Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Direction?

         This is an open letter, to all who wish to read.  I am very distraught in my time here.  I have just about everything that anyone could want in this world.  Yet I am depressed beyond belief only because I know I am not fulfilling my purpose.  As a man my job is what I do, I just can't wrap my fingers around the fact that I know I am working where I don't belong.  This leaves me feeling empty.
I am always so happy and grateful for everything, but with being sick and depressed most the time, it is hard to put motivation to work for me and achieve the goals I have set for myself.

        It is my desire to personally meet and help others find what their life purpose is, a life coach.  To be able to work with someone who wants to achieve more in their lives and help them reach the top, wherever it may be for them.  Truly my gift is with people, and I need to use it.  There is no reason for me to be depressed so much, other than my chronic migraines I am perfectly healthy.  I have a beautiful wife, with who I have been with for 8 years.  Two wonderful sons, age 3 and 1, a rescue greyhound who I adore, a very affordable but more than necessary house that is big for my family, amazing relatives who are proud of me and happy, plus some of the truest friends a man could ever ask for.  I have no reason to be melancholy except in the area of work.  Which is another thing, I love my boss, who I consider more of a friend than a boss,  who has given me everything I could ever need, including a great paying position and benefits, but if I am not fulfilled, so I need to ask myself, is that everything?

        I am quite thankful for all of these things.  Especially when it comes to my job.  Although, I will not feel the joy that I need to feel unless I am helping others through their careers and tough times.  I want to help people achieve their dreams.  I need to be mobile, always in motion, always talking and helping other people.  I cannot be stagnant, immobile, this adds to my despair.  So I wake up this morning, and take my responsibilities into my own hands, to dream a bit more and act on my thoughts.  If I must change things than right now is the best time to do that.  So I choose to walk on my own, through a ever changing world.  To soldier on for a true cause, my cause, to make me whole.

Monday, December 17, 2012

America Matters

Why does America matter? 

In times of crisis political leaders should be giving their condolences and attention to prayers and emotional support for any who need.  What they shouldn't be doing is trying to capitalize on someone else's heartache and nightmare.  If we live in a society which wants to focus on positive relationships and the good in people, then we should be focusing on the calls to prayer, not the calls regulate.

This is an opportunity, as a country, The Greatest Country, to come together and reflect upon ourselves as a entire group of citizens which make up a society and slow down to think towards the decisions we make.  Almost all crime comes from some sort of selfishness.  I believe it has become apparent that we need more self-less people, such as the hero's of 9-11 who took over the plane in Pennsylvania or the teachers and kids who sacrificed themselves to save other children in the Newtown Tragedy.  We should all be thinking of these things and not just after an atrocity but throughout the entire year.

Everyday we should be grateful for all of the abundant things we have in this great land.  A house, a job, food, friends, family, a car or two, the freedoms that are all too often taken for granted.  Slow down and look at what you have, if I could offer some advice to your life,  take in things in a delicate balance.

Look at the things you do and try to balance your life, sometimes the sanity and peace is there among the patient. 

Thank God Everynight for What You Do Have

That is Why America Matters.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

What do you see in your present?

Dreams and goals. Goals and dreams.  In school that's all everyone used to talk about.  What are you going to be when you grow up?  How many times have we heard that.  It seemed different back then, like we were going to choose our destiny, instead it seems our destiny chooses us.  If you have had a passion in your life that needs to be fulfilled do not rest until it has come to pass.  Your life will be meaningless without the completion of your dream.  We cannot be content with mediocrity and being comfortable.  To achieve more often we must risk more, and when it doesn't work out, you pick yourself up with a smile and keep going.  Your not a failure until you quit.  Take pride in your dreams, and make them work for you.  Break all of the barriers and norms of this life, if you want to be or do something bad enough then nothing can stop you.  Remove the barriers and fulfill your destiny.

Monday, June 11, 2012

To Change your life: Wake up and turn the wheel.

   Lost sight of your vision? or even worse, don't have a vision at all?  That's probably one of the worst places to be as a human.  We are all seeking some type of achievement, in anything that we do and as I know first hand a ' regular job' just doesn't cut it.  The only place you can really find this sense of achievement is being where you are supposed to be doing what you are supposed to do.  I know that my place is to help people realize this and to aid them toward a better life. 

Everybody needs a dream.  Think back to when you were a child and you dressed up as a doctor, or a fireman, or a nurse,  you didn't care about how you were going to do it you just did it.  As life goes on to many people get discouraged by circumstances of life, certain unfortunate situations, but to overcome these obstacles one need to be conscious.  You need to be awake, not just floating through life on autopilot never thinking about any thing, just doing.  When you are in this stage, you are the living dead.  You might as well be, because you make no conscious decision and therefore continue down the same path of mediocrity you have always gone down. 

        You truly desire for things to change in your life.  Yet you don't ever do anything different in your day to day habits and routines, therefore nothing changes in your life. 

     Then you give up hope go back to your comfort zone and stay in the rut you didn't want to be in anyway.  If you want your direction to change you have to grab hold of the wheel and turn it.  You must make daily, conscious decisions that positively effect your day and alter your life for the better.  You must turn those positive decisions into habits over time, and then you've got yourself a different looking life.

Now, back to the dreams.  Once you wake up and realize this isn't why you were put on this planet.  Then you need to outline, a path to make a dream or two.  Make a list that will build steps to that goal and work on achieving those steps everyday until you reach your goals.  No matter how long it takes.

Apply these truths to your life daily, and achieve more than you thought you could.  You are capable of doing great things,  Look at how far you have come.  Go get it.

http://www.attitudedriveslife.com/the-happiest-guy-in-the-world/

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Do you want to be successful?

        Of course you do.  I have never met anyone who didn't want to achieve more in their lives.  But the main thing to remember about success is it isn't some magical, unobtainable thing.  It is really more of a perception of a certain thing.  One person my see success as raising a happy family and having a good job, while another my see financial abundance and the freedom to have the time to do as they please.  So it really does boil down to what you are currently seeking out of 'success'.  Then all you have to do is go get it.  Did that seem like it was too easy, well it is that easy.

        Start with a vision, whether that be a business you would like to start, or a product you would like to invent, and start laying the ground work, the foundation for that endeavor.  With a good foundation anything is salvageable.  Work to lay that good start and consistently and constantly gather the knowledge and resources you need to complete your foundation and start the next step.

       Then, as momentum helps you along continue building your vision, whatever it may be, you will probably want help along the way.  This is the place where you would reach out to others who have already done something similar to what you are doing.  Let them mentor you, take their advice and put it in to practice.  Keeping you self positive and consistently holding a good attitude will help maintain your momentum.  Don't let negative thoughts cloud your judgements.  Stay strong.

     Finally using your knowledge, deliver your product or service to the public.  Make quick decisions based on facts, not feelings or snap judgements.  The last thing you need is to get stuck in limbo, the back and forth thoughts about decisions.  You have achieved your first win, and you must learn how to make important decisions and not second guess yourself.  If it was the wrong choice, at least you stepped up and made the choice.  Indecision grows instability and fear, and often causes a leader to lose trust.  If you make a poor choice, stand by it, do not excuse it, pick yourself up and learn from it.


     Keep yourself positive, and upbeat.  Work hard and never stop.  Apply what you have learned and do so consistently and effectively.  Then nothing can stop you.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Why you are a failure.

Well, I am being sarcastic here.

 I do not believe anyone should be a failure.  Although the key to figuring out where in life you want to go lies within your own mind and soul.  If you feel you are a failure, the way to eradicate that feeling would be to first recognize that you are this way.  Second thing I would do is write a list of all the positive things about my self, and then the negative things.  Be honest, brutally honest.  Its a tough thing to do but on the page where you write will reveal the facts that show everything.  What your list will show you is exactly which habits in your life are destroying you and which ones are creating value in you life.  The goal is to list those good and bad habits in order of importance.  Which negative habits are destroying you the most, start there and list down.  Which habits are the best, write them down in the order you think is most important.  After you make your prioritized lists.  Look at only the top two things, one on each column.  Now comes the hard part, making a plan or an organized routine that cultivates the positive behavior, while you either stop the negative, or slowly wean yourself off of it, whatever it may be.

You see, when it comes to being successful, you must make conscious decisions.  How could you be mad a someone who worked everyday to be successful, when all you did everyday after work is eat, watch TV and fall asleep.  When they got home from work they ate, studied, or maybe invented something in their garage and started selling it.  Now they have extra money, and you sit there and look at them and say, "Its not fair".
When in all reality, it is fair.  They worked everyday, first to feed a vision that they had, then to turn that vision into a reality.  They made conscious decisions to better their lives and worked toward that goal.  So don't be bitter about how they achieved and you didn't.  They just adjusted their habits, they altered their routine.  Then they made conscious decisions in their daily lives that ultimately changed their future for the better.  Don't get stuck in making decisions on auto piliot.

The keys to being successful, isn't some wizard fairy tale or hocus pocus.  It is a daily change that you make in your life, and over time, those daily decisions build on each other to bring you to your desired outcome.  Which of course works the other way to, laziness and unorganization can become habits that will surely lead to a future of stagnation and bitterness.  That is why it is so important to destroy bad habits, set a daily routine, and most of all importance,  stay consistent.  There is no momentum gained with inconsistency. 

John Maxwell once said, "You will never change your life until you change something you do daily".

Thursday, May 31, 2012

ATtitude

I know that attitude seems like a word that is over used.  So many people speak about it being 'the difference maker' and its used in so many motivational posters I think it has lost its luster.  Sometimes you need to step back and take a look at things from the outside to appreciate them.  This I feel is the same with some great words  that can teach and guide you through life.  Do not let them get stagnant let them sink in keep them fresh. 

Attitude is all about perspective.  You control it the second you get out of bed in the morning till the second you fall asleep at night.  Every choice you make starts you on a path toward an outcome.  Whether that outcome will be positive or negative is totally up to you.  But attitude is  one of those wonderful things that you can correct on the spot and turn around 180 degrees if you are heading in the wrong direction.  Thank God for that.

So make conscious decisions and always adjust your course to maintain positive mindset, and let that make your life easier, rather than hating everything and making your life miserable.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

RIGHT NOW

The basic thing that we need to figure out is that our life is comprised of experiences, situations, and the decisions we make.  I personally believe that the people you meet and the places you go will shape your view of the world.  For example, if you meet someone inspirational you will probably try to emulate them in some fashion.  Whether you plan to or not, subconsciously you are drawn to be more like people who are successful, or accomplished in their lives, so naturally you try to be like them.  Second, If you visit a 3rd world country or the 106th floor on the Willis Tower, you will be left with an impression that you will not forget any time soon, this also will have bearing on your life.

What you need to realize is that although we plan for certain things, there are other circumstances that may come up in your life that you were not ready for.  The best thing to do is smile at those situations, take them in stride and persevere.  There is a treasure lying in the unexpected, you may learn a lesson, or realize that you are capable of alot more than you thought.  We always tend to undercut our abilities and have somewhat negative views about ourselves.  We our are worst critics.  So to grow through these situations, I suggest to never give up an opportunity to go out on a limb,  I am NOT saying do whatever you want without thinking of the consequences.  What I am suggesting is to analyze the decisions you are making or not making and take a few more risks, enjoy your ride through life.  Why waste it now and sit back saying, Well when I'm retired I'll do this, or go here, or learn this because I'll have more time.  The best thing you can do is start it now.

"Someday is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you".

The other day my friends and I were supposed to go kayaking. They ended up not being able to go, so I went anyway on a three and a half hour run.  I said to myself ," Why should I miss out on an opportunity just because no one else will go with me."  I went ended up having a wonderful time, taking in views of wildlife, and four hundred foot cliffs around every corner.  Plus I learned a lesson, I lost my paddle while maneuvering around a more difficult rapids that had lots of fallen trees obstructing passage, so I went around and my paddle ended up in the rapids never to be seen of again.  Instead of quitting or freaking out, I looked for about twenty minutes for it, then wrote it off, found a four foot tree branch that was about 4 inches thick and L shaped and used that as my paddle for the remainder of the trip, about forty five minutes.  I taught myself how to properly handle adversity alone, plus keep my wits and make tough decisions in critical situations.  When I got picked up at the end of my run, I had a smile from ear to ear, plus I had a cool story to tell.  Instead of my friends who spent the day 'relaxing'.  I lived.

Many of lives things happen only for a moment,  the view of a sunset,  making love, a hike in the woods, a wedding, a dance, a ballgame, even natural disasters.  Enjoy the present, make the right decisions, try not to pass up experiences that can improve your life.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

How to change

To make a positive change you must change the way you think.  It seems pretty simple to wrap your head around.  Yet the reality is that too many in our society are way too 'busy' to slow themselves down and observe then act.  Often people just react to duties, situations and circumstances.  Instead of assessing the situation and parlaying their thoughts into a action plan that they can decide upon at that moment, they either react prematurely or they make no decision at all, creating either a explosive situation or a stagnant one.

If you understand what I am trying to say, to positively change you must train your brain to think differently.  So your 'auto-pilot' doesn't kick in when something happens.  You need to become real, slow down, and become the reality you want to be.  There are no limitations, anything you believe you can achieve.  I know these are all well used motivational poster quotes, but people are usually too busy to even think about them, let alone let them sink in and actually change their lives.

You can sail through life miserable at your present situation, your job, your health, or whatever.  Or you can focus on the right things, positive things. Be grateful for everything, at least you have a job, a home, are alive to enjoy things, look towards the future and envision your goals laid out there.  Ready to be achieved, able to be reached with just a little more focus, a little more work.  Positive people are always planning for something in the future with great expectations, negative thinkers only concentrate on how miserable their present circumstances are. 

Reassess your thinking and do not be afraid to reach, and set far off goals,  you will make a change.

http://www.attitudedriveslife.com/the-happiest-guy-in-the-world/

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Why you are not Patient

Look at your self for a second.  Make that a minute.  When was the last time you just sat down and had a good time of introspection.  Patience is probably one of the hardest things to learn yet once you realize that it is mandatory to have, you will wonder how you ever got along without it.   Here are three things you can do to help improve your patience, with out the headaches or other bodily harm.

1. You must realize that we live in a world that is controlled by rules: these include laws of physics such as gravity and thermodynamics.  These laws do not care if you believe in them.  The live in reality, do you?  You must acknowledge the fact that we are responsible for our own actions in this reality.  Strive to disconnect yourself from the distractions all around- excess of music, new , television, i phones etc. 
- Distractions hide you from your true self and your true meaning, find your self, find your meaning- limit distractions.

2. To add patience to your life have a family: Those who are closest to you can be the ones who try you the most.  It is in these life learning lessons that you must; 1. Think clear 2. act accordingly 3. implement the correct action using wisdom .  It isn't easy or fun.  Especially when your mad and you just want to stomp your feet and throw something ( someone) against the wall.

3. After you have clear depiction of who you are, and the wisdom to deal with situations on a case by case basis, you have one more hurdle to hop over.  That is those two words that mean a great deal: ego and attitude.
Exercising patience cannot be done by someone who never admits fault or is never wrong (ego) or by someone who thinks negatively about every facet of their existence. So smile, gauge yourself  and think before you act, it is easier than you think.


http://www.attitudedriveslife.com/the-happiest-guy-in-the-world/

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Areas of Purpose

          What do you do in your job?  I hope anyone who is employed can answer this question.  This society in which we live is doing less and less to train others to be gainfully employed.  So many come out of college with bachelors or masters degrees and cannot be hired, due to lack of common sense.  I believe this to be a major issue today's business owners face.  They see a flood of  'candidates' who have the paperwork that says they are qualified but inhibit no work ethic, some have very little basic morals, or they come to an potential employer with an entitlement mindset.  Instead of thinking how they can attribute wealth and prosperity to the company, they only desire for how much the company can do for them.

       Let me get this straight there is nothing wrong with a degree, it shows dedication and focus.  But over they last 35 - 40 years alot of colleges have been more interested in teaching their beliefs instead of the actual academia in which they pledge to give.  I respect those who attend college and work very hard to achieve their goals in this life but I just think there is too much effort put forth on ' good grades' rather than learning common sense and other life benefiting attributes.  

      Although it is frowned upon by some business leaders, empowering employees to gain knowledge in every aspect of the company can, by far, be one of the most beneficial things an employer can do.  By inspiring every employee to manage themselves or co-manage their team on a rotating basis, you break down that pesky labor vs. management mentality, and really open up the dialogue between teams and people. Giving your employees creative control over their assigned tasks turns them from a stagnant worker only good at one thing, into an motivated, empowered worker who has greater control of his 'job', creative control over his duties and increased control over his wages.

      Slowly try to integrate the team concept into your business, by integrating management into your teams, allowing rotation of management duties on a weekly or biweekly basis.  Then open up your employees to gain greater responsibility by increasing the control that they have over how they perform their tasks.  When they show greater motivation and increased productivity show them gratitude in return by increasing their pay.  Integrate each employee into your business to help them gain knowledge in their area of purpose.  Show them how to gain more responsibility, slowly give them the ability to do more.  Most cases they will succeed and feel that they have purpose in the company instead of just a job they go to everyday.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Ignore the Real World

You see it everyday, a creative person gets a great idea and before you know it they are never talking about it again.  Today I am here to tell everyone how to ignore the real world and concentrate your focus on your passion, whatever it may be.  You can turn your passion into a job and make yourself money off of it but you must do a few things first. 

        First,  a person MUST find their passion, the one thing they were made to do, and that they are happy most when doing it. ( Warning: Do not identify a addiction as a passion, that gets ugly).  Dig and dig to unearth your youngest childhood dreams that have been buried under a landslide of mundane jobs and menial tasks.  Think back when you were a child, and how there were no barriers that could hold you back.  You must learn to think this way again and find your passion.  Once you do that, you can plot a direction.  Think about a compass, you may be going in circles until you plot a course, pick a direction, and stick with it.  You make no progress until you do so.

       Second, once this passion is found we must organize around it.  This is the crucial part, learn everything you can about it.  Get inspiration from speaking to others who have done this particular thing or something similar.  Take notes, gather information.  Then is the hard part, turning this passion into its monetary equivalent.  Alot of people get stuck here because of lack of start up capital or seed funding.  This is where on must reach out to others or dig into his savings and set up shop on a shoe string budget, if possible.  It is so easy to give up at this stage.

     Third, succeed on purpose.  Don't let obstacles, situations or doubters slow you down or make you second guess yourself.  This is where we ignore the real world.  So many people are trapped in their daily ruts of coffee, news, crappy bosses, ungrateful spouses, unruly children and so on, that when they hear someone talking about their awesome dream and being excited about it, they get jealous.  So naturally they want to tear you  and your fragile idea down, to see you hurt, maybe, but just so they can feel better about themselves.  For this situation I have one word of advice:
           
       Your passion is yours, do not let the words of an unsuccessful person take that from you.

Go and make this world a better place, ignore reality and do what you where born to do.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

The Little Things

As pertaining to selling, the little things may overtake everything.  Every salesperson is trying to please their customer.  In my experience it pays to remember. Literally.  You can deliver everything you promise, provide excellent transition, and information about your product or service and it won't matter.  In the mind of your customer you are only doing your job.  There is nothing considerably special about how you treated your guest of honor, the person giving you money.  The only thing the customer may remember from the buying experience with you is that you were knowledgeable, polite and efficient.  Not how I want to be remembered. 

Try This.  Go all out with your customer, seriously, he is putting your kids through college after all, deliver an experience to your customer that they will be raving about, and never forget.  It works better if that is a positive experience not negative.  If its negative you'll be out of business soon.  Nordstroms once accepted a customers return of four tires even though they never sold tires. It pays to go above and beyond.  Remember first names, if they have kids, what hobbies they enjoy.  Then go out of your way to make some one feel special.  Send them a thank you card.

You may be surprised at how many salespeople DON'T think of any of this.  It can be downright scary, and we wonder why salesmen get a bad rap, its usually a stereotype brought on by selfish motives and unethical people.  Case in point, what is the first thing you think of when you hear me say; Used Car Salesman?  Watch your wallet right,  well maybe, its a tough job, commission only but those who have integrity will find ways to make their monthly sales numbers without crucifying their ethics.  I am good friends with a few used car salesmen, their great people who have been doing it for many years, they are honest and ethical.  They treat their customers in a way that the customer wants to be treated.  They remember that and come back.

That's how you do it.  Deliver that WOW experience.

You won't regret it.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

REALITY CHECK: Why your employees are miserable. (Part 2)

The second part of my Blog shows how a outdated pay structure does very little to motivate your employees.  Think about it, you created the business, it is your burning desire.  It would be safe to say that most of your workers do not feel the same passion about working their jobs.  It's ok, if it is not their passion.  That is where you have to get creative in your pay structure.  They are there to make you money, but for 95% of them they are there to make themselves money.  Support their families.

      I do not appreciate hourly pay scales simply because they were created over a hundred and  thirty years ago.  When workers had very little, if any, say in their salaries.  I think it should be a bit different in today's society.  Any good leader knows how to ultimately motivate an employee, you show them a difference in their pay.  That increases productivity.  Replaces the hourly scale with either salary plus commissions, or salary based on production would help in most jobs today.

     Lets take a simple example, a cashier, she works 40 hours a week and is paid eight bucks an hour.  She is going to go to work everyday, waste her forty hours for the same pay that she would make whether she works hard or slacks off, where is the motivation.  People are usually lazy so we must always be properly motivating them otherwise they fall into ruts of uselessness.  Now if you pay that same cashier the same 16,640 dollars she is making already every year, but throw in the option of bonuses for customer compliments, and every new credit card they get opened.  Then you inspire your worker to push to make an impact on the customers every single day.  Because that motivation is there every hour of her shift.

    Make it easier to please your employees and keep them motivated, happy and wealthy.  The more extras you offer them to be able to achieve the more they will increase their production. 

It is simple supply and demand.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Reality Check: The reason why your employees are miserable.

Why do so many people despise their jobs?  Why are are so many seemingly ungrateful for the money they are earning every week?  The answer is buried under a sea of business rules and stereotypes of which most can be unearthed and disproved.  I will try to show you how to keep you employees happy, or even more so, productive.

Most of the problems workers face comes from a combination of two things. 
               The first is they do not know the creator of the business, the top boss, they most likely have never met him or her.  Therefore they equate that lack of interest in them as impersonality that the boss doesn't care for their employees, since they are 'never' around, and especially have never introduced themselves to their subservient 'kind'.   Of course as the leader of your business you do not think this way about your employees.  But it may be how they view you.  As their leader, the creator of the business, you hold the power to encourage, inspire and pass along the same zeal that you have for the business.  All this can be accomplished by knowing your employees, caring about them, get to know them on a personal level.  You will be surprised at how much an hour or two a week devoted to knowing your employees can help things like moral and productivity.  Oh, and they will get to know you too, at a personal level, instead of the stereotype that they have of you, the evil boss sitting behind his massive oak desk, trying to squeeze every penny for profit, while he whips his workers for more time and less benefits.  I know, I'm getting carried away.  All I ask is spend and hour or too a week, every week, shake their hand and thank them for what they do.  If you don't think they deserve that, think of this.  They are devoting the most precious commodity of their life to your benefit, the time that they are alive on this earth,  the best years of their life for most cases.  What you are paying them will never make up to the quality of 'time' they are spending working for your business. So try to appreciate them some more.  It will only help your bottom line in the long run. 

Trust me.

The Second thing I will write about tomorrow.  But for now, get out their and find out whose working for you. 

If you run a large corporation, make a few random phone calls every week and introduce yourself.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

10 Things you should know by the time your 30

In this life we learn some things as we go, other times we actually listen to advice that is given to us.  Whether that advice is good or bad.  Here is a list about life I mad up and thought I would share with everyone.

10. Found out that partying and growing up often go in different directions.

9.  Realize that great friends are hard to come by and stick by them through anything.

8.  Although you will let people down, don't continue that way, discover the way to show them how you
    can grow and change. 

7. Love for real once in your life and never forget it, that will help you love again, never stop showing your
    affection for that person.

6.  Realize that everything your children see you do is something they will accept as ok, even if they are
     young.

5.  Discover your own country first before touring others.  The U.S. holds so much beauty it is a shame to
     think some will never know. 

4.  Drive instead of fly.  Take the old route instead of the interstate.

3.  Learn and grow everyday.  Read. Spend time with your family. Discover a new kind of music.  Do
     something you are afraid of.

2.  Realize that time is a tool and once it is gone we cannot get it back.

1.  WITH EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO TELL YOURSELF, " IF THIS IS THE LAST DAY
     THAT I AM ALIVE, WOULD I BE HAPPY WITH HOW I LIVED, OR DID THIS OR THAT
    

I play hockey, and I do not get to play often so when I am out on the ice I tell myself, " If this is the last time I ever played would I be happy with how I played?"

If I am not, I play harder.  If I am I can just smile and know that I threw it all up in the air to give the most that I had. 

I just want to do that everyday, whether in business, work, family, marriage, parenthood, friendship.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

WHY ITS REAL

            Often we look at others thinking that they have everything in this life and we are lacking.  Maybe a nicer house, maybe a newer car.  I implore you to stop looking at others in this world, and focus on living yourself and your family.  Find the things that are most important to you, hopefully they are things that build value to your life and not take away from it. Everyday should be a day in which you learn something new, or share something new with another. 
            Think of an actor,  the best actor becomes his character, not just a portrayal of  his character.  He actually becomes the character he is playing.  We must do this in our businesses.  As business leaders we must be the leader we want to portray.  Not just play the part we must be the part, don't say your a good leader, show it.  Strive for those things that are important to you, if you want a new house, go get it.  Set plans to achieve such things, don't just expect it to happen.
            Your business should be an extension of your life, it should be your passion.  If you are working in a job that isn't your passion you are probably miserable or unhappy with the job.  Find your passion and pursue it, don't stop in your striving to find what makes you happy, create your own job which includes your passion.  You see this is how that brilliant actor can act so well,  he is the character he is playing because it is his passion in his life to do so. 

          So I beg you make your life real.  We only get one time around on this bluish/green spinning ball.  So lets make the best of it and make it our passion that drives us.  Make your life REAL.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Time to get it done....

In this day and age there are so many people and businesses that deal in shady practices.  I feel that the only way to avoid these terrible businesses and people are to start your own business and run it the right way.  Can't people just be honest, why do companies openly lie to people on their website, on the phone and through their email.  I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I knew I was making money in an unethical manner. These people make me sick, anything for a dollar, tarnishing those of us who actually want to run a business the moral and ethical way, and make money through offering excellent products and services.  These tactics are extremely disappointing although I have to say that discovering these companies has motivated me to drive harder towards my goal, slay my current 'job' in which I don't even make enough to feed my family and pay my bills, and kick my R & D into high gear to start my other businesses right now so I can be free of these horrible people and actually help people and their businesses, and their employees.

If you want honest business advice and a moral, ethical person working with you to customize goals for your business, then I am the man for you.  You need to look me up at Zugger United Inc. because I am a real person who wants to help with business analysis and employee management.  I want to help you, and I'll do it for free at first just to show you what I can do.  Then after I show you my skill will I then ask for you business.


Friday, April 6, 2012

I'm back ..... Watch out!

First I would like to thank all of my readers for their patience.  Then I would like to share something with you all.  I was taking a media fast for the last seven days, no computer, no smart phone, no newspaper, etc.  As I learned from a great writer and leader, this is necessary from time to time.  It helps clear your mind, refreshes your thinking and encourages you to be more positive.  There is no time to waste on negative news broadcasts and false reporting.  Set your sights on loftier goals.  Try to accomplish something great today, and then repeat that process tomorrow and the next day. The more outrageous your goals the easier they are to achieve.

    I was able to meditate for a while on being an inspiration to others and providing excellent service and value to them and the community.  Help motivate yourself and others, be that good example, that positive friend.  Help lead others and you will find it one of the most rewarding things you could ever do.  Sure you want to improve you own life, and you can do that by improving others lives first, through that process you will be enriched, and inspired.

Good luck and never give up.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Help is on the way

When you work a 'regular' job, you do the work assigned to you and collect your pay.  Simple as that, there is no motivation to do anymore, there is no commission for selling, there is no weekly performance bonus.  This is why it is so important to have more than one way of making money.  You should concentrate on making money and comparing it to a four legged chair.  Every one's four legged chair should be different, being that your strengths and weaknesses are different.

As for me, I reach out through my blog to offer leadership advice (1) that's a leg.  I am a product developer which is (2) second leg.  I also run Zugger United Inc. , an independent consulting firm specializing in management and leadership improvement. Then of course I have my regular job (4).  The regular job will one day go away, and I have plans to replace it with public speaking and book writing.

What I am trying to say today is, dream a dream.  See it through, and don't stop trying to achieve your success.  A hint is, right when you feel like giving up is the moment that the blessing happens.  So push yourself and expect the best.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Help from above.

I need to keep it short today.  I hope this helps your life. 

In every business there are workers and there are managers.  There are followers and there are leaders.  If you are reading this page you are probably a leader, or at least aspiring to be one.  The people that work 'under' you, are a reflection of your ideas, of your principles as a leaders.  They act in direct response to what you say.  They are a measurement of your leadership ability.  If you are not respected, they will not follow your lead.  If you rule by force they will eventually become bitter and leave.  If you are disorganized they will be disorganized and will not be productive. 

With all that being said, You, as the leader, need to be available to help these followers of yours in just about every aspect.  As their leader, you are their 'help from above' to guide them, to help them reach another level, gain that new promotion.Just as you should be reaching out to your leaders above you.  You become their mentor, their life coach.  Any other way of looking at it and you just cannot become the complete leader that you wish yourself to be.

Always reach for the best, and inspire to help those with whom you are responsible for.

http://www.attitudedriveslife.com/the-happiest-guy-in-the-world/

Friday, March 23, 2012

Hey You, Believe in yourself

      After yesterdays post about being a positive role model and leading the way for others that will help everyone improve. I decided to talk about an even more important leadership principle. 

" To successfully lead others, you must master yourself."

       Becoming a great leader is something that you must earn from others in the way of respect.  To lead yourself is a whole other ball of yarn.  I actually think it is easier to lead others than to lead yourself.  This is why you must learn to master your own life.  Negative thought patterns,  depression, laziness, feelings and emotions, and the biggest one, lack of self - confidence. 

If you could ask some of the greatest leaders how they became they way they are, I would bet the majority of them would say that they achieved success by being consistent, working extremely hard, having a vision coupled with a positive attitude, and they had an enormous amount of self confidence. They would probably also say they are just normal people doing extraordinary things, and that they are no different than any other person.

So try to think as these great men and women,  be respectful, have self confidence, think positively, and keep working hard.  Teach yourself to be a leader and those whom you work with will automatically want to be lead by you.  Then you will truly be ready to lead.

"Leaders do not choose their followers, followers choose their leader"

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Someone is watching you!

    In all reality, there is someone watching you, but probably not as a stalker or creeper.  What I am referring to is that whether it be at  your job, with you friends, at your home or church, or maybe just out in public, there is someone who is watching you and looking up to you as an example.  This is a huge responsibility and 90 % of the time we do not even realize that we are being observed.  It is a important task for us to take the opportunity to mentor those around us by our actions, and communication.  Let me give you an example, have you ever met someone new who you really enjoyed talking with only later finding out that they have been in jail for stealing.  You entire view of that person changes based on the decisions they have made. 

   As leaders, our words and actions towards others can really inspire or destroy another's dreams or goals.  We must take on this responsibility that has been given to us, even though we didn't ask for it.  because we lead we must take our thoughts, actions and words into account because we never know who we may encourage or discourage.

    " You never know who is looking up to you".  So be vigilant in tyring to do the right things, lead the right way at your job, and always try to act in a way that leads others to be inspired.


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

My Personal Story - From the Author

First, I would like to thank all of you who have been interested in my blog and what I am planning to do with it.  My desire is to see this out reach help as many aspiring business leaders prevail when they come across difficult times or the sting of failure.  I feel that I am obligated to tell you a bit of my background.  So here it goes.

           In the summer of 1982 I was born in a old hospital in a rust belt city.  My childhood was average, although we did live in a great neighborhood and we had great parents.  When I was 11 I started my first job, a paperboy.  It was through this I learned the beginning stages of leadership, responsibility, customer service and satisfaction, bill collection and of course, payday.  I was a very good paper carrier and even doubled the size of my route in 3 years time.  It inspired me to always work for myself and the doors that can open when you live that kind of life. 

         Since the days of my paper route, I have never really settled into an 'ordinary' job despite being pressured to go to school and 'do something with my life'.  The only job I worked well was being self employed as a window and door installer for seven years.  I hated that job but it had the most freedom of any that I have previously had.  I am currently working for a Fortune 50 company as a Sales Specialist but do believe that I will follow my passion into business management and product creation.

       I realized when I was 20 that the only job I would absolutely love would be a business oriented position in which I controlled the management and was able to creatively use my imagination to produce and create products.  I am now at that stage of my life as a 29 year old.  I could run my own business and I have products that I have created.  All with a year and a half of 'college'.

     So with this website and the others that I will soon have up you will understand why I am a true capitalist.  I value creation of values, services and products to enhance society and everyday life.  I want to motivate you to do the same.  There are no excuses, you CAN'T be too old, too young, too poor, too busy, not smart enough, healthy enough.  The tools are there to achieve you just must believe that it will take a little time, have faith, and never stop looking toward your vision.  That passion in which you have.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Power to Create

We have the innate ability to create or destroy.  The responsibility has been given to us by God and we hold that power it is up to us to use it correctly. 

We can destroy.  Have negative attitudes, tear people and their ideas down, encourage violence and poverty.  No one benefits from this stance.  It is a cyclical pattern that spirals downward.  Eventually society collapses.  It is unsustainable.  Regulating jobs away, limiting citizens power to create diminishes individual thought and personal creativity.  But there is hope.

We can create.  Live our lives to be open about things, carry a positive metal attitude, building up others and encouraging them to turn their ideas into concrete actions.  The pattern is linear and it builds upward.  One group of individual thinkers implementing their imagination to benefit our culture, inspiring the next.  For example, some believe that Edison was inspired by the great imagination of DaVinci, with his ability to design things that where hundreds of years before their time. 

Inspire to create, build jobs and society, use you imagination and cultivate your ideas into concrete actions.  Do not be discouraged, do not quit.  Take an idea, any idea and pursue it till it exists in reality, worlds are turned on such ideas.  Look at Apple and their vision, or Ford and theirs.  Both great companies told they couldn't do things, and they set out to do them anyway.  And they accomplished them.


Go out there today and create, inspire others to do the same and in your own way the world will be a better place.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Looking for some feedback

Dear Readers:
       I was personally looking to reach out to some individuals who are ready and determined to start their own business.  I want some feedback on the blogs progress so far, what can I do to change it? make it better?  Let me know what you think.

If you truly want to succeed in your project and do not know where to start then please ask me.  I will answer you personally.

zuggerunited@yahoo.com

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Make today Remarkable

They say your attitude in the first five minutes of your day will determine how you view the rest of it, I believe this.  I concentrate on what I plan to accomplish with the time I have been given.  I move toward my goals, I strive to take action on a daily basis telling myself, " If this is the last time I ever do....(whatever I'm doing) will I be happy with how I did it". This helps me push myself to reach mush better skills in a shorter period of time.  I know one thing for certain, we are not guaranteed another day so make this one count for what it is worth, it is priceless.

So, get out of bed, when you put on your clothes, put on a smile to despite your troubles, it will help you make the right decisions today.  Do not let others drag you into their negative attitudes and miserable actions, try to inspire them to be motivated, to be passionate about something. Help lead, teach and be the example you want to see in the world.  You can be your own miracle.


Make your life a life that others can be happy to know and be around.  Be an inspiration, and live each day as if it was your last.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Serve others....and you may serve yourself

Its better to give than to receive. 

We have all heard of this phrase, yet as we grow up it becomes more words of wisdom that lose their meaning as time goes by.  Those that are extremely successful know it to be the true principle that got them to where they are today, and the same they implement to propel others to succeed in life.  Serve others.  Is a phrase that I have hear alot of lately.  I have just finished reading Sharon Lechter and Greg Reid's book.  Think and Grow Rich: Three Feet From Gold, and the truth and organizational skills that the book contained where priceless.  Also, I realized that nothing happens by just hoping something will happen.  You must make it happen.

So on that note I will keep it short today by saying: 

" Put someone else's needs above your own, serve them, and in return watch the rewards come back to you in greater numbers"

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Failure + Failure + Failure = Success

            Think of the title of this post.  Simple math formula that holds very deep insight.  If you grasp this concept your ability to overcome challenges and taste sweet victory should be simple.  Not to say that it won't be difficult, but you will better understand the obstacles ahead when you know what to expect. 

           If 95% of all people desire to be successful and only 5 or 10% actually become successful then where is the disconnect.  What happened to those other 85% who have dreams, goals, and aspirations?  When did they lose their focus?  I bet the moment they lost their focus was in a low point in their life, or when a friend or companion told them they should quit and never try again, or that their idea was stupid and wouldn't amount to anything.   Yep, obstacles.  Those words that others say to bring you down, don't listen to those people, they aren't your friends.  Do not be blinded by the failures or obstacles, these things are not too difficult to overcome.  As for those in your life telling you to quit, when was the last time a successful person listened to the advice of someone who was unsuccessful.  Why would you listen to someone whose life and abilities haven't amounted to anything?  DO NOT LISTEN TO NEGATIVE PEOPLE.

       Surround yourself with positive people, work with those who inspire you to achieve more in your life.  Try to connect with others who have accomplished great things, so that you may learn their traits and strive to become a person like they are.  Almost any person in the history of this planet that has been an overwhelming success has been so because they had (1) a precise vision or idea that could not be shaken.  They (2) did not listen to the naysayers and only sought counsel from those who have achieved great things as well.  Most important (3) they got back up when they failed.  They continued to believe in their vision even when they reached a roadblock. 

      So to stay motivated surround yourself with those who positively can influence you, if you do not know anyone, reach out to those through the Internet.  You will be surprised at how many successful people want to help you reach your potential.  Also, do not be afraid to hear the answer 'no'  the more chances you hear 'no' the more opportunities you will have to hear yes. 
         For example, there are two associates I currently work with that are entrusted to retrieve quality sales leads for a program we have at work.  The one associate asks every person he meets about our program and gets turned down 24 times.  The other gets turned down 3 times.  When I ask how many leads they retrieved the first associate had 3, the other had zero.  He was afraid of rejection,  once you get over that fear you can succeed until then you are a slave to mediocrity.

      Fail forward, learn from your mistakes and never give up.  You know you can reach the top, now go do it. 

Remember,  " Whether you think you can, or you think you cannot, you're right!" - Henry Ford

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

How to REALLY give back.

If you are a skilled business man or woman, with considerable talent and knowledge, then there may be only one true way to heighten your position, and that would be helping someone else aspire to be greater than they are. A real leader recognizes talents and character traits of a achiever even when they may not be so apparent . I believe its called finding talent in unusual places, despite upbringing, education, and all that other nonsense. A true leader knows there is no separation from someone with a masters degree and someone with a high school diploma except for the amount of money they spent on education. True leaders would probably rather deal with the latter because they are more humble to learn different principles, and more willing to be taught than a fellow who has captured a masters degree. Now don't get me wrong college serves its purposes but what I'm getting at is that a true leader looks past degrees and diplomas and focuses on the personality and character of the person they are interested in mentoring.

So give back to this world, if you have influence ( which just about everyone does) use it to inspire a co-worker or mentor a stranger who could use the inspiration to reach the pinnacle of their lives. Share your knowledge and it will fill you with greater passion and desire to help more. Show people you care. Your wealth of knowledge could be shared with someone else to become their physical wealth, that they can share as their wealth of knowledge and then we can all mae a difference.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Behavior Traits of a Competitve Creator

Thinking of improving your life, your habits or your vision of your self. A great way to to that would be to evaluate yourself, then compare your lifestyle traits to the traits on this list. Then try to emulate yourself toward these traits to vault yourself to greater achievements in your everyday life, and have a greater opportunity to inspire creative thoughts in others.

Behavior Traits of a competitive creator.

individualism - social theory advocating the rights, liberty and interest in the individual. Which is the principle of independent thought or action

perseverance - to persist in pursuing something despite obstacles or opposition

Rationality -sane or lucid thoughts and actions determined by ones surroundings

honesty - honorable in principles, actions, and intentions

consistency - a steadfast adherence to the same principles or the same course.

integrity - uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles

enthusiasm - lively, or absorbing interest or involvement

ambition - an earnest desire for achievement, distinction, wealth or power

passion - any compelling emotion or strong fondness or enthusiasm

The behavior traits can be better understood if you know the definition of the words above:

Behavior traits of a competitive creator :

- acts with energy, honesty, fairness, regardless of near term consequences. They are loyal to honesty

- shows passion, benevolence, and innocence toward life

- sets goals and dreams that produce value and works to actively achieve those goals

- asks clear and precise questions and listens carefully

- values time and uses it efficiently and profitably

- seeks facts in full context

- thinks with rationality, using logic and facts

- organizes life, self, and work toward profitable actions


These traits when fully implemented will transform your life into a more profitable, meaningful life. With a clear direction, and with clear purpose.


Have a great day, and Good Luck

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Creators vs. Destroyers

Everyday we see them, someone who goes out of their way to help a complete stranger , helping someone without expecting anything in return. These positive difference makers often inspire us to be more open and less selfish about our feelings and actions. They tend to be the difference makers. The tend to be Creators.

Conversely, we may witness someone who degrades a store associate for not being fast enough, or knowing the correct answer. Possibly, watching a person knowingly go out of their way to cause or inflict some type of pain to another person who they probably do not even know. These unfortunate people are usually always negative and have terrible attitudes. They only try to tear down creative thinkers. They are the destroyers.

Now let me help you be inspired to move on and make something to benefit society. Everyone has the tools within themselves to create something of value for their home, town, country or even their whole world. The problem is for every one person who stands behind you and says your idea is awesome their are probably ten others telling you their is no use to try. You know who I'm talking about that family member who has never made anything out of their life so they tell you your wasting your time on a stupid idea, and without proper support and motivation, some of that negative thinking can affect your productivity, it could affect your awesome idea. The goal is to find a support system of friends and family that share your creative ideas and help motivate you to continue on, and show positive influence in the face of adversity. The last thing you want is an unsuccessful person trying to tell you to stay unsuccessful. Where is the logic in that.

Let the dead be dead. If they want to destroy themselves and each other so be it. I have been placed on this earth to help inspire others and I don't care how much they try to destroy the world I will be working just as hard to create value to make this world a better place. To create a job for someone who has been looking for a job. To create for the better of this place.

You must tell yourself you will succeed no matter how long it takes you to get there do not give up. Stay motivated and stay connected.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

WHY WE WORK?

Is it too much to assume that 98% of all employed people are only working because they get paid to. I do not think so.

It is what we call profit motivation, and it is what drives technological advances, medical breakthroughs, business growth and personal desire for achievement. Without profit motivation everything stagnates, and eventually dies.

The reasons we work, at a philosophical level are in tune with our emotions. Every person has a desire to achieve, and who doesn't enjoy being rewarded or commended for a strong effort at work. That desire to achieve drives our personal needs of respect, motivation, and fulfillment. When others notice your work or appreciate your effort, it fills a need inside that nothing else can fill.

As a producer our basic need is to be productive. No one can be happy without being productive, the more productive you are in a valuable way the greater your sense of achievement. You tend to be a happier person.

Most are stuck in a job they must perform in that they have no desire to perform in, they are there, they exist, they are the living dead. You must break this chain, or habit in order to fulfill your basic human nature of achievement. What you produce is what you will get in return. Produce destruction and receive stress and depression, produce positive work experiences and receive good attitudes and profitable outcomes. The money at the end of the week is your reward. It's why you show up, if you own a business, you should structure your pay so that it motivates your employees. Hourly pay does not motivate, and is only a stagnation tool, yet it is common because it is traditional. Breaking barriers and thinking outside of the realms of the normal practices will help drive your production, your business and of course your profits.

If you want greater profits, enable your employees. You can tell them you want them to sell more, work harder, or embrace certain ideas, but do them one favor extra. Show them you want to enable them by giving them a way to significantly raise their pay every week that positively effects your profit.

If the business sees an increase in sales, then the employees see an increase in pay.

Give your team a reason every week to strive for the best, make the extra call, and always be reaching for perfection.

Show them an honest return and they do anything for you.

Profit is the real motivator.

Do yourself a favor.

Discover the reason why you dread the work that you do and the emptiness that your feel while you do that work. In your discovery you might find that having worthwhile goals(1) to keep you motivated and looking toward a brighter future can help with your day to day emotions. Also, finding your purpose in life, the reason you were placed on this earth, is the greatest discovery you could possibly make because nothing else will make you happy. If you try and fill your life with other things fill the void you will only make those ill feelings worse.

The truth of the matter is find what your made for. For me it is to create value for society, whatever that may be. Whether, its in a product I design, or a book I can write to inspire or any other numerous things. Either way, you will find the most happiness in accomplishing tasks you can be proud of and there is a bonus too. That would be getting paid to do something you love.

So I ask you, No, I challenge you, Break out of your mundane rut and view life from above. Stop worrying about little problems and things you cannot do and focus on new goals and things you CAN do. Start right now, Go ahead. Inspire, Lead, Create, and Live.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Why should we create anything?

Create and Learn that is the essence of innovation. We have been given the opportunity to create everything we want out of this life. Yet too many of us let fantasies, lies, and poor advice disillusion our chances of creating value for society as a whole. That is our purpose, we have not been put here for anyone elses use but our own, to raise up our own creativity and use the power that God instilled into us. People are miserable because they are not taping into their true potential, they are letting another man run their lives, instead of creating their own value for their self and their family.

Use the gifts you have been given, make smart choices, lead by example, and plan to overcome the lies this world throws our way. We are supposed to be different, we are supposed to create value for society and by doing so we ARE the reason this world has wealth and prosperity. It is because of individuals thinking and creating, to power our world to where it is today.

We can get this back, we do not need to be told how to live, work, play.....We just need to be given the freedom to create.