Daily Boost — Motivation and Personal Growth

Zig Ziglar Classic Lesson

When I was young, stupid, and wondering when I would understand life, I often turned to my friend, Larry, for a road map. He always seemed to have what I needed - until the day he passed the torch. He knew I needed more. That’s when he introduced me to Zig Ziglar’s Stages of Competence:

1) Stage One is where we begin. We are “Unconscious Incompetent.” We don’t know what we don’t know. Yup.

2) Stage Two is called “Conscious Incompetent.” I spent a lot of time there. I used to say, “I have no idea what I’m doing - but at least I admit it.”

3) Stage Three is “Unconscious Competent.” I see that in my work. People who have no idea how good they are.

4) Stage Four is “Conscious Competent.” That was my goal. I wanted to know what I was doing - and KNOW it! 

Most people continue to another level some call “Conscious competence of unconscious competence.”

The ability to recognize and develop Unconscious Competence in others.

You will become who you were meant to be when you learn how to get there, do the work, and recognize your achievement.

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Living a Scripted Life

In the world of Scott Logic, I’ve always fought my advice that said …

“When life is predictable, scripted, and process-oriented - BORING - life gets as excited as you ever dream it could be.”

As a guy who likes excitement in my day, you can see why I would prefer to ignore that wisdom—and I’m not alone. Still, I don’t miss it. I prioritize that way of thinking at all costs. 

Let’s talk about that ‘scripted’ part of living.

While I love a good spontaneous day, I’ve learned that the more scripted and predictable my day, the less stress I have and the more I get done. All that means is that I know what I’ll be doing throughout the day, when I’ll be doing it, and what time I’m done for the day. Frankly, I can usually tell you what I’ll be doing weeks in advance. Maybe that’s why I never need to check my calendar when somebody asks me when I’m available for a meeting. I already know because everything is already in place.

Next, you should live a process-oriented life.

The best way to explain what I mean is to use goals as an example.

Most people set goals and focus on the outcome of achieving that goal. If it’s weight loss, your goal may be to lose 50 pounds. While that’s not bad, focusing exclusively on the end goal is a fast way to fall off the wagon after a single, out-of-control weekend.

But there is a better way…

Instead of focusing on the goal of losing 50 pounds, it’s much easier to focus on the steps in the process that will get you there—watching what you eat, exercising, keeping yourself motivated, shopping for your future skinny jeans.

The mindset is simple; as long you keep doing what’s working, you’ll get what you want. Simple.

A scripted life and a process-oriented life is a good life. Figure out what works and do it over and over again.

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Let The World Do What it Does

A client asked me, “With all the craziness that is going on in the world these days, what do you pay attention to most of the day to keep yourself on track?"

Well, let me first say that the world is going to do what the world is going to do. I always has; it always will.

No matter what you do, the world and all its people will do what they will do. You will too.

Having said that. My response to was…

"I pay attention to MY agenda first. When I cross paths with the agendas of others, it doesn't have to be my way or the highway, but I must continue to live the life I desire and get the results.

I want to do it without delay and distraction. The truth is, I want us both to do that."

As long as you know what you want in life, getting it is a matter of moving forward a little bit every day and staying on track.

Since every person you meet is on their path, you will always have the opportunity to be pulled into their agenda, willingly or unwillingly. If you do, you detour from your dreams.

Take control of your agenda because somebody else always has plans for you.

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Live Your Purpose

There's an incredible idea floating within your mind. It will soon demand your attention.

"Is this all there is? Am I destined for something bigger?"

You are.

Here's how to discover your path:

1) Accept WHO you are on the inside by reviewing your past choices. The good ones are a clue. Do more of them.

2) Accept WHAT you do when you are doing you. It's not a thing; it's a feeling.

3) Accept WHEN when you want to begin living. Now is a good time.

4) Accept WHERE you are in your life. You CAN get there from here, as long as you know where HERE is.

Accepting real purpose is usually revealed by your daily actions. If you don't like the direction you are heading, it's time to try a new one.

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Better Than a To-Do List

I'm sure you have a lot to do. If you use a To-Do list, I'd like to pass on advice that will make your days much more fun.

LOSE your "To-Do List." Replace it with a" Did I Do It List."  

To-Do Lists make you an employee of your checkmarks. They cause more stress the longer they get.

A "Did I Do It List" assumes you know what must be done. Instead of chasing, you are checking to make sure you did it.

An un-focused path produces additional tasks to fill your day. Using a "Did I Do It List" will focus you on your goals and create quick results.

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Comfort Zone Holding You Back

I was sitting at the dining room table of a friend. We had been solving the problems of the world in an hours-long conversation when she asked,

"What are you talking about on tomorrow's podcast?"

When I told her that I hadn't thought about it yet, she said, 

"Why don't you talk about why people don't take big chances and stay in their comfort zone for their entire life?"

My mind did an instant review of my life and all the areas I had stumbled on before getting out of my way. I also remembered conversations with clients over the years on life's leaps. Before I could say anything, she said, 

"I know what it is. People get so comfortable with what they've built, and they don't want to chance losing it. Their money, their home, they wonder what their family will say?"

Is there anything else?

"Yes. Everybody gets scared and freezes. I'm like that, but I've learned to push through fear and go for it - as long as I'm mostly sure I won't lose what I've built."

We talked a bit more about what it takes to make the changes you want in life and came to three conclusions-

You can do anything when you have a growth mindset and believe that anything is possible.

Holding on too tightly to what you have sends the wrong energetic message. When you are willing to expand - you will.

Next, as a human, you will never be comfortable gambling on the very thing that allows you to dream. The solid foundation that takes care of your personal needs is why you desire to self-activate. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs taught us that. Your foundation must remain while you expand.

Finally, fear will always be present when beginning a new adventure. The cure is knowledge. When you know what you have, see your path forward, and have prepared as much as possible for your journey, you will find yourself willing to go for it.

Anything is possible when you protect your foundation, respect the challenge, and honor the dreams whispering to your soul.

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Productivity Secrets You Should Do

I have a saying -

“Next year begins THIS year. Next month begins THIS month. Next week begins THIS week.”

If you want to stay on track, accomplish your goals, and enjoy life more - you MUST take control of your calendar. It’s easier than you think:

1) Life will come at you FAST! Be sure to schedule any significant and can’t miss life events at least one year in advance. Put it on the calendar and block it out. You can always change your mind.

2) Hold your space. Decide in advance what you will be doing with your days. When will you work on projects? When will you see clients? When will you have fun? 

3) Never end one week without locking in your schedule for the next - and stick to it. 

When your day-to-day focus fulfills your goals this week, the future is always brighter. Focus, my friend. Focus.

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Motivational Teaching Method

Mrs. Etheridge was a 5th-grade teacher at Westgate Elementary in Manassas, Virginia. She had a special knack for motivating her most free-spirited student.

Now, I wouldn't be honest if I were to you, I remember how she tamed a young boy who saw the world as a place to explore - mostly between the lines. But I will say that when you begin teaching and motivating others to reach their full potential, you quickly find ways to get them out of their own way, fire them up, and enjoy more success.

When you first begin, meet others where they are and establish a frame for what is to come. That will get their attention.

Next, strengthen the foundation by reminding them of what they already know and its impact on their life.

The introduction of new knowledge arrives when they are open to receiving it.

But since stacking new knowledge on top of old is like chasing shiny objects and forgetting everything you've already learned, integrating the new with the old is where you put it all together.

Adding an exciting twist, something they didn't see coming as a bonus, and using it as a catalyst that paints a picture in their mind of the benefit of using the new knowledge in their lives.

Finally, give your students homework in the form of a challenge, compassionately hold them accountable the next time you see them, and repeat.

Everybody is driven by something different. When you structure teaching into a motivational flow that is relatable, repeatable, and re-framable, you create more excitement as you go and lives change.

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Your Goal Setting Purpose?

I've always believed goal setting is the heartbeat of our lives. 

Goal setting is one of the most powerful tools you have to create your best life. My question to you is… do you know what your best life is supposed to be?

I came upon my belief not from a book or a guru but from a realization I had many years ago. I found I was happy when I was chasing something bigger than myself that was also in alignment with how I felt on the inside. I was unhappy when I was checking items off my list and not honoring my true self.

After years of pondering, I concluded that a purposeful outcome would eliminate frustration and boredom and generate excitement and enthusiasm.

That leads me to the two definitions of goals:

1) The end toward which effort is directed.

2) An area or object toward which players in various games attempt to advance a ball or puck and usually through or into which it must go to score points.

Most people treat goals like the number two, a To-Do list, with a short-term outlook. People who focus on the first definition are long-term thinkers.

But what's the real difference?

What "end" do you place your focus on?

Heartbeat goal-setters know there are many "ends" before the ultimate termination point we call goal achievement. That's what excites and drives them. They purposely focus on that 'end.'

Everything else is a step in the journey that is only needed to get to their pre-determined outcome.

Heartbeat goal setting. It's purposeful goal setting that ignites a fire in your belly, gives you a mission, and makes you happy. Everything else is an item on your To-Do list.

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Before Your Life Got in The Way

Can you remember when you filled your thoughts with dreams and ambitions?

That’s how most of us live our early lives - until the real world splits into two distinct periods:

1) BEFORE life gets in the way. Anything IS possible. It’s a beautiful time when you run as fast as possible toward your goals, even if your parents disagree.

2) AFTER life gets in the way. Anything WAS possible. Life is good, but it’s not what you expected. Your parents would have said, “I told you so.”

What if it was possible to remember what you wanted and why?

What if you could stand on a foundation of wisdom and experience and combine what you have now with what you want?

That would be a brand new life, wouldn’t it?

Wait. It is possible.

All you have to do is remember what you wanted all those years ago and start running after it again.

Run fast. You’ve waited long enough.

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