Daily Boost - Clarity for Life and Work

Have you ever wondered how much easier things would be if you didn’t have to think so much?What if the future or your past didn’t matter?Imagine if you didn’t worry about the possessions, success, or drama of others?What would happen if you believed that YOU are in control? Now you are starting to think like a Stoic Philosopher.Stoicism is about paring down and simplifying. They eliminate unproductive traits that define the majority of the population. One of the most common is by turning obstacles upside down, creating opportunities, and seeing them as teachable moments.For a Stoic, every bad thing becomes a new source of good. Marcus Aurelius said it this way, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in your way becomes the way.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When will you get yourself to do what you say you want to do? More people than you know lose sleep over that question. If that sounds like something you have experienced, you’re not alone. Almost everybody begins their journey when a thought pops into their mind. Then, day-to-day life keeps them busy, and they spend frustrating months fixin’ to get ready. You know, starting to prepare… so you can start to do… so you can do… and say you did. If that doesn’t work, you summon your friend, Will Power. Will is not a person, but more like a kind of friend that you don’t know why you keep letting into your life.They are a bit of a slacker, live rent-free in your mind, say they want to help, and never deliver on their promise. Will’s job description should read -- to force you to do things you say you want to do but can’t get yourself to do. When you give up, Will leaves.The good news is, there’s no need to force yourself to do anything. Achieving your biggest goals in life has nothing to do with Will Power. Instead, shift your mindset - “To act at your discretion without constraint.” That’s the definition of Free Will, Will Powers, good cousin. Use your Free Will to harness your excitement and choose the path of least resistance. Start making the smallest changes in your life. Those steps will lead to big results sooner than you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last few years, it has become increasingly popular for people to share every little aspect of their lives with others. But, when it comes to getting what you want in life, keeping your plans to yourself is a powerful tool.Presidents weekend has just passed, and when I arrived at my desk on Tuesday, I had two messages from clients that made me smile.The first said, "I decided to spend my weekend practicing what I do in private so that I will be praised in public." That's something I’ve said and done many times.The second client told me they had completed a new project over the weekend and headed in a new direction. When I mentioned they had never said a word to me about it, they said, "I know. I'm learning that nobody needs to know what I'm doing to do. I'll do it, and they can catch up."My heart smiled as I witness three powerful tools that impact my client's lives:1) Practice in private until you are ready to share with the world. Nobody needs to know how you got so good at what you do.2) There's no need to tell anybody what you are going to do. Just do it and then let them know what you've done later.3) It's easier to get things done when everybody else is busy doing something else and isn't poking their nose in your business. Long holiday weekends and summer vacations are a great place to begin.You can do whatever you want with your life, and you don't need anybody's permission or approval to make it happen. Your destiny is 100% up to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the years, I have personally produced over 10,000 podcasts, and every one of them begins with the written word. Even though that makes my mouth and my fingers my most exercised body parts, it has also given me lots of opportunities to learn to keep my words flowing.If you're like most people, you have found yourself sitting in front of a blank screen, praying for inspiration. It could be writer's block, procrastination, or maybe you stayed up late watching Netflix. In any case, there's a simple solution to always having a starting point.Any project I need to wrap my head around begins by capturing the ideas that flow into my mind throughout the day. Even turning the radio off on a 20-minute drive can provide a treasure-trove of useable nuggets. Next, I tuck those ideas away in a safe place, with no organizing, editing, or re-writing. I grab the thoughts out of the air, jot a note or record a memo, put them away, and let them simmer.When I'm ready to get to work, I take 15 minutes the day before to review my creative genius list, toss out what is not relevant, create a simple outline and walk away knowing I am ready to begin.The next day, I can't wait to sit in front of a blank screen and let the magic start flowing from my figure tips with complete ease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you still dream of what you will be when you grow up? Do those visions keep popping into your head? If that’s the case, what’s your BIG, AWESOME, MOTIVATING MISSION?BAM!What dreams excite you and give you a feeling of happiness?BAM!What scares you - and excites you?BAM!What makes you smile and say, “If I could only get myself to…”BAM!Take a few minutes and figure out your BAM! Then stand up, take a step, and repeat! Keep going until you get what you want.Oh - there’s no need to wait. Now would be a good time to start. :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growth and change are what most people strive for in their life. It’s what drives you before you create your amazing life. It’s also what drives you to step up to the next level.In the last 16 years, I’ve spent producing the Daily Boost podcast, I’ve had the chance to speak to thousands of people. All of them were in various stages of change, and most had the goal of being happy. But, there is an issue that keeps popping up.As people go about living and enjoying the life they’ve built, the natural desire for more growth kicks in, and they find themselves driving harder—usually without thinking about it. It could be about passion, but most times, it’s about making more money.One day, I talked with a friend about living a good life and how hard people work to mess up a good thing. That’s when he asked a great question -”When life is good, why would you do something else only to make more money?”It’s not to say making more money is not a very good thing. It’s just important to make sure that you focus on what is right in front of you and remain balanced and happy as you grow.The happiest people in the world already know that. Because a powerful force drives humans to grow at any cost, sometimes that costs them in ways they never see coming—both good and bad. Enjoy what you have and grow to make things better. That’s a recipe for success, no matter how you see it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is The Spotlight Shining on YOU?A funny thing happens when we graduate from High School and enter the real world; dreams change. When my Son was in his early 20's, he announced that he was heading to Los Angles to pursue his dream of becoming a Rock Star. He would be a singer in a rock and roll band, and he was on a mission to achieve his goal. When I heard his idea, I had a question -"What happens if you become a member of the band instead?"He had a perplexed look on his face. I'm not sure if he was angry or confused. It seemed that the concept of playing any other role never occurred to him. I continued."Would you be okay with that? Are you willing to do what it takes to rise to the top? And if you don't get what you want, will you be happy settling something different?"That's when he said, "No. I wouldn't be happy. I'm a Rock Star, and that's what I'm going to do.”The following day he began his journey and chased his dreams for a few years. While he had success and enjoyed his Rock Star status, something else began to emerge. He discovered a new passion that fit him like a glove. He started to dabble in graphic design and music promotions and soon found himself loving being in a more supportive role. He wasn't on stage; he was playing in the band. But there was no doubt he was a star in his new world. His life was different than he thought it would be, but he found his day-to-day experience to be a much better fit.You will always get what you want if you are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. But you might be surprised when you find your real passion along the way.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the Great Pandemic Pause, most folks found themselves in a simpler world. With a few exceptions, everything was slower. There was more time in the day. The rush of what used to be our day-to-day seemed distant. Is that such a bad thing?When the storm passes, as we reignite our lives, why not consider lessons from a few smart people of the past."Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." ~ Leonardo da Vinci"Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated." ~ Confucius"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." ~ William James"Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough." ~ Charles WarnerI like it simple. Simple works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So you’ve decided it’s time to make a change. Good for you. Making the decision is the most challenging thing you can do.Now, how do you figure out how to make it work?In most situations, you can get clarity by taking an inventory of where you are and where you are heading. There are three areas of focus:1) Do the math. What is the cost of your change? Can you do it now? Do you need to save some cash? How much will you need to complete your transition?2) Factor in the timing? Are you able to begin today? Do you need a few months to prepare? When will you be ready?3) Consider the distraction. Will starting fast rock the boat and destabilize your current life? Will staying where you are cause more challenges? How will you reduce stress?The results you get from those questions will give you a good idea about your future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you striving for something different?I have a client who, after years of poor eating habits, had gained over 100 pounds. She decided to get healthy - and had no idea where to begin.My advice was simple.If your mind is telling you something you are doing is NOT who you are - give up what you are NOT.In her case, not exercising was making her somebody she didn’t want to be. Going to the gym wasn’t top of mind; it was just the first choice in the path to becoming herself. Are you not making enough money? Give up what is keeping you busy and try something new.Are you spending too much time with activities that are keeping you, NOT you? Please give it up and do things that feel you like.Be who you are, not who you are not. So simple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices