The TEBOW Question

If you are a sports fan, I am sure you have heard and seen all the attention given to the Denver Broncos Quarterback, Tim Tebow. To be honest I don't know why Tim Tebow has garnered so much attention. But it was enough to grab my attention. I don't watch too much T.V. so I try to catch the latest sports news on ESPN. And for almost two weeks, every time I tuned in, the sports casters were talking about Tebow. I knew of Tebow from his colleges days at the University of Florida, but because I only follow California teams, I didn't pay him too much attention.

But this last week I watched a documentary on Tebow, and it has prompted me to ask "The Tebow Question." After watching the documentary, I went and did some research on Tebow and was quite surprise to find out about all of his accomplishments. Throughout his college career, Tebow won every major award a football player could win. Player of the year, quarterback of the year, two national championships, 1st Team honors and about 100 other awards. If you are a sports fan, then you know what I'm talking about, if not, take my word Tebow was the Man!

Here's where the story takes a twist. With all his accomplishments, NO Pro Team in the National Football League (NFL) wanted to draft or hire Tebow. Everyone said that Tebow was a great college player, but would not be able to play at the NEXT LEVEL. Here is where "The Tebow Question" comes into play. Tim Tebow was awarded the top awards, yet he was still doubted by everyone. Literally to play at the NEXT LEVEL, Tebow had to prove himself, reinvent himself and humble himself. So "The Tebow Question" becomes........ Are you willing to do what it takes to live your dreams?

After winning every award imaginable, Tebow was told he was not good enough. Tim Tebow could have become bitter, but instead he said, I will become better. Is that your attitude? Tebow began a development regiment that had him training everyday, for eight hours a day. Tebow took the negative and used it for positive.

Each of us wanting to go to the NEXT LEVEL of life, business or career, must answer "The Tebow Question." Are you willing to do what it takes to live your dreams?

After proving himself, reinventing himself and humbling himself, Tebow was selected 25th in the NFL draft, and is now a starting quarterback. He is living his dream, because he answered "The Tebow Question." YES, I am willing!!!


Remember,

Think Better, Live Better 

LEADERS SACRIFICE

When I was in the military, one of the first things I learned was that leaders sacrifice. Leaders are first to work and last to leave, leaders ensure that the team has what they need, even if it means they go without. From the moment I entered Basic Training I was taught to think of the team first.


Today I talked with a dear friend that reminded me of this principle. As we talked on the phone and caught up with each other, I asked him how work was going. He explained that he just took over a new unit, Nate is a First Sergeant in the United States Army. Nate told me that he got the unit because he turned down the opportunity to drive for the President of the United States. Yes, that President.

Nate is an exceptional leader and recently completed an assignment driving for a 3-Star General in Washington, D.C. His reward so to speak was being assigned to the President's driving team.

Why did Nate turn this great opportunity down you ask? Because leaders sacrifice. Nate has a beautiful family that has supported him throughout his military career. Earlier on in his career, he was not able to pick and choose where he wanted to be assigned, so this meant the family had to up root several times. Well this time was different, he had a choice.

When he talked with his family about the opportunity to drive for the President, he noticed the disappointment on his teenage daughter's face. Nate accepting this assignment, would mean the family would have to move and his daughter would have to change schools for a third time in four years.

Nate made the choice to allow his daughter to finish her high school years at her current school. Nate is a leader that knows "Leaders Sacrifice." A great leader is always thinking about the team, how decisions affect the whole. Nate made a decision that I feel will enhance his family team for years to come. I salute his decision


Remember,

Think Better, Live Better!

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TAKE INVENTORY

Do you really know what’s available to you? Do you really know what it takes to be the success you want to be?

Over the weekend, I spent time organizing all the files on my computer, my external drives, mem-sticks and notebooks. I am always writing, collecting information and jotting down ideas on paper. Then every two months or so, I bring all the information into one place and begin to organize it.

Well this week, as I was going through all the information, it was like looking at an old photo album and with each picture, it brought back a memory. As I looked at an old sticky note, I would remember when that idea came to me. Then I started looking at all the business cards I acquired networking around the city.

I was amazed at all the wonderful people I have met since moving to Arizona last year. There are some real movers and shakers, people that are doing some wonderful things to make my city and the world better.

When I looked at all the information and all the cards, a wonderful thought came to me. The thought that came to me was, “You are sitting on a GOLD MINE.” Immediately I knew what my mind was saying to me, with the information and people I have collected in my tool box, I have a GOLD MINE, something valuable!!!

The next step was for me to assemble the knowledge and the people and make something great happen. Everything I need for this season of my life was right here, waiting for me to realize it. It reminded me of a book I read before called Acres of Diamonds. It tells stories of people who didn’t realize what they had right in front of them, so they discarded what they had, to look for something else, or what they thought was better.

TODAY!!! I want you to begin to TAKE INVENTORY of your skills, gifts and talents. The people that are in your life, who do you admire, who can help you move to the next level? It’s time to build your championship team; it’s time to make a run for the ring. It’s a new season, time to regroup, refocus and re-launch your life.

When you take inventory, I bet you, there is a person you were suppose to call, an idea you were suppose to explore. You have what you need right in your house, stop waiting, and stop procrastinating.

DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW, DO IT NOW!!!


Man I’m so pumped up and ready to hear all the stories………………..

Remember,

Think Better, Live Better

PASSION LIFE vs PASSIVE LIFE

Almost everyday I read someone’s status on Facebook; I hear someone in the local grocery store or talk with someone on the phone about how miserable their job is or how unsatisfied they are with their current position in life. And without fail the majority of the time the root of the matter is they are not living their Passion Life, but their Passive Life.

What do I mean by Passive Life, when I looked the word passive up, here is what I found. Passive is not participating readily or actively. I love it, when you are living your Passive Life; you are not ready or active in your daily life. Why is that, because you are not passionate about what you are doing.

How do most people end up living a Passive Life versus a Passion Life, because they take the road MOST traveled. We all have heard the statement “Get a good education that leads to a good job, with good benefits.” Well the problem is many get a good education in the wrong thing.

You can pick up any magazine and find articles that say, the highest paid career fields or fastest moving industries. So people select their degree fields based on that information. Stuff they can learn to do, but they are not passionate about. Years later they feel like robots. Wake up, get dress, do their job, go home, wake up, get dress, do their job, go home. This continues for years until they feel trapped, because they bought a house, car and a bunch of stuff they thought would make them feel better.

I know you may be reading this and say, that’s me, now what. Well it’s not too late for you to live a Passion Life. The first step is to admit, I’m living a Passive Life, and not my Passion Life.

The next step is to identify what is your Passion Life. For me it was to help people Live In Victory Everyday. Through my public speaking, books, seminars and training. Well, when I figured this out, I was in the Army, making a comfortable living and pretty successful by many standards. But I wasn’t passionate about what I was doing any more. Granted, when I first joined, I was excited, it was new, it was a new experience, but after six years, the new car smell had worn off.


The third step is you have to make a decision; I had to make one of the most difficult decisions in my life, to walk away from a comfortable Passive Life. I mean, I made guaranteed money, I was being promoted very fast, on track to lead a very successful military career, BUT, it wasn’t my passion. Remember, the definition for passive, not participating readily or actively. It was a struggle for me to wake up in the morning; I was using so much energy to complete a full day’s work.

The final step in the first phase of living your Passion Life; create a blueprint, a plan, an outline for how you will transition from a Passive Life, to a Passion Life. Once you know what you want to do, find out from where you currently are, what will it take to live your Passion Life? Maybe not a new degree, but some specific courses, maybe some specialized training.

Let’s recap the steps. First you have to admit, I’m living a Passive Life, next identify what is my Passion Life. Thirdly, make the decision, that you will not SPEND the rest of your life living a Passive Life, but start INVESTING in your Passion Life. Lastly, write out your blueprint.

My last bit of advice, don’t share with people your plans right off the bat. Most people that are living a Passive Life are very fearful, and will project their fear on you many times. Family, friends and colleagues many times mean well, and feel they are saving you from a whole lot of pain.

When I decided to leave the military, EVERY ONE told me I was crazy, every one of my supervisors told me I was making a mistake. But I had already made the decision two years earlier, so I was ready for all their questions and backlash. I knew they wanted the best for me, so I didn’t take it personally. Today I still speak too many of them, and they share with me how proud they are of me and I made the RIGHT DECISION.

What if Bill Gates would have stayed in school, and not followed his PASSION to start Microsoft. Henry Ford went against the grain and the norm, Thomas Edison wouldn’t give up on his passion to create a light bulb. The Wright brothers never gave up on their passion to fly.

The world is waiting for you to live your PASSION LIFE, passion produces genius.


Remember,

Think Better, Live Better

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STOP WAITING ON BARACK

Each week I travel and listen to conversations addressing the many problems and issues facing America. I turn on my T.V. and see the sea of people sharing their opinions on what the Government or President Obama should do. It all makes for great debate, and in many cases heated exchanges between the two Vietnam Vets at the donut shop, all the way to the top intellectuals of our time.

Two years ago, I watched with pride, as so many others, President Obama be sworn into the highest office and into one of most powerful offices in the world. As I set in my home my eyes swelled with tears of joy. Not so much because a Black Man was being sworn into office, I would have felt the same, if it were a White Female, an Asian Male or Female, a Hispanic Male or Female or whatever. To me it was a step forward in humanity and equality. America’s view of humanity was shifting.

Having the opportunity to travel to many countries and living overseas for over a decade, I had the chance to see people of all social, economical and racial backgrounds. Living in Germany, I was there when Angela Merkel became Chancellor. Travelled to India to see

Pratibha Devisingh Patil another female sworn into the office of President. I have travelled to Ghana several times, and saw John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor who was President at the time. So I already had a visual of a Black President.

If you study history, you will find that the times we are experiencing right now are not new, and will not be the last time we experience these types of challenges. So what do we as individuals need to do, to not only survive, but thrive. Complaining, debating and pouting will not change your situation, but these few keys will set you up for success.

1. But God First
2. Believe Success is Yours
3. Be Specific about the Success you will Achieve

4. Build the Necessary Relationships

5. Make Small Improvements Daily

6. Develop a Desire to Serve

7. Strive to be Better, not Bigger
8. Develop your Financial Literacy
9. Protect your Health
10. Enjoy the Journey

Each of these keys can be implemented immediately; Congress doesn’t have to vote on them. The President doesn’t have to introduce them into law. Stop waiting on the President or anyone else for that matter to take control of your life.

In two or four years, President Obama will be out of office, he will sign a book deal, and First Lady Michelle will sign a book deal as well. They will hit the international speaking stage and become billionaires. Another person will be in the Whitehouse, and you will still be in your house, so don’t find yourself still complaining, debating and pouting about the same things. Create your own recovery plan and stimulus package now, and work it like you life depends upon it, because it does.

Think Better, Live Better!!!

THINK IT THROUGH

Everyday we are bombarded with bad, challenging or unpleasant news from some source. But at the end of the day, it is still our choice how we process the information we receive.

Here is a truth of life, trouble and bad things, indifferent things happen to everyone, but I have found that the way you RESPOND will make all the difference. Most people tend to REACT, rather than respond. Responding is a thought out plan to an event, as a reaction is an instant action in the heat of the moment.

You will probably agree that the majority of our worst outcomes our times when we didn’t take the time to think something through and we just made a random decision. Each day we are training ourselves how to respond or react to situations we don’t like.

Let me give you an example we can all relate to. Driving on the Freeway and some person (nice word used) cuts you off without signaling or anything. This is a training moment, do you respond or react. I know for me I want to react. Number one, by speeding up to catch this rude person, number two to give them THE LOOK and number three to fulfill the inner ego inside of me to say, “I showed them.”

But have you ever noticed once you pulled next to the car, the person is never looking at you or even worse, they are looking at you and you begin a screaming match with both windows closed driving at high speeds. JUST CRAZY, not a good look for you or me.


This type of behavior only grows and gets worse if we don’t learn how to RESPOND, rather than REACT.

So what we all have to learn to do is stop and always ask ourselves a few questions.

          1. Will responding or reacting make a difference?


          2. If I respond or react what is my goal?


          3. If I react, what message will I send about myself?


This doesn’t happen over night, but you must begin the process to change the way you think. So when you are presented with these little test, make sure you think, then RESPOND…………………



Remember,

Think Better, Live Better!!!

Are You Living Are Just Existing?

Over the weekend a business icon passed away. If you live in Detroit, Michigan you have no doubt heard of Don Barden, He was the first African American to own a Las Vegas casino and the first to own a major cable TV franchise. Mr. Darden was 67 at the time of his death. Upon hearing this news, I was shocked; I remember reading about Mr. Darden in a Black Enterprise magazine that he donned the cover some years ago.

I was impressed with his story of success from meager beginnings, to the great success he achieved in his life. But on that day I read about his passing, that number 67 stuck out to me.

It is said that life at it’s longest is far too short, I whole heartily agree. So my question for you today, Are You Living Are Just Existing?

I want you this week to examine your life and ask yourself a few questions. Along with the first question, I want you to ask yourself, am I living a life that if I died today, I lived it to the fullest. Next I want you to ask yourself, in the last few days, few hours of my life, can I look back with a smile.

No longer can you live someone else’s desires for you, you can’t afford to wake up everyday and be miserable. I’m not suggesting you quit your job today, or leave a relationship. But what I am saying, ask yourself what is necessary for me to live the life I will enjoy. Start charting out a course that will lead you there. If it is a career change, start planning for it this week. Your relationships need some adjustments, then get the help to make it happen.

Decide today that you are not just going to exist, but you are going to live life to the fullest and explore the best in life.

Expand your mind to what is possible. Grab a magazine about exotic places today and start dreaming. Stop telling yourself you can’t afford to live a better life; you can’t afford not to live a better life.

This week plan to meet new people that can open you to new experiences. Go somewhere new, eat somewhere new. Every Sunday when you review your week, I want you to be able to point out one memorable thing you did that past week. Whether it was a call to an old friend, a walk on the beach, a special time with your family, don’t allow another week to go by unlived.

Let’s get to living, not just existing!!!

Think Better, Live Better