Tag: Chasing Greatness Blog

Losing Weight and Finding Meaning

Written on August 12, 2014.

Every once in a while I write about the importance of learning from your losses. No one has learned more than Joe Ostaszewski. Ostaszewski—former defensive lineman for Florida State University and the NFL’s Miami Dolphins—was recently a finalist and season favorite on the hit-show the Biggest Loser. Ostaszewski fully committed himself to changing his life and went from 364 lbs to 217—a loss of a staggering 147 pounds!...

Use Fear — Good Fear that is — as Motivation!

Written on August 5, 2014.

Have you ever used fear as motivation? This may seem adverse to some people but, if channeled correctly, good fear can be a powerful stimulus in creating change. The Great ones in the sports and business worlds all know how to use their emotions to their advantage, and I cannot think of a better example of this principle than Tony La Russa. Throughout his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, he has used good fear to...

Fighting is Winning

Written on July 29, 2014.

Have you watched someone give a highly emotional presentation and wondered how in the world they held it together? Recently, I had one of those moments as I witnessed ESPN commentator and journalist Stuart Scott give a deeply personal speech—and I still cannot figure out how he managed to maintain his composure as he spoke of the struggles he has faced.

Celebrating the Everyday Heroes

Written on July 1, 2014.

Editor’s Note: In honor of July 4th, I wanted to share this story written by Brian Kilmeade of Fox News, my co-author on George Washington’s Secret Six, about some ideas we discussed together on celebrating the everyday heroes who contribute to our country’s greatness in both big and small ways. When I set out to research the story of the Culper Spy Ring, I had no idea where it would take me. What resulted was a dynamic...

The Spurs Model: Know What Matters

Written on June 24, 2014.

No matter your opinion of them as a team, you have to agree that the San Antonio Spurs are a model of consistency, winning… and diversity. Each of the seven foreign-born players on their roster was an integral component to the team’s success. One of the breakout stars for the Spurs has been backup point guard Patty Mills, who delivered an incredible performance in the fifth game of the NBA Finals against the Miami...

Failure is an option

Written on June 5, 2014.

If you are a sports fanatic, like me, then you’ll agree that this time of year is a sports fan’s dream. There are a multitude of high profile events that can satisfy anyone: the French Open, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Playoffs, and much, much more. Since I am not much of a commercial guy, I rely on my DVR to help me speed through my programs. But lately, I have discovered a commercial that was strong enough to make me...

It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish

Written on May 12, 2014.

Graduation season is here! During the month of May, hundreds of thousands of new graduates are leaving high school and college to begin a new phase of their lives—whether in a new city or a new career. This is a season of anticipation and promise. It is a time period where people have high expectations for their future. The future is undeniably bright for these young people. But what advice can be given to those who...

Made for the Moment

Written on May 9, 2014.

Like many of you, I am tired of the entire Donald Sterling scandal. I wish the guy would just go away. But sometimes in a moment like this you see something Greater than the story, and what I saw in Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was a man made for the moment.

Increase Your Value by Managing Your PACE Performance

Written on May 5, 2014.

The NFL Draft starts this week and the players who will be selected have been poked, prodded, measured and analyzed. They have run 40-yard dashes, lifted weights and shown off specific skill sets for their potential employers. They have taken the Wonderlic — a timed logic and reasoning test that is used to gauge calm and critical thinking in a high-pressure environment. But in recent weeks I have talked to several...