One of the things I enjoy doing with my family during our designated “family time” is to watch reality television shows. While reality TV has its critics, there are lessons to be learned.

Episodes of Amazing Race, Survivor, Shark Tank, Undercover Boss and American Idol have provided opportunities for thought provoking conversation with my children. Take this past season’s Amazing Race as an example. In one of the episodes, a husband and wife team “ran their mouths” without considering the impressions they were making on the other racers…read more

We live in a world where it is rare for people to compliment and encourage others.  Take a moment to think about your interactions in the last month. I bet you are like most people; you can count your compliments and acknowledgements on one hand.

My straightforward advice then is for you fill those shoes yourself. Don’t depend on others to be your cheerleader. You need to become your greatest fan and supporter.

As you are learning in all of my lessons, there are hundreds of little things that go into achieving your personal best.  You just cannot reasonably expect others to know all the little things you are doing each day and recognize you for them…read more

Think of the last time you exercised and said to yourself, “I can do it” or “I can do three more reps” or “I can go another 10 minutes” with grit and determination.  Did your words make you push harder?  Did you give your very best effort to achieve your desired outcome?

Now think of an occasion when you said things like “I am tired today” or “I don’t think I can do anymore” or “I can’t go any longer.” What happened? Did this little voice in the back of your mind sound defeated? Were you able to push yourself or did you give up?…read more

After having worked with thousands of entrepreneurs over the last 29 years, I have seen many succeed but many more fail. And what distinguishes the two groups? Successful people consistently push themselves outside their comfort zone to achieve their goals.

Best selling author Brian Tracy, whose teachings I have been following for more than 25 years said, “Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”

Another best selling author, Denis Waitley who has trained countless U.S Olympic athletes said, “To achieve your dreams you must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown.”

I am convinced that you must push yourself outside your comfort zone to make any advances in your life. Think about it. Your comfort zone is where everything feels safe and familiar. How can you reach greater heights personally and professionally if you aren’t stretching yourself and growing on a regular basis?

It’s Time to Get Uncomfortable…read more

Guess who’s the number one person you communicate with on a daily basis? It’s you! Our internal conversations characterize how we view the world and influence every part of our lives- relationships, achievements, attitude and ultimately our degree of happiness.

If this internal dialogue focuses on your faults, mistakes, weaknesses, insecurities, fears or other negative things, it will be virtually impossible to feel good about yourself and advance your life forward. Furthermore negative thinking can have a detrimental effect on your health and overall quality of life…read more

This is a continuation of “My Top Ten Phone Tips.” Part 1 can be found here. As I pointed out yesterday, every time we are on the phone with someone we are making an impression that impacts how we viewed. Chelsea Greenwood—owner of a 1.4 billion-dollar marketing firm—said, “You are your own brand whether you like it or not. And every experience has a lasting impression.”

Here are five more tips.

6. Speak With a Confident Tone—Whether you realize it or not, you are presenting your personal brand every time you have a conversation with someone. If you want to brand yourself as a self-assured professional, then you need to sound confident but not so confident that you sound arrogant…read more