Tag: Writing

A Perfect Time for Greatness

Written on August 9, 2012.

Through my experiences writing about some of the GREATEST athletes the sports world has ever known, I’ve learned that GREATNESS doesn’t happen by chance. Sometimes it’s the ability to do the “Right Thing” at the “Right Time” that makes one truly GREAT.

A Few Words From the Memorial Service of Stephen Covey

Written on July 25, 2012.

Saturday, my wife and I were in Salt Lake City with thousands of others to attend the memorial service for Stephen Covey. Covey was one of the most influential business authors of our generation, having penned the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People in 1989 and then watched as the book sold more than 20 million copies. He authored several other amazing books that combined to sell another 20 million copies.

Thinking Your Way Out of a Slump!

Written on July 18, 2012.

Former Yankees catcher Yogi Berra once said, “Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.” Yogi, one of the best interviews you could ever imagine, was clearly not a math major, but he did have a point. Mental strength is a huge differentiator between winners and losers.

Have You Thanked Your Competition Today?

Written on July 5, 2012.

I had a speech last week in Nebraska and before I caught my flight home, I made my way over to the US Olympic Swimming Trials in Omaha to catch up with two of the greatest competitors on the planet. Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte have established in the pool what Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer had on the golf course or Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe had on the tennis courts. Anytime they are in the same event, all...

Recapturing Gold, Restoring Pride

Written on June 21, 2012.

As the USA Men’s Basketball Team heads to London as the favorite to win gold, it’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, even medaling at the Olympics seemed an uncertain prospect. A series of embarrassing setbacks, including a horrific showing in the 2004 Games, left many wondering whether the rest of the world had caught—and passed—the United States in a game created in America. That’s when longtime National...

One Last Father’s Day Tribute

Written on June 20, 2012.

On Sunday, while celebrating with my two little ones, I read a dozen or so wonderful Father’s Day tributes on the internet. Many of you probably did the same. A couple were from famous men writing notes to their grandchildren. That afternoon I sat down and imagined what my father, who passed away in 1999, would have written to my son and daughter based on the life he lived.

Don’t just get a Ph.D in life…

Written on June 13, 2012.

Warrick Dunn is one of the most exceptional people I’ve ever met. Warrick played 13 years in the NFL, becoming the smallest player in the league’s history to carry the football for more than 10,000 yards. While in high school, his mother, a police officer, was killed during a robbery at a bank. When Warrick made it to the NFL, he started a foundation and continues today to help buy homes for single mothers like his....

Changing the World, One Pencil at a Time

Written on May 30, 2012.

One of the greatest parts of my work as a speaker is getting to watch other presenters at events share their amazing stories. A couple of weeks ago, at a celebration of a company’s top performers, I met Adam Braun (adam@pencilsofpromise.org) and it was a jaw-dropper. I couldn’t wait to join in the standing ovation.