What are some of the things you enjoy most in life? What do you value most? What kinds of activities are on your list of the most favorite things to do?

I’m guessing that making repairs, paying bills, managing investments, shopping for insurance, filing paperwork, or dealing with problems aren’t anywhere near the top of your list. If you’re like me, they don’t even make the cut.

I like the simple things like spending time with my family and friends. Going for long walks on the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Relaxing in the majestic, serene Smoky Mountains where there’s no phone or Internet service…read more

We have all heard of the value of making a positive impression when meeting someone for the first time. It only takes a few seconds for someone to evaluate you. This opinion is usually based on your demeanor, mannerisms, body language, speech, and appearance, but it’s even more than that.

When you meet new people and enter into new relationships, what do you notice? Do you notice the clothes they wear in different settings? Do you notice the first email they send you? Do you notice the amount of time it takes them to respond to your first email or phone call? Do you notice how they interact in the first meeting you’re in together? The fact is, you intuitively notice many things that, when combined together, form your opinion of them…read more

Today I want to talk about making investments that will reap you big dividends. No, it’s not on Wall Street. I’ll share with you a different, much more rewarding way to look at investing—investing in your life and in your relationships.

When I talk about investing in your life, I’m referring to the fundamental, universal truth that says, “What you give, you get back.”

• When you show love, you get love.
• When you show respect, you get respect.
• When you smile at people, they smile back at you.
• When you show an interest in others, they will show an interest in you.
• When you encourage others, they will encourage you.

President Kennedy’s famous words from his inaugural address in 1961 are a fitting mantra for today’s lesson…read more

Each of us has our own rulebook. Our rulebooks contain the rules from which we each live our lives and see the world. It includes everything from how we want the toilet paper to unfold on the roller to the things we do when no one is watching. It is the book that governs how we make decisions and influences every part of our lives.

Taking the Rules Test

The truth about all of our rulebooks is they contain things that break the law, go against our religions and violate others trust.  Now before you get all excited thinking “You’re wrong, Todd. I’m not guilty.” Consider these questions…read more

Expectations—we all have them from a very early age, yet many of us don’t learn how to set and manage them, if at all, until well into adulthood.

From the child whose birthday wishes are never quite fulfilled, to the spouse who always feels as if he/she is the one who’s giving more, to the manager whose team never seems to get it quite right—the expectations we set for ourselves and those around us have the power to influence our success and satisfaction in life.

Because expectations have such far-reaching, powerful consequences in every area of your life, I’m excited to share with you some of the best advice I’ve ever learned when it comes to setting proper expectations for yourself, those around you, and those you lead…read more

I often hear people say, “I wish I could do that over again.” Or “I feel so bad about what happened; I wish I had never said anything.” Or “I wish I had never made that investment.” Or “I wish I had never dated that person.” When you make these types of statements you are wishing you had done something differently.

My Wish-I-Hadn’t-Done-That List

Like all of these people, I have done some stupid things. I have said irresponsible things that damaged relationships. I have handled myself inappropriately in business settings. I have thrown eggs at people’s homes and snowballs at cars. I have drunk too much. I have done drugs. I have made terrible investments and lost millions of dollars. I have lied to people. I have acted like a fool. I have been disrespectful to others. The fact is—and I am not proud to say—that just about any bad thing you have done, it’s possible that I may have done that, too…read more