Lead or Follow - Which Card do you Choose?

Where have all the men of warrior hearts gone?  No longer do we see the stereotypes of years past when it comes to portraying men in our society.  Instead of the strong, no nonsense type reeking of masculinity, there is an air of complacency and borderline sissyness amongst us. No longer do the men lead their families, businesses and churches but they would rather lie, cheat and steal than be a stand-up honorable man.
It used to be that a man dressed like a man, worked hard to provide like a man,  and most of all his word meant something.  Now it seems that all morals and character have been thrown out the window. Men no longer behave like men, they would rather walk around with a sense of lackluster enthusiasm pretending to be honest and of Christian morals and values. Yet behind closed doors they abuse their wives and kids. They lie to make the next business deal rather than behave like a man.
It is far past time that we rise up have a revolution and hold ourselves and other men accountable.  If you are friends with, or do business with, or related to one of these spineless sheep it is time. Time to hold their feet to the fire, their faces to the flint. Time to get them to man up or revoke their mancard for eternity. Not only has this passivity allowed corruption, infidelity,  and immortality into our society but it is becoming a plague that will be suffered for generations to come. 

Ways we can lead:

1.)Take up the yoke and lead the way in your community.   Whether joining an existing or creating a new mens group in your area.
2.) Birds of a feather - pay special mind to the company you keep.
3.) What would Charlton Heston, Ronald Reagan do? Find a role model and study the ways to be a man of character if you are unsure.
4.) Read to lead and succeed - garbage in garbage out, feed your mind and spirit with valuable knowledge of those in our past.  Spend less time watching reality t.v. and more time reading your bible for starters.
5.) Your past is gone - break the chains of your past.  Just because your dad was a jerk or left does not mean you have to.
6.) Man in the mirror - look yourself in the eye and be honest in your actions you cannot deceive your soul.
7.) Sleep less -  a clear and clean conscience needs less sleep.
8.) Work out - not always in the physical way (does help though) but workout your mind, heart, explore what being a man really means.
9.) Grow up - time to act like a man, sack up and do what is right rather than what is convenient not always the same thing.
10.) Become legendary in your house - be the man your wife, children, family, friends, coworkers, boss, customers, clients, acquaintances expect you to be and then some.  Become the example others strive to be... Man Up!

Blessings. ..

Punch fear in the face today

As I am sure you can guess, I am not an author (least not yet) nor am I a normal book reviewer. That being said there is a book coming out today that is a must have for anyone that has a dream. In full disclosure I am not being paid to endorse, nor do I do business with this particular author or benefit from the sale of his books. I am a huge fan however and would proudly recommend him to anyone. The new book Start by Jon Acuff is one of those that everyone should read, but a lot people won't.

This book is Jon's fourth book and follows a similar approach as his previous book Quitter that came out a couple years ago and has ever since changed my life as a small business owner and dreamer. Start is of the same caliber, in your face,  throw away all the rules of business we thought were true and go after your dream kind of book. Chase down your dreams starting today and punch fear in the face and kick it while it is down.
Jon Acuff got his own 'start' with the likes of Dave Ramsey and has made it his life's work to help others get their own.

Jon pulls no punches and recognizes the fear that we all face when wanting to chase our dreams. He provides insights and a step by step unconventional approach and in a weekend read he provides the tools for each of us to punch fear in the face and get our own start.

So in short run don't walk to your nearest bookstore or computer and order your copy today.  You can also use the links on this site to order yourself and everyone you care about a copy today. www.thestartbook.com

Blessings. ..

Get a Little Reckless

     When is the last time we were reckless in chasing our dreams.  I mean truly shameless and unafraid putting our lives in God's hands and follow his path rather than our own.  If we let go of ourselves and be of servant hearts, here to serve and lift those up that are broken.  Openly humble,  gracious and show the world around us the way we want to help those in need.
     If we take a moment to stop and listen to our hearts we will become truly free.  Free to follow our passion. Free to live a life of example rather than that of a one that follows another to attain success.  When we follow the path chosen for us rather than by us the level of true success is amazing.   True success is not measured by your bank account balance, but by the level of happiness you obtain in your life.
    
Blessings. ..

Week ending momentum

A little dose of what you need..

You end this week exhausted and wore out from the stress of everyday life.. you were made for more.. your dreams are reachable.   Stretch just a bit more today.. yeah it will hurt just like day two after a good workout. The little extra you do to end your week on a high note will set you up for even more success tomorrow.

So get out there make just one more contact or sale.  Go into that boardroom with more zeal than expected for a Friday.   Play a little harder and longer with your kids at the park.  Whatever it is that you do ..do it just that much more. If you add just 10 percent more each day, heck each week and compound it each time imagine how much more we can get out of the 24 hours God gives us each day.

As you end your week take a few moments to reflect on what you gained by your extra effort.  Map out your plan for next week, fill your schedule to the brim with productivity.  Your dreams are that much closer.. you are that much better and stronger in character and spirit. . You deserve all you work for and desire ... in the words of many Happy Madison movies .. "You can do it! "

Blessings. ..

Is your Introduction elevating?

     What do you do? Why do you do? Two very simple yet powerful questions that are asked in almost any business or social environment The real question is do you have a good answer for either one? I don't mean the cookie cutter answers that you think people want to hear such as "I am changing peoples' lives one person at a time" or it is my goal to help people help themselves.Horse feathers! We have all heard and possibly said these lines of garbage over the years as we work to build our business or grow our network. <br>
     In this day and age, try being honest rather than reciting a script or tagline.Once you have shared what you do, how you got there and whether it is your life's passion or not... shut it!&nbsp; It is not all about you, it is a give and take relationship.. you give more than you take... make your meeting about the other person, find out what they do, and most of all how you may possibly help them or someone they know either now or in the future.

     We have all met those people or done business with, possibly still doing business with or friends with, those that well blow a lot of smoke.  They greet you with their tagline, are insincere as the day is long and will tell you whatever you want to hear.  These people make relationships very difficult at times as they are hard to trust, much less follow or listen to.  It is very disheartening to find out after the fact that things you were told in the beginning were only slight shades of the truth in order to sink in the hook.  Once we realize the weakness of the relationship,  future business or friendship is unlikely.  So be honest and transparent upfront, remove the elevator or escaltor from your introduction and be true to who you are rather than who you think you are supposed to be.

Blessings. ..

Trust Factor Matters...

     It is all about trust... no matter what no ifs or buts without trust, nothing else matters. This simple but powerful fact applies to all parts of our lives. We must be trustworthy in our personal and professional lives. Anything less is unacceptable, unprofitable,  and unlikable.

      We place our hearts, souls, minds and business in others' hands on a daily basis.  In turn other people do the same to us, we all live in a world of trust.  Some of us are less generous with the trust card usually due to past experiences, even they play it occasionally.  We must be diligent and loyal to our word and actions as they are our bond and can be easily lost forever.

      In both business and personal relationships we should make the mantra 'under promise and over deliver' as the way we lead our lives.  Nothing is worse than empty promises from someone you trusted.  Even after the initial relationship has run its course, trust should still be key, we never know when our paths may cross again.  It is hard for someone to follow, do business with, or want to be around someone they don't trust.

Blessings. ..