HAPPY THANKSGIVING: I AM HUNGRY!

Happy Thanksgiving!  I have so much to be thankful for, and the LIFE community is high on my list of blessings.  As I reflect on how many things I am thankful for and the amazing blessings in my life, I am also hungry!  I know you are thinking, "It is Thanksgiving Marc, and you are only thinking of turkey!?"
That is not what I mean. I am hungry for change and improvement for me, my family and my community. As many blessings as I know we all have, I also know we live in trying times. And right next to the list of what I am thankful for is my to-do list for our country. So much to do-but then I am reminded of an inscription:

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world would not change –
So I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country, but it too seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now I realize as I lie on my deathbed, if I had only changed myself first, then by example I might have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement I would then have been able to better my country,

And who knows, I might have even changed the world.

- inscription on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abbey

 I have a challenge for all of you.  As you are enjoying the smells and tastes of this great holiday and you are thanking God for all of your blessings, also be thinking of the things in yourself that you hunger to change and make better.  Not a list of things you wish to change, a list of personal mission. As Orrin Woodward says lets RESOLVE to change.

Create a list of gratitudes and a list of missions.  This world can and will be a better place.  Take the time to start with you, and who knows maybe we will all CHANGE THE WORLD!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND MAY GOD BLESS YOUR LIST

Marc

Earthworms For Sale!

A beautiful little Blue Jay flew high in the sky, proud of its plumage and beauty, knowing that as it flew, all eyes were turned on it.  The little Blue Jay was without a doubt the most admired bird in its community.
One day the little bird flew low, close to the tree tops. As he flew in and out among the trees, he spied a man dressed in black strolling down a little country lane. 
"Earthworms for sale. Earthworms for sale," the old man sang.
The little Blue Jay thought, "Oh, how I love earthworms! I wonder how much they are." 
Landing on the old man's shoulder, the little bird asked, "How much do you want for your earth worms?" 
"Oh, they're cheap," the old man answered. "Just one feather for one worm."
"Oh, how I love earthworms," the little bird thought. "No one would notice one little feather missing."
He plucked out one of his beautiful blue feathers and handed it to the old man in return for a delicious earthworm. Then he soared into the clouds, happy and content.
The following day the Blue Jay heard the old man again singing his song, 
"Earthworms for sale. Earthworms for sale."
"Oh, how I love earthworms," the little bird thought.  "That worm tasted so good yesterday, and no one even noticed that I had a feather missing. Maybe I'll have just one more."
So again he plucked a feather and traded it for another earthworm.
The same scene was repeated the next day, and the next, and the next--until he plucked one feather too many. After he'd purchased a final earthworm, he could no longer soar into the sky.  No matter how hard he flapped his wings, no matter how high he jumped, he couldn't catch the wind in his remaining feathers.  He was so dejected over what he had done, he crawled into the tall grass beside the road and died.
    Another Blue Jay flying overheard found his little friend, buried him under a giant oak tree, and placed the following on his headstone:  

Here lies a poor lost Blue Jay, 

Hush your note each bird that sings.  

Here lies a poor foolish Blue Jay, 

Who for earthworms sold his wings.

There are only two choices in life.  You can either soar with the birds that go after their goals and dreams or sell your feathers for second best and live in mediocrity.  The interesting part of this story is when you "sell your feathers" you don't even know you are until you can't fly anymore.  There is only one way to excellence, and that is to make a decision to never sell another feather. I mean never.

There will always be chances here or there to sell a feather,  but know, every time you do, you are farther from where your success lies. The only way I know to avoid selling feathers is to avoid having a plan B because no one has the feathers I have, and I was born to use those feathers to follow my God-given dreams.  I don't care what other featherless birds say, and I don't want to taste the earthworms of mediocrity.  My family has one plan, and we will keep our feathers to ourselves!

What about you?  Have you sold out to an earthworm-at-a-time philosophy or is it time for you to soar? My only advice if you choose to fly is to surround yourself with the right birds, and never look back to the ground-just soar to new heights! There is no plan B!!!

If you choose not to fly, I hope the earthworms were worth it...

IT IS ABOUT INFO + EXCITEMENT!!!!

I love the LIFE LEADERSHIP material!  I just finished listening to, The Margaritaville Concept by Chris Brady for the 3rd time. What a phenomenal cd; I love how Chris teaches the concept of developing your personal greatness.  After finishing the cd, I immediately called a local business leader and said, "I have a cd I think you will love that fits in with your philosophy, when can I drop it off?"

His response, "Can't wait to listen to it!"

Our Life Leadership material is fantastic!  More people need to listen to it and read it.  The way to make that happen is through one key:  EXCITEMENT!

What is the last fantastic cd you've listen to?  Or which book have you read lately that made a huge impact on you?  Why not take your excitement about the books and cds your are listening to and pick up the phone and share it with others?

 I would love to hear from you too.  Tell me about your favorite cds and books!  Can't wait to read your responses.

God Bless
Marc

RELENTLESS DREAMCHASERS

It is not the critic who counts, not the man that points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat!  -Theodore Roosevelt

I came across this while reading yesterday and it really struck me.  I realize that the people I respect most in life are the ones who stick their neck out, so I just wanted to take the time to thank all the men and women out there who go out of their comfort zones, who swim upstream, who attack the status quo and who stare mediocrity in the face and scream, "Get out of my life!"  It is not the easy way but it is the right way, and I appreciate every one of you.

I want to thank Orrin Woodward and his example of chasing excellence.  His example of doing the hard things and standing in the face of critics is the epitome of, People of integrity expect to be believed and when they are not they let time prove them right.

I choose to run with a pack of winners that choose everyday to leave the world of average and step into the arena of greatness and even when they lose a fight they know as long as they keep getting into the arena they will eventually get their victory.

This world needs more examples of solution oriented people, problem solving buttkickers, and relentless dreamchasers.  Those examples are the ones who will inspire the next generation, and I thank you for your example!  My children don't have to look far to see heroes in their lives.

PROBLEM OR SOLUTION?

Orrin Woodward has always taught me that hurting people hurt.  I am reminded often as I am out in the world that there are many hurting people.  Just in the last few days as I was walking through Walmart every conversation I heard was complaining about something or as I parked my car I witnessed road rage, and later I witnessed the anger and frustration of someone's life taken out through impatience and rudeness.  All of these in just the last few days!

It seems that everywhere I turn I am seeing these examples.  I don't know if it is happening more often or if I am just paying attention more, probably a little of both.  I then wondered how often I have shown that type of behavior.

After coming home last night and having the opportunity to see yet another example up close and personal of the hurt in this world,  I couldn't shake the feeling I had.  After a sleepless night and feelings of sadness and frustration I realized that the issue is not that it happens so often, because I can't control that, but what I do about it, what I can control.  And what I can do about it is how I react.  I have heard Gandhi's words many times, be the change you want to see in the world!

You can't change people but you can be an example for them.  The amazing information from the  LIFE business teaches how to be the change by being the example.  The question is, are we applying?

The more examples of fantastic attitudes, smiling faces, and serving hearts people see may just invite others to turn away from hurting and focus on first counting their own blessings and then on being a blessing to others. I choose to be part of this group, the group that knows the blessings they have and strives to be an example for others.  I don't want to part of the problem but part of the solution.

Smile at someone today, greet people with kind words, open a door for someone, show them your amazing attitude, go above and beyond, and show people an example that will be the change you want to see in the world. 

God Bless!

Marc

LeaderShift is on Its Way!

Orrin Woodward and Oliver DeMille on a book signing tour!

I am so excited about Orrin Woodward and Oliver DeMille's upcoming book, LeaderShift!  Having already read some of it, I can't wait for all of you to get your hands on this powerful book! 

Below is Orrin's post with all the upcoming book tour information.  I did highlight the Lansing location because I want to be sure that all of Michigan turns out in support of Orrin and the launch of this powerful book! Let's pack out the Lansing Center!!!

The LeaderShift is upon us!
God Bless
Marc

LeaderShift Book Signing Tour

Posted by Orrin Woodward on April 3, 2013

LeaderShift

Oliver DeMille and I will be hitting the road for a series of LeaderShift book signings across North America. I have never been so excited for the release of a book because I know this book addresses head-on the challenges facing Western Society. Oliver DeMille and I spent days discussing the challenges and developing proposed fixes based upon checking the ubiquitous Five Laws of Decline. If you are anywhere close to one of these locations, we would love to see you there. If you are not close, the good news is Hachette has committed to do another round of book signings if we pack out the current locations. It’s time to launch the LeaderShift for peace and prosperity ensured to posterity!
Sincerely,
Orrin Woodward

LeaderShift Speaking Engagements – $10 for general attendee, $5 with receipt of purchased LeaderShift book except on Tuesday’s Open Meeting night.

Tuesday, April 16th
Los Angeles, CA – Oliver DeMille
Book Signing: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Barnes & Noble, 901 B South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Free for LIFE Library Subscribers
Speaking Engagement: Right after Open around 9 pm,
Howard Johnson, Grand Ballroom, 22 W. Houston Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832

Madison, WI – Orrin Woodward
Book Signing: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Barnes and Noble, 7433 Mineral Point, Madison, WI 53717
Free for LIFE Library Subscribers
Speaking Engagement:  8:00pm, On Stage 9:00pm – 10 pm
Alliant Energy Center, Mendota 1-4, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713

Wednesday, April 17th
Sacramento, CA – Oliver DeMille
Book Signing:  5:30pm – 7:30pm
Barnes & Noble, 1725 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815
Speaking Engagement:  8:00pm, On Stage 8:30pm – 9:30pm,
DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento, Salon A, B, & C, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA 95815

Lansing,  MI – Orrin Woodward (This location is too big for any bookstore)
Book Signing at Lansing Center:  6:30pm – 7:30pm
Speaking Engagement: 8:00pm, On Stage 8:30pm – 9:30pm, Book Signing 9:30pm – 11:00pm
Lansing Center, Halls A & B, 333 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933

Thursday, April 18th
London, ON – Orrin Woodward
Book Signing: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Chapters, 1037 Wellington Road, London, Ontario N6E 1W4
Speaking Engagement:  8:00pm, On Stage 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Conference Center, Crystal Ballroom, 591 Wellington Road South,

London, ON N6C 4R3
Friday, April 19th
Salt Lake City, UT – Oliver DeMille
Book Signing: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Barnes & Noble, 1104 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Speaking Engagement: 8:00pm, On Stage 8:30pm – 9:30pm
South Towne Expo Center, 300CD, 9575 S. State Street, Sandy, Utah 84070

Columbus, OH – Orrin Woodward
Book Signing: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Book Loft, 631 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio  43206
Speaking Engagement:  8:00pm, On Stage 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Columbus Convention Center, Ballroom 4 & 5, 400 N High St, Columbus, OH  43215

Monday, April 22nd
Camp Hill, PA  – Orrin Woodward
Book Signing: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Barnes & Noble, 58 South 32nd Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Speaking Engagement:  8:00pm, On Stage 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Christ Community Church, 1201 Slate Hill Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011


Be sure to check out the LeaderShift promotional video at http://www.tenpercentleadershift.com.

Orrin Woodward The Story of LIFE

Hey Everyone, couldn't resist reposting this from Orrin Woodward! With the launch of Leadershift less than a month away, a world-renowned best-selling author decides to write the story of the LIFE business!  Can't wait to read it!  Hear is a portion of the introduction to the upcoming book about LIFE! 

The Story of the LIFE Business

Posted by Orrin Woodward on March 17, 2013

LIFE Business Story

The LIFE Business is an ongoing story. Each person who joins the LIFE community chooses which part, whether large or small, he or she will play. What happens when a world-renowned best-selling author is introduced to LIFE and begins studying the history of this movement? The short answer is a compelling story of hopes, dreams, struggles, failures, perseverance, and finally victory. Thankfully, he has decided to write up the story of LIFE. In my opinion, it is great timing because never before has a LeaderShift been more needed than now. Indeed, this is exactly what the LIFE community intends to do – create a leadershift! Here is a portion of the introduction in his upcoming book about LIFE. What part will you play in the story?

Sincerely

Orrin Woodward

LIFE Business Major Convention

LIFE Business Introduction

The fate of free enterprise is very much in doubt. By the first decade of the 21st Century, critics of free enterprise and modern democratic freedom had convinced many people that free enterprise is an outdated system, one that cares more about corporate profits than economic opportunity for everyone.

This problem was the result of a split between two approaches to free enterprise, the traditional type of freedom based on the cooperation of idealists and realists to share profits so everyone has the chance to succeed financially, versus a more cutthroat corporatist emphasis on what we might call “Skeptical Pragmatism,” or doing whatever is deemed most profitable regardless of who it hurts, and keeping most of the profits for a few elites.

In the midst of this growing divide, it was perhaps inevitable that new companies would arise to challenge the shift toward corporatism, and to once again champion traditional free enterprise. It is against this backdrop that the story of the LIFE business began.

It is a story set in a business world created by the likes of Jack Welch, Sam Walton, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. I will state my almost preposterous thesis here and now, as controversial as it may seem: Had history developed just slightly differently, the other names on this list would be those who created and expanded network marketing.

Indeed, network marketing should have been as big as WalMart. It would have been, except too many people at the top asked themselves, “Why would we only take a 10% profit when we could take 30%?”

The story of the LIFE business is the exact opposite. The top leaders asked, “Why would we take 30% of the profit when we could earn 10% and pass the rest to others in the business?”

Why would anyone do this? Did they miss the memo? Did they skip the unofficial lessons of many prestigious business schools?

Did they misunderstand capitalism? Or were they just less experienced, ambitious or visionary than their competitors on Wall Street?

This is the story of a company that dared to do it differently, to apply Sam Walton-like thinking to network marketing. Moreover, instead of soap, health drinks or other typical network marketing products, this is the story of a company that chose to build its central product line around the most American of exports—leadership.

This is not a story of perfect men or women, or a feel-good tale of continual success without major difficulties. Far from it. This is a story of men and women, ordinary individuals who faced extraordinary challenges with hard work, resilience, and, above all, persistence.

It is a story of people who believed in an idea, and who refused to let it go—even when it almost cost them everything. It is a story of a few men and women who would not bend to the “normal” business trends that created elitism and corporatism in the modern economy. Some may say it is a story of courage, while others might argue that more “sophisticated” businessmen wouldn’t have so stubbornly held to their ideals and risked it all.

But whatever else it is, this is a story about families, friendships, and principles. In a way, it would more naturally fit into the storylines of past centuries, where leaders were expected to stand up, stand out, take on the establishment and blaze new trails based on firmly-held beliefs. In our modern world of political correctness, group therapy, management by committee, and the drive to “fit in” and pursue popularity at all costs, the concept of standing up against the system because “it’s the right thing to do” may seem amusingly archaic to some people.

Yet that is exactly how LIFE came about. This is the story of a leader, indeed of a team of leaders, who set out to build a widespread community of leaders. And while such a story may feel anachronistic in the 21st Century, it may just be the type of story that will redeem this generation.

Could it be that the “success bias” of our modern world is desperately in need of what Stephen Covey called “the character ethic?” Do we live in a world where the most important leadership principle is a desperately-needed acknowledgement that character counts? If so, the story of the LIFE business is a story for our times.

It is a story unfinished, however. The more time I spent interviewing the main characters, researching and studying the events, documents and details of this story, the more I felt that writing this story was like writing about Sam Walton in the 1960s, before WalMart was a worldwide phenomenon. While the future of LIFE remains to be seen, the unique beginning of this business is a story worth telling in its own right. To paraphrase Santayana, the future remains in the future, and the best we can do is learn (hopefully) from the past.

Whatever your business or career, your level of education or status in society, the story of the LIFE business is a case study of what can happen when an ancient set of leadership principles (based on idealism, frugality, hard work and integrity) are applied in a modern business environment dominated by pragmatism. Every modern leader struggles with this very challenge, and this story is therefore deeply relevant for today’s leaders in every sector and field.

BE THE BIG EXPECTATION

Orrin Woodward has always said be the example you want to see.  I was thinking about this on this snowy morning, and realized if we all just did this, what a different world it would be.

Most people would rather manage than lead.  I know this because I hear a lot of people talk about what people are not doing as if one person was responsible for their lack of results...... If so and so would just do.....BLAH BLAH..... that's the reason I'm not .......BLAH BLAH.

I will admit I've been caught in this trap myself, and I can also say, being there has only hurt my own accomplishments.

As a leader, I have learned that no one is responsible for my success but me. And because I understand this, I know that the best thing I can do is not expect big things from people but be the big expectation for people to follow.  Being the expectation is the only way to ensure that I'm leading and not managing.

One of my biggest breakthroughs is understanding this principle.  Every time I want to wonder why someone else is not doing, I "pull that weed" and say "Let your efforts rise above your excuses!" By 100% owning my efforts I can be free to do amazing things.

The LIFE business and LIFE training are fantastic tools to learn to be the big expectation and the example for others to follow because they supply everything a person needs to know about leading from the front .  When I read and listen every day I take steps toward owning my results. When I associate with others who seek to "own" their success I take more steps, and by implementing what I learn by reading, listening and associating I break into a run toward success.

I challenge you to LET YOUR EFFORTS RISE ABOVE YOUR EXCUSES and to be the BIG EXPECTATION!

To paraphrase Gandhi, what a difference we will make when we decide to be the change we wish to see in the world.

YOUR BIGGEST NUGGET FROM TOP 5 IN 5?

The top 5 books in the LIFE program are amazing!  That is why they are the top 5.   I know several of you took part in our Top 5 in 5 months Challenge.  Now that it's complete,  I would love to hear from you.  What was the biggest nugget you took way from the top 5?

 I know for me, my biggest nugget this time through was the difference between approving and appreciating.  We need to find "common ground" with people to find something to approve, but we also need to raise people in value and let them know how much they mean to us and our organization to truly appreciate them!  Orrin Woodward is excellent example of both approving and appreciating so glad to have a mentor who lives out the top 5 books right in front of me!

So, now that you've finished all 5 books, what's your biggest nugget?  Can't wait to learn from you!

God Bless,
Marc

Clear the FOG!

This morning God decided to give me a visual lesson about the power of goals and vision, and it was so good, I couldn't just keep it for myself.

As many of you know, our oldest daughter, Kali, has owned a horse for 6 years.  She's had a few through the years, but with that aside, she has had horses as the focal point of her life for 6 years.  She talks about horses, wants to ride every horse she can, she loves her cowboy boots and her camo jacket. She has decorated her brand new bedroom in a western theme!  She has horse shoes and a barn wood mirror, and her dresser and nightstand are made from beautiful, distressed wood that a true horse-lovin country girl looks at with love!  Kali's life leaves a lot of clues about what she loves the most: HORSES. 

Kali lives her life in such a way that a perfect stranger could identify her life focus.  That's pretty impressive.  However, for all the visual horse equipment on display there was no fire burning inside.  She had all the outward signs, but inside it has been empty for awhile.  Because of all the "gear" she has, only those closest to her would even know that the passion was dwindling down.  

As parents, sometimes we forget that our role isn't just laundry, chuaffeuring and discipline.  We're mentors to our children as well.  We are our child's leader.  

As Kali's leaders, we identified our daughter had lost her way, and it was time for her to have an office visit with Dad.  Last Wednesday Kali and I sat in Dad's office for some mentoring.  (It's so cool that what we do applies to our entire lives!)  

We talked and listened and she talked, cried, expressed frustration and confusion and for an hour and a half we worked her through what the real challenge was:  No focus.  She had too many goals!  She had no vision of which direction she wanted to go.  She was immersed in the midst of her love and her passion and was absolutely lost and therefore, she was going nowhere. 

So Marc left her with three tasks to complete:  

1. Narrow her focus and choose which direction truly was her passion.

2. Decide if she was willing to do the work.

3. Set goals.  

The next morning we left for the LifeTeam Leadership Convention and left her time to sort through her own thoughts.   

Four days passed, and Kali had listened to her Dad and done the hardest work:  The thinking work.  

Last night, Marc and I were heading home and I received an excited call from Kali.  "Mom, I have to ride tomorrow!" she said.  "So, I'm thinking 8:30am."  

8:30 am??? Tomorrow?  8:30?  hmmmmmm.   "Ok", I said.  But what I was really thinking is, "What happened to my daughter?"  

Kali is awesome, and has many tremendous qualities, but getting out of bed in the morning isn't on that list!  Kali equates the need for sleep with the need for oxygen! And she does NOT like getting up in the morning.  So, to be honest, I thought, we'll see about this.  Besides, she told ME to wake her up so we could go.

I set my alarm for 7:30am.  The alarm went off, I checked the weather and saw it was 3 degrees and happily turned off my alarm.  Kali doesn't ride went it's 23 degrees, there is NO way she's getting up this early and going outside when it's 3 degrees outside!!!!!!!!!!  Awesome.  My pillow felt great this morning, and I was happy to stay under the covers.

I was wrong.  1 hour later, my daughter stood next to my bed, fully dressed with a smile on her face saying, "Mom!"  It's time to go!  Get ready!"

I told her it was only 3 degrees thinking that would stop her.  It didn't.  She said,  "So, I still want to go, and you said you'd take me."

I got out of bed and drove her to the barn.  It was strange at first.  My daughter, who is normally less than happy in the morning was talking my ear off telling me all kinds of stories asking me questions, smiling from ear to ear.  She was so happy to be going to the barn!   

When we arrived, she and her horse had so much fun.  They were literally playing follow the leader in the arena! Running and playing and equally enjoying the fun they were having! (It's 3 degrees out remember!)  She was laughing and smiling and fully alive!  I had fun just watching them.  Her utter joy-filled passion made me feel the same way!  

The drive home was the same.  She laughed and asked me questions and talked and smiled.  She never once complained it was cold, though her cheeks were bright red from being out in the cold.  She never once said anything about cold hands or feet.  She had zero complaints and only smiles and joy! 

What happened to my daughter?  What changed so drastically and quickly?  What relit the fire for her passion?  

FOCUS.  VISION. GOALS.  

That's it.  My daughter, through her mentor/father, was able to clear the fog and re-find her way!  That's ALL she did.  She got a focus, a vision of where she was going and she set some goals to get there.

Think about that.  She had EVERYTHING she needed to be considered a true, camo-colored cowgirl!  She had all the tools.  She had all the right words.  She had the skills and talent.  She had the love for the sport.  And she had no passion UNITL she got a focus, a vision and set some goals!

So, what about you?  Do you have everything you need to play the game of LIFE and none of the passion?  It could be that you're like Kali, and you've just lost your way a bit.  It might be time for you to confront the brutal reality and realize, you can have everything and be going no where if you don't have a game plan to get there!

Don't let another passion-less day go by!  Get FOCUSED!  Get a VISION of where you are going!  Set GOALS and make a game plan to get there!  And relight your passion!  

It's time to live the LIFE you've always wanted, and there is no better time than now to start!  

God Bless!

Kristine 

PUSH YOURSELF INTO NEW TERRITORY

As I woke up this morning, following my regular routine of checking in on the world, I was saddened by one of the lead stories.  The article was on 10 Easy to Keep Resolutions. As I think of the culture of our country, it just gives me more validation that people are just focused on easy and immediate.  The only reward for that kind of thinking is a false sense of confidence. True self-confidence or self worth doesn't come from setting easy goals.  You're only faking yourself out when you do that.  Have you really accomplished anything when you set an "easy to reach" goal?  Self worth comes from challenging yourself.  It comes from getting out of your comfort zone.  It comes from raising the bar on yourself and shooting for the moon!

The interesting part of this morning is that Kristine and I just finished setting 100 goals for 2013 and none of them were off the easy to reach list!  The experience was exciting, and yet I feel the pressure of what we put on paper.  I feel that way because I didn't write them down easily.  They are written there to be accomplished!  I believe people choose the easy goals because they are trying to push away the pressure that real, substantial goals put upon you.  But realize, those pseudo, "easy" goals are just a mirage!  You NEED the pressure to become great!  It's only when you push yourself into new territory that you can accomplish what your heart truly desires.

The Militello family has decided to make 2013 our best year ever.  How do I know this?  I just made the decision!  The choice is mine!  I'm not trying to say I can choose to make my year great by wishing it so; I'm saying that no matter what comes my way I WILL make 2013 my best year ever through my effort, attitude and faith.  James 4:13-16 says, Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 

The Lord willing, 2013 will be our best year in RESULTS too! Regardless, I resolve to be my very best.  

I am a blessed man to be around the LIFE Business community of people who are also striving for excellence.  They help me keep the bar high on myself.  I also have a mentor who expects the best from me.  I hope you have a mentor who does the same for you. 

I am ready for 2013, are you?  If you're not, and don't know where to start, author Chris Brady has some excellent information on goal setting.    

Get yourself ready and start writing down your goals!  I'm excited to hear your goals and thoughts on what you're going to do to make your 2013 an amazing year! Please share. 

God Bless
Marc