Don't Lose Focus!

"One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular." Tony Robbins

Do you have a 'things to do' list?   Sure, most of us do.  Fundamentally, there is nothing wrong with making a 'To Do' list.   It outlines the strategies and tactics that we must complete to reach our goals, to be successful.  To be effective.    They can also be debilitating as many of us do the thinking, planning and even go to the trouble of writing them down.  We only forget one thing -   To Do!   Why?   There are many reasons but most of them can be summed up this way...   People lose focus!   The bright shiny object of distraction where emails ding, the phone rings, or the bird on the ledge sings songs of spring.  The "busy but not effective" mode of multi-tasking where we do 10% of 10 things rather than 100% of one thing.   Certainly, not everything on your list can be done in one sitting, or one day.  More than likely, the things that are most important for you to Pursue Your Greatness will take time.  Continued, focused effort.   While it is true that Rome wasn't built in a day, once the blueprint was fashioned you can best believe they started building and worked on it every day with focus.   "You don't set out to build a wall. You don't say 'I'm going to build the biggest, baddest, greatest wall that's ever been built.' You don't start there. You say, 'I'm going to lay this brick as perfectly as a brick can be laid. You do that every single day. And soon you have a wall." Will Smith    We will go deeper into the power of focus over the next few days, but for now, take a look at your 'To Do' list.  Doesn't matter which one you choose, but pick one.  Maybe the one that has been nagging you but still remains undone.  Maybe the one that will be the stepping stone to the next level of one of your goals.  Maybe it is just the phone call you have been putting off.   Today, focus on completing that ONE THING.  Humans are designed for accomplishment and we get a rush when we need to do something and do it.  You are capable of accomplishing much more if you...   Don't Lose Focus!   Pursue Your Greatness!  Until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Made from Concentrate! part 2

Studies have shown that 90% of error in thinking is due to error in perception. If you can change your perception, you can change your emotion and this can lead to new ideas." Edward de Bono

Happy Monday!   What do you see when you look at the picture above?   Some of you see a rabbit.  Some of you see a duck.  Some of you see both and the picture and the image changes with each blinking of the eye.   Does that make you schizophrenic?  Hardly.  It makes you human.   Most of what we see in life changes.  It is based on external stimulus and the thoughts and emotions we are experiencing in that moment.  We make judgments and decisions based on these spontaneous perceptions.  There are times when these judgments and decisions are our instincts and lead us in the right direction.   Other times, they are incorrect assessments that feed into our doubts, fears and our perceived inability to "climb the next mountain".   It is this vacillation that stymies progress.  It wears us down.  Zaps our energy and focus.  Here is my 3 step cure;   #1 - Never make a permanent decision based on a a temporary circumstance.  What you see today and the things that are governing some of your decisions could look totally different tomorrow.  The question to ask yourself: Would I be making this decision if things were different tomorrow?   If the answer is no...then wait.  What a difference a day can make!   #2 - Settle it once and for all!  See the duck...or see the rabbit.  Make up your mind to  make a stand.  To Pursue Your Greatness, you have to develop a fixity of thought and regardless of temporary setbacks or things not looking like you want them to, you have to remained focused.    "For being as he is a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), he is unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything he thinks, feels, decides." James 1:8 (Amplified)   #3 - Concentrate.  Concentrate on the possible things in your life, the purposeful things. Get your mind off of the things that make your goals look impossible.  It will effect your effort and thus, your outcomes.  Don't diffuse your precious energy!   I know you can do it.  The most successful people have tenacity, grit, persistence and are...   Made from Concentrate!   Pursue Your Greatness!  Until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Made from Concentrate! part 1

"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus." Alexander Graham Bell

I may have mentioned before that I was from the Kool-Aid generation .  I also think I shared that because of sugar and gas crisis of the 70's (remember 16% interest rates and borrowing a cup of sugar from your neighbor?) that my mother used 1/4 cup sugar instead of the recommended 1 cup.   That made the first quart or so a little tough going down, but that last glass?  My sisters and I used to fight over that last glass as all the sugar settled down at the bottom of the pitcher making it oh so sweet!  It was that last glass that made me understand why kids would yell...   "Hey Kool-Aid!"   I also remember at church for communion Sunday, my mom mixing Welch's grape juice from the can.  She would squeeze the can and a slushy, icy, gooey concoction would ooze out into the pitcher.  She would then fill up three cans of water and pour it into the pitcher...actually she used 4 cans to make it stretch further (ssshhh!).   Mothers.   As I stood beside her, I would take the lid from the grape juice and lick the top.  My mouth would pucker and my glands would go into overload, but it was oh so good.   "Momma, why is this so good?" I asked, still smacking my lips.   "Baby, it's made from concentrate", she answered, opening another can to get ready for the congregation.   "Why do you add water?  It is great right out of the can!" I exclaimed licking the next top she handed me.   "Most people can't handle concentrate.  That's why the directions on the can tell me to dilute it with water."   "Well, I love concentrate!"   "You are special, super-human, you can handle anything," she answered rubbing my head.   Some of you immediately see the connection, the metaphor, the simile...dare I say, the parable.   Some of what is keeping you from your greatness is not the environment, the economy, the boss, the leads, the haters or the cold of winter.  It is simply that you are not concentrating on your goal in an effective manner.   What I know is that the best things are...   Made from Concentrate!   Pursue Your Greatness!  Until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Delay is not Denial!

"Sometimes things aren't clear right away. That's where you need to be patient and persevere and see where things lead." Mary Pierce

Happy Monday!   Delay is not Denial.   Some of you have heard the title before...probably in church.  I used to think it was an emotional "salve" applied to make people feel better about the fact things were happening as fast as they wanted in their lives.   I thought it provided a window for people to procrastinate or put off making vital decisions or taking critical action.  If we are honest, people love to use a spiritual excuses for their human challenges...living in self-denial.   Being older, and wiser, I have amended some of that perspective.  I realize that you can think, plan and act with urgency and tenacity and sometimes the thing you want is elusive.    Delayed.   The other day I was travelling and my return flight home was delayed.  I got alerts on my phone 3 times adding 30 minutes, 1 hours and then 2 hour delays to my departure time.   It was already late and the day had been good...but long.    I found an isolated spot to hunker down for the wait.  I tried taking a nap and when I couldn't fall off, I decided to read.  It was a book I had bought over a year ago but had never gotten to.   It sparked several ideas, which I feverishly began to write down.  At the end of the 2 hours, I had 4 pages of notes and ideas.  I felt excited, energized and refreshed.  I had become so engrossed in what I was doing that I missed my zone being called.   My flight took off without incident.  Even though I had a middle row seat, I had a great power nap on the plane, and arrived some safely.    For a moment, think of the thing that seems delayed in your life.  That thing by way of your effort and persistence that still seems elusive.  Hold it in your mind for a moment without anxiety, frustration or worry.   Do you have it?   First - check your strategy.  If it is good, don't change a thing.  Second - check your effort.  If you are giving it your all, stay the course.   Third - Could it be possible that the delay is serving to give you a more complete victory in multiple areas of your life?  Could it be there is something even more glorious awaiting you than what you had planned?  Is there the possibility that the extra time is for you to be better prepared for what is about to happen?   If #1 & #2 are in line, I have a sneaking suspicion that what is happening (or apparently not happening!) in your life today is found in #3, because now I understand that...    Delay is not Denial!    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Ah...Push It!

"A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success."      Elbert Hubbard

Happy Friday!   I saw Salt-n-Pepa on a Geico commercial the other day.  Just as I was about to say how cheesy it was, I was struck by two thoughts;  They are still doing what they love and have found an innovative way to generate a living from it...good for them!   And to get what you want out of life you have to Push It!   Just read a statistic that said that the majority of people have already lost energy and focus on their resolutions.  It's not even February yet.  That doesn't show much resolve.        Some people take the path of least resistance and some people turn back at the first sign of resistance.  The people who begin, endure and finish are the people that Push It!  Yes, they Push It Real Good (I couldn't resist!).    Are you still focused on your goals for the year?   There are some common traits of people that achieve while Pursuing Their Greatness.  Let me give you my top three as it relates to Pushing It!   Tenacity - Go at it hard!  Tenacity is a word that describes the level of effort exerted while doing a task.  Only you know if you are giving it your all, or if you are giving half-hearted effort.  That is they key to tenacity...you've got to have heart!   "We will either find a way, or make one."  Hannibal  Persistence - Go at it hard everyday! In Pursuit of Your Greatness, there will have to be some things that are non-negotiable.  You have to schedule the tasks that lead to your goal.  What would you do with an employee that didn't show up for work 2 days every week without notice...thought so!    "You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good." Jerry West   Patience - Go at it hard everyday until it gives way!  Patience seems benign, weak and inert, but patience is a powerful tool in the arsenal of achievement.  Not the variety of patience where you sit back and wait for it, but the kind of patience that engages tenacity and persistence until the once impossible becomes inevitable!   "Let patience have it's perfect work that you should be perfect and entire, lacking no good thing."  James 1:4   Take a look around you.  While most have already thrown in the towel, I know that you will not go that quietly.  Dig deep.  Your reservoir of power is still full.  You have to direct that precious energy in the direction of your greatness.  Let go of timidity, passivity and fear and engage Tenacity, Persistence and Patience.    Know what you have to do?    Ah...Push It!    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Next Level Living!

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Neale Donald Walsch

Over the Christmas holidays I was at the mall.  Yes, parking was at a premium and I did not get to part in my usual spot. My normal spot is a dandy.  It is in an obsure area and while it is a walk to get to the shops, that spot is always available...and easy to find.   As you may have guessed, despite my Lewis and Clark sense of direction, when we came out of the parking deck and walked out to where my car should have been, it wasn't there.   Natalie then said, "This is the spot, but I think we are up one level."   What a difference a level makes!   Ever stop to think that 11 is just 1...on another level?  Levels are what take us higher, they are the steps that elevate our thinking, our actions and, ultimately, our results.   As this new year begins, I want to ask you are you still looking for the same parking spots in various aspects of your life?  Are you camouflaging old actions and habits under the the blanket of New Years resolutions?   I know that "new" is scary, but new is where the things you desire are. "Everything you have is in your comfort zone... everything you want is outside of it" Brandon L Clay   For a season, while you are ascending to the next level, it will feel awkward and uncomfortable.  Resist the urge to take the fall back position of normalcy.  Going back to the familiar will feel good for the moment, but that seed of procrastination and fear will become a major harvest of regret in the future.   I want to remind you that in 2015, you are Pursuing Your Greatness.  You are not  pursuing your "ok"ness or "leave me alone, I want to pursue my sameness"!   There are three things I want to point out about your desires and pursuing your greatness;  You want it. The fact that you want it means that you have everything WITHIN you to get it. To get it, you will have to give EVERYTHING - you can hold back nothing.  If you do not have it, or feel that you are on the way to it, that means you are holding back.  What are you holding back?    Your Greatness resides at the next level and it is time you throw yourself at your purpose and commit to...    Next Level Living!    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

The Dream Team!

"Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." Mattie Stepanek

Ever look at a resume and wonder if the person is as good as they look on paper?  Maybe you are looking at your resume right now and wondering how you are going to convince the interviewer you are that marvelous!   Many people have lifetime employment as a result of one hour of convincing someone they are right for the job.  In a large corporation, that is par for the course - they can hide in the shadows for 30 years.  If you only have 5 employees, one bad one can bring you down quickly.   Thankfully, a Mastermind Alliance does not have to be made up of your employees or leadership team.  Of course, that would be ideal, but for the time being, you need to surround yourself with like-minded people who can exchange ideas, problem-solve, and provide a sounding board.  A group that meets regularly - all for the purpose of helping each other pursue greatness.   Who are these people and what qualities (resume) should they possess?  Napoleon Hill in his classic book, Think and Grow Rich, outlines the attributes of your Mastermind Alliance.  Remember:  You have to be possess these qualities as well:   Dependability. Can the person be counted on to do their part.  Do they make the effort required, or do they make excuses?  What do they do when no one is looking?  Dependability is a virtue directly connected to integrity.    Loyalty.  Humans are motive-driven creatures.  What's in it for me?  Loyalty transcends this basic drive and says, "I am there for you even when there is nothing in it for me".  Yes, loyalty is rare, but necessary for your Mastermind Alliance.   Ability.  What gifts and skills do they possess?  They should be complimentary to the Alliance so that the weaknesses of others are covered by the strengths and abilities of someone else.   Positive Mental Attitude.  Naysayers beware!  When trying to do something great your Mastermind Alliance will have to have an abundance of optimism.  Not the Pollyanna variety where you bury your head in the sand, but are relentless in your "Can Do" attitude!   Going the Extra Mile.  Doing more than you are expected or paid to do is the hallmark of great achievers and those that separate themselves from the masses.  That is why Zig Ziglar said, "There are no traffic jams on the extra mile".     Applied Faith.  This is belief in motion.  A proverb says that "Those that are talking should get out of the way of those that are doing".  Surround yourself with people of action and who hold each other accountable.    I can hear some of you - Are these people out there?  Do they really exist?  For your particular mission and vision, there will be a small group of people, who are uniquely tied to you by purpose who will fit all of these attributes.   The challenge is not to be tempted to settle for less than full commitment and possession of these characteristics.  I admit, I have settled and it cost me time, money, and frustration.  I am sure you have been there too!   Dorothy walked down the yellow brick road alone for a while but it wasn't long before she assembled her...    Dream Team!    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Mastermind Your Success!

"Teamwork makes the dream work, but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team."   John Maxwell

Ever heard the expression,   "It is not what you know but who you know"?   It is normally used when people are looking for a job.  Have you ever paid real close attention to the way it reads (and sounds)?  On one hand, it sounds like favoritism and nepotism.  Even though you may have no clue or skills for the job, as long as you know the right people, you can get in.  Yikes! Read the other way, it says just the opposite.  That you may be gifted, skilled and excellent but unless you know the right people, you wont get in.   And again...yikes! Having hired 100's of people over my career, I know that people I was familiar with and that had some of the skills necessary for the job, had a decided advantage over the unknown candidate with the better resume.  It may not always be fair, but in the big corporate world of making widgets, that's just the way it is! As it relates to your goals, dreams and purpose, you have to apply a different philosophy in building your team.   There is a big difference between getting employees for a company and finding partners to be part of your inner circle to help you Pursue Your Greatness.  When you are making widgets...you hire.  When you are pursuing destiny...you select.  Napoleon Hill called this collective of invaluable people your Mastermind Alliance. Take a look at your LinkedIn connections.  How many of them would you hire?  Better question.  How many of them would you select as part of your Mastermind Alliance? I remember I wanted to be a performer (notice I didn't say singer!) when I was younger.  A cross between Michael Jackson and Prince.  Some friends  and I were trying to get a band together and I was going to be the lead singer.  We needed a drummer so we placed an ad in a local paper that musicians read .  Three candidates responded, but only one of them had a set of drums. We picked him.  You can guess the rest - he was awful.   Hey, my goal was not to be a garage band, it was to be an international superstar.  I realized at that moment, that you don't pick people because you know them, or because they have something you need.  You select them for their ability to help you...   Mastermind Your Success!    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

...Two to Go!

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

Henry Ford  

 

Happy Friday!   "People...who need people...are the luckiest people in the world." (Barbra Streisand can sang!) I know, I know.  Just two days ago, I told you to ride solo in Pursuit of Your Greatness.  I told you that it doesn't make sense to try to convince people that something you "feel" will work warrants their support and involvement.  At the same time...you need people. The great paradox of life; while you have to begin alone, you can only finish with the help of others. The great challenge? Finding and engaging the people who are called to be part of your team. As a child, like many of us, I loved the Wizard of Oz (I could have used the Magnificent 7 as well...but fewer folks have seen that one!).  As I got older, I could see so many rich metaphors between Dorothy and how she built the team that helped her become successful.   Since you are familiar with Dorothy's story, let's use the strategies and techniques she used to build a successful coalition;   Tell them where you are going.  Provide details including challenges.  Relay them   with passion, enthusiasm and confidence.  You inspire others with your images of the future. When you articulate your vision, be sure to describe the future in detail with vivid words and metaphors. Make your ideas and strategies more concrete via sketches, step-by-step action plans, or mock-up models so that others can readily grasp your intent.   Tell them what's in if for them. A brain, a heart...some courage.  The things they get have to be more than just wages to "pay the bills" - that is an employee not a strategic partner.  You need to get to the heart (yes, I know!) of what will motivate them.  Most startups don't even pay their core people for years because they all see the bigger picture payoff.  You have no right to expect help if you don't provide a proper motive.   Establish each persons strengths, weaknesses and let that help define their role.  Surround yourself with specifically talented people who are eager to put your vision into motion. Some will have gifts you don't.  Delegate and trust them to do their part.  Accountability will keep everyone honest to the process.  They will feel exhilarated by your trust and use of their talents, and you can harness their energy to propel the vision toward reality.   You now have the beginnings of a strategic alliance, a team...a Mastermind Group...ah, next time!   One down...two to go!    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

One down...!

"One man with courage is a majority." Thomas Jefferson

The last few days, I have  talked to several people who have set big goals for themselves.  I asked them what they needed in order to make it happen.  In different forms, each one of them said they would need help and support of other people.  The problem...the people closest to them had doubts. Most of us know what it is like to be challenged by people around us, who, even when well meaning, are dousing water on the fire of our desire. That is normal.  Agreement is a great thing, but real agreement is hard to come by. Ever tried to get 5 people to agree on where to go to lunch?  At some point, the debate between Italian, Chinese and Mexican has to stop and someone has to get in the car, start driving...and lead.   You want people to believe in something you just declared and a declaration is not enough for someone else to join in with faith.  People rally around people who know...and who do.   Get to know your ideas.  Before you share with your key people, take time to think about the goal.  The more time you spend considering your ideas , the more vivid your ideas will become. The more vivid your ideas, the more persuasive you will be when you express it to others.   Start doing.  People rally around people who are going somewhere, who are in motion. 　Those demonstrating faith...with action.  An idea or goal devoid of action is less than an empty promise or idle wish.  Movement is faith in demonstration.  Actions speak louder than words.   Ride solo.  For a season, you will have to believe alone, but begin taking the necessary steps.  As you begin to dig all others will see is a hole.  For a while, only you will know you are digging with purpose.  Eventually, people will ask, "What is that hole for?"   Then (and only then) you can tell them your mission and purpose.  Some will be spectators, some haters and others, cheerleaders - you need them all.  From that crowd will emerge those that are connected to you in purpose and they will join in.  Then the power of agreement can do its multiplicative work in helping you get there faster.   "...If two of you agree and can harmonize together, anything and everything you may ask will come to pass and be done for you..." Matthew 18:19 (excerpt from Amplified Bible)   For now, you are fine going it alone.  One is not the loneliest number...it is the number of great beginnings.   Begin.   One down...    Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Move the Needle!

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."   Walt Disney

Happy Monday!    For many, this is the first working day of 2015.  How are you going to make this New Day different than all the others?   Can I make a suggestion? Move the Needle!  I just looked at my list of goals for the year and then the things that I had to get done to accomplish them.  I also looked at my "daily life" calendar at all of the things that would pull me away from doing the things related to my goals.  I must admit, I had a bit of overwhelm as I could see that my renewed commitment to Pursue My Greatness was about to be challenged immediately by my day to day life.   Can you relate? I want to challenge you to Move the Needle.  Even if just a little bit.  Over time, the compound effect of your efforts will allow you to look back and see the thing as DONE!  It reminds me of Andy Dufresne in one of my favorite movies Shawshank Redemption.  He dug a tunnel from his prison cell to freedom.  Each day he took a few bits of stone and rock from his cell in his pocket and emptied it in the prison yard.  It took him 20 years to dig his way to the life he was dreaming about! Brandon, I don't want to wait that long.  Then what are you waiting for?  Do something, anything, today toward your purpose.  You will build momentum, see progress and feel satisfaction that you are moving the needle.   Pursue Your Greatness...until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!

Pursue Your Greatness!

In 2015, I am going to help you Pursue Your Greatness!   "Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us." Wilma Rudolph .

Happy Friday and New Year!    When I began doing the Daily Crumbs, I wasn't exactly sure where I was headed, but I made  a commitment to do them for one year and see what evolved.  There is nothing scarier than hitting the "send" button each day on something that I sincerely desire to make a difference in people's lives and not always knowing if it is effective.  Your feedback and support has given me the courage to keep writing and to keep sending.  I just crossed that 12 month mark.  I look back on over 300 posts and smile, laugh, cry and cringe!  Through trial and error, hit or miss, I see the necessity for another evolution.  While I am still working on what that looks like, the overwhelming feedback points me in the direction to focus on... Life. We all have unique experiences and situations, but the commonality?  We all need inspiration and guidance to live our lives in a way that is authentic and brings enjoyment and fulfillment. I have not figured it all out and I do not have all the answers, but one of my gifts is helping people get on track to unleash their highest potential.  That is my focus for the next 12 months...Helping you Pursue Your Greatness. I will continue to send emails a couple of times a week (yes, I know daily blows up your inbox!) and make them relevant to that mission of greatness.  Over the next few weeks, I will be launching several new platforms & programs designed to help you.   I am excited about 2015 and the possibilities it holds for our mutual success.   Again, thank you for allowing me the awesome privilege to be a part of your life and success.  I dare you to dream BIG dreams, see an awesome vision for your life, and to have he audacity and courage to Pursue Your Greatness.   Until next time, I wish you Money, Power, Success!   Brandon

Missed It By That Much!

Happy New Year!   Not that I am rushing Father Time, but I am glad 2015 is upon us. Even with all of my rhetoric to get serious about goals and aspirations the last few weeks of 2014, I have to admit, the turning of the clock turned up the motivation meter!   The key to a great year is not to lose that momentum created at the end of 2014 and leverage the euphoria of getting a clean slate.   Yes, I remember, I had put myself on blast regarding my personal "pick one" goal of reaching 180lbs before the end of year.  I will confess that I did not reach my goal.   I could blame it on the all the holiday foods and chocolates that that are laying a out in a bounty all over the house since Thanksgiving.  I could blame it on a missed workout here and there.  There would easily be a series of excuses that I could give you...and most of them would sound rational and excusable.   I will also admit that this goal is one I have had for over a decade. Never mind that I did not reveal my "Before" picture (censoring committee said "No Way"!).  Just know that 3 years ago, I had topped 220lbs and come down to 185lb at my lowest.  When I made the "pick one" goal, it was 195lbs.  Improvement, but not perfection...not my best.   I did stick to many of my commitments and remained steadfast and disciplined 85% of the time.  The result;     Like they say in church,   "I may not be who I want to be, but thank God, I am not who I used to be!   I am now in striking distance of an elusive goal and it feels good to "have it on the run".  Sure, I am still in the middle of my "&"...but it feels good!   That is what life and a New Year is all about.  Get dissatisfied with your "Before", work your butt off (figuratively and literally depending on your goal) during your "&"and enjoy the fruits of your labor in the "After".  Hint: You also have to have joy during the "&" as that is where you will spend most of your life!   Ok, so maybe I chickened out a bit on my first ever selfie...I have a newfound respect for Kim Kardashian and Anthony Weiner (never thought I would say either of those things!).  Yes, I still have some work to do but I am ready.  (click here for the backstory on Shemar Moore!)   I have resolved that 2015 is the year to Pursue Your Greatness.  It is ok to reach high and fall a little (or a lot) short.  The key to getting things done is to believe they are possible and get started and keep pressing.  Who knows, you may reach every goal you set or next year you may say you...   Missed It By That Much!   Wishing you a prosperous and healthy 2015!