the target of this discussion. The intention and action towards that goal is our discussion.

Life has made me ask the question of why a lot this year. Why I am the way I am. Why I care. Why I get frustrated with certain things. What I've learned is that it's not what I want to know why about, it's how I ask myself.  Do I ask myself from a place of frustration or a place of exploration? Am I open to exploring or puzzled at the reaction I have? Seeking the why is the 2nd level of exploration. The first is appreciating and understanding that something needs to be discovered. It could be the pursuit of a new hobby, a new relationship, writing a book, or a new job.  Why is a very powerful word. How you ask why is just as important as the question itself! My challenge to you this week is to ask why about 3 things.  Why are you reactive to certain situations? What is it about that situation that creates the reaction? Is it a logical or emotional reaction? Hobbies. Work. Family. Travel.  What is your why for those things? Why do you do what you do? This one is the harder one because you may not know We don't just explore for the fun of it. There is something there drawing us to it There is always a reason behind the further exploration Why do you care about exploring why? This week make those 3 questions become real and let's see where it takes you. Be open to where you may go with it

I had someone reach out recently and the main question they wanted to ask was if I would talk about how to “be a better me”. When I read that in the email it caught me off guard at first because it didn't make sense. Then it hit me. This person was searching for something. They were looking for a foolproof way to “be better”. But be better at what? Being better, isn't that just a state of self-imagery? A place that you look to see if you are different but in a progressive way? We have all wanted to be better at some point. Better at our relationships, better in school, sports, better parents, etc. But what in the hell is being better actually? What if you are better now but just don't see it? So in an attempt to provide that answer let's do a little searching. Better is being more than you were yesterday. If that is how we are going to define it then how do we measure it? 

I struggled to come up with a topic for today. Why? Well, I didn't prepare properly and I, historically, Can generally put something together at the last minute. I tend to function best under pressure. But what happens when that doesn't work out. There are many times that I just can't slap something together. What then? What happens when your “go-to move” isn't working?   For me, those times lead to frustration. Deeper struggle. The key to progressing forward is what I have learned to do with that struggle and frustration. I like to double down on that feeling. I hedge my bets on the process and make myself dive deeper.    I use that as fuel. Fueling me to drive harder and to dig deeper. Sometimes I have to dig a really deep hole in order to find the motivation or the answers. The deeper that I dig, the harder it is to come out of that hole but in the end, I always find but I'm looking for in there.   The struggle is what shapes me and yet it's the thing that we tend to try to avoid, myself included. The saying goes “embrace the suck” but how often do we truly embrace it? Leaning into it is something I have talked about before but it is much easier said than done.   How do I get through the struggle: Breathe - It will all be alright. The sooner I get my heart rate settled and my mind slows down, the sooner I can nail whatever it is that needs my energy Awareness - Assess the pitfalls of the task. Acceptance of the harder parts of whatever I am going to do allows me to have a plan for when they happen Self Talk - Very important for me is to look in the mirror, sometimes literally, and remind myself that I can and I will. I have fought through harder stuff before and emerged from the smoke. This time is no different Double Down - Really invest me into whatever is needed to complete the task   The word struggle is a word that when we hear, we cringe. We know the context. We know what it means to struggle.    We work very hard to ensure that our children and family don't feel the struggle. Sometimes we even put ourselves into compromising situations to make sure that those we care about don't struggle. As a society, we have an extreme aversion to discomfort.    What if I told you that the struggle is what you need? We are all “from the struggle” whether that is your upbringing, college debt, losing a job, or a failed relationship. The struggle is what shapes us and helps us realize what is really necessary.    Struggling, and subsequently, surviving a struggle makes us feel accomplished, powerful. It makes you feel like you actually matter.

I want to tell you a little story, a historical one.  Let's talk about the year 1519. This is the year that Hernán Corté and his men arrived on the shores of Mexico. His expedition consisted of roughly 600 Spaniards, 16 or so horses, and his 11 boats. Their goal there was to capture the magnificent treasures that they had heard stories about and conquer the lands.  In a twist of unprecedented events, Hernán announced to his men to “Burn the Boats”. This sent a clear message to his men. There is NO turning back. They will either accomplish their goal or die trying. They will either win or they will perish. This created a massive rally of his men behind him and within 2 years they succeeded in the conquest of the Aztec empire.  What should you take away from that? He sacrificed their “comfort” in the conquest. He gave up their safety net because his desire to succeed was so great. SO what should that tell you about your “comforts” Comfort wants you to stop. Comfort tells you it's too hard. Too hot. Too cold. Too tired. Too everything. Comfort never encourages you or tells you “go one more”. Comfort tells you it's ok. You get a participation medal for the attempt. You tried hard.  Comfort wants you to “try”. Trying doesn't accomplish anything for anyone. Fuck trying hard. Get hard. Although these might make sense from the perspective of holding on to a life preserver, they minimize the likelihood of success. The same holds true in personal relationships. We fear rejection or other undesired outcomes so we float around and don't take the necessary risk needed to find and sustain deep, fulfilling relationships. There are times in our life when we need to make decisions even when we are unclear about which path to travel. We gather as many facts as we can, measure the risks, and then use our best judgment and the insights of others to guide us forward. Once we make our decision, we have to be willing to stick with it and not allow fear and second-guessing to derail us. Instead of focusing on the what-ifs, concentrate on the task at hand and the steps needed to be successful. Safety nets and escape routes can protect us from pain and injury. But they also tend to reduce the effort, focus, and commitment that we invest in a process. Once you have completed your discernment process, you have to be willing to burn the boats behind you and trust your inner voice to pursue your dreams. Never look back. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, burn the fucking boats!

Noise. Ear pollution. Chatter. Distractions. They are all around us  Noise is a constant in life. If you are like me you can handle a lot of it, hell even thrive in it at times.  What do you do when you hit that tipping point and it gets to be too much? My default reaction is to freeze and do nothing.  I need a list of “rules” to follow to help me navigate these times. I am sharing them with you! Recenter Remember the things that are your life support. The vital things that keep you going and fed. Remember the “essential” things in your life when COVID-19 hit. Do those things I am not talking about breathing as in guided meditation, although that may be your thing and it may work. I mean everyday life kind of breathing. The breathing of the fresh air outside. Go for a walk. Take 10 minutes and give yourself a bit of space to find that peace. Walk, run, yog, whatever you are into but make it happen Breathe Go out of your way to show gratitude to everyone. The person holding a door, the gas station attendant, the school bus driver, the credit card bill lady on the phone. The more gratitude you show, the more grateful you earn.  Thank you

Your X-FACTOR is something that sets you apart from others. It is your “superpower”. Oftentimes we do not know what our X-FACTOR is until later in life. Your X-FACTOR is the thing that you can access and use daily to grow, make an impact on someone, or progress toward more success.    Understanding your X-FACTOR and accepting it is the key to growth. Did you know that once you understand what it is, you can leverage that for good?    We all know of a sports star or “famous” person who has that X-FACTOR. Jordan, Favre, Sean Connery, Will Smith, Elon Musk, etc. They all have something that makes us recognize them, in a good light. You have that same ability!   What is the one thing that you can fall back on when times get tough? Is it your ability to make people smile? Is it the fact that when it gets tough you can really focus and execute? It could be the thing that helps you to prevail in tough situations and really take advantage of that superpower   The issue is that we don't all accept that it is something that we possess. Sometimes we don't think it's possible that we have that. Other times, we know what it is and can really roll with it. Your job is to identify what your X-FACTOR is and find a way to leverage that to help others, grow and be successful.    We all have it, what's yours?

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”   ― Theodore Roosevelt   Let's break it down a bit more: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better” Meaning: It is not about the people who armchair quarterback. Who point out the shortcomings of those trying something.  There will always be those who sit back and point at the gaps or errors we make in life. They have a place because without them, we may not always find the fuel to press on in the dark Meaning: The person who deserves the recognition and support is the one grinding. The one busting their ass to achieve some mission or goal. The one who fails and drives forward. The one who gets knocked down and valiantly stands back up. THAT is the one who deserves the credit “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds;” Meaning: The person who knows the joys and pains of the process. The one who passionately believes in the pursuit of their path. They are the one who knows the excitement of success and at the very least, if they fail, they will do so with dignity for they put the action into place to dare greatly.  “Who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” It is very easy to sit back and “sharpshoot” others. Whether in their parenting styles, career paths, hobbies or anything they pursue. In the end, you are wasting your energy sharpshooting them.  Speaking of wasting time, you are absolutely wasting your time by being in the arena looking at those in the crowd and making your next move based on your perception of what you think they want you to do or what they say you should do.  Final Thoughts:

Checking your ego allows you to explore a bit more. Your EGO is trying to kill you, whether by restriction or excessive allowance  Apology opportunities are a great example of an inflated ego. Our ego wants to maintain a place of dominance. We need to operate from a position of tolerance.  Operating with a chip on your shoulder. Thinking that people do not understand you, your past, or your experiences. That is what feeds the ego. Sit down ego, not today...

Is it possible to be too rigid? What happens when we aren't as rigid?

  Courage   Anyone can have positivity but everything is going right. Anyone can believe when things are going right.   It takes true courage To find that positivity when things are going wrong. It takes true courage to make the moves in the decisions to help you find that positivity   The real challenge of growth comes when you get knocked down. When you have to start over again. That requires all the courage you can muster    The last chapter of your life has not been written. It doesn't matter what the previous chapters were, you get to write that last chapter   You have to believe that you can make a difference. You have to believe that you can apply the change that you want to see   Instead of asking why, ask why not   The first step before anyone else in the world believes it, you must believe it