The Daily Mastermind

Episode #479:  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Review of Stephen Covey Best Selling Book Principles   Every once in a while I like to review "timeless" principles that have helped me in my life.   Stephen Covey was a professor, speaker and best selling author.  He wrote a book called 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as well as several others.  Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential people.   The book sold over 30 million copies worldwide.  The audiobook become the first non-fiction book in the history of US to sell over 1 million copies.   In his book Covey talks about using a series of habits to align your principles (external) with your values (internal).  The 7 Habits represent amazing ideas on how you can align yourself and also (in my opinion) become a better, more effective and successful leader in business and life.   Here are the key 7 Habits : 1. Sharpen the saw. Don’t work yourself to death. Strive for a sustainable lifestyle that affords you time to recuperate, recharge and be effective in the long-term.   2. Be proactive. You have a natural need to wield influence on the world around you so don’t spend your time just reacting to external events and circumstances. Take charge and assume responsibility for your life.   3. Begin with an end in mind. Don’t spend your life working aimlessly, tackling whatever job is at hand. Have a vision for the future and align your actions accordingly to make it into a reality.   4. Put first things first. To prioritize your work, focus on what’s important, meaning the things that bring you closer to your vision of the future. Don’t get distracted by urgent but unimportant tasks.   5. Think win-win. When negotiating with other, don’t try to get the biggest slice of the cake, but rather find a division that is acceptable to all parties. You will still get your fair share, and build strong positive relationships in the process.   6. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. When someone presents us with a problem, we often jump right to giving a solution. This is a mistake. We should first take time to really listen to the other person and only then make recommendations.   7. Synergize. Adopt the guiding principle that in a group, the contributions of many will far exceed those of any individual. This will help you achieve goals you could never have reached on your own.   I hope these ideas and principles will help you to continue to grow and uncover the best version of yourself by reminding you to align your principles and values.

Episode #478:  How to Deal with FEAR in Business   Entrepreneurs suffer from fear for many reasons

• 9 out of 10 businesses fail
• failure is part of the journey...baggage

  Even Success can provoke anxiety and fear

• pressure to perform
• fear of money

  Fear of failure is a state not a trait...very important   Many sources of fear of business:

• financial security
• cashflow and revenue
• self esteem (imposter syndrome)
• social views and impressions
• FOMO
• opportunity costs
• time value

  The source of fear is important for a few reasons: 1-some fear is a motivator (money, FOMO, opportunity cost) 2-some fear is a demotivator (self esteem, social views, etc)   FEAR causes paralysis and overanalyzing situation (F>E>A>R)   Fear affects your goals you set (holding back, not 100% in)   Fear can make you add pressure, urgency and timelines to certain goals that are unnecessary and affect results in a negative way.   What are some ways you can respond and what are traits needed to successfully navigate and deal with fears in business:   Harvard Business Review listed 4 key elements entrepreneurs can use to analyze and deal with fear in business:   1-Emotional self-monitoring and control. Emotional intelligence involves both awareness of one’s feelings and being able to control their influence on thought and behavior. Some of our entrepreneurs could pull this off. “If I’m in a lower mood one week and I look at my projects, I see only negative things and reasons why it can’t happen. I started to learn that that’s actually not associated with the projects, but it’s associated with my emotions,” one said. Added another, “I’ve recently been learning to separate that anxiety out because I’ve learned that it’s just transient.”   Emotional self-awareness is a skill that can be learned, and it involves becoming aware of the signs of emotions intruding upon consciousness through feelings and moods, anticipating their impact on thoughts, and using this awareness to limit their effects on decision and action. Practicing self-awareness can help curb the potent influences of negative emotions on goal setting and decision making.   2-Problem solving.  Actively seeking out flaws and weaknesses and doing something about them is a powerful means of reducing the fear of failure. Intuition is a potent source of information, and research has demonstrated that among experts, tacit knowledge and gut instinct lead to rapid and effective decision making. Such instincts are often associated with feelings rather than specific thoughts. Feelings of fear driven by concerns over the idea, for example, can offer important signals that work is needed. When treated as such a signal and acted on, rather than being repressed or ignored, these emotional flags can help entrepreneurs eliminate weaknesses and flaws in their venture idea.   A proactive, problem-solving response to feelings of fear can help reduce fear. But our research also shows that such action tends to be inhibited when the fear is caused by doubts about the validity of the business idea. This suggests that taking a deliberately action-oriented approach, overcoming the desire to repress or ignore the problem, will be especially important. Of course, weaknesses can never be eliminated altogether. For any entrepreneur, perfectionism is potentially dangerous.   3-Learning. Entrepreneurs told us one of the ways in which they overcome the feelings of fear was through learning and information seeking. This might be for core knowledge, such as computer coding skills on the part of the software entrepreneur seeking financing, or learning to cope with the high pace of activities that most entrepreneurs experience. Some of the entrepreneurs we interviewed learned through formal education and training, although it was more common to do research, reflect, and network with experts and mentors.   Learning is a powerful antidote to fear of failure, helping to mitigate one’s doubts by increasing one’s capabilities. But uncertainty is real and constant. Uncertainty and ambiguity are defining features of the challenge of entrepreneurship. There are always unknown unknowns out there, and so a recognition that one will never have all the information one wants — that one will always have to keep learning — is important.   4-Seeking support. Reaching out to mentors who are directly related to the business you are starting is really key and really helpful. For entrepreneurs in a constant battle with fear of failure, mentors and networks can be a vital source of reassurance. Mentors and social supports are beneficial because they support the three strategies of learning, problem solving, and self-awareness.     Bottom Line is that FEAR in your business is a real thing. But remember that you are not alone and it comes with the territory.   Fear can have both Negative and Positive affects so be aware of the source and reason for fear. NOTE-even the positive affects can bring added stress so be aware of this.   So, even though FEAR is a common and natural thing in business....developing your ability to identify and deal with it is the real skill you must develop.

Episode #477: What do you FEAR and Why do You FEAR it?   Today I want to talk with you about Fear.  We all have things that we fear in life.  Sometimes this fear can become paralyzing and sometimes it helps to keep us safe.  Fear can be a good thing if it involves protecting us and our family.  However, sometime fear can keep us from truly manifesting our best life and unleashing our true potential. Thats the reason I am bringing it up today on the podcast.   Join me and share this episode.  It would mean a lot to me to hear back from you on how this topics affects you in life right now.   Thanks for listening. George Wright III

Episode #476: Strategies to Eliminate Worry & Anxiety

Let's chat today about Worry, Anxiety and things you can't control. :)

Does this Describe you

• afraid to say what you really think
• constantly thinking that people are upset with you when they really aren’t
• do you do things that you dont really want to do and then regret it afterward
• you find it hard to do something different and may be too scared to do so
• avoid certain people, because you are scared they don't like you
• you do what others tell you to do and find it hard to make decisions

  These are Signs You Worry too Much About Others   How do you STOP WORRYING…???   1-Think about Why You Care -society is conditioning you   2-Focus on Being in the Moment -both a distraction and grounding moment   3-Know that People Don’t Normally Care -just like you they focus on themselves   4-Practice Self Love and Acceptance -self confidence and self esteem -meditation, healthy living, focus on you   5-Find Your Group of People -surround with positive people…comfort -validation, common goals, honesty   6-Understand You Cant Please Everyone -"better to be loved by a few than liked by everyone” -you will absolutely have critics…its price of success   7-Know that Life is Too Short -life is short…make the most of it -don't waste time on others critics focus on you   Bottom Line… Learn to Create Unshakable Focus and Determination Value the FEW and Tune out the REST

Thanks for listening today.  I want to talk to you today about the #1 way I am able to get out of a rut when my life is not going the way I want it to go.  Let's talk about physical fitness, mindset, and the real connection between your body and your mindset.  There is no question in my mind that if you want to level up in ANY AREA OF YOUR LIFE...your physical fitness can help you to do it.

Please join me in the facebook group for the daily mastermind.

George Wright III

dailymastermind.com

@thedailymastermind

Episode #474: Navigating the Seasons of Your Business   I attended an amazing Mastermind Event this past weekend in Houston. There were over 5,000 investors and entrepreneurs in attendance. I was able to spend time with many of my personal mentors but also spend time mentoring many of my own clients and partners.   During this weekend I learned a lot and was able to really identify some critical keys to success that are helping many people crush it in today's marketplace. Make no mistake, there are men and women truly crushing it right now in life and in business. So what is the difference maker? What separates them from everyone that is struggling?   Well, throughout this week, I'd like to share a couple of key principles, ideas and strategies that most of these people are applying. I hope that it might create some inspiration, motivation and even ideas for you to apply in your own business.   So, today I want to share with you a concept that was discussed with our mastermind, and the #1 key to creating massive results even when times are tough for your business and life.   Thought: In order to truly maximize your results and navigate the ups and downs in your life, you must understand, accept and deal with the "Seasons" you will go through. Much like the weather, you will undoubtedly go through all 4 seasons in your business life. Let's discuss this and I'll share with you the key to truly capitalizing on each season.   Seasons of Business & Life

• Spring- plant seeds, you are optimistic about the summer
• Summer- everything goes right, you are crushing it
• Fall- things slow down, you can't figure out why things aren't working
• Winter- nothing is working, you are discouraged and negative emotions

  Rules of the Seasons

• You can't skip a season
• You can't force a season
• Winter is a given
• Spring always comes
• All areas of life go through seasons

  The Secret to Crushing Seasons The Secret to Success is to maintain a SUMMER Mindset during all Seasons.   How to Maintain the Mindset

• Rituals- create discipline when motivation is gone
• Environment- positivity, growth, alignment, consistency, belief
• People- belief transference and success minded people
• Faith- a decision to belief in the "future vision" of you and your life

  This is my challenge to you today: 1-Understand and Accept the Seasons 2-Create, Cultivate and Maintain a Mindset & Vision of Summer   Thanks for listening. George Wright III

Today I want to highlight what I think is missing in most of our lives.  I hope you get some great inspiration or motivation out of this episode.  Thank for listening.

George Wright III

Episode #472: It's Time to go all in for your best life.   What's been holding you back?

• Is there something you've been wanting to do for a while now?
• Is there something missing in your life?
• Maybe you don't know what it is but you know it's time for change...

What is the reason you are hesitating and procrastinating?

• fear of failure
• fear of others thoughts
• circumstances
• not negative, but other reasons...backups, opportunities

  Failure is NOT TAKING ACTION REGRET is the worst kind of Emotion   Time to GO ALL IN...right now   Steps to take action right now...3 Specific Steps 1-Make a Commitment

• decision
• commitment
• resolve
• public commitment

Burn the Boats...

• If you want to take the island, you need to burn the boats
• You may have heard story of Cortes and burning his ships...this is source of quote

Cortez arrived in the New World with 600 men and upon arrival, made history by destroying his ships.  This sent a clear message to his men:  There is no turning back.  Two years later, he succeeded in hs conquest of the Aztec Empire.   Create certainty...Create forward vision for Yourself and Your Team.   Safety nets are keeping you from success NOTE-it doesnt mean you cant course adjust or correct... ...it simply means you won't look back or go backwards.   2-Create Certainty

• surround yourself with the right people
• learn your craft...MASTERY
• create a vision, plan, strategy
• visualize the end goal daily (affirmations, visual, verbal)
• create validation and small wins

  3-Massive Action

• productivity vs activity
• KPIS
• accountability
• mentoring, support, partners, mastermind

  It's never too late to create your best life, business, success, wealth, relationships Heard an analogy the other day...haven't seen movie but loved the quote   QUOTE "This is my letter of resignation.  This is my obituary.  The young girl who worked for you for the last seven years is dead and buried.  She leaves behind a lifetime of indecision, hesitation and fear.  She will not be missed.  She will not be mourned.  Because she was really never alive to begin with.  But she is now.  And she has her entire life in front of her.  An entire life just waiting to be filled."

Episode 471:  How to Create Clarity in Your Life.

Let's talk about Clarity.  I believe most of us lack clarity in our lives and that is why we struggle with visualizing and manifesting our best life.  But how do we create clarity?  I think that we all need to do certain things that will help us to get clear, but we must be willing to put in the work.  Here are a few steps we talk about in the podcast today to create a very clear vision of what we want in live.  I know a few of them might surprise you with regards to creating clarity, but join me for the discussion.

Create Space

Be Present

Gratitude Practice

Focus & Accountability

Massive Action

Thanks for Listening and Please share this episode if you got some value.

George Wright III

 

Episode #470:  How to Visualize and Manifest Your Best Life

Today I want to talk to you about Vision…   You might be wondering why I talk so much about Vision…

• you best life starts with vision
• it’s on ongoing process, not just a one time event
• if you are like me, you need to clarify even more
• so I want to share some thoughts on vision
• I came across an great article on Lifehack.org
• great website to reference for thoughts, ideas, strategies
• I want you to take notes
• then, sit down for 10 min and execute on your thoughts

  How to Create a Vision for Your Life

• Think of your vision like the compass for your life…
• You MUST spend time CONSISTENTLY mapping out your life
• Clarity will come with time and time will require clarity of your vision

  Why You Need a Vision…

• without direction you will not end up where you want to go
• experts agree that you will accomplish more with a vision
• your life satisfaction and personal happiness will increase (think about that)
• if you don’t create a vision, you will live someone else’s vision (unhappiness)

  How to Create Your Life Vision…

• Understand it will take consistency, patience and time to create clarity
• Vision will require writing down thoughts, reflection and visualization
• The key is to create vivid, clear, and distinct and purposeful components of your vision

  What Do You Want?

• So let's start with the question…What do you Want?
• Question sounds simple but it’s not.  Think about it.
• I ask people all the time what they want and the answers don’t come quickly…Why?
• “A life of fulfillment doesn’t happen by chance…it happens by design”
• It’s helpful to ask questions…thoughts and direction come from questions.
• Personal, Professional, Relationships, Finances, Lifestyle

  (Tips to remember)

• Why do you want certain things?
• Focus on what you want not what you don’t want.
• Dream a little. Don’t be afraid to reach for the stars.
• create a vision board, write in a journal, open a note on your phone.

  (Questions to get you thinking)

• What really matters to you in life? Not what should matter, what does matter.
• What would you like to have more of in your life?
• Set aside money for a moment; what do you want in your career?
• What are your secret passions and dreams?
• What would bring more joy and happiness into your life?
• What do you want your relationships to be like?
• What qualities would you like to develop?
• What are your values? What issues do you care about?
• What are your talents? What’s special about you?
• What would you most like to accomplish?
• What legacy would you like to leave behind?

Most Importantly….What do you want your life to be like?   What Would Your Best Life Look Like?   I love the exercise of describing your best life in detail. What would your perfect day look like.  Break down the details. Think about what life would be like 5, 10, 20 years from now. Visualization is the key to manifesting in your life.   (Questions to get you thinking)

• What will you have accomplished already?
• How will you feel about yourself?
• What kind of people are in your life? How do you feel about them?
• What does your ideal day look like?
• Where are you? Where do you live? Think specifics, what city, state, or country, type of community, house or an apartment, style and atmosphere.
• What would you be doing?
• Are you with another person, a group of people, or are you by yourself?
• How are you dressed?
• What’s your state of mind? Happy or sad? Contented or frustrated?
• What does your physical body look like? How do you feel about that?
• Does your best life make you smile and make your heart sing? If it doesn’t, dig deeper, dream bigger.

  Take some time to sit down and write, reflect, and dedicate time to this exercise. You are worth it, but you only deserve it if you are willing to work at it.   I’m sure many of you have read or heard of the book Think and Grow Rich.  One of the best selling books of all time.  100M copies sold over 80 years. Whether you’ve read the book or not, it might help you to remember that the title is…   THINK and Grow rich….meaning….thinking is a requirement of success and happiness. Don’t wait for your future to be created.  Take responsibility and create your vision. It’s never too late to start living the life you were meant to life But, you must start by taking time to create and visualize the life you want to live.   Thanks for tuning in today. Have a great week. George Wright III