It Can Be Done!

This year I had a goal to spend the entire year pushing myself physically. I, like most folks, set New Year’s resolutions that I sheepishly admit do not make it past February. I was determined that this would not happen in 2009. I am proud to say with much adulation, I have kept my goal. I workout just about everyday, I have been attending Spin Class (Still Bike) twice a week since January (three times some weeks) and my strength has increased to a level I have not seen since my college years. I am now in cruise control with my workouts, for they have become habitual.

It does not matter if it is a workout; business plan or financial goal, personal accountability towards the goal is the only way you are going to stay with it. Your resolve has to be larger than your excuses. A goal without accountability is like a car without the wheels. You can have all of the ambition in the world, but you will go nowhere. The same process I have implemented for my workouts I am now applying to other areas of my life. I expect to see the same results in these areas as well.

When the New Year arrives, this time do not make a resolution, make a resolve. Your resolve to do something gets stronger the more you do it. We are often our own greatest hindrances so do not allow you to stop you! Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Once this mindset becomes a habit, you can and will achieve any realistic goal you set.

Takeaways From President Obama's Speech

All I can say is amazing! As a kid growing up in Syracuse, NY, I would have loved to hear my Presidents say the things that President Obama said today. Today I did not hear the heart of a President; I heard the heart of a father. When I listen to this President speak, this is what I often hear. I watched the eyes of children as they hung on to his every word. He spoke about the message I try to communicate to students and schools worldwide, find your sense of purpose in life and run with it. We are missing this critical element in education and he nailed it when he talked about Google and Facebook and what people will be saying about your legacy years from now. What a powerful message. Three keys I think that any student can derive from his message for the upcoming school year are:

-You have a responsibility to work hard and do you part. You nation is in need of your effort.
-You have a purpose in life. Find that purpose and realize the role education plays in it.
-Take control of your future. You can do it and we are behind you.

For all the negative naysayers out there, it is time to get over it. It is time for people to stop looking for ways to bash this President and find ways to help our country. Take all the energy that is being used to stop him and allow it to help others. When adults stop acting like kids and learn to work together to improve our country, maybe, just maybe, our kids will start to take us seriously. They watch television and listen to radio shows just like adults. They are tired of the division that has been created by us so called “mature” people. Our country needs a collaborative effort not a negative bifurcation. It is really time for change if we are going to improve our situation. If not, I am convinced that we will one day lose our position as a superpower.

Attitude+Aptitude is Everything

Being a paid speaker and trainer can be interesting indeed. Many people think that if you have the "gift of gab," you can simply open a corner store and watch the business come in. I am often told by people after my speaking events "I do exactly what you are doing." One women told me that "I remind her of herself!" It only takes a few simple questions to realize that these people are often operating off of personal pride. They may have the attitude, but attitude alone does not make you a good business person or anything else. As a matter of fact, attitude alone is frustrating if it is not followed up with action that leads to successful outcomes. You find yourself simply "dreaming" and not "doing." The doers of the world control their future while the spectators watch from a distance. Attitude is the fuel that lights the dream, but aptitude is what will make the dream happen! Knowing the process of making a dream become a reality is one of the most overlooked aspects of success. The process; however, is not fun. The process takes personal sacrifice, humility and in many cases, the desire risk it all. Many of the people who try to compare themselves to me have not quit their jobs, put up their own money to fund the dream or spend thousands of hours reading, taking courses, being mentored and listening to CD's-(MPEG's) or watching DVD's etc. Aptitude comes from experience and a tenacious appetite for learning. I have found that the most successful people I have been around are often the must humble. Most people do not even know that these people have succeeded. They are not broadcasting their success to the world, they are taking the low road and simply maximizing their potential everyday.

One must develop a thirst for learning, risk taking and most importantly humility, if they plan on achieving the goals they are setting out for. Aptitude is the missing ingredient in this new world of "microwave" success. One thing I realize about the microwave; however, is that it starts fast but it ends fast as well. Become a crock pot and let your wisdom and knowledge simmer in the pot. Once it all comes together, you will have a meal that is out of this world. You will also have a lot left over to share with others!

The Importance of Daily Fitness

This morning was a struggle. Getting up to workout today was really tough for some reason. I remember in times past when I started to feel this way I would go into a two-three week hiatus from my workout routine. Not any more. I have kept my new year's resolution to work out daily. Even though I am getting up there in years, I am feeling stronger than ever. Our bodies are like machines. If we take care of the machine, oil the machine and use it within the manufacturer's guidelines, it will bless us for a long period of time. If we abuse it, it will break down and will be of no value to us. I work out because I want to be the best me possible-- everyday. I also do it because I do not want to spend the latter years of my life on hundreds of pills just to function everyday. If you cherish the body that God gave you. It is time to get it in motion. The law of inertia states that "a body in motion tends to stay in motion until acted upon by an outside force." Do not be distracted by the outside forces that will try to limit your potential. Make fitness a part of your daily goals. Most people do not have the energy to pursue their dreams because of the fatigue that comes with a lack of conditioning. Do not let this be your story.



I will continue on this topic for a few days. I must say that I am proud of my wife Pam for becoming AFCA Certified as well as becoming Zumba Certified. She is now teaching fitness classes that will soon be packed out. If you would like to know more about her program visit her website at http://www.zumbawithpam.com/ We are making family fitness a priority and I thank God for my wife's commitment to fitness.

Michael Vick

Today the Philadelphia Eagles signed Michael Vick to play for their team for the next two years. The city is in an uproar over this decision. I do understand the anger that is proliferating throughout the city, but I hesitate to judge to harshly. He unquestionably committed a crime that is unacceptable. But why is it that people chose who they want to forgive? I remember when Bill Clinton committed his act in the White House, many people proclaimed "What he does in private is his business." So this means that the leader of our country and role model to millions can pass with a golden ticket because "what he does in private is his business?" What about the shooting incident with Dick Cheyney. Boy that made it in the news for a day or so and today we here nothing else about it. America decides who they want to persecute and a young man of color who was born in poverty that became rich and famous is a good target. I say we give this guy a chance to redeem himself just like we did Bill Clinton and others. Granted, he made a huge mistake, but the question I would kike to ask many is what would our thoughts be if he was a child of ours or a close family member? It is amazing how the lens changes based upon the way we perceive things. Your thoughts?

My First Blog

The purpose of my BLOG is to make passion and purpose commonplace in the lives of people worldwide. With close to two decades of experience ans a speaker, coach, consultant and author, I have found that unless a person is living a life full of purpose and potential, their lives seem empty and mundane. This BLOG will provide insights from a seasoned professional which will assure that readers will get a daily dose of strategies, good content and much needed motivation. If the aforementioned description fits your profile, come on board and let's start the change process. Your life will never be the same. Lastly, we will on occasion discuss topics that are of interest in our country. I constantly read the papers and watch the news so I am will keep my readership updated on a day to day basis.Please visit and post comments often. My desire is to make this and interactive BLOG that benefits many!