On this episode, we interview Bryan Nichols. He is a successful entrepreneur and is especially involved in downtown revitalization projects. As we enter the holiday season, Bryan takes part of the episode to talk about his Mainstreet Christmas Lights project that has been popular with people in middle Georgia and beyond.

If we are great at everything but bad with people, we are still bound for failure. This episode talks about people skills that we should all remember but often forget. For some, connecting with people comes naturally; for others, it takes practice. If you would like to get better at relating to the people around you, this one is for you!

The whole world with one minor exception is composed of others. You can choose to ignore them & focus on yourself, or you can get over yourself and learn to put other people first.”- John Maxwell

4 Ways to Win w/ People

1. Talk about the other person’s interests

People are interested in people who are interested in them. You can make more friends in 2 months by becoming genuinely interested in them than you can in 2 yrs by trying to get other people interested in you.  In order to talk in terms of other person’s interests, we have to become good listeners. Listening benefits u as well. You’re going to learn some things that are going to help you immensely.

2. Have an upbeat, positive attitude

Our attitude will make us or break us. Having the right attitude is more important than having the right answers. Be the kind of person that people like to be around. A positive attitude is contagious. Choosing an upbeat, positive attitude is one of the most important decisions we will ever make.

3. Smile when speaking with others

Simple but effective. It shows that you’re approachable. It shows people that you like them and accept them. If you want to draw others to you, light up your face with a smile. This benefits us as well. Studies show that if we smile more, even if it’s forced, it actually makes us happier. 

4. Be an Encourager

Everyone wants to be appreciated. Encouragement needs to be sincere. It also needs to be specific. There’s something we can appreciate about everybody. 

Why don’t you pick one of these points to focus on this week? Let me know how your doing by messaging me on Instagram @jasoncomer

Bottom line: If we focus on what we can give in relationships more than what we can get, our relationships w/ ppl get better.

Some of us can't get out of our own head, and it's affecting our entire lives. You'll never change your life until you change the way you think. In this episode, Jason shares how changing your thoughts can change your life. He gives practical tips that will help us get our minds going in the right direction. Transformation starts in the mind.

Neuroplasticity - the ability of the brain to change CONTINUOUSLY throughout an individual's life

Neural pathways - patterns of THOUGHT. It's like walking across grass and making a pathway. The more you walk it, more defined it gets.  The more YOU THINK a certain way, the easier it is TO CONTINUE to think that way.

We have to intentionally Fight Toxic Thoughts -- negative thoughts, critical thoughts, fearful thoughts, discontented thoughts, destructive thoughts, etc.

Accoring to health.com Toxic thoughts can actually make you physically SICK.

If u don't control what you THINK, you’ll never control what u DO.  Most BATTLES are won or lost in the MIND.

Our thoughts don’t naturally take us in the right direction. Scientists estimate that the average person has 60k thoughts a day and 48k of them are negative...That's 80%!

You can't have a POSITIVE LIFE & a NEGATIVE MIND.

You can choose what to dwell on. You are not a HELPLESS VICTIM of your thinking. You can’t help what thoughts come to your mind, but you can decide what u allow to stay there. 

You will FIND what you're LOOKING FOR.

Where u point the SPOTLIGHT of ur thoughts determines the DIRECTION of ur life. Your thoughts are taking u somewhere. Don’t complain about your life if your thought life wallows in the trash.

One way to focus is thru Prayer. Prayer actually changes chemistry in ur brain. "It has been found that 12 mins of daily, focused prayer over an 8 wk period, can change the brain to such an extent, that it could be measured on a brain scan." -Dr. Caroline Leaf, Switch on Your Brain. 

Our thoughts shape our lives. The LIFE YOU HAVE is a reflection of the THOUGHTS U THINK. 

Change may take time. Old ways of thinking die hard. But the more we form the right pathways, more they become the default. And the longer we stay off of the wrong pathways, in time, grass grows back.

What toxic thts are poisoning you? Whatever it is, don’t just try to ignore it; name it. You can’t DEFEAT what u can’t DEFINE. What is the #1 toxic thought in your mind? 

It really is the thought that counts.

People who reach their goals in life are in the habit of doing things daily that others may only do occasionally. Having the discipline to do the important things each day will impacts the rest of your life. We are creating our future with the choices we make each day.

John Maxwell - “You will never change your life until u change something u do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”

Your routine determines your results.

Discipline is choosing what u want most over what u want now.

Discipline is also choosing what is important over what is urgent.

4 Things that should be in our daily routine

1. Quiet Time — Take time to think, pray, focus.

2. Time with family - Take time to invest in the people you love. 

3. Exercise - People who exercise are healthier, have more energy, think more clearly, & sleep better. 

4. Growth - read books, listen to podcasts, learn from mentors.

I use the app "Habit Share" to help me maintain daily routines.