Everyone has experienced walking into a room of strangers and not exactly knowing what to do. Where do you sit? Who do you talk to? What do you do with your hands? Is everyone looking at you? What are they thinking? These feelings of insecurity are natural, but they don’t have to be permanent. In fact, one of the worst things that can … [Read more...]
Don’t Waste Your Failures
July 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I was in a bookstore one day browsing through the section on historical fiction. I am a sucker for a well-written novel set in a real historical time and involving characters from our past. Thumbing through the familiar names of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and Jeff Shaara, I was surprised to come across a couple of books in this genre by … [Read more...]
A Hero’s Freedom and Freedom’s Heroes
July 12, 2013 by 2 Comments
Author Paul Johnson wrote, “How do we recognize the heroes and heroines of today? "First, by absolute independence of mind, which springs from the ability to think everything through for yourself, and to treat whatever is the current consensus on any issue with skepticism. "Second, having made up your mind independently, to act – resolutely and … [Read more...]
The Trout Fisherman in Hell: Lessons in Opposition
June 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment
A fisherman dies and believes he has gone to trout-fishing heaven as he catches one perfect two-pound trout after another. As he sets his fly and hooks into yet one more, he can’t fathom his good fortune. The sky is blue, the weather ideal, the fish biting like he’s never before experienced, and everything is absolutely perfect. It is not … [Read more...]
An Audience of One
June 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
She knocks on the door to my office and waits until I motion her in. Politely she asks with expectant eyes if I'd like to visit her "gum store." For once making the right choice (trying to remember if I've put her off earlier for the same request), I rise from my work and take her by the hand. Her big brown eyes and freckled face are all … [Read more...]
How to Overcome a Lack of Natural Talent
May 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Some people begin the journey to success in a particular endeavor endowed with obvious natural talent. Others, however (and most, as it turns out), are not so gifted. This second group has to work harder to do what the first group was able to do naturally. Over time, however, the differences between starting points fade … [Read more...]
Don’t Let the Bozos Get You Down
April 19, 2013 by 1 Comment
If you are new to the pursuit of excellence, just launching upon your dream chase, or just now responding to a calling in your life, you may need to be warned about something (or someone): Bozos. Really, I've got nothing against Bozo the Clown. He wore his baldness with poise and managed to keep a smile upon his face despite the wardrobe he … [Read more...]
Your Personal Brand & the Margaritaville Concept
April 8, 2013 by 3 Comments
It happened to you and it's uniquely yours. No one else has your story. No one else has your particular mixture of experience and ability. Not only did God make you unique in all your parts, but the life He lets you live is just as uniquely yours. Nobody else experiences the world in exactly the same way as you. These concepts form the basis … [Read more...]
Top 10 Reasons People Quit Something Worthy
March 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment
For nearly twenty years I’ve worked with people in an entrepreneurial setting, encouraging and coaching them to fulfill their dreams and goals. I’ve seen people come and I’ve seen people go, and through it all there emerges a pattern of behavior. I’ve often been asked, “What’s the difference between those who ‘make it’ and those who … [Read more...]
Success is Hard, But Worth It
March 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
In anything worthwhile, success is hard. Let's consider business in general and the costs to even get started. According to buildyourfirm.com, the average startup cost for an accounting office is $50,000 for a book of $150k of business. According to fastfood.com, to start an Arby's franchise requires a $37,500 initial fee, a liquid capital … [Read more...]
