Live the Life of Your Dreams

I started this blog to help others live the life of their dreams.

There is nothing like going after your dreams.

Dreams...
Motivate us when we don't want to do the work,
Keep us going when we think we are stuck,
Help us see the future more clearly,
Inspire us to stay to our purpose,
Give us reasons to succeed, and
Make the journey exciting.

I hope these will help you live the life of your dreams, inspire You to become a better person, and add value to your life.

If you want to sign up for weekly Motvational emails, just email me at: phil@philgeertesma.com.

I also have a book series available called "CREATE YOUR DREAMS" series. If you are interested, please visit http://philgeertsema.com/

Enjoy and God Bless You



Tuesday, November 16, 2010

TIME MANAGEMENT IS AN OXYMORON

John Maxwell says, “Time management is an oxymoron.” Many people spend a large amount of time learning about time management. We read books, take courses, talk to people, and listen to speeches about time management. So what is the secret? What are all of these people looking for? First, we must understand that we can’t really manage time. We can’t add an hour here or borrow an hour from tomorrow so today will be longer. We can’t manage time itself.

We can, however, manage ourselves and this begins with our priorities. What is a priority in your life? What priorities will bring you closer to your dreams? If you can effectively manage and act upon your priorities, you will instantly become a better “time manager.”

Our main problem is not that we don’t have enough time; our problem is that we don’t use that time correctly. Millions of people complain about not having enough time while others, with the same amount of time, are flourishing in their lives. These people who are successful have their priorities straight. They know what must be done and they do it. They don’t watch TV when they know they should be working. They don’t sit down to eat a bag of potato chips when they know they should be working out. They don’t surf the internet when they know they should be making calls. They don’t go party when they know they should be studying.

In essence, there are two important steps along the path to becoming effective in the marketplace. The first step is knowing what must be done. This is all about having the right priorities. What are your priorities? Will your priorities guide you to the success you desire or will your lack of direction hold you back? The second step is taking action. We must take the action necessary to achieve the success we desire. Will your actions bring you towards the success you dream about or will your lack of action hold you back?

I hope you know what your priorities are. Don’t try to manage time. Instead, develop important priorities in your life. In order to know what our priorities are, we must first know what our dreams and goals are. Start reaching towards your dreams. Develop the priorities that will bring you closer to the success you dream of. Take the actions that will lead you towards your dreams. God Bless You.

MOTIVATION IS GREAT....BUT IT DOESN'T LAST

Often motivation is what gets us started. We are motivated to lose weight, to work hard, to eat healthy, to save money, to develop better relationships, or to develop a better family life. Motivation is a great tool to have, but it isn’t what keeps us going. Motivation is great to have but we can’t depend on motivation to pull us through the tough times in life. Motivation is useful, but we definitely can’t depend on others to motivate us along the path to where we want to end up. Motivation is a very useful short-term tool. What we need are long-term success tools. Two of which are habits and willingness.

Motivation gets us started; habits keep us going. Motivation is often what makes us start, but the habits in our lives will keep us going. If we develop the right habits, we will live the lives of our dreams. We simply need to take the daily steps towards our goals. We cannot procrastinate and hope for our dreams to come true. We must act. We cannot depend on short-term motivation. We must develop our own long-term habits. We cannot wait for opportunities to knock on our door. We must go out and create the life we want. We create the lives of our dreams by developing the correct habits today.

When we have the right habits in place and the willingness to act, difficult situations that arise aren’t as ominous. The willingness to act and the correct habits are a powerful combination, and often end up with success. Too often people get discouraged and quit. Too often we think barriers are bigger than they seem. Too often we forget all we need is willingness and the right habits. Develop a willingness to overcome any obstacle in your life. Develop habits that will help you achieve the life you have always wanted.

I hope you develop a willingness to succeed and bring the right habits along with. The “right” habits are different from person to person, but you must find out what they are for you. If we have the right habits, all we have to do is endure. If we have the willingness to do what it takes, endurance is not a problem. Develop a willingness to overcome any difficulty that presents itself. It is powerful when a person combines the willingness to do what is necessary with the habits that create success. The habits create the action. The willingness creates long-term internal inspiration to overcome obstacles. Develop both willingness and habits in your life and watch your dreams blossom and bloom.

GIVE YOUR BEST TO LIFE...

Give your best to life and you will get your best life in return.
Do your very best. There is nothing like a job well done. Many people have developed the philosophy of “that’s good enough.” They say it all the time. With their work, with their relationships, with their finances, and with their health. I once heard Brian Tracy say, “ ‘Good Enough’ seldom is.” So often we look at something and think it is good enough, but it is not. We have not done our best, we have given a meager effort, but we hope we can get by. We have not finished what we said we would; we just settle for where we are. We sometimes think we cannot change our future. That is what saying, “Good enough” leads to. “Good enough” leads to mediocrity and disaster.

Give life your very best. Live life to the fullest. Commit to your future and don’t settle for anything less than your best. Live an extraordinary life. Abe Lincoln said, “I do the very best I know how – the very best I can and I meant to keep on doing it until the very end.” What if everybody in our society developed that attitude? What if everybody did their absolute best? How would your community change? How would the environment at work change? How would you change if you put forth your best effort in everything you did?

We weren’t designed to live half-heartedly. We were designed to live full lives. We were designed to develop ourselves into people of greatness. We were designed to dream, hope, act, and love. That is what we are here for. We aren’t here to just take up space. We aren’t here to simply get by. We aren’t here to just settle for average. We were put here to flourish, to excel and become people of significance. None of this will happen if we settle for anything besides our best.

I hope you live life to the maximum. Live the best life you can. Don’t settle for less than your best. Don’t let difficulties slow you down along the path to your dreams. We only have one life to live. We must do the best we can with the time that we have been given to us. Life is a precious gift, don’t waste it. Some people will have small accomplishments while others live their wildest dreams. What is the difference? Those who live their dreams have taken action. What are the action steps you must take? Those who live their dreams have dealt with difficulties and faced their problems. What difficulties are holding you back? Those who live their dreams go after each day with passion and with a purpose. What is your purpose? Those who live their dreams do their very best in life. Give your best to life and you will get your best life in return.

Friday, September 24, 2010

IT IS POSSIBLE...

There are no impossible dreams; only our perception of what is possible. What do you perceive to be possible? Do you believe you will live your wildest dreams or do you put it off because you don’t think you can accomplish them? Do you set big goals with an expectancy to hit them or do you just drift through life hoping someday your live will become perfect? Do you expect big things from yourself or do you just settle for mediocrity? Reach for those seemingly impossible dreams and make them a reality.

What do you think is possible for yourself and your future? If you believe something is impossible, it will be impossible…for you. If you think something is possible, it will be possible for you. What we accomplish in life depends on what we believe as much as what we do. We must take action in our lives to live our dreams, but we must also believe that action is worthwhile. If we believe we are trying to solve an impossible equation, we will eventually give up. If we know someday we will succeed, we will persist, we will endure, we will be resilient, and we will put in the work necessary. Believe you will succeed. Believe you will live your dreams.

Life is about so much more than just waiting around, hoping something great will happen. Many people live their lives waiting for the opportunity to knock on their door, not realizing the door is open and the opportunity is waiting for us to walk outside and meet it. Don’t wait for something to come across your path. Don’t let yourself get caught up in what you think might be impossible. Set big goals and go after them! Go after them with a determination that you will overcome any obstacle, that you will defeat adversity, that you will make the impossible possible.

I hope you believe you can create an amazing life. Don’t let yourself get bogged down by what seems improbable. Improbable is not impossible. The small minded people thought flight was impossible while it was simply improbable. Some thought running a four-minute-mile was impossible until one person accomplished that feat and opened a door for many others to accomplish it as well. What seems impossible in your life? What is simply improbable? What is possible? It is possible to accomplish your biggest goals. Finish the next sentence for yourself. It is possible for me to… It is possible to live your wildest dreams. What goals have you thought were impossible? It is possible to … It is possible... Go after life. Nothing is impossible if you believe. It is possible to create and live an extraordinary life! God Bless You!

Friday, September 17, 2010

WHAT DREAMS ARE YOU WORKING TOWARDS???

We all need to look forward to the future. In ten days I will be living a huge dream of mine by touring Italy with my amazing wife. From the canals of Venice to the art-covered Florence to picturesque Cinque Terre to the leaning tower of Pisa to majestic Rome. I have been looking forward to this trip for two years. During difficult moments, I have thought of the great times I will have in Italy. One thing that allowed me to endure through the difficulties and the disappointment is looking forward to the future I was creating . I promised my wife and myself that we would go to Italy when I hit Hall of Fame. The hard work has paid off. The long days were worth it. I hit my goal. I am glad I took the necessary sacrifices.

Are you making the necessary sacrifices today so you can live the life of your dreams? Are you putting in the work today so you can see your dreams come to fruition? Are you doing what’s necessary in order to live the life you have always wanted? One great way to make sure we do these things is not to just have goals to hit, but dreams to accomplish. Not just any ordinary dreams. Big dreams. What are your big dreams? Go to Italy. Tour Paris. See the pyramids. Walk the Great Wall. Visit ancient ruins. See Stonehenge. Dream big dreams and tie them into your current goals. I wanted to hit Hall of Fame, and I really wanted to go to Italy. Tie your goals into your dreams together.

I have accomplished more dreams in the past three years than in the summation of the previous years I was on this planet. I took three steps to accomplish this. First, I wrote down my dreams. All of them. I now have more than three hundred dreams in twelve different categories. What are your dreams? Second, I tied my dreams into my goals. I looked at my dreams and figured which of them I could accomplish in a certain period of time if I worked hard and overcame the obstacles. Because of this I have taken fourteen vacations in the past three years. I tied my vacation dreams (and many other types of dreams) into my goals. Have you written down your dreams? Third, I looked at my dreams and my goals often. So often we get discouraged. So often we get sidetracked. Keep your goals in front of you. Keep your dreams in front of you. Let your dreams encourage you to persist. Let your dreams help you to endure. Don’t let distractions affect your resolve and your effort.

I hope you realize you can change your life. Realize the fact that you can live the life of your dreams. Start today. Intertwine your goals and your dreams. We should all have dreams we are reaching for so when we run into difficulty, we can look toward the future. At times, it seemed like my dreams wouldn’t come true. At times, it seemed like I wouldn’t hit my big goals. I sometimes doubted myself. I doubted my abilities. But I never doubted my resolve. I never doubted my passion for my dreams. I never doubted the fact that I could change my life. Dream big dreams. Write them down. Keep them with you. Tie a bond so strong between your goals and your dreams that no matter what obstacles get in your way, they will never break through. Create the life of your dreams. God Bless You.

Friday, September 10, 2010

DARE MIGHTY THINGS

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” Don’t hold back on life. Don’t wait until the opportunity presents itself. I heard somebody call recession “a time of opportunity.” Some are taking this opportunity to save money, to work hard, to gain skills and knowledge, and to look forward to the future while creating a solid foundation. Others are just hoping times will improve. Don’t just hope. Do something about the situation!

Those who just hope for things to get better are those who “live in the gray twilight.” They sit around hoping for their surroundings to improve. They hope for the economy to improve. They wait until the phone rings. Those who are on the path to success don’t care what the economy is doing; they work hard and improve themselves either way. They create their future. Even though their lives are “checkered with failure,” they “dare mighty things” and eventually “win glorious triumphs.”

What kind of a person are you? Do you sit around hoping taxes will go down and the economy will improve? The great business philosopher Jim Rohn talks about when he was young, he used to say, “Things are too expensive.” His mentor responded, “Things are not too expensive, you just can’t afford them.” Up until then, Jim hoped the economy would get better and that prices would go down. Once he realized things weren’t too expensive, and the fact that he couldn’t afford them, he started working on himself instead of complaining about the economy. We can’t change the economy but we can have a major impact on our own lives!

I hope you start working on yourself and not worry about what the state of the economy is. Yes, we should know what is going on in our nation, but we cannot let that deter us from creating the life of our dreams. The great basketball coach John Wooden once said, “Don’t let making a living interfere with making a life.” If your main focus is simply making a living, that’s all you will do, you’ll just survive. If you are focused on creating the life of your dreams and work hard towards that, your dreams will come true. What are you focused on? What dreams drive you? Are you willing to put in the work to live the life of your dreams? Are you going to focus on what you can affect or are you going to complain about the economy? Let others complain while you take action. Let others whine while you work hard. Let others gripe about their lives while you are living a great life. Create the life of your dreams. Create the life you want. “Dare mighty things”. Understand your life will be “checkered with failures.” Then “win glorious triumphs.” Create the life of your dreams. God Bless You!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

TODAY'S LABOR CREATES TOMORROW'S FRUIT

What are you doing today to create the future of your dreams? There are many people out there who hope their lives will improve, not realizing they need to go out there and change their own lives. If we want to have a great future, we need to create a great day today. We need to go out into the world and create our dreams. We can’t just hope for our dreams to come true. We must take the initiative in our lives. We must take action in our lives. We cannot wait for tomorrow. Today is what’s important. Create a great day today.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” If you don’t take care of today, you can’t expect tomorrow to be great. If you haven’t taken care of your past, you shouldn’t be baffled as to why you aren’t living the life you want to live today. Many people say they will wait until tomorrow. They say they will wait until the perfect time. They say they will wait until the time is right. Those who are successful create the right time to act, while those who are unsuccessful are waiting for the right time to happen.

Become a person who creates the right time to act. Become a person who will take action when others won’t. Become a person who doesn’t procrastinate. Become a person who takes the necessary actions today instead of waiting until tomorrow. Become a person who is resilient despite the difficulties in life. Become a person who is perseverant. We can’t truly expect to live the lives of our dreams if we wait until tomorrow to act upon what is necessary.

I hope you take action today. Become a person who is in constant pursuit of your dreams. Your dreams wait until you take the necessary amount of action. They won’t appear out of nowhere. Action must come first. Nothing great was ever accomplished without action. Nothing great was built without action. You cannot become a person of greatness without action. You cannot live the life of your dreams if you don’t take action. It is hard to read that last sentence, but it is true. You will not live the life of your dreams if you don’t actively pursue those dreams. Pursue your dreams. Take action today. Do what is necessary. Soon enough, with enough action and perseverance, you will be enjoy the fruits of your labor in the land of your dreams.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

LIVE YOUR DREAMS

It is possible to live your dreams. It is possible to achieve goals we set for ourselves. It is possible to design, create, and live an extraordinary life. A couple of years ago, I heard an extremely successful businessman say something that absolutely changed my viewpoint on life. He said, “If I can do it, so can you. If I can do it, there is no reason you can’t do it.” I took this idea to heart. I started dreaming more. I started planning my dreams. I started taking action towards my dreams. I was more resilient along the path. I didn’t let the obstacles stop me. Obstacles can slow you down, but only you can let them permanently stop you.

I have also heard people say, “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” This is only partially true. People hear others say this and think they can just close their eyes, meditate really hard, and become successful. They find really quickly this doesn’t work. The saying should be: “If you put your mind to a goal, commit to the action necessary, and endure through the obstacles, you can accomplish it.”

If somebody accomplishes something great, there is no reason you can’t. If others can live their dreams, why can’t you? Most people in our society stop dreaming in their twenties. They get out into the real world and they lose sight of their dreams. They settle for a job they don’t really want and forget about the big goals they had set for life. Yesterday I saw a friend I haven’t talked to in a year and he informed me he was going to try out for the pro golf tour! He isn’t only putting his mind to it. He is ready to take action, and endure through the obstacles. He told me he is going after his dreams! Are you?

Are you really chasing your dreams or are you just hoping good things will happen to you? Most people just hope their lives will improve. People don’t realize they need to create their dreams if they want their dreams to come true. The government won’t create your dreams. Your parents, teachers, managers, and friends care about you, but they won’t create your dreams. You have to design and create a great life. You have to set the goals and commit to the action. You have to be resilient no matter what obstacles you face. That is how you become successful. That is how you live a great life. That is how you live the life of your dreams.

I hope you realize if others can live their dreams, you can too. I hope you don’t just put your mind to what you want to achieve, but commit to the action necessary and be resilient through the obstacles. Life is about creating your dreams, not just hoping they will come true. Others won’t do it for you; you have to do it for yourself. The good news: if others can do it, you can too. You have to put in the work. What are your dreams? Two days ago, I achieved one of my big dreams by hitting Hall of Fame ($500,000 in personal career sales). If I can achieve and live my dreams, you can too! Commit to creating your dreams; put in the work necessary to live your dreams; be resilient along the path to your dreams; and soon enough, you will be living the life of your dreams! God Bless You and Your Dreams!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

STRIVING FOR THE IMPROBABLE INSTEAD OF SETTLING FOR WHAT'S EASY

Too often we seek what is easy instead of what will make us grow. I was reading Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly last night and this quote stuck out at me: “Let us not seek what is easy. Let us seek what is possible.” There are so many people who just seek what is easy. They want the easy answers, the easy road, the easy diet, the easy workout, the easy way out, the easy way to the top, and the easy lifestyle.

Instead of aiming for what’s easy, shoot for what’s possible. The question becomes: what is possible in my life? How great can you become? What can you accomplish in your short life? How much can you give back to your community? What dreams could you achieve if you truly put your mind to them?

We have to stop looking for what’s easy and start searching for what’s possible. Here is a tip: possible and probable shouldn’t go in the same sentence. If something is possible, yet it is probable, there is something bigger you can shoot for. If your goal is to sell $1000 and it is extremely probable, it becomes easy. It is possible, but it is easy. Raise your standards. Raise your goal. Shoot higher. True achievement doesn’t come from achieving what’s probable, but by reaching inside yourself and achieving something that was once improbable.

Landing on the moon was once improbable. Running a four-minute mile was once improbable. Travelling the speed of sound was once improbable. Flying across the ocean was once improbable. Climbing mountains was once improbable. Think about it. Almost everything you do in your day-to-day life was at once time improbable. Driving your car. Talking on the phone. Riding a bike. Seeing clearly without glasses. Heating up food without fire. Watching television. The list goes on and on.

Don’t strive for what’s probable. Strive for what’s improbable. Strive for what’s possible. Stretch yourself. Create such a life that you are always growing and improving. As I look back on my short life, some of the moments I cherish most are those when I was forced to grow and forced to improve. Those times that I made myself uncomfortable in order to better my life. Those times that I was really stretching what I thought I was capable of. Those times that I set bigger goals than I had ever set before. Those times I dreamed bigger dreams that I had ever dreamt before.

I hope you strive for what’s possible instead of what’s probable. Nobody grows by hitting a goal that is probable. Nobody improves by seeking the easy way out. Growth comes through difficulty. True growth comes from reaching for the improbable. Lasting growth comes from setting big goals, committing to the work necessary to achieve those goals, and persevering through the difficulties along the way. Don’t settle for what’s easy. Reach for what’s improbable. Set big goals. Dream big dreams. Seek what is improbable along the path to your dreams.

Monday, August 16, 2010

DEVELOP YOUR OWN WILLINGNESS

Some of us find it hard to motivate ourselves. We drag our bodies out of bed in the morning. We go to work just to do activities, often without a real purpose. We go home and stuff ourselves until we hurt while sitting on the couch watching something we don’t even care to see. We hope others will motivate us. We hope a miracle will happen and we will be whisked away into the land of our dreams. We forget that we have to create our own dreams. We forget others cannot do it for us.

What is necessary to live the life of our dreams? Motivation is nice, but seldom necessary. Ask professional athletes if they were always motivated to put in the hours and hours of practice. Ask millionaires if they were always motivated to spend the extra hours at the office. Ask a mother if she is always motivated to be a great role model. The answer will be a resounding, “NO!”

What is it the answer? What makes these people effective and others ineffective? There are many different answers for each person. Some will say they want fame, some want power, some want recognition, some want money. What really matters is the willingness to do what’s necessary. It doesn’t matter what you are shooting towards, as long as you are willing to do what it takes to get there. The legends didn’t wait for somebody to come around and motivate them; they develop a willingness to work. The greats in the history books didn’t sit around hoping their dreams would come true; they took action.

Millions of people complain because they aren’t motivated. They say they aren’t successful because they aren’t motivated. If only they were motivated. If only somebody could come into their lives and show them the path. If only… If only… If only.

We need to be willing to take responsibility for ourselves and our own futures. We need to be willing to put in the work, whether we are motivated to work or not. We need to be willing to eat healthy and exercise. We need to be willing to listen to others in order to improve our relationships. We need to be willing to put aside a part of our earnings each month so we can become financially independent. There are many things we need to be willing to do…NONE of which require motivation.

I hope you develop a willing spirit. I hope you strive for personal growth. Some of us have been motivated in the past, but we cannot depend on others motivating us in the future. We need to develop a willingness to work. Then we need to take action. Act towards worthy goals. Act to create the life of your dreams. Commit fully to what you want to achieve. These are all important, but we first need to be willing to do them. Don’t wait for somebody to motivate you. Be willing to act. Be willing to dream. Be willing to set and achieve big goals. Be willing to commit to living an extraordinary life, and soon enough, you will be living the life of your dreams.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

LIVE A GREAT LIFE

What are you doing with your one short life? Are you taking full advantage of everything you have been given? There are so many people in our society who simply drift by in life. They don't create their lives. They don't chase their dreams. All they do is hope. They hope their lives will improve but they do nothing about it. They hope for change to happen, but they don't realize for change to happen in your life, you have to create the change. We need to realize we can't accomplish what we want if we just sit around. We will never live the lives of our dreams if we wait for our dreams to come to us.

Life is best when you go out and live it. So many people sit on the couch every night, watching others on the television live their lives, forgetting to go out and live their own. I heard somebody say we need to save our money but spend our lives. Don't get to the end of your life with a bunch of life left. Many people save their lives, hoping something great will happen to them in the future, and never end up spending it. They save their lives, yet go out and spend their money. Switch this around. Save your money. Come up with an investment plan. Go out and spend your life. Live well. Live hard.

How do you want others to remember you? Write down five things you want to be known for. Hard working. Faithful. Honest. Trustworthy. Committed. Ask others five words that describe you. How are you doing? Maybe you think you are hard working and committed, but others see flaky and irresponsible. How can you change? What you do today has a huge impact on what you to tomorrow. What changes should you make today? Mahatma Gandhi said, "My life is my message." I challenge you to make your life your message.

I hope you take full advantage of this one short life. There is no second chance at life. There is no chance to re-do life. Once it's over, it's over. What do you want to be remembered for? Don't wait to live life. Almost three years ago, I decided to truly go after my life. I decided to make the necessary changes. I made a list of dreams I wanted to accomplish. I came up with a plan to accomplish those dreams. I put in the work necessary. I endured the obstacles and the difficult times. We all run into times of difficulty. Millard Fuller said, "It's not your blue blood, your pedigree or your college degree. It's what you do with your life that counts." What are you doing with your one short life? I challenge you to live a life of greatness. I challenge you to go out and create the life of your dreams. Don't wait for tomorrow to come. Start today. Plant the seeds today so you can reap the rewards in the future! God Bless You!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

ONE FLAW OF OUR SOCIETY; CAN YOU HELP ME FIX IT?

One of the greatest flaws of our society is that people think they can get something for nothing. This idea shows up in many college students and recent graduates. Many college students think they can just drift through college, drink and party all they want, study sparingly, cram for tests, eat unhealthy, and still get the job of their dreams. These kids are very misguided. They graduate from college with mediocre grades and expect a job at the top of a company. When a college graduate comes in for an interview, often all the interviewer sees is someone who is overweight with average grades and no job experience. This interviewee doesn't even understand why they didn't get the job. We can't expect to get something great with only a minimal effort.

People think they can get something for nothing. We all need to realize this isn't true. You aren't going to lose the weight just because you bought the ab machine on that provocative infomercial. Most people know the two steps to losing weight: eat healthy, workout. They just don't do it. Most people know the steps to achieving financial independence: spend less than you make, save ten percent or more of what you make. Most people know what it takes to be successful in their field: work hard despite the obstacles. They just don't do these things. They want the easy way out. They want overnight success.

These steps to success in your life are simple. It's simple to save. It's simple to work hard. It's simple to eat healthy and to workout. The problem is that very few people do this. They want the easy way out. There is no easy way to success. The road to success is paved with hard work and diligence.

What can you do today to work harder and become more diligent? What can you do this week to start creating your dream? How have you been hoping your dreams would just come true? Most people dream big dreams when they are young, but they run into difficulty and obstacles. The dreams turn into mere hopes. They hope for the best. They hope life will turn out. They hope the economy will turn around. Hope is great, but it doesn't help if you don't attach action to it. We need to let our dreams drive us. We need to chase our dreams. We can't just hope life will turn out for the best; we must create the future we desire if we are going to truly live great lives.

I hope you realize there is no easy path to success. A college degree accompanied by miserable grades will most likely not get you the job you desire. Overnight success is a myth created by the media so they can sell you promises of overnight success. The miracle diets don't work; the only solution to weight loss is eat healthy and workout. Burn more calories than you eat. All of these ideas are simple, but not always easy to do. Don't let society sell you on the fact that you can get something for nothing. It's impossible. The equation simply doesn't work. Dream big dreams. Decide which dreams you want to chase. Commit to the effort. Work hard. There is no better feeling than working hard and accomplishing a dream because of it. Don't just hope the life of your dreams will show up on your doorstep. Create the life of your dreams, and live that life for the rest of your days! God Bless You

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

TODAY'S ACTION

Winston Churchill said, “I will never worry about action. Only inaction.” Are you taking the action necessary to achieve your dreams and live the life you want to live? Many times, we see people on TV living their dreams, not realizing the action they have put forth. Many times, we see people on stage receiving recognition, not realizing the months and years they have devoted themselves to their craft. We can all become better by taking more action.

What action will you take today? Our dreams don’t come true all-at-once. They come true with action and the gentle progress of time. What are you doing today to make sure your time is well-spent? Those who achieve the success they desire take advantage of each day. Yesterday was important because it brought you to today. Today, however, is more important because it will bring you to the tomorrows of your life.

What you are unwilling to do today, you will be unwilling to do tomorrow. Some people say they will wait until tomorrow. What is going to change then? Is the economy going to turn around overnight? Are you going to have a motivational dream to inspire you to take action? Is your mentor going to call you and tell you to take action? No! These won’t happen. The greatest test of tomorrow’s promise of action is the action you take today. If you are taking action today, there is a good chance you will tomorrow as well.

Take action today. What steps can you take today towards your dreams? What calls can you make? What exercises will you do? What will you eat or not eat? What changes will you make in your life? Our life isn’t defined by what is going on around us; it is defined by the actions that we take. Are the actions you are taking leading you towards your dreams? Are you even taking action?

I hope you take the action necessary to live the life of your dreams. Progress is all life asks for. If your life was a body of water, would it be a stagnant pond or a flowing river? Are you constantly flowing towards your dreams with an upbeat attitude or are you letting yourself get stuck in the quicksand of procrastination? Take action today. If you don’t act today, you probably won’t tomorrow either. Today is the most important day of your life. Use it well. Take the steps today. Take necessary action today. Keep your dreams in mind. Don’t forget where you are headed while you are taking the action. Form the life of your dreams. Create the life of your dreams. Live big the rest of your life by taking action today!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

ADVERSITY IS NECESSARY TO WIN THE GAME OF LIFE

We all face difficulties in life. Sometimes we think the difficult moments are out to get us. Few people realize difficulties are simply there to make us better. In the movie Evan Almighty, God (played by Morgan Freeman) says that He doesn’t give us patience; He gives us chances to be patient. He doesn’t give us strength; he gives us chances to be strong. He doesn’t make us better; He gives us chances to improve ourselves. Many of these chances we get are what we call difficulties and adversities.

One of the great measures of your life is how you face adversity and obstacles. Many people crumble under the pressure. Few people grow despite the situation. What path will you take? Will you stay down or will you keep getting up? Will you let the failure become permanent or will you only allow it to be a pit stop along the journey? It’s up to you. Nobody can decide for you. Nobody can act for you. Nobody can make you successful but you. What can you do today to face the adversity you are currently struggling to overcome?

People despise adversity, yet there would be no victory without it. If you ran across the goal line in a football stadium with a football underneath your arm, and you were all alone, that wouldn’t be a touchdown. That would just be going for a run. You need the three-hundred-pound lineman chasing after you trying to knock your head off. After you get past him, you need to dodge ten of his surprisingly fast friends. This time, when you cross the goal line, it is a touchdown. You need adversity in your life in order to win the great game of life.

I hope you realize you need adversity in your life in order to truly succeed. Success without adversity seems hollow. It doesn’t truly seem like success. When the Championship game is a blowout, nobody gets excited. What’s exciting is the touchdown with five seconds to go. Adversity helps create the great drama of life. Difficulty makes life exciting. My hope is that you face whatever difficulty you might be facing and grow from it. Don’t think for a second that you are the only one who faces misfortune. Each person does. The measure of your life will be how you face that misfortune. Will you let that misfortune shape your life? Or will you face misfortune, adversity, and difficulty with a sense of purpose, with a determination to succeed, with a willingness to overcome anything in your path, and with a resilience that will never fade? Live the life of your dreams. Let adversity help you build a life of greatness, success, and significance. God Bless You!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

TRANSLATE DREAMS INTO REALITY

We all need to follow our dreams. Some people get lost along the way. Some get sidetracked. Some never even start. We need to figure out early in life the power of our dreams. If you are young, this is the perfect time for you to read this. If you aren’t young, it is still the perfect time. It is never too late to live your dreams. It is never too late to become who you want to become. It is never too late to become who you were born to be.

The most prolific period of pessimism comes at twenty-one, or thereabouts, when the first attempt is made to translate dreams into reality. - Heywood Broun. What a great quote that is. We all know people who, shortly after high school or college, turn into pessimists. I believe it is because they had trouble turning their dreams into reality. They had great imaginings, but it didn’t come true when they wanted. They had great ideas, but procrastination set in. They had big goals, but the road blocks seemed bigger. The invariable mark of a dream is to see it come true. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

In order for us to see our dreams come true, we first need to know with absolute clarity what those dreams are. Don’t have fuzzy dreams. Fuzzy dreams produce fuzzy realities. If we are going to live the lives of our dreams, we must be clear about what we want. We must also take action. Not any action, but continual action. We must constantly strive to improve ourselves and our lives if we are going to experience our dreams. Very few people become successful without taking constant and continual action. We also need to endure. Many people quit when they run into roadblocks. We need to endure. We need to persist. One of the greatest feelings in the world is living a dream even though an obstacle was firmly planted in our way.

I hope you live the life of your dreams despite the obstacles in your way. Don’t become pessimistic just because you aren’t as successful as you desire. Sometimes we just need more action. What action can you take today? Sometimes we just need more endurance. How can you endure what you are facing today? How can you develop more resilience in your life today? Life isn’t about waiting until the someday that will never come. Life is about taking action today. Life is about enduring today. Life is about dreaming about the future while taking daily action in order to make those dreams come true. See the life of your dreams before you live it. Take action today to achieve those dreams. Endure through the obstacles on the way to your dreams. Do these things and you will truly live an extraordinary life!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

3 WAYS TO CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT

There is so much more to living than just being alive. Most of the people we run into during our every day lives are simply going with the flow. They don’t really take advantage of their lives. They think opportunities will come knocking. They think their dreams will be lived if they just get by in their work. They think if they can go out and have enough pleasure that they will be fulfilled. They are wrong.

In my life, I have found that there are three things that I have done to really create the life of my dreams. First, take action. Second, develop resilience. Third, let philosophies guide my life.

Nothing great in this world was ever accomplished without action. Those who accomplish grand plans aren’t those who just think great thoughts, but those who take action and accomplish what they set out to accomplish. Those who are continually great are the ones who take continual action. Are you on the path to becoming continually great? Are you taking continual action?

We all run into obstacles. We all run into roadblocks. Those who endure through the pain, the suffering, the injustice, and the difficulties are the ones who succeed. Those who give up are the ones you see with blank faces as you walk past on the sidewalk. You can tell somebody who has been resilient because it is the person with a grin. There are few greater feelings than persisting through difficulty and ending up at the finish line. Accept the past for what it is; take continual action to create the future of your dreams.

Some people think philosophies have to be overwhelmingly difficult ideas. Synonyms of the word philosophy are attitude, viewpoint, thinking, ideas, and beliefs. We all need philosophies in life. We all need guiding beliefs. Last night, I was reading Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly and he mentioned we all have beliefs. How are your beliefs guiding your life? What do you believe in? How are your philosophies guiding your life? How are your philosophies of life helping you create the life of your dreams?

I hope you can develop these three areas more into your life. As I think of the leaders and people I greatly admire and respect, I realize almost every single one of them has an abundance of each of these areas. They take continual action. They are resilient when they run into obstacles. They have guiding philosophies that will not let them get off course. The reason I put guiding philosophies last is I don’t want people to think they have to spend years developing philosophies, then take action. Develop personal philosophies while you are taking action and while you are being resilient. If we wait for the perfect time to get going, we will be forever stuck at the starting line. Take action today. Don’t wait for "someday" because it will never get here. Develop resilience along the journey. Remember the easy path is easy for a reason. True achievement comes from enduring through the difficult journey. Develop personal philosophies that will guide you to where you want to end up. Strive to become the best version of yourself. Start developing these three areas today. Continue for the rest of your life. Create the life of your dreams.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

DON'T BE JUST INTERESTED

Many of us live our lives through interest. We are interested in success, but not truly ready to put forth the effort. We are interested in losing weight, but not truly willing to do what is necessary. We are interested in getting great grades, but we lose interest when friends with ideas for fun come along. We are interested in being in relationships, but when an argument comes along it sometimes seems easier to just get out. We are all interested in many things. The problem with interest is the fact that we don’t truly succeed in life based on interest alone.

When we run into a wall while we are just interested, many times we give up. When we face difficulties when we are merely interested, we stop giving effort. We need to develop something bigger than a meager interest. Nobody ever became successful in something they were merely interested in. Professional athletes are interested in their sport, but they had something deeper than interest driving them. Teachers are interested in helping others, but they have something more important than interest driving them to succeed. Managers are interested in helping those under them but if they are truly great, they have something more significant than interest driving their success. Interest alone never created success.

We need to develop commitment. True commitment creates success. Anybody that succeeds in his or her field isn’t merely interested; they are fully committed. When we are committed, we endure, we persist, we are resilient, we are patient, and we create our own future. When we are committed, we don’t worry about what has happened, we face challenges with an optimistic and overcoming spirit. When we are committed, quitting is not an option. When we are committed, we will do what’s necessary to overcome any obstacle in our path. I challenge you to develop more commitment in your life. There is a difference between interest and commitment. When we are simply interested, we put forth effort when we feel like it. When we are committed, we put forth effort for a grander sence of accomplishment despite our feelings.

I hope you develop commitment in the areas you truly want to succeed in. I am interested in golfing. It is something I enjoy doing, but I am not committed to becoming the absolute best golfer I can be. I do it for fun. If I wanted to become a pro golfer, I would have to develop that commitment to the game and to improving myself in that area. I strive to improve my golfing skills, but I am not going to take time to improve on something I'm interested in over something I'm committed to. Find the areas in your life where you should be interested and find the areas in your life where you need to develop a deeper commitment. When you know the difference between what you are simply interested in and what you are truly committed to, your life will change. You will realize it's more important to study for the time you committed to than to go hang out with friends. You will realize it's more important to stick to your commitment of working out rather than sitting on the couch. You will realize it's more important to fight through the difficulties at work instead of giving up. When you understand what you are merely interested in, you realize you might be spending too much time on your interests and not enough on what you are committed to. When you develop a deep sense of commitment in your life, you realize what is most important and you realize what you should be spending most of your time on. Develop a deep sense of commitment. Figure out what you are merely interested in. Commit to what you truly want to achieve. Greatness seldom happens without a total commitment to effort and results. Commit to creating the life of your dreams.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

YOUR SHIP

If your ship isn’t coming in, swim out to meet it. How many people do you know that wait for their ship to come in, wait for the girl to call, wait for the opportunity to appear, wait for the grades to magically get better, or for their kids to improve? A miniscule amount of significant acts will ever happen in our lives without taking action. People wait for their ship to come to the dock; little do they know it is tendered out in the ocean. People wait their whole lives, in sight of what they want, waiting for life to come to them. We need to take the initiative, go out there, and perform.

Patience is a virtue, but if you wait too long, the virtue might be gone. Patience is great, especially when paired with action. We can’t expect to wait and hope for our life to improve by itself. We can’t wait for our relationships to get better without us doing anything about them. We can’t hope for the phone to ring. We need to take action. We need to either sail or swim out and meet our ship. We need to pickup the phone and do the work to improve our lives daily, and make a consistent effort to become the best we can possibly be.

This is a call to action. People aren’t defined as much by who they are, but by what they do. Name one person who didn’t do anything, yet is a raging success. You can’t think of any can you? Success requires action. Sustained success requires consistent action. What can you do today to move yourself in the direction you most desire? Those who retire early and sit back to enjoy their lives have put in not only the hours but the effort necessary to achieve their success. Those who aren’t able to retire are those who let the hours pass by. Both had the time, only one took the action. Why does one twin succeed and the other fail? Because of action, or the lack of it. Same genes. Same parents, same school, sometimes the same friends and teachers. One took action, and one didn’t. Action will rule your destiny.

I hope you take action. I hope you swim out to meet your ship. Don’t just tread water hoping the ship will come to you. Don’t spend your life waiting for something to happen. Take the first steps today. Continue those steps each day for the rest of your life. The sprinter doesn’t win the marathon, he who takes steady pace wins. The person who spends eighty hours at the office for a month or two will get burned out. He who is able to take consistent action and apply it to his or her daily life will be the person who wins. I hope you can take the daily steps on the road of life to get to the destination of your dreams. Swim out and meet your dreams!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

DRIVER OR DRIVEN?

What drives your life? Do you drive your life, or do you let outside forces drive you? Life is like driving a car. You can be either a mindless vehicle going somewhere under somebody else’s direction, or you can direct your own life! You make the turns! You make the decisions! You choose your path!

It is unbelievable the number of vehicles in the form of humans that are out there! People letting their lives be guided by forces either seen or unseen. Don’t be one of those people. Dale Carnegie agreed with this when he said, “Men of age object too much, consult too long, adventure too little, repent too soon, and seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success.” Don’t let other drive you to mediocrity. Direct your life! If you feel like your life is being driven, get in the drivers seat and take control of your life!

Finding your purpose and discovering your dreams are the keys to driving your own life. If you know why you are working, why you are making those daily actions, you will be on purpose. Make a list of dreams that you want to achieve! Make a list of what you want to accomplish in your lifetime. Make a list of what you want to accomplish within the next coupe years. Write these in a journal. Keep track of your progress. What steps can you take today to get closer to living your dreams? Drive your life in the direction you want it to go.

I hope you find your purpose. I hope you not only discover your dreams, but Live Your Dreams! Nothing is more exciting that to say, “Today I lived my dreams” or “Today I took steps to make my future dreams possible.” People think their lives are being directed when they aren’t in pursuit of their dreams! Get in the driver’s seat, plan out your route, and set course for the life of your dreams!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

I CAN BE BETTER

In the movie Hancock, Will Smith’s character says, “You deserve better from me. I can be better. I will be better.” We should always be reminding ourselves that. I can do my job better. I can be a better father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter. What can you become better at?

It comes down to willingness. What are you willing to do to become better personally and professionally? Are you willing to take that extra step? Are you willing to make those extra calls? Are you willing to take the time out of your busy schedule and help somebody else out? Are you willing to leave the office earlier to have a better family life?

There are so many ways to improve yourself. There are CDs that you can listen to. There are people that you can call. There are books you can read. Which of these avenues will you take advantage of? What do you need to work on first? Concentrate on improving in that one area. You have no idea how one area in your life can make such a significant impact. Do you need more time with your family? Do you need to get better at prospecting? Do you need to work out more?

One thing you can do immediately is find the part of your business that you need the most help in, and spend some time specifically working on that one area. The great people in your business aren't great at everything. They are, however, constantly improving themselves and their skills. Those who are great don’t become great overnight; they have worked on it for an extended period of time.

I hope you realize that you can become better. The world wants the best out of you. The people around you want the best from you. We can not achieve perfection, but we can strive for excellence. Life is a constant game of improving ourselves. How great can you make this short life of yours? How much can you enjoy your life? Can you find the areas you need to improve? Start with one small part that needs work. Then move on. Keep moving forward. Life isn’t about improving everything today; it’s about making a continual journey of improvement. I believe you can! My hope for you is that you can take steps to improve your life, no matter how great or miserable your life is. Thank you for making the world a better place, one person at a time. Be willing to start with yourself. Be willing to be better.

Monday, May 24, 2010

WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS

How are you developing your thoughts? Are you reading good books? Are you listening to powerful and uplifting audio programs? Are you talking to those who can show you a better and brighter future? Or, are you succumbing to what society thinks of you? Make your own mark on society, don’t let it mark you.

Your thoughts control your destiny. Your thoughts control more than you could possibly imagine. If you think positively, people notice. The opposite is also true. People notice if you are having a tough time. Even if you don’t say anything, people can look at you and tell. Many times people can see your thoughts by just looking at you. Are your thoughts helping you get to where you want, or are they hindering you? Our thoughts control our future.

Frank Outlaw wisely said, “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” It doesn’t happen overnight, but your most dominating thoughts will control your destiny. Realizing this, what is the outlook for your future? Bright or bleak? Are your thoughts guiding you towards where you want to be, or are they holding you back?

I hope you pay close attention to your thoughts. I hope you realize that your thoughts affect more areas of your life than anything else. Our thoughts are one of the few things in this world that we can continually control. We can’t control other people, but we can control our thoughts towards others. It was Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Where have your thoughts taken you? Much more importantly: Where will your thoughts take you? Your past thoughts have created your present; your present thoughts will create your future. Create the future of your dreams by thinking great thoughts today!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

BE DETERMINED, THEN PERSIST

Determination and persistence are common traits of those who are successful. Very few traits are more important than determination and persistence. Calvin Coolidge wisely said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius is not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Talent alone will not take you to where you want to be. You must be determined to put in the work. You must be determined to finish what you started. We must realize there are, and always will be, difficulties along the way. We must realize the journey will seldom be easy. We need to be determined, and sometimes stubborn, about finishing what we’ve started. We must never quit.

Genius is great to have, but it is worth nothing if it isn’t being used. Do you know someone who is extraordinarily smart or talented, but doesn’t use these gifts? It is a shame. I am not the smartest or most talented, but I am disciplined. I am persistent. I am dedicated to my goals and my dreams. Are you? Are you determined to become successful? Are you sick of being average? Are you fed up with the fact that you might not be where you want to be? How will you live the life of your dreams? What steps will you take to move in the direction of your dreams? How will you persist along the way?

Those who have the most education aren’t always those who are the most successful. A degree isn’t a requisite for success; determination and persistence are. People fall into the trap of thinking their education will get them a job. Approximately 90,000 people graduate a year with a college degree. What makes you different? Employers aren’t looking for only a degree; they are looking for determination and persistence. What can you do today to show them that you are determined and that you persist?

I hope you develop a fierce determination for life. I hope you never give up. We give up when our determination falters. Nobody gives up when they are fully committed and determined. Hold tight your determination. Embrace your excitement for your goals and your dreams. I hope you persist through the tough moments in your life. Realize that nobody is out to get you. Difficult situations happen to everybody. Simply remember the more difficulty we face, the more chances we have to grow. Be determined to hit the goals and live the dreams of your life. When difficulty shows its ugly face, persist with a purpose. Those who give up lose their determination, or their willingness to persist, or both. Embrace the difficulty. Hold tight to your determination. Learn to persist. These qualities will bring you to the land of your dreams.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

LUDICROUS AND COMPLETELY UNATTAINABLE

We don’t dream big dreams because we want to let ourselves down. We don’t dream big dreams because we like disappointment. We don’t set big goals because we love the bitter taste of failure. We dream big dreams and set big goals because we want to truly live our lives. We want to reach what sometimes seems unattainable. We want to live a bigger life than what we are currently living. We want to become not only successful but significant. That is why we dream big dreams. That is why we set enormous goals.

No matter what difficulties you are facing, always remember it’s possible if you believe. No matter what you are going through, or what your situation is, remember it’s possible to live the life of your dreams. One of the finest acceptance speeches I’ve ever heard is Russell Crowe accepting his Oscar for his role in Gladiator. He said, “Dreams like this at times seem like they are ludicrous and completely unattainable, but this moment is directly connected to those childhood imaginings. For anybody who is on the down side of advantage and relying purely on courage… it’s possible.”

He dreamt about being an actor. He dreamt as a child of winning an Oscar. He thought it was ludicrous at times. Others thought it was completely unattainable, but he persisted. He endured. He was resilient. That is the way we live the life of our dreams. We need to persist, no matter what difficulties we are facing. We need to endure. We need to be resilient. What complicated circumstances are you going through right now? Often, we know we are on the right track if we are running into challenges. We need to remember that the most demanding of circumstances are the best chances for us to grow as people. When we endure times of difficulty, our character develops.

I hope you keep moving in the direction of your wildest dreams. I hope you realize that the most ludicrous and seemingly unattainable dreams and goals are those that will develop you the most as a person. Don’t let roadblocks get in your way. Realize that the biggest goals are those that will challenge us the most. When we are challenged we have the choice to either give up or get better. I hope you choose to get better. The biggest goals are also those that mean the most when they are accomplished. Set big goals. Put in the work. Persist. Endure. Be resilient. Put in the work and the endurance today so you can live the tomorrow of your dreams.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

TODAY

What do you want for your future? Do you want something beyond what you currently have? Do you want to be someone more than who you currently are? Do you want to grow? Do you want to succeed? If we want to become more tomorrow, we have to start with today. So many people go through their lives waiting for tomorrow to be different. The only problem is that they don’t change today. I am willing to wait for tomorrow to be different, but I realize I must make the change today.

We can’t expect to stay the same today, and have tomorrow to be any different. Patience and waiting are difficult. Both of these are tremendous assets. They aren’t beneficial, however, when we are waiting for something to happen and we don’t take action. Jim Rohn said, “The next ten years will be the same as the last ten years, if you don’t make any changes in your life.” Why don’t people realize that? Why do they think they can go about living their lives the same every day and expect change?

If we want tomorrow to be different, we must start with today. Tomorrow will never be here. Yesterday is gone. We can’t live for the tomorrows of our life. We have to live today. We need excitement and anticipation for tomorrow, but we can’t wait to act until tomorrow. We need to learn from our past but we can’t live in our past. You are at where you are at because of your past; that doesn’t mean you have to stay there. We don’t have to like where we are at, but if we do nothing about it, then we are choosing to stay there in our future.

I hope you can make the changes today. I hope you can learn from the yesterdays of your life. I hope you can dream, plan and anticipate your future. It all boils down to what you do today. Successful people are those who take advantage of today. Significant people are those who help others take advantage of today. Become both successful and significant. Develop the future of your choice. You might be in one spot today, but you can change all of that for tomorrow. You can wake up in Japan tomorrow, but you have to get on the plane today. You can be successful tomorrow but you have to start today. You can be in shape tomorrow, but you need to start today. It’s all about today. What are you doing today? What actions can you take today? What steps towards your future will you take today? Don’t wait until tomorrow; take advantage of today!

Monday, April 26, 2010

IT'S HOW WE LIVE THAT MATTERS MOST

It’s how we live that matters most. How do you live? Are you barely making it from day to day? Are you just surviving? Or are you thriving in this life? What could you do live your life to the fullest? Who could you talk to more? Who could you learn from? This life is a continual learning journey, and if you stop learning, you start dying.

Are you getting the most possible out of this gift we have been granted, or are you taking it for granted? Are you learning from the misfortunes that come up, or are you stuck thinking about them constantly? Do you allow misfortunes to run your live, or do you live and love your life in spite of what is going on around you?

The majority of people can’t say they absolutely love their life. There aren’t many people respond, “I’m amazing” when you ask them how they are doing. How do you answer that question? Tell them that you are “excellent,” even if you aren’t, you will feel better just for saying it. Love this life we have.

Earl Nightingale said, “Our attitude towards life determines life’s attitude towards us.” Life loves you when you love it first. Loving life doesn’t mean everything goes exactly according to plan, and nothing goes wrong. Loving life means accepting things will not go according to plan, but not allowing it to negatively affect your life. Loving life requires living life to the fullest! This means racing towards your potential, even if you never finish the race. Very few people actually reach their potential. The mere fact that you are working towards it is what is important.

I hope you keep running the race towards your potential. I hope you suck the marrow out of life. I hope you take as many non-material things out of life as possible. Life isn’t about acquiring the material things, it’s about the immaterial that you can’t touch or see. It is about making the most out of our short campaign on this planet. Life is about being happy for the long haul. Life is about understanding stuff happens, and it’s about how we respond to what happens to us. I hope you find all the joy, happiness, enthusiasm and love that you can. That is why we are here. We aren’t here to just be. We are here to love our lives, and make a difference. It's how you live that matters most. Love Life! Live Hard!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

REMIND YOURSELF OFTEN

We all have dreams and aspirations. We all have long- and short-term goals that we want to achieve. We all want to be a well-rounded person. What gets in our way? One of the major factors holding us back is our memory. We simply forget what we are working towards. We let ourselves get distracted. We let ourselves get off track and off purpose. What is your purpose? What are your dreams?

I hope you have a journal. You can put whatever you want into it. Jim Rohn has an amazing audio CD about how to effectively keep a journal. A journal is like a map, it helps you get to your destination with minimal difficulty. If you have a map, you follow it. You never forget where you are headed. You never take a wrong turn if you are following the path you planned.

It is the same idea with a journal. If you have a journal, you can look at it often and see what your goals are, what your dreams are, who you want to become, what you want to accomplish. Put your plans in your journal. Look at them often. Follow the map you made for yourself. Remind yourself often by looking at your journal. We don’t need multitudes of motivation; we just need to be reminded where we are going. If we always keep in mind where we are going, we have a much better chance of getting there. Where are you going? What are you working for? What are your goals and dreams?

I hope you can remind yourself often of where you are headed. One of our biggest problems with the journey to success is simply forgetting why we are working. We forget why we want to have great lives. We forget who we want to become. We forget who is most important in our lives. We forget why we want to lose weight. When we forget, we fall into old habits. I hope you don’t fall into those old habits. I hope you can create your path, put it in your journal, and remind yourself of that path often. Find multiple places to remind yourself of your goals. On your mirror, in your phone, in your planner. Constantly remind yourself of what you want, and you will soon receive that which you desire.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

CREATE HAPPINESS IN YOUR LIFE

Happiness. Are you happy? The great thing about happiness is that it is something you can artificially manufacture. There are many things that you can’t do that with. Grades, success, family, finances. These things are firmly set, you can change them, but sometimes it takes a while. The great thing about happiness is that something terrible can happen, and you can still have joy in your life. The great thing about happiness is that it can be made out of nothing. You can be happy with your life, no matter what. Happiness is great, and the fact that we can create it out of nothing is astonishing.

Are you happy? What brings long-lasting joy to your life? Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product.” A by-product of what? A job well done. A day spent with your family. A good book read. A day with your spouse. These are all good things, but you can still be happy through the toughest times of your life. What she is saying is that we shouldn’t do things to make us happy. We should be happy with what we do. Do you understand that? So many people go out and buy things to make them happy. Big screen TV’s, alcohol, houses, a pool for the back yard, cars, or drugs. Most people don’t buy these things just to have them, they buy them with the idea they will make them happy. This is a falsehood that commercials have done a very good job instilling into our society. Commercials make you think that if you have the right house, a big enough TV, or the right car, you will be happy. What they don’t say is that you can create happiness out of nowhere. That’s why happiness is in such a low amount around our nation and our world. People thing that they can just go buy happiness. They don’t know that you can’t buy happiness, it comes from within. Don’t have a goal of buying a car then being happy. Work hard, exercise, eat right, live a great life; these things create happiness. It’s not what you buy, but what you do that determines your happiness.

I hope you can create the happiness you have always longed for. I hope you can realize that material things don’t bring you happiness. Don’t be naïve and think that you will get joy and happiness out of the material things in life. Realize you can create your own happiness. You can manufacture your own joy. You can do anything you want with happiness, you can take it or leave it. I hope you take all you can get your hands on. I hope you can share it with others. Share it with others by spending time with them. Share it with others by helping them. Create your happiness. Create joy in your life. Then share the happiness. Share the joy. Live the happy, joyful life you’ve always dreamed of.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

DON'T LET THE PAST HOLD YOU BACK

Millions of people live in the past. Many people won’t let the past just be behind them, and because of this they can’t see the future clearly. Often times, the past is like a fog, we need to get beyond it to clearly see our future. Is your past currently holding you back? Do you continue to make excuses for poor past behavior? Are you letting a negative situation from your childhood affect how you live today?

We need to let go of our past if we are going to move on to our future. Are you willing to forgive others for what they have done to you? Are you willing to forget what has happened? Our past has formed our present, but it shouldn’t form our future. What we do today forms our future. Those who have accomplished great things didn’t let their past get in their way. Those who accomplish great things don’t let their past failures disrupt their dreams for the future.

Responsibility is the key to releasing the past. If we don’t accept responsibility for our past, we most likely won’t accept responsibility for our future. If we want to live great lives we can’t shunt our responsibility for past meager performances onto others. We can no longer make excuses for our past. We need to become accountable for our past if we wish to take advantage of our future. We can’t go through life blaming others yet hoping the future will be bright. We need to take responsibility for what we have done. Then, and only then, can we honestly expect to live a life beyond our past, while reaching into our future.

I hope you can move past your past. I hope you can allow the past to drift behind you. Nobody said this journey would be easy, but everybody is expected to take responsibility for themselves. Once we turn eighteen, we can’t blame others for our current predicaments; we need to take full advantage of where we are and move forward. You can never be who you want to be if you keep living in the past. Learn to forgive and forget, no matter how difficult it might be. Develop a sense of responsibility for yourself and your actions. There are few things more powerful than a sense of personal responsibility. Once we accept responsibility for our past, we are then ready to deal with our future. Accept the past for what it is and take responsibility. Be responsible for your future. Become responsible for today’s actions and live the tomorrows of your dreams.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

I DON'T WANT TO...

How successful would you be if you always did what you should do even though you didn’t fell like doing it? Honestly, I don’t feel like writing right now, but it’s something I should do, even though I don’t feel like doing it. If you only worked when you felt like it, when would you? Would your projects ever get done? Those who succeed do so even when they don’t feel like it.

The next time when you don’t feel like doing something, Just Do It! Commit to starting. I have found I dread things before I start them, but when I start, it’s very seldom as bad as I had dreaded. One of the most difficult parts of life is just getting started. Just start working out and you’ll want to continue. Just start making the calls and it doesn’t seem as bad. Just get out of bed. Just start. Force yourself to do something for five minutes: walking, running, phoning, lifting weights, getting out of bed. Then after five minutes, all of a sudden it is much better and much easier to keep going.

I hope you can take action when you don’t want to. Jump out of bed. Get excited about the menial tasks you have to do and they don’t seem as bad. Most tasks are hard if the attitude is, “I should.” The same task is much easier if the attitude is, “I am excited to!” What can you get more excited about? What can you start on now? Ignore your feelings of laziness and unwillingness. Let “I don’t want to” drift away, better yet, prove to yourself you can start with the attitude of “I don’t want to” or “I don’t feel like it.” If you can do something you don’t want to, you are capable of anything! Just Do It! Start! Begin now! Live today whether you want to or not!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

PROBLEMS

Are you facing difficulty in your life? Is there a crisis that keeps you worried all the time? Is there some kind of predicament with your family or at work that is keeping you from performing at your peak? We all come across difficulty and problems from time to time. The first thing we need to realize is that we aren’t the only person with predicaments in our life. Almost every person on the planet could tell you some kind of difficulty that they are going through. Some are huge problems, some are miniscule. In the eye of the beholder, almost all problems are bigger than they seem. Are the drawbacks in your life holding you back?

We need to realize that our problems aren’t as big as the problems of others. We get upset about a bad hair cut or a little fender bender while children are starving in other parts of the world. We get miffed about an extra work load at our job or at school, while others are desperately looking for a job or might not have the opportunity to go to school. We are so blessed to live in this country. We are free. We can do anything we want, within the realm of the law. We can speak about anything we want. We can worship however we want. We can believe anything we want. We are so blessed. Always remember that.

Don’t worry. Don’t fret. Worrying gets you nowhere. Don’t be naïve and think you are the only person with problems. Don’t be naïve and think that your problems are as big as others around you. We have it so great. If you have some problems just remember this quote. If every person who complained about their problems could pile their problems in a heap, then each person could see the gravity of the problems of others, they would sneak forward shamefacedly and take their petty problems away and creep into the night – Unknown. How do your problems stack up to those around you? Most likely, they are insignificant. The important part is realizing that others have much bigger problems, and we can solve our problems without complaining.

I hope you realize that you can solve your problems without complaining. Enlist the help of others, but don’t complain to them about what is going on. Explain it in a factual manner. Don’t get emotional. Problems were made to have solutions. We solve the problem and we grow from the situation. We come across another, we find the answer, and we move on with our lives. No need to lose any sleep. No need to worry. Life is a continual game of problems and solutions. Play the game well. Play the game with veracity for life. Remember, your problems get bigger the more you worry about them; the more time you devote to solving them, the more the problems dissolve.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

WHAT’S WITH ALL THIS MOTION?
Are you in motion? I hope you see that the real question is: are you in direction? Subtle difference, but very important. Everybody who’s moving is “in motion”, the important part is that they need to be in direction! We see people in motion all over, but we see very few people in direction. Have a direction for your life filled with reasons, dreams and a purpose.

Being in direction requires a purpose. Purpose drives lives. Purpose gives reasons. Purpose is why we hit goals, succeed, achieve and live the lives of our dreams! What is your direction? What is your purpose? I know you want to be successful, but why? The "why" will drive you more than anything. It has to be more than just making money. You will only work so hard for money. Find other reasons to work. Find your purpose! Once you have that purpose, discover the necessary direction.

I hope you can find your reasons to succeed in whatever you do. I hope you can discover that all-important purpose. I hope you can journey in the direction you want. There will be temporary pit stops, flat tires, and accidents. That is why you have reasons and a purpose to keep you on the journey of life and keep you in direction. Where you are at now is not as important as where your direction, reasons, and purpose are leading you. Stay in direction towards your destination. Never fall back into motion. Remember your reasons. Keep to your purpose. Stay in direction and love the journey to the destinations of your dreams!

Life's Standards

Last year, I developed what I call “Life Standards” for myself. This is a list of character traits, dreams, and things I want to specifically concentrate on in my life. I think it is important for all of us to have to have a list of standards for our lives. Sometimes in our everyday life, we get distracted from what we are truly here for. We forget that there are others of great importance in our lives as we work the days away. We forget that there are people in our lives that can help us out of the rut we are in. We forget about the good times while we are trudging through muddy waters. We sometimes forget that life is a miracle and we are very blessed to live, breathe and be free.

Here is a partial list of my “Life Standards”:
Carefree timelessness with Jen (my wife)
Pray and talk with God multiple times a day
Communicate well with Jen
Love and relationships based on acceptance, not understanding
Become the best version of myself
Add value to others lives
No cash, no buy
Be mentally where I am, not elsewhere
Measure value after activity, not before
Up by 7 most days (I wrote this when I was having trouble getting up at 8)
Confident, joyful, enthusiastic, invigorated
Be true to myself
Live the moment
Leave no regrets
Made a difference
Laugh
Own my results
Be healthy

There are more, but I think you get the idea. I have this list in my phone, and I also have it in my dream journal. These are my life’s standards. Many of these ideas are from books that I have read, or speeches that I have listened to, others I have come up with myself. I bring it with me everywhere. If I am waiting somewhere, I am either looking through my “Life’s Standards,” flipping through my three hundred plus dreams or looking at my goals. Life doesn’t just fall into place, it takes many days of pondering what you want, and who you want to become; along with action, this makes for a rewarding life.

I challenge you to make a list of life standards for yourself. Make this your project for the week. Take some time and truly think about it. What do you want your life to mean? What do you want to be able to look back on? As we start the New Year, what do you want this year to mean to you? Look one year in the future. Who do you want to be? How do you want to change? What do you want to accomplish? What relationships do you want to concentrate on? What financial position do you want to be in? Where do you want to travel? These aren’t going to be your life’s standards, but thinking about these questions will help you develop the standards you want to life by. Develop your own life’s standards. Live the life you were meant to live; not a life of just success but of significance. Make a difference in the lives of others. Make a difference in your life. Take action. Own your results. Live the moment. Laugh. Leave no regrets. Live hard. Love Life!