#291 - THE PEOPLE WHO SHOULD MATTER MOST

My definition of success: When those closest to me love & respect me the most. – John Maxwell

My perspective has changed.

I used to think that my parents’ opinions of me weren’t very valuable.
I used to think that my siblings’ perceptions of me weren’t very important.
I used to think that my close friends’ feelings about me weren’t very critical.

But I think differently now.

After taking my one month “writing sabbatical,” here’s what I now understand.

When the opinions of the people in your “cyber world” mean more to you than the opinions of the people in your “real world,” you have a problem.

A rude awakening is necessary.

Respect from your siblings is more important than “re-tweets” on Twitter.
Love from your spouse is more important than “likes” on a Facebook status update.
Conversations with your loved ones are more important than comments on your blog.

The bottom line is:

Your family should be more important to you than your fans.

After all, they will be the ones who will still be around when everyone in your “cyber world” decides to follow someone else.

#290 - 11 REASONS TO REST

Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest. – Ashleigh Brilliant

As you may or may not have noticed, over the last month I have been on, what I now call, a “writing sabbatical.”

Though I started out the year with the goal to write and post one inspirational blog entry each day of this year, after writing 200+ consecutive posts, I started to experience writing and creative “fatigue.”

So, despite the fact that I would not reach the original goal I set out to obtain, I decided to take a break.

And I do not regret it one bit.

My decision to rest from writing benefited me tremendously.

My rest repaired me of my pains – specifically the pain of writing everyday!
My rest reminded me of my priorities – particularly the priority of my family.
My rest relieved me of my pressures – especially the pressure to please others.

My rest required me to stop.

And by allowing myself to stop,

My rest relaxed me.
My rest refocused me.
My rest rejuvenated me.

My rest protected me from burnout.
My rest prepared me to finish the year strong.
My rest provided me with the inspiration I need to write 122 blog posts in the next 122 days!

The truth is…

My rest blessed me.

And when the time is right, I encourage you to take your rest.

Because it will bless you too.

#289 - THE PROFESSIONAL'S ENJOYABLE DISTINCTION

Professionals get paid.

Cash.
Currency.
Compensation.

Moolah.

The quality of their craft demands it.

So much so that one would feel silly not paying for the services of a professional.

The reality is…

Professional actors get paid to act.
Professional writers get paid to write.
Professional dancers get paid to dance.
Professional speakers get paid to speak.

Professionals get paid.

Professional artists get paid to produce art.
Professional athletes get paid to play sports.
Professional musicians get paid to perform music.

Simply stated:

Amateurs get thanked. Professionals get paid.

And that is the professional’s most enjoyable distinction.

#288 - THE PROFESSIONAL'S BIGGEST COMMITMENT

Professional practice.

All. of. the. time.

In the morning…they practice.
In the afternoon…they practice.
In the evening…they practice.

Professionals practice.

When they’re tired…they practice.
When they’re “busy”…they practice.
When they’re sick of practicing …they practice.

Professionals practice.

When it’s inconvenient…they practice.
When everyone else is “out having fun”…they practice.
When the competition has quit for the day…they practice.

Professionals are committed to practicing their art.

Religiously.

And if you ever desire to become a professional,

A similar commitment is mandatory.

#287 - THE PROFESSIONAL'S GREATEST RISK

Professionals are “All-In.”

All their time.
All their energy.
All their resources.

Professionals are fully invested into their profession.

They’re not waiting for another opportunity.
They’re not considering other options.
They’re not holding anything back.

Instead…

Professionals sign the contract.
Professionals take out the loan.
Professionals make the investment.
Professionals leave the safe, secure job.
Professionals deplete the savings account.

Professionals go “All-In.”

Why?

Because extraordinary commitments precede extraordinary contributions.

#286 - THE PROFESSIONAL'S UNCOMPROMISABLE APPROACH

Professionals are focused.

They have clearly identified the skill, talent, or ability that they desire to become a professional of and they focus on it.

Completely.

They do not have “many irons on the fire.”
They do not pursue expertise in multiple disciplines.
They do not resonate well with the phrase, “Jack of all trades and master of none.”

Professionals are laser-focused.

They have a specific call.
They have a single pursuit.
They have a selective mindset.

They refuse to approach life any other way.

Because they know they would be wasting their gift if they did.

#285 - TWO VERY ENCOURAGING WORDS

If we are not ashamed to think it,
we should not be ashamed to say it. 
Cicero

Say it.

Because no one has said it with your style.
Because no one has said it with your energy.
Because no one has said it with your passion.

Say it.

Because no one has said it to your tribe.
Because no one has said it to your audience.
Because no one has said it to your followers.

Say it.

Who cares if someone else talked about it?
Who cares if someone else blogged about it?
Who cares if someone else wrote a book about it?

Say it anyways.

The truth is,

If you haven’t said it, it has yet to be said.

#284 - THIS IS YOUR PROBLEM

You have a problem.

You want the results professionals get,
But you don’t want to put in the effort professionals put in.

You want the accolades professionals receive,
But you don’t want to make the sacrifices professional make.

You want to make the money professionals make,
But you don’t want to take the risks that professionals take.

You want to experience the fulfillment professionals experience,
But you don’t want to commit to the disciplines that professionals commit to.

Simply stated:

The level of your expectations are not aligned with the level of your commitment.

And that is a problem.

So with that said, my advice to you is this:

Lower your expectations or decide to become a professional.

You’ll go crazy if you don’t.

#283 - A WRITER'S CONFESSION

The truth is, there are many days, I feel as if the words I write don’t matter.

I feel as if they are written in vain.
I feel as if they will never have their intended impact.
I feel as if they have already been better written by somebody else.

And so I want to quit.

I want to quit writing words that uplift.
I want to quit writing words that encourage.
I want to quit writing words that inspire.

I just want to quit.

I want to quit finding creative ways to communicate my message.
I want to quit believing that my words are worth reading.
I want to quit trying.

I want to quit being a writer altogether.

It’s just too time consuming.
It’s just too mind involving.
It’s just too…risky.

But it’s in those moments when I’m trying to convince myself that my words aren’t necessary, when I realize:

I can’t quit writing.

I can’t quit on the talent that I’ve been called to share.
I can’t quit on the ability that I’ve been created to express.
I can’t quit on the gift that I’ve been commissioned to give.

You see, writing is not just something I can choose to do or not do.

Writing, is my responsibility.

And if you call yourself a writer, it’s your responsibility too.

#282 - 3 RANDOM WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

1. FINISH WELL

The task which you have been giving your life to over the last several weeks is almost complete. The finish line is nearing. You are closer to the end than you have ever been.

Therefore, finish well.

All your previous work will mean nothing if you don’t.

2. LISTEN CAREFULLY

The answers you desire are available to you. Believe it or not, people are actually anxious to tell you what you are trying to find out. They just need an opportunity.

Therefore, listen carefully.

You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.

3. STOP PROCRASTINATING

The frustration you’re facing comes primarily from the work you’re avoiding. The size of the project will get smaller once you get started. But, you must get started.

Therefore, stop procrastinating.

Your life will get much easier when you do.

#281 - HOW TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. – Jesus of Nazareth

Things not going your way?
Are your negative circumstances frustrating you?
Find yourself facing the same “issues” over and over again?

The remedy is not easy, but it’s simple.

Surrender.

Every concern…
Every problem…
Every disappointment…

Surrender it.

Surrender your plans.
Surrender your dreams.
Surrender your ambitions.

Surrender it all.

Surrender your life into the loving hands of your Heavenly Father who has plans for you that are infinitely better than your own.

Why?

Because your victory will follow your surrender.

Victory over your hurts.
Victory over your doubts.
Victory over your frustration.

Total victory comes to those whose lives are totally surrendered to Him.

I know it’s not easy to do, but has the alternative – “holding on,“ worked for you?

Has “holding on” saved you?
Has “holding on” helped you?
Has “holding on” served you well?

If not, surrender.

Your victory awaits.

#280 - 3 THINGS I KNOW ABOUT YOU

1. YOUR BEST DAYS ARE AHEAD OF YOU.

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. -Thomas Jefferson

Joyous days. Exciting days. Memorable days.

Anticipate them.

2. YOUR BEST IDEAS ARE INSIDE OF YOU.

The brain is a commodity used to fertilize ideas. – Elbert Hubbard

Fresh ideas. Unique ideas. Brilliant ideas.

Share them.

3. YOUR BEST OPPORTUNITIES ARE IN FRONT OF YOU.

Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. – Orison Swett Marden

Old opportunities. New opportunities. Common opportunities.

Take advantage of them.

#279 - THE MOST EFFECTIVE NEGATIVE INSPIRATION

A deadline is a negative inspiration. Still, it’s better than no inspiration at all. – Rita Mae Brown

Deadlines define time lines.
Deadlines decide due dates.
Deadlines determine priorities.
Deadlines demand commitment.
Deadlines devalue procrastination.
Deadlines develop a sense of urgency.

Deadlines deliver results.

So when’s your next deadline?

It is very unlikely that your next dream will be brought to life without one.

#278 - THE QUESTION ALL LEADERS SHOULD BE ASKING THEMSELVES

Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.
– Sam Walton

As a leader, there are many questions you should be consistently asking yourself to ensure that you are leading well.

Questions like:

• How am I leading by example?

• What can I do to get better at what I do?

• How clear is the vision I am compelling people to follow?

But there is one question in particular that you should have an answer to at all times.

And that question is…

Who, specifically, am I believing in?

Who are you trusting?
Who are you grooming?
Who are you mentoring?

Who are you placing confidence in, in spite of the fact that they have no confidence in themselves?

Have great faith in someone who you lead.

It is of significant importance.

And you know this to be true because you wouldn’t be the leader you are today if somebody didn’t, one day, put their faith in you.

#277 - HOW TO GET DISCOVERED

The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. – William James

So you wanna’ be discovered?

Produce art that is so creative.
Tell a story that is so compelling.
Create content that is so consistent.
Share a message that is so convincing.
Take an approach that is so courageous.

That people can’t help but talk about it.

Because when enough people start talking about what you do…

Discovery is inevitable.

#276 - YOUR DREAM IS UNATTAINABLE UNLESS YOU HAVE THIS

The first wealth is health. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

You may have an incredible team.
You may have a world-class talent.
You may have a crystal clear vision.
You may have a wealth of resources.

But unless you have your health, those other things mean nothing.

It’s time to stop messin’ around.

Your lack of exercise – unacceptable.
Your unhealthy eating habits – unacceptable.
Your belief that your health doesn’t need to be a priority – unacceptable.

And if I sound harsh, it’s because it’s that serious.

The fulfillment of your dream is at stake.
The accomplishment of your purpose is at risk.
The completion of your assignment is on the line.

The people you serve need you to have energy.
The people you lead need you to be full of vitality.
The art that you create needs you to be able to f0cus.

And these things just aren’t possible without your health.

So let me say it one more time just in case you haven’t heard the message clearly:

Take the quality of your health more seriously.

The fulfillment of God’s purpose for your life demands that you do.

#275 - WHAT COMMITTED PEOPLE DO

Commitment: Doing what you said you would do even when you don’t feel like doing it anymore.

If you don’t feel like going, but you committed to going…go.
If you don’t feel like trying, but you committed to trying…try.
If you don’t feel like caring, but you committed to caring…care.
If you don’t feel like writing, but you committed to writing…write.
If you don’t feel like sharing, but you committed to sharing…share.
If you don’t feel like creating, but you committed to creating…create.
If you don’t feel like finishing, but you committed to finishing…finish.

Why?

Because that is what committed people do.

#274 - A NECESSARY KEY FOR INCREASING INFLUENCE

The man who cannot endure to have his errors and shortcomings brought to the surface and made known, but tries to hide them, is unfit to walk the highway of truth.
– James Allen

Everyday you have a choice.

You can be fake or you can be real.
You can withhold or you can disclose.
You can have duplicity or you can have integrity.

You can try trickery or you can try transparency.

I recommend the latter, and here are three reasons why:

1. TRANSPARENCY IMPROVES LIKABILITY.

Likeability for your honesty.
Likeability for your humility.
Likeability for your humanness.

And likeability leads to leadership.

Be transparent.

2. TRANSPARENCY REVEALS VULNERABILITY.

Vulnerability with your fears.
Vulnerability with your mistakes.
Vulnerability with your weaknesses.

And vulnerability reveals strength.

Be transparent.

3. TRANSPARENCY ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY.

Responsibility for your failures.
Responsibility for your decisions.
Responsibility for your shortcomings.

And taking responsibility builds your credibility.

Be transparent.

Life is too short to live any other way.

Be transparent in your art.
Be transparent in your endeavors.
Be transparent in your relationships.

Be transparent.

The depth of your influence and impact is depending on it.

#273 - MY 5 FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL WORDS

Words — so innocent and powerless as they are,
as standing in a dictionary, 
how potent for good and evil they become
in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.
Nathaniel Hawthorne

DREAM

Desire more.
Envision change.
Imagine possibilities.

To dream is to believe.

START

Start moving.
Start creating.
Start becoming.

To start is to act.

PERSEVERE

Through lulls.
Through trials.
Through defeat.

To persevere is to continue.

WAIT

For your help to come.
For your results to show up.
For your next step to be revealed.

To wait is to be patient.

FINISH

The task that you started.
The pursuit that you began.
The commitment that you made.

To finish is to complete.

Five words. Infinite implications.

#272 - THE MENTOR'S MANIFESTO

The Mentor’s Manifesto

I am talented.
I enjoy what I do.
I do what I do very well.
I am proficient at my work.
I excel at the tasks I am given.
I am recognized for the quality of my craft.
I exceed the expectations of all those around me.

But that is not enough.

 I must pass on my talents and abilities to the next generation.
I must replace myself with someone more capable than I.
I must share my insights with someone who will listen.
I must hold loosely the gift I have been given.
I must teach my craft to a willing protege.
I must be willing to let go.
I must mentor.

Why?

For there will soon come a day
when I can no longer do
the things I believe
I was placed here to do.

And when that day comes
it needs to be true
that there’s one who’s behind me
who’s capable too.

One who’s able to carry
my life’s legacy.
One who’s able to do it…
better than me.