I have a sister-in-law with an astonishing talent. She can take a bite of cake and immediately identify the ingredients. She's such a smarty pants. I asked her to recreate the recipe. "No problem," she said. After a quick trip to the grocery store and a couple of hours in the kitchen, we tasted her creation. As they say, "close, but no cigar." Honestly, she was stunned. How was it possible to identify every ingredient and still not the same result? It was no surprise to me. I see the same thing every day in my Coaching business. Modeling or copying what others do is the quickest way to your success. However, just like baking a cake, knowing the ingredients without understanding the "nested information" such as measurements, sequence, temperature, and timing will never produce the same results. If you desire the same success somebody else enjoys, it's time to stop accumulating ingredients and start paying attention to process.

Are you thinking about making a change in your life and are utterly confused? Between where you are now and where you want to be is a place called your mind. It's noisy, scattered, running in circles, and in general, driving you crazy. Heck, all you want to do is make a decision — and there's an equation you can use. Emotion + Logic = Clarity Every human is an emotional being. Feel first and think second. However, if you are confused, I'd bet a ride on my shiny new Harley-Davidson that you are stuck in emotional purgatory. If you want out, it's time to take a logical inventory. Put your emotions aside and, using only logic, make a list of everything that is driving you nuts, how things are now and how you want them to be. Keep it simple and, as they say, "just the facts." Once your logical list is done, add your emotions into the mix by asking yourself how you feel about what you've found. Presto magic! No more confusion!

I was on the phone with a client when she mentioned that she uses a personal constitution to guide her life.  She wrote the document 25 years ago, and it has never seen an amendment.  I should probably state that she is not very happy either. By definition, a constitution never changes.  That's a good thing. Your most important beliefs and core values should never be so flexible that you bend to the will of other ideas without any thought.  However, as you grow wise over the years, you should always be willing to consider thoughtfully amending and updating how you feel about the world. You will alter your core values with your daily life experience whether you like it or not.  Taking control of the process will lead to a more harmonious life experience.\ The next time you feel like an old dog that is reluctant to learn a new trick, consider what thoughts are guiding you and whether they are still useful in your life.

Not a day goes by that I don't hear how one of my clients are building their bridge to a new life. One thing I've learned in years of coaching is, if you want to change your life, you must release that there is likely a huge gap between here and there. You going to need a bridge - metaphorically speaking Think of it this way. If you desire change, you must honor the foundation that is your current life. It's real. You can't run from reality. There's no quitting your job or ditching the lease until you have a plan. You also need to describe clearly your destination and start building your new foundation to cross the gap. That could be saving money or going back to school. As you progress and establish your foundations, all you need to do is slowly take actions that will draw the two sides closer until the connect. Eventually, you will ultimately move away from your current and start living your future. Take your time and let your journey will create the destination.

Last week I logged 55 hours in four days, and it freaked me out. I didn't notice until I received an email from a Click Coaching client insisting I was some crazy productivity genius. Frankly, I am efficient, and automation is my best mate. I also love what I do and occasionally generate so much momentum I'm forced to strap myself in my chair, pour some great coffee, miss workouts, and deliver on my promise. Besides, I don't like to complain about good stuff I to do myself. Sometimes it's a privilege to be bone tired. In my email response, I only replied, "Nothing ever replaces putting in the work. Nothing." Yes, it's okay to look for an easier and more efficient way. You don't ever want to make a full court press your permanent way of life. However, if you want the life that others desire, you must be willing do what others won't. That's why I'm enjoying the reward of a three-day weekend, a 20-hour week, and another three-day weekend. I don't know many folks doing that.

I like to fly small airplanes.  I love how the challenge of soaring over mundane traffic jams reminds me of how we should all live life.  Today,  when a great idea pops into your head that you think would FLY, remember,  just like an airplane, it's aways best if you launch with 100% power!   Inertia is difficult to overcome in anything you do.  Gaining maximum momentum and altitude as quickly as possible is the only way get your idea off the ground.  Trust me, setting your throttle to "fixin' to get ready" mode will usually leave you in the trees wondering what happened. The cool part is that once you get to cruising altitude, you can back off on the throttle and guide your life with the benefit of a 10,000-foot view, decidedly spotting the best route, and enjoying the excellent view from the top. Like anything in life, after launching, everything else is easier. Landing is just a matter of picking where you want to be, and quietly drifting down from the clouds.

Have you ever heard that to be happy you need be living in the moment? Be present, be connected, and be aware. Many folks who have a difficult time being in that state. Personally, I wonder if it's possible to be so in-the-moment that you don't even notice? Likewise, is it possible for you to discern your in-the-moment experiences by choosing to think about them - or is that different moment? Whoa! As you go through today, you may think about the past that was once your reality. Your focus makes it real again. Is the future you plot just a dream? Your focus instantly makes if your in-the-moment reality. Double whoa! Living in the present is the natural result of where you to focus. Time will slip by in a series of automatic in-the-moment experiences decide to take focused action steps - the only force that has the power to transform your moments into an amazing life.

Have you ever had the feeling that you were created to lead and are seeking how? Since what you seek is seeking you, I think it's time to meet in the middle and crank up your success. Leadership gives you the most powerful success gift ever granted - the power of leverage. When you lead others in your dream and theirs - everybody's world rises and grows more fun. The good new is most folks are followers. As my friend, Dan Kennedy says, "most fo the world is wondering around with their umbilical cord trying to plugin to something bigger than themselves." True or true? That means that you don't have to create anything to lead! Simply find a flock of folks who want to believe what you believe, jump in front of them, and start helping them locate the world they've been seeking. Today is the day that you believe in yourself, cast your vision to others, support them in their quest for happiness, and enjoy how they lift you to all the success you have ever dreamed of having.

So you want success in life so bad you can taste it, and are willing to do anything to get it - good!  That's what it's going to take to ascend to the highest mountain tops. It's pretty easy to feel content in  2016.  Even satisfied and somewhat successful with an average effort.  Face it; most folks have a home, automobile, food in the refrigerator and a good amount of free time.   Our challenges are first world problems.   But what if you want top-of-the-mountain, rich and famous success?   Well, that is reserved exclusively for those who desire it most, are willing to cut off all other options, and dedicate themselves to short-term pain in return for long-term pleasure. If you want mind-blowing success - it's time to go for it!   If you can't seem to get yourself moving, it might be a chance to consider that you're heading in the wrong direction and consider a change.    You'll feel better about yourself if you just admit what makes you happy.

Lately, I've been speaking with clients as they tell me the story of their life, past, present and future. I love it - even though I feel like I'm trolling for what's going on in their world. In journalistic terms, they are burying the lead. The story clients are telling themselves is beginning with the secondary details instead of the main point. I'm just a lucky spectator. How does this relate to improving your life? Many clients say "I can't focus on anything". Nope. You are focused on the wrong things. Sometimes I hear, "I can't get myself get moving". Truth? You are moving - only in the wrong direction. They may say, "I don't have enough money!" Get real! You just NEED more money! Isn't it time you focus on the lead in YOUR life?