Daily Boost — Motivation and Personal Growth

Mindset of a Master Negotiator

I've always believed that life is a series of presentations we continually make throughout our day.

The progress we make, the success we enjoy, and the happiness we experience directly result from our presentation skills, including negotiation.

Yes, whether you like it or not, you negotiate for everything. Once you know about a natural feeling that all parties experience during negotiation, you'll never feel like an underdog again.

Always remember-

Whenever two or more folks negotiate, they automatically feel the other has the advantage. It's natural to have the fear that things may not go your way. Stay the course, and you'll get what you want.

When you understand this simple mindset, you will automatically put yourself in a more confident position.

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Becoming Aware of Your Passions

Are you aware of your passions? 

If not, I have a question for you -

What do you do when you are doing YOU? 

Why spend your days searching your mind to figure out your purpose when you are most likely living it daily?

When you take a minute to inventory how you spend your time, you will see what you enjoy doing.

Do you read, write, exercise, or work?  

How about walking, talking, playing, fighting, laughing, or watching television?

Do you quilt, garden, volunteer, or socialize?

Passion in life is not about finding something to do. It's about noticing what you do naturally - and doing more of it.  

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Common Sense Success Accelerators 

When you feel in control, are you happier?

I created 'Do What Makes Your Heart Sing' a few years ago. While it was about being happy, it's a core teaching that has become my best practice.

1) Stop fixin' to get ready. If you want something, there is no reason to put it off. Could you go out and get it today?

2) Ask for help. We all need help, and millions of people are waiting for you to ask them.

3) Slow down when it gets bumpy. Going after big goals will lead you down rough roads. Those are when you slow down, stay focused, and keep moving - as fast as possible.

4) Fly it into the barn. Good pilots continue to fly their airplanes until they are safely tied down on the ground. Keep going until you get 100% of what you want.

5) Be smart—set goals. Don't argue. This one is simple. Trust and use your wisdom and instinct. Set goals to keep you reaching for what you want. Seek solutions that keep you moving.

6) Don't give monkeys piggyback rides. Others will happily put THEIR monkey on YOUR back if you let them. Deal with your challenges. Let them do the same.

7) Practice daily P.Y.O.T.B. You are your own best cheerleader. Be sure to pat yourself on the back and say, "I did good!"

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Forgetting What You Do For Fun

What do you do for fun?

Such a simple question causes people to get a blank look in their eyes.

A few years ago, I visited friends who lived and worked on the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Yes, thousands of people live there. The drive into town is too far to commute - but that was okay with my friends. They had recently switched careers, packed up, and moved to become Park

Rangers. They were right where they wanted to be.

It was late in the day when we settled into their guest room and headed to the dinner table. I had been driving all day and was feeling a little fidgety.

"So, what do you guys do for fun around here?"

He looked at me like the fast-paced city slicker I was and said,

"I've been having fun all day - even at work."

I didn't get it - yet.

It turns out that his life change taught him that having fun is a sneaky little thing. Fun likes to show up when you are not paying attention and in the moment, whether wasting time or working.

In my career, I've asked people what they do for fun many times -

They are either in a materialistic chase for something our society has told them is fun… or…

They have forgotten that what they do naturally when they are not paying attention can be more satisfying than they think.

And there it is.

When you stop looking down the road for the fun that you think you want to have, you realize that you are already having a good time right where you are.

No chasing is required.

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So You Have Good Intentions?

Do you get out of bed daily, plant your feet on the ground, and start getting things done?

Do you do it with intention?

If you take a minute, you’ll notice the happiest, most successful, and most content people live a life of intention. But having an intention is not a magical force reserved for the special few. It implies little more than what you plan to bring about in your life - something I was about to do.

In the months after meeting my future wife, I realized an intention was emerging in my mind. With every passing day, that intention transformed into a goal. Soon, I had a plan along with a timeline. I became obsessed and was on a mission to succeed. 

I had, as they say, “Good intentions.”

But more than good intentions is needed to get what you want. In my case, I knew where I was heading; Joi was only beginning to understand what was on my mind. That’s when she asked -

“So, Mr. Smith. What are your intentions, exactly?”

Without missing a beat, I said -

“My intentions are simple. I will do everything possible to get you to fall in love, marry me, and spend the rest of our lives together.”

Her jaw dropped. She smiled, took a sip of wine, and said -

“Well, we’ll keep going and see what happens.”

What?

We’ll see how things go! I already know where this is going. Why do we need to wait? I know my intention, and I’m to get it!

Of course, I didn’t say any of that to her. 

Yes, getting what you want in life requires knowing your intentions. The next step is to transform them into goals and actions. But you and your dreams are not living on an isolated island. If others are involved, you must let them know what you have on your mind.

But, because you said your intention, does that mean you will get what you want?

No. It means that you now have a partner in your quest. Your intentions are about to merge; if all goes well, your actions will create success for everybody.

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Can I ask you a question?

“Hi, Scott. Can I ask you a question?”

Sure.

“I’m working on myself. Do you have any advice?”

Sure. Stop working on yourself. It’s your life, enjoy yourself.

“Can I ask you another?”

Sure.

“You say, do what you love even if you hate it. I don’t understand.”

Have you ever worked yourself to the bone and frustrated yourself to prepare to enjoy a dream vacation? 

“Yes.”

Then you already understand.

“Can I ask one more?”

Why not?

“Great. You’re always saying that more is on the other side of less. What do you mean be that?”

Sure. It’s a math question. If you eliminate 80% of your current activities that keep you from doing the 20% of what you love, you get to do more of what you love.

Less is on the other side of more.

Any more questions?

“My mind can't take any more. Thanks.”

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4 - Questions to Ask Before Beginning Anything

Everybody has dreams. Daydreams, dreams while you sleep, and dreams of what you wish for the future.

I’ve always believed that dreams are goals you have nurtured to become real. 

But how do you know if the voice speaking to your heart will lead you in the right direction?

Brant Pinvidic’s book, The 3-Minute Rule, has four questions that will help:

1) What is it? Do you understand precisely what you want? 

2) How does it work? How will you go about reaching your goal? What will likely be the outcome?

3) Can you do it? Is your plan reasonable? Do you have the time, skills, and money? 

4) Are you sure? Are you confident you can achieve your goal if you are willing to put in the effort?

Use these when something is holding you back. I promise. The clarity you are seeking is around the corner.

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Passionate Life Laws

Specific actions, thoughts, and feelings have revealed themselves to be the truth. 

If you want to better yourself, here are my Top 10:

10) Purpose And Passion Come From Clarity of Thought.

9) Purpose And Passion Begin With Acceptance.

8) Faith and Courage Power Transformation.

7) The Secret Lies Within You.

6) Some Doors Must Close Before Others Open.

5) Strong Values Create Strong Passions.

4) Goals Are The Heartbeat of Your Life.

3) Emotions + Logic = Change.

2) Momentum Is The Result of Planning.

1) Everything Happens When Something Happens.

The path to all success is well-worn. Follow the path that others have blazed. Your dreams are waiting.

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Courage to Face Your Passion

Changing something about your life is pretty straightforward.

Figure out what you want and change it.

Are you done laughing?

Most folks fall on the way to their dreams because they don't move, move at the wrong time, or move too fast. That's why it's time to build your bridge once you know what you want.

Here's how:

1) Fortify your current foundation. Save money, pay bills, and do whatever it takes to build a firm and peaceful base.

2) Begin constructing the foundation for your new life. Go to school, network, research, and plan. Do everything in your power to ensure your success with no regret.

3) When you're ready, leave your past behind, cut off the old, and begin living your new life.

Patience is key. Wait until you are at least 70% ready to succeed before you cross to the other side. This patience will ensure you transition at the right time, increasing your chances of success. 

Success arrives when you move from a solid TODAY to a stronger TOMORROW. It's important not to leap too soon but also not to delay. Find the balance between urgency and preparation, and your transition will be smoother.

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Get Your Brain to Focus Better

The older I get, the more I realize I'm fiddling with small things that drive me crazy but keep me busy. And I do it with the full knowledge that it's not the best use of my time, I'm below my pay grade, and I'm distracting from the big stuff I should be doing.

Over the years, I've noticed almost everybody I know does the same thing. I've also learned it doesn't have to do with procrastination as much as getting a quick win and a short-term payoff.

Yes, the reward for more significant projects is getting what you want, but checking off your list of little stuff is distractingly intoxicating. It makes you feel good all day but keeps you awake at night.

The solution is to think bigger.

As I work through my day, I focus on my life's biggest, broadest, and most important mission. Is it family? Is it your health? Do you want to make more money? Is it time to give back more?

When you have a great picture painted in your mind, your mission becomes your focus, and you will do whatever it takes to move closer to that vision

That's why - "I work on BIG things I love, not SMALL things that drive me crazy."

Imagine your impact on your life and the world by focusing on big.

The small stuff is going to get done. If not, it doesn't matter. Big stuff does matter.

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