Tag: Inner Fire

See Your Past Challenges Optimistically: The Key To Growing Forward

Written on March 15, 2016.

Adversity shapes all of us. How it does so is completely connected to how positively we look back on the adverse moments of our past. I was reminded of that at a recent speech I had the chance to deliver for California Pizza Kitchen. One of the best parts of traveling the country as a speaker is being able to hear other great speakers share their stories. It’s a key part of my own personal growth and one of best...

“Why not you?”—The Immeasurable Heart of Russell Wilson

Written on January 27, 2015.

“Why not you?” These simple words were spoken to Russell Wilson by his father, Harrison, and they would change his life. Years before his Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson was a high-school senior and multi-sport athlete, torn between a baseball career and football dreams. The Baltimore Orioles had drafted him straight out of high school with a guarantee of a million dollar contract. Deep down,...

New Year’s Resolutions Are Made to Be Broken… So Break the Mold!

Written on January 15, 2015.

If you’re anything like me, by now you’ve probably put off your New Year’s resolution at least once, haven’t you? Let’s face it. Resolutions often dissolve as quickly as they are developed. Research has shown that for many of us, nothing really changes after New Year’s Day. According to Forbes Magazine, only 8% of people actually keep their resolutions. This uncomfortable truth begs the question: Why do so many of...

Fighting is Winning: In Memory of Stuart Scott

Written on January 6, 2015.

ESPN commentator and journalist Stuart Scott was a true example of a life lived Greatly. He had a warrior’s spirit, epitomized class and courage, and had an unshakable will to live. On Sunday, January 4, the sports world was saddened with the news that Scott—one of the most recognizable and beloved sportscasters of our time— had lost his battle to cancer. It pained me deeply to know that one of my favorite individuals...

Feedback is the Breakfast of Champions

Written on December 10, 2014.

A couple of weeks ago, I did a webinar on leadership for a company in the Midwest. After that event, we sent out a survey to those who participated. We wanted them to freely share their thoughts on the experience. My excitement was high at the thought of hearing their responses, but I was disappointed when a few of the respondents wrote some very strongly worded comments that were not particularly positive. The truth...

Which is More Important: Resiliency v. “Game Control?”

Written on December 3, 2014.

I love college football and a couple of years ago, when I learned that a decision had been made to implement a four-team playoff, I was overjoyed. As a fan, the move excited me because instead of relying on computers and polls, we’d have an actual committee to evaluate which teams had earned the right to battle for the national title…then let the championship be decided on the field. But as this season has progressed,...

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.

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...