Coming off the high energy and incredible feedback of their milestone 500th episode, hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt dive straight into a topic everyone deals with but rarely wants to face: excuses.

In business, marketing, sales, and life inside the dojo, we hear them constantly. But while we easily spot them in others, we rarely notice when we are making them ourselves. In this episode, Mark and Theron break down the critical difference between a legitimate reason and a recycled excuse, exploring how excuses are ultimately rooted in fear or a lack of excitement.

To help you audit your habits and shift your mindset, they break down three immediate action steps to eliminate excuses and step into a higher version of yourself.

Key Takeaways & Action Steps

Action Step 1: Run the "Replay Test"

The first step to conquering your excuses is catching them in real-time. If you find yourself giving a reason for why you didn't get something done, ask yourself: Have I used this exact line before? If you have, it's no longer a reason, it's a recording played out of comfort or habit.

• Your Challenge This Week: Write down your three most frequently used excuses. Seeing them on paper strips away their power, breaks the pattern, and exposes the underlying fear, judgment, or discomfort you might be trying to avoid.

Action Step 2: Pre-Decide What is Acceptable

Don't wait until you are tired, unmotivated, or snuggled in a warm bed to decide whether you're going to follow through on your commitments. Make those choices when you are calm and clear-headed.

• Establish Your Boundaries: Write down a tight, intentional list of true reasons you will accept for missing a needle-moving task (e.g., actual injury or family emergencies).
• The 24-Hour Rule: If you are caught in a gray area and want to bow out of a commitment, give yourself 24 hours before honoring the excuse. If the feeling completely evaporates after a day, it was just an emotional excuse, not a legitimate reason.

Action Step 3: Run Every Excuse Through Your Identity

True personal growth requires being better than who you were yesterday. Your identity is shaped by the present-tense actions of the person you are actively deciding to become.

• The Identity Filter: Write a one-sentence description of the highest version of yourself (e.g., "I am a fit, trustworthy, and disciplined leader"). When an excuse pops up, hold it up against that sentence. Excuses are essentially lies we tell ourselves and others; if your excuse doesn't align with your new identity, it has to go.

"Instead of making better excuses, we're really going to have fewer excuses. When we boil it down, we end up with legitimate reasons... and then we can adjust to work around them."

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Claim Your Free Book: Head over to Achieve Results NOW! to grab your free copy of Ignite Results, packed with specific daily actions to help you win.
• Connect With Us on Social Media: Follow the community and join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/achieveresultsnow.
• Missed the Last Episode? Be sure to go back and listen to Episode 500 for an amazing retrospective, top subject reviews, and a lot of great listener energy!

Now get out there and achieve results NOW!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

In this episode, Mark and Theron dive deep into the concept of Identity-Driven Success. If you've ever found yourself consistently setting goals, following the plans, and seeing temporary results only to fall backward into old patterns, the missing piece isn't your willpower, it's your identity.

The guys unpack the Kaizen principle of continuous improvement, explore how "behavior without identity is just a costume," and challenge the idea of "lying to yourself" by shifting the perspective to Truth in Advance. They break down why your subconscious constantly looks for proof to back up who you think you are, and how your environment (friends, family, and long-term associations) can unintentionally anchor you to your past self.

Key Frameworks & Core Concepts

• Kaizen: The principle of continuous, never-ending improvement that connects who we are today with the high-performance version of who we want to become.
• Truth in Advance: Declaring the standard of who you are becoming, backed by immediate action and intent, rather than waiting for the final outcome to claim the identity.
• The Costume vs. The Identity: Behavior modification without a shift in core identity is temporary. True change requires moving from "acting the part" to "being the part."
• Environmental Resistance: Recognizing that growth causes natural awkwardness and resistance from your current environment. Resistance is a metric of growth, not a signal to stop.

The 3 Steps to Shifting Your Identity

Step 1: Name the Old Identity

You cannot replace what you haven't clearly identified. This requires honest introspection. Write down the current narrative running in your head (e.g., "I'm just a procrastinator," or "I am not a morning person"). Acknowledge exactly where your starting point is so you can consciously dismantle the proof your subconscious is collecting to keep you stuck.

Step 2: Make a Declaration, Not a Goal

Goals are focused on outcomes; declarations are identity statements. Frame your declarations in the absolute affirmative (e.g., "I am a fit and energetic samurai warrior"). Write these statements down and repeat them, out loud and internally until the initial awkwardness fades and the pattern is rewritten.

Step 3: Act From the New Identity First

When faced with a decision, ask yourself: "What would the person I want to become do in this exact situation?" Act from the future version of yourself, not the past. Small, identity-aligned actions create a powerful feedback loop that builds undeniable confidence and solidifies the new standard.

Action Step & Challenge

Take one minute today to write down one powerful identity declaration. Place it somewhere you are guaranteed to see it multiple times a day—whether it's a sticky note on your bathroom mirror, your desk, or a daily digital reminder. Focus on viewing your choices through that lens for the next 7 days.

Links & Resources

• Get Your Free Book: Grab a free copy of Ignite Results at AchieveResultsNow.com for daily actionable strategies.
• Connect with the Community: Follow the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/achieveresultsnow.
• Support the Show: If this episode helped you see a clear path forward, please share it with a peer, leave a review, and subscribe!

Now get out there and Achieve Results Now!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

Episode 502: Pillar 7: Communication: The ARN Leadership Blueprint: Why Communication is the Pulse

In this final installment of the Achieve Results Now leadership blueprint, hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt wrap up their 7-part leadership series by tackling one of the most critical and universally challenging leadership skills: Communication.

They emphasize that effective communication isn't about what you think you said, it's entirely about how your audience heard it. Leaders must remain adaptive, treating communication as a fluid skill that must be adjusted whether they are addressing a room of 20, a small team, or speaking one-on-one.

Key Takeaways & Action Steps

1. Master the Clarity Filter

Confusion is the ultimate enemy of execution. As a leader, your goal isn't to look smart; it is to be understood.

• The Third-Grade Test: Challenge yourself to explain complex concepts or your business model so simply that a third-grader could understand it. If your explanation is too long or dense, it creates an immediate bottleneck.
• Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): In meetings and emails, cut out the fluff and deliver your main point within the first 15–20 seconds or the first paragraph.
• Check for Understanding (The Right Way): Instead of asking "Do you understand?" (which usually just gets a polite "yes"), ask actionable questions like, "Based on this, what are your next two steps?" This reveals if your message was truly received.

2. Practice Active, Empathetic Listening

Great communication is a two-way street, and listening is more than just "waiting for your turn to speak."

• The WAIT Rule: Pause for 2 to 3 seconds before responding to let the other person fully finish their thought.
• Read the Subtext: Remember that over 50% of communication is body language. Watch for physical cues—like drooping shoulders for confusion or lit-up faces for excitement—to capture what isn't being said out loud.
• Questions Over Statements: Instead of just handing down feedback, guide your team with collaborative questions (e.g., "How do you feel your performance went?"). Letting them verbalize the solutions creates immediate ownership.

3. Build a Culture of Radical Candor

True leadership requires creating an open environment where people feel safe speaking freely and looking at the reality of situations.

• The 24-Hour Feedback Window: Address difficult or uncomfortable situations quickly. Sleeping on it for 12 hours is fine to cool down but never let an issue fester past a single day.
• Make it Safe to Fail: A leader needs 360-degree vision. If you overreact or "kill the messenger" when bad news arrives, your team will start hiding things from you, creating massive blind spots.
• Be Direct but Kind: Focus criticism on the process, not the person. Being kind means being supportive of their long-term growth rather than just being "nice" to avoid discomfort. Remember: disagreeing with an idea does not equal a lack of loyalty or support.

Final Thought: You can possess incredible vision, integrity, and empathy, but if you cannot communicate clearly, your leadership will always lack impact.

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Website: Achieve Results Now (Go here to grab your free copy of their book, Ignite Results)
• Facebook: Achieve Results Now Page
• Note: Be sure to check back through the archives for the first 6 pillars: Integrity, Vision, Empathy, Decisiveness, Resilience, and Accountability. Also, check out our 500th episode!

Now get out there and Achieve Results Now!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

Episode Summary: Pillar #6 – Accountability

In this episode of the Achieve Results Now podcast, hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt dive into the sixth pillar of their Leadership Blueprint series: Accountability. While often avoided because it feels like "hard work," accountability is the vital bridge between having a vision and actually achieving results. The duo discusses how to move past the "blame game" and create a culture of ownership in business, family, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways & Action Steps

1. Eliminate Vague Expectations

Performance issues are frequently just clarity issues. You cannot hold someone accountable for a result that hasn't been clearly defined.

• Define "Done": Be hyper-specific. Instead of "get this report done," specify the format, the content requirements, and the exact deadline (e.g., "A 3-page PDF by 3 p.m. tomorrow").
• Give it an Owner: Avoid the "somebody should do this" trap. If a task belongs to everyone, it belongs to no one. Assign a specific person to lead the task.
• The Meeting Recap: End every interaction by having team members repeat their top priorities back to you. This ensures that what you thought you communicated is actually what they heard.

2. Build a High-Frequency Feedback Loop

Waiting for an annual review to correct a mistake is a recipe for failure. Leaders need a constant pulse on progress.

• Two-Minute Course Corrections: Implement quick, frequent check-ins to ensure everyone is still on track.
• Wins and Lessons Huddles: Regularly discuss what is working (wins) and what needs more focus or adjustment (lessons). This keeps the tone constructive rather than punitive.
• Impact Conversations: Show people how their specific "cog" in the machine affects the whole team. When people see how their success helps others—or how their delay stops the "clock"—they are more likely to take ownership.

3. Lead with "Mirror-First" Accountability

A leader cannot hold others to a standard they aren't willing to live by themselves.

• The Public Apology: When you miss a mark or make a poor decision, own it publicly. This gives your team permission to be human and shows that you are a teammate, not a dictator.
• No Excuses: In public, take the hit. Don't blame the market, technology, or other people. Your job as a leader is to figure it out, not to point fingers.
• Standard Bearer Audit: Identify one or two personal areas for improvement (e.g., punctuality or response times) and share them with your team. Ask them to help hold you accountable.

Memorable Quotes

"Oftentimes it's not performance issues that are the problem; it's clarity issues."

"When you point a finger, there are always three fingers pointing back at you."

"Accountability isn't about being in trouble; it's about results."

Next Week: Join Mark and Theron for the final installment of the Leadership Blueprint series! Subscribe so you don't miss the conclusion.

Now get out there and Achieve Results Now!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

Episode 500: The Three Pillars of Achievement

In this special milestone episode, Mark and Theron reflect on 500 episodes of "Achieve Results NOW!" and nearly 40 years of professional experience to distill the three most impactful qualities for success. Whether you are leading a business, a family, or your own personal development, these three pillars, underpinned by gratitude, are the keys to life-shifting results.

The Three Pillars

1. Enthusiasm: The Contagious Spark: Enthusiasm is more than just a "rah-rah" attitude; it is a physiological and psychological process.

• The "Fake It" Factor: It is okay to start by acting enthusiastic. Positioning your body and voice with energy eventually signals your brain to follow suit.
• Contagion: Enthusiasm is contagious, but so is a lack of it. As a leader, your energy sets the ceiling for your team.
• Realistic Optimism: True enthusiasm isn't about ignoring problems; it's about having the confidence to address challenges with a "let's get it done" mindset.

2. Adaptability: Rigid Flexibility: Adaptability is the ability to maintain a firm destination while remaining flexible in your tactics.

• Hierarchy of Importance: Learn to rank challenges. Is a setback a minor speed bump or a mission-critical hurdle?
• Persistence vs. Quitting: The closer you get to a goal, the harder the "walls" become. Success belongs to those who find a way around the brick walls rather than giving up when the work gets difficult.
• Mission-Driven: When the "earthquake" happens and the deck gets reshuffled, a strong mission and vision allow you to pivot without losing your way.

3. Communication: The Art of Active Listening: Most people don't listen; they just wait for their turn to speak. Effective communication is the foundation of every successful relationship.

• Active Listening: This involves eye contact, removing distractions (like phones), and picking up on physical cues.
• Empowering Questions: Shift from "keeping score" to seeking understanding. Ask questions that dig deeper into the other person's perspective.
• The Grace Factor: High-level achievers give others the grace to be imperfect. Long-term relationships are built on the desire to understand before being understood.

The Secret Sauce: Gratitude

The episode concludes with the one element that bridges all three pillars: Gratitude. * Gratitude fuels Enthusiasm by focusing on what you have.

• It aids Adaptability by allowing you to be thankful for the lessons within your challenges.
• It strengthens Communication by fostering a genuine appreciation for the people around you.

"Be specific with your gratitude. Don't just say you're grateful for someone—tell them exactly why."

Key Takeaways for Listeners:

• Actionable Mindset: Enthusiasm is a choice and a habit you can develop daily.
• Leadership Lesson: Meet people at their energy level and slowly pace them up to yours.
• Growth Tip: Don't avoid failure; embrace it as the ultimate learning experience.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Ignite Results (Available at AchieveResultsNow.com)
• Community: Join the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

This episode of the Achieve Results Now podcast features hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt discussing the fifth pillar of their Leadership Blueprint: Resilience.

They argue that resilience is a muscle that must be intentionally trained, especially in a modern culture that often tries to shield people from the very hardships that build character. The episode breaks down resilience into three actionable steps.

Action Step 1: Develop a Stress-Testing Mindset

The hosts emphasize that how you process failure determines your ability to lead.

• The 24-Hour Pity Party: You are allowed to feel upset, sad, or frustrated when things go wrong, but you must set a strict 24-hour limit. After that, you must return to action.
• The Anti-Fragile Audit: When things "shake loose" during a crisis, treat it as data. Identify which part of your business, mindset, or team broke, and upgrade that system so it's stronger for the next "bump."
• Emotional Regulation: Resilience requires acting like an adult. You must train yourself to remain calm in a crisis to avoid damaging relationships with employees or customers.

Action Step 2: Build a Resilience Reservoir

You cannot build strength in the middle of a battle; you must build it when things are easy.

• Win the Morning: Use a morning routine (hydration, movement, discipline) to build a foundation of consistency.
• Microdose Adversity: Purposefully seek out small, uncomfortable tasks, like cold plunges, public speaking, or intense workouts, to callous your mind against future hardships.
• The Support Squad: Curate a group of 2–3 people who will give you "brutally honest" feedback rather than just comforting you. Build these relationships before you hit a crisis.

Action Step 3: Master the Reframing Technique

Resilience is largely about the narrative you tell yourself.

• Balanced Reframing: Avoid toxic positivity or pure negativity. Instead, look for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the problem but searches for the "good" or the opportunity within it.
• Focus on Controllables: When things spiral, ignore the "rain" (the external problem) and focus on the "umbrella" (your immediate response).
• Post-Traumatic Growth: Every crisis is an opportunity to learn. Instead of complaining about a loss, analyze the systems that failed and improve them.

The Bottom Line: > Drawing inspiration from Rocky, the hosts remind listeners that resilience isn't about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. A leader doesn't need to be perfect; they just need to be the one who refuses to stay in the dirt.

Next Episode: Stay tuned for Pillar 6: Accountability – Why Accountability is the Standard. Don't forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs a compass for their leadership journey!

Now get out there and Achieve Results Now!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

This episode of the Achieve Results Now podcast continues the "Leadership Blueprint" series, moving from integrity and empathy to a critical catalyst for success: Decisiveness. Hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt break down why decision-making is a muscle that needs training and how to avoid the trap of "analysis paralysis."

Key Takeaways

1. The 70% Rule & Bias for Action

Most people wait for 100% certainty before moving, which often leads to lost opportunities.

• The Threshold: Aim for 70% of the information. It's enough to make an informed choice without stalling.
• Reversibility: Distinguish between "one-way roads" (irreversible) and "two-way roads" (reversible). If a decision is easily reversible, decide even faster, potentially with only 50% info.
• Execution over Perfection: A good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan that never leaves the drawing board.

2. Build a Personal Decision Framework

Decisiveness is a repeatable process, not a series of impulsive shots in the dark.

• Define Non-Negotiables: Identify 3–5 core values that act as your "no" filter.
• Set Hard Deadlines: Treat decision dates like goals. Write them down to create self-discipline.
• The Pre-Mortem Technique: Before pulling the trigger, spend five minutes imagining the plan failed. Address those risks upfront.
• The "Death or Jail" Test: A humorous but effective perspective, if the worst-case scenario doesn't result in death or jail, the risk is likely worth the action.

3. Own the Outcome

True leadership is about accountability, regardless of the result.

• Commander's Intent: Own the risk. If things go wrong, don't point fingers at the team or the circumstances.
• Kill Analysis Paralysis Culture: Stop the endless loop of "needing more information." Empower your team to make the best call possible with what they currently know.
• The Fail Forward Review: When a decision doesn't work, perform a 5–10 minute "After Action Report." Identify the pivot needed rather than scrapping the entire effort.

The Bottom Line

"Indecision is a decision, and it's a decision to stand still."

Leaders don't always make the right choice immediately, but they make the choice right through relentless execution and the ability to adapt.

Actionable Steps for This Week:

1. Pick a decision you've been "mulling over" and apply the 70% Rule.
2. Set a firm deadline (24 hours or less) for a reversible decision you've been avoiding.
3. If a recent choice failed, conduct a 5-minute Fail Forward Review to find the pivot.

Resources Mentioned:

• Get a free copy of Ignite Results at AchieveResultsNow.com
• Follow the community on Facebook: facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

Next Episode: Stay tuned for Pillar 5: Resilience – Why Resilience is the Fuel. Don't forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs a compass for their leadership journey!

Now get out there and Achieve Results Now!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

In this episode of the Achieve Results NOW! podcast, Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt dive into the third installment of our leadership series. While many view empathy as a "soft" skill, we break down why it is actually the ultimate competitive advantage in business, family, and personal growth.

Empathy isn't about looking down on others with sympathy; it's about looking up together and seeking a true understanding of the people you lead.

Action Step 1: Mastering the Active Listening Framework

Being a leader requires being fully present. If you aren't listening, you aren't leading.

• Repeat and Validate: Avoid "robotic" interactions by repeating back what you heard to ensure clarity. This eliminates the "text message effect" where tone and intent are easily misinterpreted.
• The 80/20 Rule: Great leaders listen 80% of the time and speak 20%. Use your speaking time to ask powerful questions.
• Remove the Digital Barrier: Put the phone away. Unless you are waiting for a literal life-saving call, your notifications are a distraction that tells the person in front of you they aren't your priority.

Action Step 2: Perspective-Taking Agility

Empathy requires the ability to step out of your own shoes and into someone else's.

• The Shadow Experience: Don't lead from a high tower. Walk the "factory floor" or engage in the front-line tasks your team performs. Understanding the current challenges they face allows you to adapt your leadership to the modern environment.
• The Emotional Check-In: If performance or behavior dips, lead with a check-in rather than a correction. Asking, "Is everything okay today?" often reveals outside factors (personal loss, stress, etc.) that a high-standard leader must acknowledge.
• Intent vs. Impact: Good intentions do not excuse negative impacts. A leader must evaluate how their actions and words affect the culture and relationships within their organization.

Action Step 3: Operationalizing Compassion

Empathy without action is just sympathy. To see life-shifting results, you must put the "hard side" to these soft skills.

• Remove Roadblocks: End your sessions with the four most powerful words in leadership: "How can I help?" Identify and clear the obstacles preventing your team from succeeding.
• Tailored Recognition: Not everyone wants a public round of applause. Some value a private word of encouragement or a small, thoughtful gesture. Learn how your team "scratches that itch" for significance.
• Healthy Boundary Framework: Empathy is not a "get out of trouble free" card. True empathy is holding someone to a high standard because you believe in their potential.

Key Takeaway

Empathy is a skill that takes effort, planning, and Massive Action. When you lead by example and understand the perspective of those around you, you create a culture that people want to be a part of—which is a competitive edge that money can't buy.

Immediate Action Items:

1. During your next 1-on-1, put your phone in another room or face down.
2. Ask one person today: "What is an obstacle in your way right now that I can help you with?"
3. Practice "Repeat and Validate" in your next potentially difficult conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ignite Results: Grab your free copy of our book at www.AchieveResultsNow.com for daily actions to help you start seeing results today.
• Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

Next Episode: Stay tuned for Pillar 4: Decisiveness – Why Decisiveness is the Catalyst. Don't forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs a compass for their leadership journey!

Now get out there and Achieve Results Now!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

In this second installment of our leadership masterclass, Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt dive into Pillar 2: Vision. Without a clear destination, you aren't leading—you're just reacting. While a manager handles the "now," a leader defines the "next." This episode provides the tools to ensure you end up where you intend to go, rather than just where you happen to land.

Action Step 1: Defining Your North Star

A leader without vision is simply a manager of tasks. To lead, you must first define the long-term destination.

• The Vivid Vision Exercise: Write a one-page description of where you want to be in 1–3 years. Don't focus on technical jargon or metrics yet; focus on the impact and the culture you want to create.
• The "Why" Filter: Ask yourself why you want this vision. If the "why" isn't emotionally charged, you won't have the fuel to reach it. Profit is a result, but positive change is a motivator.
• Vision vs. Strategy: Distinguish the destination (Vision) from the map (Strategy). Don't let "how-to" thinking stifle your dreaming phase. Strategy comes later; right now, you need to know where the ship is headed.

Action Step 2: Mastering Vision Casting

Having a vision in your head is useless if your team can't see it. You must project that vision onto those around you.

• The Elevator Mission Test: Can you explain your mission concisely in under 30–60 seconds? If it's too complicated to say quickly, it's too complicated to follow.
• The Rule of Seven: In marketing and leadership, people need to hear or see a message at least seven times before it clicks. Don't just say it once and expect results—repeat it creatively.
• Visual Reinforcements: Use tools like the "Goal Getters" wall, thermometers, or progress graphs. Visuals remind the team of the mission every day without you having to "harp" on them.

Action Step 3: Aligning Daily Actions

This is where the rubber meets the road. You must filter your current schedule through your future goals.

• The "So What?" Filter: Look at your to-do list. Ask of every task: "Is this moving us closer to the vision?" If the answer is no, it's time to delete, delay, or delegate.
• High-Value Activity Audit: Review your calendar from the past week. What percentage of your time was value-driven vs. busy work?
• Visionary Decision-Making: Empower your team and family to make their own decisions by using the vision as their barometer. If a choice serves the North Star, they are empowered to make it.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is Direction: It's better to move slowly in the right direction than quickly in the wrong one.
• Your Word is Your Commodity: Reliability and consistency in your vision are more valuable than money; they are how you earn the right to lead.
• Stop vs. Fail: Most people don't fail; they simply stop because they forgot why they started. Vision is the cure for "stopping."

Connect with the Achieve Results Now Team:

• Website: www.achieveresultsnow.com
• Get the Book: Ignite Results
• Facebook: facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

Next Episode: Stay tuned for Pillar 3: Empathy – Why Empathy is the Bridge. Don't forget to subscribe and share this with someone who needs a compass for their leadership journey!

Now get out there and Achieve Results Now!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

Welcome to the kickoff of our new series: The 7 Pillars of the ARN Leadership Blueprint. In this episode, Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt tackle the most misunderstood aspect of leadership, the idea that it's all about a title.

True leadership isn't bestowed by a position; it's earned through influence and inspiration. Whether you're leading a team, a dojo, or your family, it all starts with Pillar 1: Integrity. Without it, you aren't leading, you're just managing chaos.

Action Step 1: The Inventory of Promises

Integrity starts with knowing exactly what you've committed to.

• The Audit: Identify your "open loops", those "I'll get back to you" or "I'll handle that" moments from the past week.
• The 24-Hour Rule: If you can't fulfill a commitment, communicate the change within 24 hours. No excuses, no procrastination.
• Micro-Commitments: Treat the small things (like a 2:00 PM email) with the same weight as the big things. Your subconscious is always keeping score.

Action Step 2: Practice Extreme Ownership

Your reputation is defined by how you handle the "misses."

• Kill the Ego: Stop the blame game. When a deadline slips, own it completely.
• The Public Correction: Be the first to admit when you've given wrong information. Transparency builds more trust than perfection.
• The "Why" Behind the "What": When appropriate, explain your reasoning to help your team see the 30,000-foot view.

Action Step 3: Non-Negotiable Standards

Integrity is the alignment of internal values with external actions.

• The Mirror Test: If everyone around you did exactly what you did today, would the world be better or worse?
• The Shadow Integrity Check: Character is what you do when the cameras are off and no one is watching.
• Eliminate White Lies: Stop "softening" the truth. Learn the skill of giving honest, effective feedback that respects the person enough to help them improve.

The ARN Leadership Blueprint: Series Roadmap

This is Part 1 of our 7-part masterclass. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the upcoming pillars:

1. Integrity – The Bedrock (Current Episode)
2. Vision – The Compass
3. Empathy – The Bridge
4. Decisiveness – The Catalyst
5. Resilience – The Fuel
6. Accountability – The Standard
7. Communication – The Pulse

Connect with the Achieve Results Now Team:

• Website: www.achieveresultsnow.com
• Get the Book: Ignite Results (Available for free on our site)
• Facebook: facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

Now get out there and Achieve Results Now!

ARN Suggested Reading:

Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt

https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1

Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders

Questions?

1. Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast?

2. Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit.

Connect with Us:

Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store

www.AchieveResultsNow.com

www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow

www.twitter.com/nowachieve

Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast. The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!