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There are millions of tips and tricks floating around that you can use to achieve whatever you want in life. But there are a few that are always present. Acceptance and recognition of the desire to change are where it all begins. Anything less makes your desire only a dream. Having complete clarity of precisely what you want will separate you from almost everybody on the planet. It will also accelerate your progress. Asking yourself, "If not this, then what?" is an excellent way to begin. Commitment to success, no matter what gets in the way, is the only way to sure that life doesn't get in your way. Being willing to do whatever it takes is a virtual guarantee that you will get what you want. Finally, two things are always around: taking as much action and being as flexible as required to reach your goal. You CAN do much, but success comes faster when you focus on what you MUST do.

Some goals happen quickly. Others take longer. A lot longer. How can you keep your goals alive while you make them a reality? 1) Stop falling for someone else's goals. Everybody has something they want to achieve. It's not bad. It could be useful. In any case, it is a distraction. Know what you want and why you want it. 2) Once you are listening to yourself, be sure that you commit to your plan and never, ever, ever, give up. 3) While you make progress, be on alert when others insert their goals into your life. They are tricky little things. They'll distract you without you even knowing. As you move along, always keep this question in your mind— "Is this an opportunity that will move me closer to my goal or further away?" There is only one answer that will improve your life.

Have you noticed that some people seem to get luckier than others? Have you also noticed that they are not just sitting around collecting luck? Getting lucky is almost always the result of taking action on an opportunity that presents itself. Even finding a twenty-dollar bill on the sidewalk resulted from having the chance to take a walk - and doing it. There are three rules to attracting more luck into your life: 1) Get in the habit of seeking and recognizing opportunities that cross your path every day. They might be hidden so keep your eyes open. 2) When you spot one, immediately decide if taking action will move you closer to your goals. 3) If your heart and soul tell you to go for it, jump in with both feet, commit to your action, and get busy turning that opportunity into the luck you’ve been seeking. In the future, when somebody asks how you’ve been so lucky in your life, tell them that you just like to stay busy. The rest takes care of itself.

There are so many choices in front of us every day. Each has the power to determine when and whether you will achieve your goals. Once you know the outcome you desire, these questions will help: 1) What CAN you do today that will lead directly and quickly to achieving your goal. 2) What SHOULD you do today that will lead directly and quickly to achieving your goal? 3) What MUST you do today that will lead directly and quickly to achieving your goal? It’s simple.  Make your next action that one that gets the result you want as fast as possible. Everything else can wait. I dare you to try it.

It's time to crank up those 2021 goals with a new year upon us. Why not choose a simple way? One of the easiest methods of achieving success is to stick to tried and true. That doesn't mean you can't move toward something more meaningful. It means that you forgo new knowledge and skill and leverage what you already understand. The easy way to success assumes: 1) You already have experience and wisdom. You will learn any new skill if, and only if needed. 2) You will choose the path of least resistance. The goal is to get the results you want in the fastest period. No distractions. No zig-zagging. 3) Overthinking burns too many brain calories. If you find yourself confused and stuck, accept that you may need to reevaluate your plan. Do it fast. Human nature will compel you to clutter your success journey with distraction. Seek the direct route to the results you want. It's easier.

It's the time of year when gift-giving is everywhere - but those are not the most important you have received. Every day that passes, you experience life. The good. The bad. The ugly. Those experiences add up to incredible life lessons that you carry forever. That leads me to a question - What experiences did you have last year that you consider a gift? It is challenging or pleasurable. How you perceive has the power to transform your future. As you head into Christmas, take a moment and give thanks for the gifts that 2020 produced. That'll make the next year even better.

Setting goals is a process that can happen automatically or consciously. Sometimes you find yourself on a path. Other times you choose your path, which is the only way to control your outcome. Why should you choose your path? Because there are three elements to successful goal completion: 1) Principles are the foundation that supports your belief or behavior. 2) Strategies are your action plan to achieve your goal. 3) Tactics are the steps you take to achieve your final goal. Think. Plan. Act. That’s the path forward to reach any goal. Focus on Principles, Strategies, and Tactics. Anything else will cause you to slide backward.

Do you have too many options and are having a difficult time choosing? There is a concept called "Opportunity Cost.” It is simply the value gained or the value lost in deciding what opportunities you will pursue. I tend to focus on another question entirely - "Does an opportunity provide the fastest and most direct path for me to reach my goals?" It's easy to look at almost any opportunity and justify a path, especially if you are being persuaded by someone else. It’s more difficult to make a choice. If you want to break free from a stalled life, you must eliminate anything that takes you off course and stay focused on your goals.

  I’ve learned the single most powerful way to build momentum is to make a decision. That's why I’ve chosen “Decide” as my guiding word for next year. When you make a decision, any decision, it can be life-changing - as long as you understand… Decision making is not about a “Yes or No.” Like Yin and Yang, each is the same as the other, only opposite. A decision is also not about “Maybe.” Unlike being opposite, it's a confusing mess of everything negative and positive. What is decision making about? It’s about cutting off all other options and focusing your energy forward. As you gain momentum, you leave your frustrations behind. Deciding can be scary. But it can also be exhilarating. It's also a good habit to develop.

I'm a big fan of setting big-ass goals. Dreaming BIG is my natural state - which is why S.M.A.R.T. goals are not all that smart. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. While it may seem like a good plan, I can't wrap my head around not setting goals because they don't seem achievable or realistic. Excuse me? Since when did big-ass goals seem achievable and realistic?  If that were true, you would already be doing them. Anytime you are moving from dreaming into doing you will be living in the land of crazy and scary. If you hold yourself to what is achievable and realistic, you might as well keep doing what you're doing. Instead… dream BIG and start taking baby steps. It won’t be long before your goals become real. Sponsored by Jiminy's... To learn more and save 15% on your first purchase, go to Jiminys.com slash BOOST and use code BOOST15 at checkout. 

I was on the phone with a client this morning when he said, ”I don’t know why I have such a hard time planning my day-to-day stuff? I just want my day to be easier!” I get it. Everybody does. And to make that happen, you need a mindset shift. First to consider is that non-stop and continuous planning of every task every day is exhausting. It only adds another level of stress to your day. Instead, planning should be done occasionally with a broader focus on short, medium, and long-term. The goal is NOT to spend your life planning.  It is creating containers where you plan to do your work or play. Once you have your containers, you load them with goals and tasks and get them done. When things require adjustments, make another plan. Make your plan and work your plan. Don’t keep change things. That’s how you get what you want.

It’s the time of year when the world begins to believe. Children always believe. They don’t know otherwise. Adults view the world with a different set of eyes, so building self-confidence requires a little more focus. 1) Building belief in yourself begins by taking care of yourself. There is tremendous power in taking control of your body, mind, and spirit daily. You will feel yourself get stronger from the inside out. 2) Once you take control of your own life, it’s time to open your horizons and expand your worldview. Be brave and look outside yourself for new ways to explore the world around you. Start with small steps and grow. The more steps you take, the more your belief in yourself will arise. 3) Share what you have learned with others and give them a helping hand. The positive feedback you receive will build the belief and self-confidence that will make you unstoppable.

Are you feeling excited to be alive today? Why not fire yourself up by becoming a goal setter on a mission to maximize your life experience? I've said for years that goals are the heartbeat of your life. Goals make you feel alive and give purpose to your daily experience - and experience is what life is all about. You can also consider goals as tangible expressions of your values. Through your daily actions, you express how you feel on the inside. Goals are also automatic. Set them for yourself, or you'll find that other, well-meaning people will be happy to set them for you. The meaningful life you desire is a result of setting and pursuing meaningful goals. Never set goals and forget them. Set, pursue, and LIVE them. Sponsored by Blinkist... Go to Blinkist.com/BOOST to start your free 7-day trial and get 25% off of a Blinkist Premium membership.

How would you like to be more productive AND enjoy your day? I’ve always been the kind of person who believed that life is life. Whether living your personal life, working at your job, or building a business. You are still the same person no matter what you are doing. Leaving yourself behind while you do something else is not a recipe or success. Instead, as you go about the business of your day, why not have a little bit of YOU tucked in your back pocket? Do you have a hobby? Do you need to send a note to a loved one? Are you working your way through a romance novel? Your goal should be to find small breaks between your focus at work to be YOU for a few minutes before getting back to work. Two things will happen: 1) You’ll get more done. I promise. 2) You’ll be living your authentic self. No matter what you find yourself doing today, YOU are still YOU. Be a happier warrior and bring yourself to every challenge. Sponsored by Nutrafol - Get TWENTY PERCENT OFF at Nutrafol.com. Use the promo code MTM.

Have you been running full speed ahead - knowing you’re not heading in the right direction? It’s easy to get caught up in the business of life and find yourself off track. Could your experience could be better? It comes down to awareness and decisions: 1) Everything begins when you recognize that something needs to change - and admit it to yourself. Is the time now? 2) Driving forward will only add to unhappiness. Instead, keep up with life and push the pause button on everything else—no pulling or pushing. You are only pausing. 3) During this time, work your way back to YOU. There’s no hurry. You may have been off-track for a long time. 4) Remember your dreams. Now that you have space, it’s time to explore how everything fits into your life today - and your future. Begin to take action in any direction that makes you happy. Once you find enjoyment, accept it, and defend it with all your energy. Spend the rest of your days bringing more into your life. Sponsored by TEMPO... Go to TEMPO.fit and use code BOOST for $100 off. 


  I spoke with a client a few days ago about what is expected from his employees while he is in the office. Like any successful business owner, he hits the ground running and leads be an example. Always available to help, his days were routinely becoming 16-hours long. Vacation days were 8-hours. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see how unsustainable that can be. And that’s not what anybody wants. Whether you work with family, staff, employees, or any group of people, they all want the same thing—empathy, understanding, and leadership. Begin every day by taking a few minutes to see your vision. Spend the day casting that vision; you’ll find that everybody is happier and more successful. The best leaders are members of the tribe, but they never forget their job is to lead others toward their vision. Sponsored by Nutrafol... You can grow thicker, healthier hair AND support the Daily Boost by going to NUTRAFOL.com and using promo code MTM. New customers get twenty-percent off. This is their best offer available anywhere. Plus FREE shipping on EVERY order.

Here we are again, approaching the end of the year. It is a time when you may find your mindset taking on a feeling of gratitude. This year more than ever. What a wild ride it has been! Simply put, gratitude is the state of being grateful. It is also a two-way street: 1) When you are appreciative of what you have received, you have gratitude. That’s the only way that you can expect to get more of what you want. 2) When you express gratitude for what you have received, you are living in a grateful state? The only way others know how you feel is to tell them - right? Receiving and expressing gratitude requires few words. With practice, it requires even less thought. There’s no better way to make your day better than living will gratitude in your heart. Especially when you make sure the world knows it. Sponsored by Tri Niagen... Right now, new customers can save twenty dollars on a three month supply by going to TruNiagen.com/boost.

Are you a motivated individual? You’ve heard the secret to getting what you want to take action. But what kind of action? Do you choose “Massive IMPERFECT Action” focused on your goal? Willing to do whatever it takes and clean up your mess when you finish? Do you choose “How Bad Do You Want It Action” to fuel your efforts? Do you choose “I Better Do it or Else” ACTION because you see the pain coming if you don’t? Do you choose “You Better Do It or Else” because somebody else will bring the pain? Do you choose “I’m Waiting to See What Happens” ACTION and put your fate in something else? Do you choose “I’m Not Going to Do Anything” ACTION because you don’t know what to do? Whether your action is passive or active; there is a reward or penalty. You may as well select the one that serves you best. Sponsored by HelloFresh Go to HelloFresh.com/DAILYBOOST90 and use code DAILYBOOST90 to get $90 off, including free shipping.

  No matter how busy your day gets, there are always two things that will improve any day. First, seek to learn one good thing each day that will make you a better person. You will likely need to carve out a dedicated time to make that happen, but it's worth it. It's time to become the person you are meant to be. Not only will you be happier, but all the other challenges of the day will also become much more manageable. And since you never know how long you will walk on this planet, be sure to tidy up your day. Making an effort never to have any loose ends provides peace of mind. It also makes for a good night's sleep. Mindlessly going through your day is for amateurs. Mindfulness is how you make sure every day fulfills your purpose. How would you like to learn the key takeaways and need to know information from the best selling books in less than 15 minutes? You need to get Blinkist. Go Blinkist.com/BOOST to find out more - and get 25% off a Premium Membership and a 7-day free trial.

I have a friend named Jaxon that is so consistent and successful; he makes me a bit jealous. I know I shouldn’t be that way, but I can’t help it. Jaxon is not the most talented. He doesn’t work harder. He doesn’t get serious and stuffy. Win or lose, Jaxon always has a reason to celebrate, although he wins most of the time - then he takes a nap. My dog, Levi, likes Jaxon too. They compete together in dog agility competitions. Levi runs faster and wins more blue ribbons. He also crashes and burns more too. While their styles are different, both dogs run because they love it. Both are winners, Both are happy dogs. You can learn a lot from a happy dog. Whether you run fast or slow, as long as you enjoy the game, you will be will always be a winner. Our sponsor today is Betterhelp. Join over 1 million people that are taking charge of their mental health - and get 10% off your first month. Visit BetterHelp.com/BOOST right now. 

Clarity is Playing at a Theatre Near You Have you noticed we live in an age when what you hear and see is not necessarily what is happening? It seems our shorter attention spans and social media have elevated attention-grabbing to the point where it overtakes clarity of message. One of my mentors is Donald Miller, the creator of Storybrand. He says, “if you make somebody burn too many calories to understand you, they will never understand you. They’ll move on to an easier choice.” Another one of my mentors is my son, Austin. He’s a smart young man these days, but I remember when he was five years old and taught me a lesson about clarity - when Disney released a new movie. Like most kids, Austin was excited and wouldn’t stop talking about it. One day I asked, in a very adult way, “Okay, where are we going to see this movie?” He answered, “At a theatre near you!” Yes. His answer was correct for a five-year-old who didn’t need to worry about which theatre had the film. After all, that’s Dad’s job. When your answer to questions creates more questions, everything takes longer to complete. This episode is brought to you by Nutrafol.  Get your first month supply with a subscription plan for $10 by visiting Nutrafol.com and using the promo code BOOST during checkout. 

The Journey In Between Have you ever noticed that the most dramatic life changes happen when you are in between life events? In between jobs? In between relationships? In between anything? Sometimes in between is voluntary, like a vacation. Other times it is forced upon you like a job loss. In between presents an opportunity to change how you do things. Modify your daily experience. Even change your life direction. Being in between is almost always a pre-curser to change. That can be scary and exciting at the same time. If you think about your life, in between is where your most important decisions have taken place. There’s no need to fear change. That’s where the fun stuff begins - eventually. Thanks to Jiminy's for sponsoring the Daily Boost. To learn more and save 15% on your first purchase, go to jiminy’s.com/BOOST and the code BOOST15 at checkout. Get more Daily Boost episodes at MotivationToMove.com.

Daily Rules For a Happier You Every day we all jump into the craziness of life without much thought to the basic rules we use to run our day. Here are a few of mine. You can borrow then if you would like: 1) Do what makes your heart sing. You'll always feel better when you are dancing down your path. 2) Believe anything is possible. As soon as you believe - everything IS possible. 3) Be nice to others. Expect them to do the same. No further explanation is required. 4) Believe in people and encourage their dreams. When you do, they'll return the favor. 5) Do the right thing. If you mess up, say you're sorry, try again. 6) Meet people where they are in their life and walk with them to where you both want to go. 7) Do what you say you will do. It's always better to under-promise and over-deliver. 8) Make lemonade out of lemons. Everything is fixable if you have the right mindset. 9) Keep things simple. Yup. 10) Relax. Life is short. Double yup. When you focus on life's big picture, it's easier to enjoy your daily experiences.

Year of Second Chances As we get closer to the end of 2020, I’m noticing there are two very different kinds of people in my life: 1) People who are waiting to see what is going to happen next. While they are living in everyday life, they are paused. 2) People who have decided that life is too short to wait for things to happen. They’re starting businesses, buying homes, traveling, and more. Have you taken advantage of the opportunity to reevaluate your path and live your passion in 2020? Are you willing to explore the possibilities of a new direction? While reserving the right to do nothing at all? Do you have desire or fear for things not in your life or anticipated for the future? Are things presently in your life causing you pleasure or distress? That should get the juices flowing. The reset has only begun. If you even want to reinvent yourself, this is the year to make it happen.

Everybody has a lot to do. If you use a To-Do list to keep up - and it's stressing you - it may be time to replace it with a "Did I Do It List."  To-Do Lists transform you into an expert at chasing checkmarks. Chasing anything is stressful - and there is a better way: 1) Never commit to more than you can get done in one day. That takes awareness and honesty. 2) Once you know what you need to get done, add it to your "Did I Do It List" and use it for reference throughout your day. 3) Always double-check that you are accomplishing tasks you determined as vital before taking on additional items. A focused path produces fewer random tasks. Using a "Did I Do It List" will focus you on your goals and create quick results.

Transitional Relationships Socrates had it right when it comes to friendship - “Be slow to fall into friendship, but when thou art in, continue firm and constant.” Having great friends and healthy relationships is an asset. They give you more energy and make life more enjoyable. But not all relations can or should last forever. Transitional relationships come into your life for a reason and a season. They could be a transactional relationship with a Realtor helping you sell your home. A mentor who steps into your life - even be a new romantic relationship after a breakup. Transitional relationships enter your life to help you go from where you are to where you want to go. Once you’re there, they are no longer needed.

Controlling Communication and Staying Focused We live in a world where an open communication line is a significant factor in moving forward. But how do you keep things flowing and stay focused on what is important to you? There is a method used by improvisational actors to keep the conversation flowing. It involves agreement and modifiers such as "Yes" and "And." Answering "Yes" removes any block and keeps the flow going. But since you want to control your focus, adding ”If” and “And" allows you to redirect for your benefit. Here's an example. Them: "Hey? Do you think you can help me with a project?" You: "Yes, I would love to help. IF it's okay, I need to finish what I'm doing, AND I can call you later." All it takes is three words for you to stay focused on the track to your goals.

Creating More Time For Yourself We all have lots to do every day. Wouldn’t it be great if you could manufacture more time?  The trick is how you prioritize tasks and projects already on your plate - and updating how you think: 1) If a task requires thinking, multitasking is a myth. You are switching your focus. That’s time-wasting and tiring. 2) Working on multiple projects that require your brain delays the outcome from every project on your list. 3) When you focus on completing a single project, you begin to get the benefits it produces far earlier - and longer. You will also find more time available for your next project. The next time you need more time to get things done, ask yourself - “What project or task can I complete that will begin producing results the fastest?” Get excited. You are about to build massive momentum!

Release Stress With Grounded Logic Are you feeling a little more stressed than you usual? I have a time-proven and very human way of releasing or at least managing your stress. If you can pause your mind from spinning for a few minutes, try this: 1) Recognize that you are viewing your current situation from an emotional state-of-mind. We all do. However, significant decisions rarely come from emotions. 2) While paused, gather all facts that are driving how you feel. The goal is to understand what is going on in your life logically. 3) Once you separate your emotions from the facts, you will see what is causing your stress. You will also see options for removing it from your life. 4) Now, it’s time to commit to taking action to remove what is causing stress - even if it scares you. Always check your emotions with logical thinking. When you do, a plan will emerge, and stress will disappear. Try it today.

7 Rules to Life-Long Happiness I'm a fan of Stoic Philosophy. While it may be over 2,000 years old, its practicality is still useful. These rules to live by will help you have a happier life: 1. If you're going to learn and succeed, be humble. There is always someone smarter, more successful, and wiser.  2. Find the right scene. Choose your friends and situations. If you want to rise in life, you can't allow yourself to be held down by others. 3. Protect your time. Seneca said, "We're tight-fisted with property and money, yet think too little of wasting time, the one thing about which we should all be the toughest misers." Life is short. 4. Never do anything out of habit. Always think about how you can do things better and always question yourself. 5. Keep it simple — do your job. Approach every task as if it were your last because it very well could be. 6. Adapt and learn from failure. Using your success to justify complacency is common. It's also easy, which is why most people do it. You can do more and be better. 7. Live below your means. The more you need work to maintain your needs, the less you will enjoy what you have. Everything in life comes down to keeping things simple and mastering the basics. That's how you get the success you deserve.

4-Question To Ask Before Starting Any Goal Do you have dreams of what you want for the future? Have you ever wondered your inner-voice will lead you in the right direction? These four questions will help sort out everything for you: 1) What is it? Do you understand exactly what you want? 2) How does it work? How will you go about reaching your goal? What will likely be the outcome? 3) Can you do it? Is your plan reasonable? Do you have the time, skills, money? 4) Are you sure? If you are willing to put in the effort are you confident you can achieve your goal? Why hold yourself back from turning your dreams into reality? All you need is a little clarity.

Self-Made Success Requires No Permission The year 2020 has proven to be a never-ending challenge for many. It has also confirmed that having control of your mindset and actions are now pivotal traits. I've worked with thousands of people who find themselves against a wall and stuck in neutral. Two things always happened: 1) Through no fault of their own, everything familiar was no longer. They know they need to pivot but are frozen. 2) Not knowing which way to go, they were waiting for permission to get started - even if it was from themselves. The solution is to start thinking like a self-made person. Being self-made means that YOU decide what YOU want, and YOU don't need to wait for anybody's permission. You do it. You have everything inside of you to make 2020 a great year. Accept that change must happen and take action right away.

Busting Through Limiting Beliefs Have you ever had the feeling that something is holding you back? You have limiting beliefs. You were not born with limiting beliefs. Your experiences have installed a belief system within you. It serves as your guide in everything you do. The next time you find yourself unable to move forward, try these steps: 1) Identify the thought or behavior that is blocking you. In today’s busy world, that can be a challenge. Catch yourself in the act, pause, and identify what you are feeling. 2) Test that feeling by asking WHY you feel that way. Is it real, or is it an automatic response? Is it necessary for you? Would you like to keep it or change it? 3) Validate the answer you gave yourself, and commit to experiences that support your goals. You are now changing the path of your life. Having limited beliefs is ordinary and necessary. Can you imagine what your life would be like if you had no limits at all? Wait? You don’t!

Reinventing Yourself Now Change is one of those things that happens over time for most people. Sometimes you have no choice. If the past few months' events have you thinking about tweaking your life - I have a couple of suggestions to get you started. 1) No matter what dreams you hold, be sure to inventory the good, bad, and ugly of your current situation. You can't move forward if you don't know where you are starting. Don't be afraid. Information is power. 2) Next, decide WHAT you want and paint a picture of your life after your journey. Knowing your destination before you begin assures your success. 3) Now that you have laid the foundation, it's time to understand WHY you want it so bad. Doing the previous two steps should have built your desire and excitement. When that happens, it's time to lock in your WHY and get moving. Know where you are, what you will create, and WHY you must achieve your goal. Realistic and grounded thinking makes anything possible.

You Are In Control of Your Happiness What would you say if I told you that being happier is within your control and has nothing to do with your mindset? A study from Dartmouth College found that most people are happy before they turn 18 and after 60 years of age. In between is where you ride the happiness roller coaster. How do you get off? It turns out that being happier comes down to three things: 1) Control. People who have a feeling of control in their lives tend to be happier in general. 2) Education. Whether you earn a college degree or teach yourself, more education means a happier you. 3) Job. You were born to be busy. Having a fulltime or part-time job, even owning your own business will make you a happier person. Your education and your job enhance your view of the world. So if you want to be happy for the rest of your life, fill your mind with lots of education and work at a satisfying job. Your reward will be a feeling of control that will put a smile on your face every day.

Are You a Rock Star or Member of The Band? I have a question for you -  Are you a Rock Star or a member of the band? Either is okay, but it sure helps to know which Role you play while you are moving toward your goals. I remember talking with my Son after graduation. He had set his sights on becoming a Rock Star. Now, as a Dad who had BIG dreams and hard-won experience, I knew I had to give him perspective. So I asked - Are you willing to do what it takes to rise to the top? And if you don’t get what you want, will you be happy settling for life in the background? That’s when he said, “I wouldn’t be happy being a background singer.” He chased his dreams for a few years until he found a new passion that fits him like a glove. He may not be on stage, but he is a huge fish in a massive pond - and happy as a clam. You might call him a Rock Star! You will always get what you want if you are willing to do whatever it takes to reach your dreams. How bad do you want it?

Reach Your Goals Faster Success in business and life quickly comes down to simple focus and common sense. Here are three kick-starting questions that will help keep you get there fast: 1) What exactly do you want from your job, business, family, or life? What should it provide you? 2) What is the absolute minimum necessary you need to reach your goal? 3) What is the fastest and easiest path to get it done? Every day your job is to focus your activity on the next step in front of you, what is essential, and what you want most. That’s living in the moment - and getting what you want.

Happiness Starts Today Do you ever wake up in the morning and jump straight into your To-Do list?  During times like these, it's easy to lose track of the big picture. Worse, to lose track of where you were heading. That's why we do our Homework on Monday. It's a powerful way to keep an eye on what is essential in your life while you get the day-to-day stuff done. Here's how to do it: 1) Check-in with the 'Roles' and 'Goals' you have in your life. Do you like what you have or do you need to make a change? Decide what action you focus on this week. 2) 'Hold Space' on your calendar and fill it with your 'Roles and Goals. Don't let day-to-day challenges toss you off track. 3) No matter how busy you get, review your homework throughout the week. Live in the moment, but make sure those moments are moving in the direction of your goals. Tomorrow's happiness is a result of your focus today. Focus on the good stuff. Do good stuff. Live good stuff. Get the Daily Boost 5-days a week!

Setting and Understanding Expectation Imagine how your life would improve if everybody in your world understood what to expect. Expectations are powerful. Pay attention to these three: 1) What do you expect of yourself? You get to decide how you approach the world. 2) What do you expect of others? Clearly, understand what you expect of others. That allows you to avoid surprises - and toxic relationships. 3) What do others expect of you? When you let others know what they can expect of you - and walk your talk - you are living in integrity. Your life will always be more comfortable when you know what to expect of yourself and others.  Get the Daily Boost 5 days a week!

Removing Blocks and Frustration When life gets in the way, do you get frustrated about being blocked?  I learned a long time ago that getting blocked is an everyday occurrence. The bigger my goals, the more blocks would arrive. I could either live with endless frustrations or find a better way. It came down to  understanding: 1) Blocks have nothing to do with who you are. Self-inflicted or caused by others, they still have nothing to do with you as a person. 2) If you want something, there is always a way to get it. Always. You may not like the path. Your ego may get in the way. It may scare you. There is still a way to get what you want. 3) Removing blocks from your life takes nothing more than commitment and action. That’s call passion. No block can stand up to passion. The next time frustration gets in your way, blow it off and keep moving. There is always a way to get what you want. Get the Daily Boost 5 days a week!

Should You Master Mind? In 1938 Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" popularized the concept of a Master Mind. Not a character in an Austin Powers movie, but the true path to success for anybody who wants it. According to Hill, a Master Mind is "the coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose." It gets better. "No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible, intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind". And better. With PERSISTENCE and intelligence, and use discrimination in the selection of your "Master Mind" group, your objective will have been half-way reached, even before you begin to recognize it. Did he say half-way reached? Networking and collaboration are like a task on a To-Do list. If you want more, a Master Mind is how you get it.

How to Dream BIG Do you still dream of what you will be when you grow up?  Do those visions keep popping into your head?  If that’s the case, what’s your BIG, AWESOME, MOTIVATING, MISSION? BAM! What dreams excite you and give you a feeling of happiness? BAM! What scares you - and excites you? BAM! What makes you smile and say, “If I could only get myself to…” BAM! Take a few minutes and figure out your BAM! Then stand up, take a step, and repeat!  Keep going until you get what you want. Oh - there’s no need to wait. Now would be a good time to start. :)

How To Stay Focused on What You Want As a child, the most important thing on my mind was heading out the door for an endless adventure. It usually ended in a game of Hide-And-Seek. As we grow into adults, we tend to have other important items that distract us and our days. Eat, sleep, pay bills, feed the dog, take care of the kids, mow the lawn. We stay busy until we realize - Since when did day-to-day tasks become more important than life-long dreams? Steven Covey reminded us of the power of focusing on what's most important in our life. When things get busy, get it done, and get back to focusing on what you want. I wonder if it’s time to put yourself, your dreams, and your future back on the important list?

Release Stress With Structure Would you like to have less stress in your life and more fun? Of course, you would. But how is that possible in today’s world? In my life, I’ve encountered two approaches to managing stress that always appear: 1) Many people blow off stress by acting spontaneously and doing something crazy. 2) Others create a constant routine and build a predictable structure into their lives.  Studies support the effectiveness of choosing either. When you combine both is where the fun happens. When you take the time to tame the craziness in your life and create a structured day-to-day approach, you will find yourself with more time for spontaneous activity. And you will do it without having the stress of what think you should be doing. Structure your life for peace of mind. Feed your soul with spontaneity.

Are You Blocking Your Happiness? Is there something in your life that you are resisting? The old saying, "What you resist will persist" is always at play. It is a potent force in both enhancing and debilitating ways. In my life, I have learned the root cause of anything I resist is either fear of change or misdirected focus. Others say, “I haven't learned my lesson." In any case, the solution has always been: 1) Identify the unwanted issue that is persisting. 2) Identify what the desire instead of the problem issue. 3) Summon the courage to stop resisting. Accept that you have learned the lesson. Commit to learning a new one. What you resist will persist. Sometimes the only way to win the fight is to give up the fight.

How To Figure Out What You Want What if there was a magic formula for figuring out what to do next? I prefer to think of it as resetting your mind and re-discovering yourself. Most people are living in a continual state of craziness. 20 years later, they realize they have no idea what makes them happy. Worse, they have no idea how to get off the carousel and reset. If that’s you, try this: 1) Slow down and make space. The secret to finding YOU is spending time with YOU. 2) Take care of yourself and allow the buzz to drain from your daily experience. Claim if for yourself that extra space for yourself. 3) As your mind clears, you may find that you want to rush back to the craziness. Please don’t do it. Focus instead on remembering the things you most enjoy. 4) Explore the possibilities that pop into your mind. Try them on for size. Keep what you like. Toss those you don’t. 5) Finally. Never lock yourself into a commitment or no timeline for figuring things out. You can do that after you know what you want. Figuring out what you want is about re-discovering yourself again. When you allow time to do that, everything gets better.

Calm Your Mind by Closing Loops Do you have thoughts bouncing around inside your head, keeping you awake at night, and driving you crazy? You are experiencing the attack of the Open Loop. Open Loops happens when a thought enters your mind, with no resolution.  Deadlines.  Lists.  Appointments.  Conversations. Anything that is allowed to sit in your mind will continue to race around like the cars at Daytona Speedway. The fix is to offload those items into a trusted place. You need to download your brain. Gather up those loose ends and enter them into a journal or software app and put it away.  As long as you remember where you put it - those Open Loops will go away.