patience Archives - Page 2 of 4

✏ Millennials Will Succeed

“Millennials don’t just want to read the news anymore. They want to know what they can do about it.

— Ian Somerhalder

We hope you enjoy this guest blog post from our leadership apprentice, Jayden Mount

As of 2018, Millennials are poised to pass Baby Boomers as the largest living generation in the world, and already make up more than 70% of the workplace. Millennials are a generation that has been called lazy, raised with technology that uses social media as a platform for instant gratification, both positively or negatively. And their decisions, opinions, and lifestyles are influencing an entire generation.

With Millennials, the leadership mindset is changing for the better, and they define authentic leadership with these six characteristics:

Strategic Thinkers – These types of leaders think critically; they tend to be analytical by seeing the bigger picture and trusting the process.
Inspirational – This leader motivates their team through positive influence and a trusting environment. They can shift the mindset regardless of conditions.
Interpersonally Skilled – Leaders like this is highly effective at communication, and they know how to create confidence and pride within their team.
Visionary – Visionary leaders teach their team how to set realistic goals and reach them — they are especially adept at knowing when to change the path to successfully guide and lead. They also have the skill to visualize and communicate that vision to their team, which is critical to their success.
Decisive – Big decisions are sometimes risky but this leader knows how to boost their team in the right way. Through experience, they know what it takes to be successful and they don’t allow the fear of accountability to impede their process.
Passionate – Passionate leaders are always there at the right time, pushing their team to the next level, excited with the process, and take pride in guiding their team in the right direction.

“You Don’t Need Permission to be Yourself.”

Millennials will succeed because of their determination to change the world. Some label them as passive, but Millennials tend to refer to it as grit. It’s that ability to persevere and take on challenges that may seem outside of the box to generations that preceded them. But that is the trait that makes this generation of innovators motivated to create breakthroughs.

Ironically, those that tend to judge the behaviors of Millennials most are those who raised them. There’s an old saying, “When the son swears, slap the father.” But this generation grew up in a much different environment than any other generation, and their behavior reflects that. What some may see as challenges, they see as opportunities. They ask questions because they want to learn. They seek improvement, and strive to be the best they can. They take pride in commitment and instead of asking “why”, they ask, “why not?”

This is thinking outside of the box, and that tends to scare the status quo. Millennials believe they should seek improvement and avoid the mindset of “this is how it’s always been done”. It’s that creativity and passion that drive this generation to believe they really can make an impact in the world.

Although ambiguous for some to understand, social media has become a voice to connect and understand the world. What some call instant gratification, Millennials think of as immediate feedback. Social media is the new form of communication, and they are the most experienced at using it — but like most things, there are pros and cons associated with it. Their challenge will be to continue learning how to be more constructive, as opposed to destructive in their attempt to communicate.

In Time, the Innovation of This Generation Will Be Lauded as a Period
of Dramatic Breakthrough and Impact Beyond Expectation.

Connecting the world through leadership and influence will not be easy, but this new generation of leaders will get the job done. They have already become the largest generation in the workforce today, and will soon overtake the Baby Boomers as the largest living generation. Technology and social media have made our world more connected and efficient. Millennials need to use that to their advantage, while make a conscious effort to develop the six key characteristics discussed about, to become tomorrow’s successful leaders.

Jayden Mount

Charge Up Leadership Apprentice

#legacy #hero #chargeup #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership #leadership #lead #process #strongleader #patience #leadershipjourney #resilience #failure #success #moveforward #adversity #areyouready #leadandfollow #mentorship #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower #buildforsuccess #motivate #beyou #gratitude #integrity #starttoday #humility

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©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2019 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

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✏ A Question Before Sleep: Impact

How many of you have difficulty sleeping because as you lie in bed, it seems that every single thought of what needs to be done tomorrow enters your brain, and you become fixated on it? For most of us, including myself, it has become a routine – and it needs to be broken.

We work all day, spending more time at the office than with our family in most cases. Once home, we convince ourselves that we have balance in our lives by spending time with our families and friends, but the reality is that as long as we have our mobile phone with us, we can never be truly focused enough on one thing to make an impact. The phone is our “Swiss Army Knife”; it can do anything at any time to get us out of a bind.

If you think you have a lot on your mind, though, imagine how much was weighing on the shoulders of one of the eight Founding Fathers who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, Benjamin Franklin. Instead of dwelling on what he didn’t do, he had a ritual of concluding each evening with a simple question . . .

I believe there is one type of leadership that encompasses the qualities and traits that serve as the foundation of any effective and efficient leader. Remember, to lead is to influence, create impact, and serve others. It’s not necessarily a singular focus on profitability while ignoring the efforts of those on the front line. I am not a Pollyanna — profitability is vital to the very existence of any business — but have we lost touch with what this generation of aspiring leaders need most?

Connection

The only way to meet that need and be successful in their growth comes from one leadership style.

Servant Leadership

“What good did I do today?”

— Benjamin Franklin

Wait!? Is it really that simple? For close to 250 years, this has been an option to people, but instead, we consciously choose to focus on the projects we didn’t complete, the phone calls we didn’t return, the meetings that had no closure, or the misinterpreted comments we can’t let go of from a co-worker. People have become millionaires selling us journals, project agendas, and success manuals on how to structure our days efficiently and effectively, when all this time, we should have been listening to good old Ben!

The perfect day is going to bed with a dream, and waking up with a purpose!

You need to have the mindset that every day is an opportunity to start over, start strong, and start fresh. Each morning the sun rises, and you are blessed to live another day. You can make a positive impact through influence, innovation, and breakthroughs. But it takes a routine of seeing your path clearly, and that includes recognizing the good with the bad.

Personally, I have a gratitude list. Some nights it’s on paper, other nights I write notes on my phone, or if I am in bed, I may have to chicken scratch on random note paper. My goal is to identify five things that I am most grateful for that day. The trick is, they can’t be obvious ones, like a roof over my head, the health of my family, or the opportunity to provide. They also can’t be the same every day. I force myself to think much deeper and identify not only the gratitude that others have given to me but things that I have consciously done to influence the lives of others.

I was taught early on that gratitude is outward. In other words, don’t look for things to come your way to be grateful. Instead, be proactive, and work toward making an impact on others for positive change. What people don’t understand is it’s so simple to be kind . . . holding a door for someone, looking a person in the eyes when they speak to you and listening to them instead of just hearing them. Or using phrases like, “please”, “thank you”, “yes sir”, “no ma’am”, acknowledging the success of others before yourself, bringing positive energy into a room, writing a note to somebody who may be having a rough patch in life, or picking up the phone and surprising a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while with a call.

It is not happiness that brings us gratitude. It is gratitude that brings us happiness.

If you are looking for a simple, straightforward routine that will make you much more productive and happy the following day, this is an easy routine to get you started. The secret? Let your own voice be louder than the one in your head and take inventory of what positive impact you made that day. It doesn’t matter if it affected one or many; the little things add up to make extraordinary changes in our lives.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ What’s the Worst: How to Leave the Comfort Zone

You know the scenario — it’s time to make a tough decision for the team and before the discussion has even ended, your heart rate increases and the sweat starts to form on your forehead. The fear is deafening. What will you do? What’s the safe choice? How has it always been done? What requires the least risk?

If you’re waiting for a sign, here it is!

Enter the comfort zone, otherwise known as the “Lazy Boy” of the mind.

Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s time to challenge yourself to go beyond mediocrity and take steps toward innovation. If you want change, and you truly believe change is needed, you must raise the bar and get comfortable being uncomfortable. Ask yourself the question, “What’s the worst that can happen if I step outside my comfort zone?” Don’t operate under the fearful impression that hard work and thinking outside the box will automatically be deemed as inexcusable. With the right leadership, your courage will be rewarded.

Did Coke close the company down after it only sold 25 gallons of syrup in its first year?

Did Michael Jordan quit basketball after he was cut from his high school team?

Did Colonel Sanders quit on his dream of Kentucky Fried Chicken when he started at the age of 60?

All of these stories stem from the same motivation. It’s that willingness to abandon the comfort zone and push aside the fear of failure to discover your true purpose. Everything takes both skill and will, but neither come into the equation without risk.

Living a fulfilled life requires you to challenge yourself to realize that you have complete control of your happiness. Every time you push yourself to discover something new, you are growing as a person. Confidence becomes a mindset, and you control your destiny. Instead of asking, “Why do I have to make this decision?,” you start saying, “What is the worst that can happen?!”

It starts with having a well-thought out plan, the right resources and an enthusiasm to challenge the norm. It’s about visualizing what could be and setting goals to achieve that dream. It is having an answer for each barrier disguised as risk.

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what, they haven’t planned for you. Not much.”

— Jim Rohn

If you don’t make a commitment to personal growth, you risk feeling regret because you had complete control, but you didn’t seize the opportunity and act. The old saying is so true: in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. Why put yourself in that position, when all it takes is the courage to step outside your comfort zone and take a risk? For some, this extremely difficult. Being vulnerable is exposing yourself for everyone to see, and it’s certainly not for everybody.

However, if you want to create change, all you need is a few seconds of courage at the right moment for something amazing to happen. Bottom line, your will to succeed must be greater than your fear to fail.If you have a plan and a piece of it fails, it’s not a stop sign. It’s just a hint that you must find a new way to approach the barrier.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

— Wayne Gretzky

Step out of the comfort zone and allow your voice to be louder than the one in your head telling you to slow down. Move forward to take the risk head on. Open yourself up to the vulnerability of establishing the new you. It is when you have that breakthrough that your real life begins. Instead of rerouting your journey as a result of adversity, you eliminate the barriers and move forward. It is one of the most rewarding feelings you will ever have.

Take every chance. Drop every fear.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ One Leadership Style You Must Know

I have an epiphany – that “a-ha” moment where something strikes you, and everything makes sense. For years I have researched about leadership; read books, watched videos, and listened to thought leaders explain precisely what characteristics define an effective and efficient leader.

I have studied nearly every leadership style: the “Visionary,” “Autocratic,” “Laissez Fair,” “Pacesetter,” “Bureaucratic,” and “Transactional”. Each shares various elements with another, but they’re still unique and appropriate for different people and various situations. While I understood them, what confused me can all be summed up in a straightforward question.

WHY DO WE CONTINUE TO MAKE LEADERSHIP SO DIFFICULT TO DEFINE?

I believe there is one leadership style that encompasses the qualities and traits that serve as the foundation of any effective and efficient leader. Remember, to lead is to influence, to serve others; it’s not necessarily a singular focus on profitability while ignoring the efforts of those on the front line. I am not a Pollyanna — profitability is vital to the very existence of any business — but have I fear that we’ve lost touch with what this generation of aspiring leaders need most . . .

CONNECTION.

The only way to meet that need and be successful in the growth of others comes from one leadership style . . .

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

“The servant-leader is a servant first. It begins with a natural feeling that one wants to serve…as opposed wanting power, influence, fame, or wealth.”

— Robert K. Greenleaf

To make a positive impact on those you lead, an effective leader must establish trust and empathy. That leader must be authentic and sincere with a sense of gratitude toward the dedication and passion his or her subordinates exhibit. When describing a servant leader, words such as humble, self-aware, and stewardship are used. A strong servant leader takes a tremendous amount of pride in being a mentor, because they understand that their job is not to create more followers, but rather more leaders.

Most professionals develop their leadership style as a result of their personalities. That works, except those who still feel as if manipulation, ego, and guilt are acceptable. Some leaders are still stuck in management by fear approach, instead of one based on respect. There are still far too many who rely upon title, authority, and rank to call themselves a leader.

“The difference between effective and ineffective leaders is not
what they know, it is what they do.”

— Todd Whitaker

Employee attrition is an epidemic taking place that is entirely preventable. We just need to spend the appropriate amount of time training those in leadership positions to ensure they are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to lead. We pour money into elaborate training programs for our employees but fail to allocate those same resources for the people we empower to lead.

Although I say “Servant Leadership” is the most effective, I want to be precise. I also subscribe to elements of Coaching, Visionary, and Transformational leadership, as well. I do so because they are so closely aligned to servant leadership. It’s adding that element of dedicating yourself to a purpose and coming to the realization that true fulfillment comes from helping others. That is the very essence of servant leadership.

“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem
of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”

— Sam Walton

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ Press Forward

Average people will not be successful or effective leaders because they have no desire to press forward, pushing themselves to the point where innovation and breakthrough begin. Average people lack the tenacity and willingness to face challenging problems head-on. Average people understand that you cannot allow obstacles to change the course.

ARE YOU AVERAGE?

If you have accepted the challenge to lead others, you are not average. You have made a commitment to influence positively and achieve things more significant than yourself. This is why leadership is earned, not given. This is why leadership is a privilege.

With any goal you want to reach, there will be opposition and adversity — and you have to be prepared to press forward to get through it. The slightest bit of doubt at any point in the mission can interfere with achieving your objectives.

Champions know the climb to the top isn’t easy, but they plan for unexpected events.

As a leader, you will need to press forward, and you must make quick decisions – but it needs to be the right decision. That intuition will come from experience and the confidence to act will come from passion. You will encounter those who are afraid to follow because it is outside their comfort zone, but that will be where your purpose and passion serve as the key to unlock their potential and elicit greatness out of them that they would not have otherwise even known they had.

The path you charted may not be the actual one you take on your journey, there will be unexpected turns and challenges faced, but you must keep pressing forward. Do not ever give up on your dreams; live with the belief that everything is possible with the right mindset and motivation.

“Keep pressing forward, never turn back!
Because the future is waiting while the past is gone.”

Nilufer Guney

Your instincts should reflect your character – the very essence of who you are as a person. You are dedicated to being a leader who doesn’t create followers but more leaders. You take on the approach of a champion’s mentality in everything you do.

This is called pride.

It is the only way you operate, because you are working on creating a long-term legacy.

You don’t really understand the concept of quitting, because that option should never enter your mind. Instead of saying, “I can’t,” you say, “how can I?” You should have the attitude of, “Here is the mountain, now let’s move it!” You should press forward each day with the same purpose and passion that lead you to your position of responsibility.

“Whatever you’re facing today, keep going. Keep moving.
Keep hoping. There is a victory on the other side!”

— Mandy Hale

Be like a clock on the wall, never moving backward, only forward.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ Living An Infinite Life

Imagine life as a game of baseball.

Picture the beautifully maintained green lawn, the smooth infield sand, and the perfectly chalked lines. As a fan, you take in this panoramic view of the baseball diamond and all of your stresses magically disappear. For the players, the ground they will battle is pristine and inspiring. As they cross the lines of the infield, they find themselves lost in the moment.

“Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.”

— Yogi Berra

There is a saying in sports that once you enter the field of play, and cross the line from the everyday world into the game, you leave all your worries behind and play for the love of the game. This is how the most successful athletes create a trigger for their mindset to kick in. Once they step on that field, they are in their world, and there are no distractions.

Baseball would be called a “finite” experience.

“Finite” is defined as having boundaries and can measured.

Now, let’s discover a world of “infinite” experiences.

“Infinite” is defined as something limitless or impossible to measure. There are no restrictions. Those that believe in this are the ones that tend to “think outside the box.”

“To define yourself is to limit yourself. Without labels, you remain the infinite being.”

— Deepak Chopra

It is within this “infinite thinking” that breakthrough and innovation occur. Without a set of standards defining the boundaries of our imagination, the possibilities are limitless. We have the opportunity to defy all odds by pushing the envelope and getting comfortable being uncomfortable. It is within this space where leaders thrive, and their creativity and passion stand out because they feel completely free.

It is easy to fall into the trap of living through policy and procedure manuals, protocols, flow charts, and traditional thinking – we all do it. However, as old as the saying goes, and it is so true – “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.”

Sometimes, the only way you will set yourself apart as a leader is to kick the barriers down and starting asking “why.” You know you are on your way to something as soon as you hear the response, “That’s just how we’ve always done it.” That reply is your starting gun to be the one willing to take the extra step and jump off the cliff.

There are no finish lines in life or business. We can always improve on something. There are opportunities all around us that don’t even involve critical thinking, just an awareness that they exist. Be open-minded and see everything in front of you so that you can explore and discover. Bring your teams into the discussions and teach them to go beyond expectations into a world where work becomes a passion.

It is time to tear the walls down around you, and refuse to constrict yourself by a set of standards that society has arbitrarily developed and placed to enforce conformity. Don’t live finitely; step out of that space because you will not learn toughness in a comfortable environment.The only way you will grow is through a mindset of infinity, where innovation and breakthroughs are limitless, and you are in complete control.

That is the life that you were meant to live. That is where complete fulfillment comes from, an expanding world of discovery and imagination where there is no finish line, but rather a never-ending realm of possibility.

This is you, an idealist who can make an impact and do incredible things.

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be only afraid of standing still.”

— Chinese Proverb

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ Giving Back: the Spirit of Gratitude

I firmly believe that we are all born with a kind, giving heart. We start our lives with an innocent perception that the world can be anything we want it to be. It is said that we control our circumstances, but too many young children become a victim to their environment — they are not taught the lessons of life and how to cope. As those children grow older, they lack a sense of compassion and trust. But we shouldn’t be so quick to blame them.

It reminds me of a saying my father had: “When the son swears, slap the father.” He had a keen sense of judgement and a patience in understanding the truth of a situation. If our society has changed that much, it is up to us to “unteach” these youth that position, and introduce them all life truly has to offer.

My father also taught me that we are all here to do something, to give our gifts and God-given talents to the world. He firmly believed that developing a spirit of gratitude would make a difference in your life. The more you contribute, the more life takes on an entirely new meaning. When you give more of yourself, you are destined to receive more in return. However, it must be done with a kind, unselfish heart expecting nothing in return and that’s when but true fulfillment happens.

“Your rewards in life are in direct proportion to your service.”

— Earl Nightingale

As a leader, you set the example. When I use the word “leader”, I’m not talking about position, rank or authority; that is not a leader, but rather a manager. When I say “leader”, I am referring to one who influences. To the person who has the ability to elicit greatness out of others. In other words, they always put others before themselves in an effort to create more leaders.

To contribute as a leader requires more than just your responsibilities within your career. You also have a responsibility to be a contributor to life and not withhold the gift you have been given. As hard as you work to empower others, you understand that giving back actually empowers you. It’s that drive that leads to happiness. And if you truly influence others, they too will model your behavior and realize that giving thanks creates power. It is within the ability to look beyond your own needs and recognize where you can make an impact that provide unmatched rewards in life.

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Think of it as a circle. We are all there to pass our gift to the person on our right, and once they receive it, they pass their gift on to the next person. This momentum continues and positive change starts occurring because there are so many people keeping the flow going. However, all it takes is someone to receive — and not giving back to break that momentum. Too many people today are stopping the flow, and holding back as a result of their selfishness. They believe what is theirs is theirs and it is not their responsibility to be giving. In their mind, they earned it — as should everyone else.

Until you consider being giving an obligation, you will continue to put it off. If you want to see the results of your efforts, you must start now. Expand the circle of momentum by stepping in with your arms open and passing something on. Put ego aside, become more vulnerable and express the greatest gift you have, and that is gratitude.You cannot evade your own greatness, give without expectation because life contributes back to you when you are generous with your gift. The more you give, the more your get.

When you focus on gratitude, it expands. If you make it a part of your life, think of the influence you have as a leader to pass that gift on to so many others. Don’t hold back, what you give will always come back to you tenfold. Commit to being a contributor and you will experience happiness for the rest of your life.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ What Does Love Have To Do With It?

First it’s the nerves, then the sweaty palms. The heart rate increases — all because that four-letter word is on the tip of our tongue, and we are finally ready to muster up the courage to say it . . .

LOVE

As in, “I LOVE MY CAREER!” There, you said it. Don’t you feel so much better? It really wasn’t that big of a deal, was it? Here’s the thing: it’s beautiful when a career and a passion come together, and what you spend the majority of time doing each day doesn’t feel like work, but instead a freedom to express your gifts and contribute to the greater good of innovation and growth.

“Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

— Confucius

It’s no secret that when you love your job, the results are tangible. The commitment is related to things such as job satisfaction, engagement, innovation, willingness, being a better co-worker and taking initiative are just a few examples. You come into the office ready to attack the next objective, or work with the team to solve problems and reach goals.

To spend your day with like-minded people who also thrive in that environment will inspire you. It’s why you see so many friendships develop in the workplace. We are attracted to commonality, so in this case, positivity finds positivity. There are absolutely real benefits from having good relationships at work.

Another factor that comes into play, which is critical to building our love for what we do, is connectedness. What that refers to is the bond of trust and support we have in our workplace relationships. Whether it be with our leaders, subordinates or peers, the commonalities of our personalities create a connection that is there to help us feel stable during adverse times, and to celebrate when we succeed.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do”

— Steve Jobs

What it all comes down to is culture — do you fit the culture established by the company? When you love your role, the people you work with, the contribution you make, and the impact of the company, a sense of family will emerge, and that relationship is parallel to culture. Imagine it as connecting the dots: respect, engagement, empowerment, passion, commitment, connectedness, involvement and excitement. When these come together, you have discovered your passion, and are on course to live a fulfilled life.

Try completing the sentence:

“I love my job because _________________.”

If you have numerous answers, you are in the right place!

However, let’s swing the pendulum toward the opposite direction – what if you can’t answer that question? What if you struggle because your efforts, contribution and loyalty are no longer fulfilling? From time to time, all of us should perform self-awareness exercises where we evaluate all of the things in our life to ensure we are where we want to be. If your job — for an excessive period of time — has no longer brought you satisfaction, then it may be time to ask yourself the tough questions.

Many will sit and ponder; however, I always refer back to my gut feeling. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, is it me, or is really the job? If it is you, than the first thing you need to do is fix yourself. Rediscover your priorities and work on you. Regardless of your career, it goes back to the old saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup, you have to take care of yourself first.” Once that process is in place, put pen to paper and invest in researching what your true passion is. The last thing you want to do is take a temporary job; it’s not fair to you or the employer.

“You must love your work and not always be looking over the edge of it wanting your play to begin.”

— George Elliot

A common reason people don’t move a job is because they are scared of change. They have built four walls around themselves and live in a comfort zone because they know the work that accompanies change. Don’t be the person who complains to co-workers every day about your problems at work but does nothing about it — that will only make the situation worse. Now is the time to be brave, courageous, and step out. Embrace the fear, and let your passion guide you.

We all spend too much time in the workplace to not be fulfilled by what we do. If you aren’t happy, put your energy into change and rediscover your passion!

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ No Substitute for Preparation

It’s an all-too-familiar topic, but for some reason, we keep taking the bait. Everywhere you look, there are videos, workbooks, seminars, one-on-one coaching — all promising you success at an accelerated pace for an exaggerated price. We laugh about it when we are in groups, but once we are alone, we click on that magic link to uncover the next DaVinci Code. We want it now — no time for patience, because that will only set us back. We demand our skills, knowledge and behaviors be sent via Amazon Prime so that by the end of the day tomorrow, we will be successful! Who needs preparation or experience — that’s a waste of time!

“Success takes an investment in time, dedication, and sacrifice. This is true education. It is a process.”

— Robert T. Kiyosaki

Did you hear that? That was the sound of reality hitting. Hard.

Maybe I was a little rough on the Millennials. The fact of the matter is, we’ve been trying to buy snake oil for as long as we can remember. Most generations have fallen for the “overnight success story,” only to realize that most of them come true after about 36,500 overnights. With all of the advancement in science and analytics, we still have a difficult time defining the formula for “get rich quick.”

“It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”

— Howard Ruff

Let’s debunk another “truth” — fair warning, this one may depress you. What if I told you that we have all been fooled in believing that it only takes 21 days to break a habit? Once again, even 21 days is not enough time. According to the European Journal of Social Psychology, they found that it took on average, 68 days to break or form a habit. And that’s the average. It could take as long as eight months! But how can that be true? Isn’t it a fact that it takes 21 days? Bad news, that whole “21 day” myth that was touted by Dr. Maxwell Maltz wasn’t even a scientific study, but simply an observation.

Let’s talk about the solution to being successful — over weeks, over months, or over years . . .

10 REALISTIC WAYS TO SUCCEED:

Plan

Having a plan puts you in a position to succeed. It takes time to develop the right plan to achieve your specific objectives. Creating an effective and efficient plan also includes roles and responsibilities, step-by-step explanations, timeframes, resources required and projected outcomes. Without a plan, you have no purpose.

Prepare

Like the legendary basketball coach from UCLA, John Wooden, said, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” It’s easy to get confused between planning and preparation, but you can’t have one without the other. Preparation is gathering information and resources and how they will be used.

Patience

Likely the most challenging trait of success, you must understand that patience is aligned with wisdom. For you to master your craft, it takes a tremendous amount of trial and error. You have to be prepared to test your plan and evaluate the outcomes. There is no substitute for patience, and once people are willing to come to terms with that, the path becomes easier.

Perseverance

Simply put, it is the ability to be persistent in what your goals are without allowing obstacles to detour your path to success. No innovation or breakthrough isn’t met with tremendous challenge, but handling the barriers with focus and determination will contribute to their success.

Empowerment

Success isn’t singular; it is an effort by more than one to achieve something that exceeds expectations. Successful people recognize this. They empower others to contribute, and encourage critical dialogue to show the importance of others input. Those who achieve success take as much pride in others as they do themselves.

Failure

One of the few guarantees on the journey toward success is failure — you will encounter it numerous times. Good preparation can help reduce or soften failures, but not eliminate risk entirely. Successful people know this and welcome the challenge, because they understand that each failure is simply a stepping stone toward their goal. In other words, if you get knocked down, get back up.

Focus

Absolutely critical to success is your ability to focus on the activity you are trying to complete. You cannot allow anything else to distort your goals because it will require your undivided attention. Great leaders have a unique talent and honing in on the specifics, knowing that the devil is in the details. They make no assumptions and always have a plan B prepared.

Self-Awareness

Without a realistic perception and understanding of who we are, as vulnerable of a position as it may put us, we don’t have the capacity to understand our “uniqueness” and strengths without being self-aware. More importantly, it allows us to identify where we have the opportunity to improve.

Courage

Success requires risk, which it takes you completely out of your comfort zone into an unknown area that most aren’t willing to explore as a result of fear. The rewards of working with a sense of courage creates innovation and breakthrough — these are the qualities of a successful person.

Humility

I’ve listed this last, but it’s certainly not least. To practice humility is to build character and earn the respect of others not just through your words, but your actions as well. Your ability to be humble will lead to your success, but also set the example for those who choose to emulate your behaviors that others will model.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#ChargeUp #365 #patience #prevent #success #leadership #RaiseTheBar #impact #BeTheImpact #Lead #authentic #gratitude #PayItForward #mentor #purpose #GoodToGreat #reflection #inspire #empower

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✏ True Fulfillment is a Journey

When we invest ourselves and commit to achieving our goals and dreams, it can be a long road — filled with the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. But if we stay the course and remain fearless, the gift of true fulfillment awaits. There is an undeniable satisfaction knowing that the outcome was born of the struggle to persevere, and never sacrifice our true self to being average. It’s a journey that those who are vulnerable, innovative, and willing to prove their true character by staying strong can achieve successes and discover the gifts they have to offer.

“Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.”

— Tony Robbins

The most powerful obstacle in that journey will be your own ego. Will you base what and how you do things based on the opinions of others? Are you confident enough to stop chasing people who don’t support or appreciate you, but are the first to criticize? Most of us live right on the edge of our own capabilities, but won’t step outside that comfort zone due to insecurities. We allow those who settle for the status quo to hold us back from reaching our own potential, because they selfishly don’t want anyone to raise the bar. It’s called the comfort zone for a reason.

It’s time to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

To be fulfilled means that you’ve achieved something you desire. We all strive to live a fulfilled life; it’s the constant quest for growth, personal development and achievement that contribute to our happiness. The key is that you have to love yourself. It is the essence of confidence, being completely in control of your life and self-aware. You have to believe in one thing – yourself. Once you stop seeking approval from others, you become free.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.

As a result, your voice of confidence becomes louder than the one in your head. You no longer allow circumstances to define who you are. You learn to overcome, because that is who you are. Through the journey, you discover an invincible you that knows you have to get comfortable with fear, because that is where the lessons live.

Each time you hit a crossroad on this journey toward fulfillment, a new character trait will expose itself. You have to be open-minded and encourage change. With ambition comes innovation. One of those strengths you will develop is discipline, and through discipline, you will get things done. It will be discipline which creates habits; a tendency to respond to the same situation in a certain way. When you face adversity, the discipline you’ve gained will come into play to determine if you are on course, or need to make adjustments.

Patience will always be your ally. Knowing that anything worth achieving takes time is the foundation. Those that don’t have patience are always looking for the finish line. What they can’t comprehend is that there isn’t a finish line; we are always climbing the mountain. You must be not only skilled, but perseverant and consistent, because the journey is a marathon, not a sprint. And when we reach the summit, it only provides a better view to the next mountain. Instead of losing our motivation at that pinnacle, the view atop that mountain provides us with a sense of confidence to continue to the journey.

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the
happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing.”

— Andy Rooney

Dream big and never lose the excitement of the journey, because if you think about it, the journey is the destination!

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ Eight to Great: the Steps to Greatness

If you want to chase greatness, you must first understand that there is no finish line. We never truly master a skill — we only continue to hone it. Records are broken all the time, new advances are made, technology is surpassed, and our creativity continues to amaze.

“Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and
others have greatness thrust upon them.”

— William Shakespeare

The key to this ongoing pursuit is a never-ending sense of curiosity and the willingness to go beyond being comfortable. You become so motivated by a vision that isn’t even tangible yet, but you want to move the needle and ask “why not?” It is having the confidence that you can climb the mountain without knowing how high it is. The thing is, nobody ever gets dropped off at the top of the mountain — everyone has to climb it. There are no shortcuts, but there will definitely be obstacles all throughout the journey. You will fail. You will fail often. Make failure your education. Make adversity your oxygen. Turn “I think” into “I will.” Allow your strength to lie within your perception of success.

“There is no try; there is only do or not do.”

— Yoda

Let’s first define success. Success is an ongoing process of becoming. It is a constantly active process of achievement towards a purpose. It is based on outstanding performance and the ability to impact, innovate or break through a barrier. Success in and of itself takes patience. It will include leaps and bounds, but the most important steps you will make in your journey will come as a result of the details you discover along the way that give you the competitive advantage. It will result in complete self-awareness of you are – or better yet, who you aspire to be.

What is not the equivalent to success? Money.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that one equals the other. If your objective in being successful is to simply to be wealthy, you might as well quit reading this. There is no substance to the equation and your journey will be short-lived without purpose.

“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.”

— Dwayne Johnson

Greatness is a clearly defined mission and vision that will lead toward success and a fulfilled life. When you have the ability to innovate and create breakthroughs in the service of something bigger than yourself, then you earn the respect of others through your character and integrity.

Greatness is . . .

IMPACT

CHANGE

POSITIVITY

A WORTHY GOAL

The amazing thing about greatness is that every person has the chance to achieve it, but it requires hard work and perseverance. Some will never achieve it — for numerous reasons — because it is not just given, but earned.

Here are eight things to focus on as you create a mindset of greatness:

THE EIGHT TO GREAT

HAVE COURAGE – Simply put, courage is having strength in the face of fear. It is not allowing the voices in your head to be louder than the voices from your mouth. It is an attribute of good character and fight for something greater than you despite the risk.

BE REALISTIC – Goals can be lofty, but ensure they are achievable. You have to evaluate the risk vs. reward, put critical thought into the personal costs involved in your pursuit, and identify the tools and resources necessary to move forward. Be self-aware enough to make the difficult decisions.

STAY CURIOUS – If you don’t believe in the possibilities, you will never discover the reward. Too many people who have the talent and ability allow their dreams to die because they aren’t willing to go beyond what they know. Never stop asking “why” until you get the answer you need to take the next step.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE – Nobody climbs the mountain alone; we need support, guidance, and encouragement. You will need a trusted circle of influence, true friendships that withstand the test. You will immediately find out who those friends are, because you are like-minded and all share in serving a greater purpose. If people are negative or bring you down, let them go. You have enough baggage to carry on your shoulder to the top of the mountain.

PERSISTENCE PAYS – Focus on what you want to do and don’t stop until you feel like you have exceeded your expectations. The outcome of that drive will be commitment. If you do all you can do to have a defined purpose, vision and plan, then anything is possible.

CELEBRATE THE MILESTONES – Don’t make the mistake of focusing so intensely on the outcome that you lose the lessons of the process. You have to hold onto the vision and enjoy the process, because success is not a one-way street. The process will fuel the drive that pushes you every day, regardless of adversity.

AVOID SELFISH AMBITION – Don’t fall into the trap of chasing greatness to keep up with others, or allow others to dictate your pace and achievement. Chasing greatness is an individual pursuit of a greater purpose. You must be authentic and not allow influence or opinion change your course. You will make unpopular choices, but if it’s for the sake of future benefit, stay on course.

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR MINDSET – To achieve greatness, you have to ensure that your mindset matches your actions. It will require a strong belief in yourself, a commitment to success, the ability to push through failure, mental toughness and resilience. Round that out with character, heart and will.

Your life deserves a concentrated effort to succeed. You owe that to yourself, because what is the benefit if you are not living your dreams? You get one life — make the absolute most of it!

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ IMPACT: 10 Ways a Leader Can Have It

Good leaders change habits.
Great leaders change lives.

Imagine not caring what day of the week it is because you love what you do. Having those you lead strive to become better and use your example and actions as a goal. Being trusted by those around you to guide and mentor them as they grow through challenges and obstacles. Most importantly, making a genuine impact on something bigger than yourself, that has the ability to affect others long after you.

One day you will just be a memory to some people.
Do your best to be a good one!

The pursuit of being a great leader is the most rewarding journey you will ever take. If you are focused, determined, and willing to become a person of influence through your character and integrity, you will be on a path of self-fulfillment while at the same time, embracing your passion and purpose.

HERE ARE TEN WAYS THAT A GREAT LEADER CAN MAKE AN IMPACT:

RESPECT YOUR ROLE

Always remember, leadership is a privilege, and the ability to make an impact a responsibility. It is not given nor based on rank, authority or position. There may be “managers” who have that role, but a real leader earns respect and trust by consistent positive action and example. They take pride in their role and lead with a servant’s heart and a dedication to elicit the greatness within everyone they work with.

BE A GREAT LISTENER

As the saying goes, “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.” You should listen more than you talk. Look a person in the eyes. Don’t interrupt, shake your head or say disparaging words under your breath. You can solve most problems without any action at all if you simply willing to listen with empathy and understanding. Above all, put your phone away so you won’t be tempted to glace at it if a text comes through.

BE AUTHENTIC

Why be somebody else when you are the best version of you? Each of us have a unique set of traits and characteristics that set us apart. Most want to “blend in” for the sake of acceptance, but you have to be true to yourself if you are to ever have a solid sense of self-awareness. Knowing who you are starts with who you aren’t. Once you distinguish who you aren’t, spend time building those positive attributes that set you apart from the pack.

SHOW GRATITUDE

There is no greater joy to be shared than when gratitude becomes a priority. We all have the opportunity to show our gratitude for what we have, and to ensure we never take our own blessings for granted. The chance to show our gratitude usually presents itself in the most mundane circumstances, but it is having a clear vision to recognize the chance to show it that makes the biggest impact. Don’t ever wait to show gratitude, and make it a habit.

LIVE IN THE PRESENT

We dwell on yesterday and worry about tomorrow, not recognizing the gift we have of the present. Be where your feet are and take the blinders off to recognize the here and now. Far too often we become so consumed with the outcome, that we lose perspective of the process. That journey toward the objective is where all the lessons are learned. Live each day to the fullest and don’t wish time away. Life is far too short.

MENTOR

There is no better way to build strong, independent, and courageous leaders than to act as a mentor to those who show the willingness and passion to influence. If you are successful, I guarantee someone helped you get there. Mentors are trusted advisors — you need to have one and be one.

SHOW PASSION IN EVERYTHING YOU DO

If you love what you do and treat each day as its own unique opportunity, what you feel inward will be portrayed outward. Express the passion you have in everything you do. From the small things to the important tasks you encounter each day, approach it with a vigor that is recognized by all. The effect of positivity is contagious; set the example and live it.

PAY IT FORWARD

Life is all about passing gratitude and joy to others. No matter how rich, or poor, educated or not, we are all born with a kind heart. Paying it forward simply means that you have experienced kindness by another and you are responding by being kind to another. Imagine a world where we all place an emphasis on paying it forward; it would eliminate so much stress and anger.

BE OPEN-MINDED

There are more opinions than just your own. Strong leaders yearn to listen to new ideas and thoughts. They firmly believe that everyone has the ability to become an innovator and discover breakthroughs so they are always listening with an open mind. It’s extremely rare to hear of a solo success story, there are always others involved and most of the creativity most likely came from each person being open-minded.

DEDICATE YOURSELF TO YOUR TRUE PURPOSE

Once you discover your purpose, your why, your passion, the realm of opportunities are limitless. Find what drives you and you will uncover the version of you that was meant to make a difference and create a legacy. Your happiness will allow you to step outside your comfort zone without hesitation. This simple action puts you in a position to create change and be a difference maker who creates impact.

True fulfillment always comes from helping others.

Each of us have a leader within, we just need to discover what it is. Once that greatness shows itself, chase it with everything you have and dedicate yourself to making an impact. It is what legacies are made of, and what better way to be remembered!

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

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✏ 5 Strategies to Avoid Burnout

Lately, I have made a concentrated effort to incorporate the appropriate skills, resources and behaviors necessary to not only lead with positive influence, but to be successful in my pursuits as well. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day focus on improving everything around us, yet never looking in the mirror to take care of the most important priority of all — ourselves. If we lose our energized, positive attitude and ability to persevere, we risk ruining everything we have built. But after an extended period of time not putting ourselves first, the inevitable result is burnout.

“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.”

— Michael Gungor

Organizations are facing an employee burnout crisis. A recent Gallup study of nearly 7,500 full-time employees found that 23% of employees reported feeling burned out at work very often or always, while an additional 44% reported feeling burned out sometimes. That means about two-thirds of full-time workers experience burnout on the job.

The fact is, regardless of role within the organization, burnout will lead to decreased productivity, frustration with projects, peers and management, and an increase in paid time off. It has become such an epidemic that the World Health Organization officially recognizes “Burnout” as a medical diagnosis.

All of us are working to be recognized, often to the point of exhaustion. The work week was once considered to be forty hours, but now, with so many people on salary, it is not unusual to find companies expecting at least 60 hours a week out of their employees. We go to great lengths to gain acceptance and approval, so not only is our work competitive, but our commitment – which is judged by time spent – has now become a factor in evaluating the successes of individuals in the workplace.

Work-related stress and pressure are unavoidable in most workplaces. We have now accepted this pressure, even managing subordinates to see just how much they can handle, without any regard for their input. The problem is, the pressure becomes so excessive that it results in stress. Stress does so much damage to an individual — yet too many companies have adopted a mindset that self-care is selfish.

According to the American Institute of Stress, as it relates to the workplace:

40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful
25% view their jobs as the number-one stressor in their lives
75% of employees believe that workers have more on-the-job stress than a generation ago
29% of workers felt quite a bit or extremely stressed at work
26% of workers said they were “often or very often burned out or stressed” by their work
Job stress is more strongly associated with health complaints than financial or family problems

source: https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress

The good news is, burnout is preventable. But it requires an effort to recognize the symptoms early and take action without feeling guilty for putting yourself first. You’ve heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” To give your best, you must be at your best and you’ll have the ability to maintain a healthy, successful career.

It’s time to be proactive, not reactive!

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

— Lou Holtz

Here are five specific strategies to help you avoid burnout:

Take Control

We all only have 24 hours in a day, so find the best way to optimize that time to create balance for the priorities in life – including yourself! Whether it’s through establishing a few goals to achieve each day, To-Do lists, learning to say “no”, evaluating your meeting schedule or setting hard goals on what time you arrive and depart from the workplace, take control and make it a habit.

Rediscover Your Purpose

There was a reason why you started working there; take time to rediscover your purpose and what your original goals were when you began. You may have to ask yourself some tough questions; it is possible that you have either outgrown your environment or need new challenges. That is all part of the journey toward fulfillment — but without a clear purpose, you’re traveling the road without a map. Once you find your purpose again, you will operate with a clear mindset and find the joy in what you do.

Learn To Say No

This will be the most difficult strategy because it will feel very uncomfortable at first. However, it is critical if you are working toward decreasing the stress and feelings of being overwhelmed that you have each day. Start small — maybe you say no to a meeting that you aren’t necessarily involved in. This task may require you to meet one-on-one with your supervisor and discuss your workload. Don’t say what you think they want to hear; be vulnerable and honest. Find a way to achieve a win-win while not sacrificing your stress level.

Exercise

You can always count on exercise as a way to relieve stress. Escape — if only for thirty minutes a day — while at the same time putting in work for a healthier mind and body. We all have excuses, but if you sit down and evaluate where you spend your time each day, I’ll bet you could carve out thirty minutes somewhere. It’s both a short and long-term strategy for success.

Manage Your Stress

I know, it’s easier said than done, but you need to put the research into how you can better manage your stress. Remember, stress is what happens in the short-term before the burnout occurs. Get a hold of the stress early, and you will avoid burnout.This could include meditation, yoga, taking a ten minute break every hour to just walk outside, or go fill up your water bottle and say hello to your coworkers. When you get home, develop a routine to let work go. When you charge your phone before you go to bed at night, don’t do it on your night stand, put it in another room and don’t check it until right before you are heading to work.

Take back your control. Find the trigger that indicates your point of excess, and act upon it without guilt or a loss of pride. In the end, you won’t be remembered for your last project. Your legacy will be born from your character, integrity and impact you made to make the world a better place.

It all starts and ends with you.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#ChargeUp #patience #prevent #success #leadership #RaiseTheBar

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✏ 365 Days of Charge Up

Being committed to something for one year can change your life — and I’m living proof of that.

Charge Up turns one year old this week, and my friends, the future is bright!

“The joy of accomplishment is the greatest joy there is.”

— R.G. LeTourneau

When I look back and think about the launch event on the evening of July 11, 2018, I can still feel the excitement from the hundreds of people gathered in that room. No detail was overlooked, and our goal was to ensure that each person there felt a connection to the purpose of the project. We were just beginning to build our community, and that day was about celebrating with family and friends.

The concept of Charge Up was actually born in September of 2017, following the sudden death of my father in late April, 2017. It would serve as my vehicle to go from grief to gratitude, by sharing the lessons and wisdom he had passed on to me during my 50 years as his son. With nine months to strategize, Charge Up went from what was simply going to be a blog-based concept to a total platform that would include blogs, vlogs, podcasts, social media posts, video-based interviews, personal videos, and community dialogue.

As we finalized the business plan prior to roll-out, each of us knew the magnitude of the commitment and investment this dream would take to become a reality. The team I had put together had strong ambition and talent, so we set the bar high. There was no doubt that each of them were the right people for the project and they each brought their own talents to the table. I had so much passion and vision that it became contagious.

But this dream wasn’t just about me. This was my way to ensure that the legacy of my father would never leave my heart, and I wanted to share it. I wanted his spirit to continue to live on through my message. Each and every day as I invest into this project, I know he is walking beside me and directing me with pride. There is an unexplainable sense of purpose in this mission of spreading positivity and gratitude, and through it I have been blessed to discover what so many others search for — my “why.”

What is your “WHY?” First, think about some important questions. What is your gift to society and how can you leave it better than you found it? How can you be a better husband, wife, father, mother, uncle, aunt, friend, employee, or coach? How can you ensure that there is a part of your life that is selfless, rather than selfish? Where will you be able to find a true sense of fulfillment in your everyday actions? Can you be committed enough to pursue your passion and still balance your life?

These were all the questions that were running through my head as we toasted Charge Up last July 11th, and we wasted no time. Since then, our commitment to growing our community and making a positive impact is exactly where we wanted it to be – in fact, we have exceeded our projections and plan to aim even higher in our second year.

Take a look at these accomplishments in just our first year:

> 3,300 social media posts

~ 10,000 website views

> 5,000 podcast downloads

> 6,200 minutes of content viewed on YouTube

~ 3,000 followers on Facebook with more than 62,000 reactions and over 16,000 shares

> 39,000 likes on Instagram

> 1,500 retweets and more than 6,700 engagements on Twitter

And the one metric that absolutely amazes me, we’ve put together over 220 original blogs, podcasts, and videos!

However, the most important number from those first 365 days is how many people we were able to affect with our content. How many found a quote or a story that elicited an emotion that they acted on? How many discovered the leader within themselves? How many stepped outside their comfort zone? How many made a conscious effort to show gratitude? These are things that matter most to me when I look back and reflect upon the impact we have made.

“A life without gratitude is a life wasted.”

— Victor Pisano

There are definitely days that I wonder if all the effort will ever reap the rewards and expectations I have? Some days, I am lucky to get two or three people to view content. Other times, thousands will latch on to a particular blog, podcast or post that I didn’t even think would create much attention. The fact of the matter is, you never know. That’s the motivation for me to keep going each and every day.

Something that may surprise those that don’t know me personally is that Charge Up is not my career; it’s my “passion project.” I call it that because for some reason I naturally thrive in spending my off time writing; the same as one loves to golf, fish, travel, hike or run distance races. Think of it as a hobby — we all need an outlet to share our ideas, creativity, and happiness outside of the borders which define our lives, such as family and career.

I will be the first to tell you that my career is extremely rewarding. I have been in this respective field now for 20 years, and the company I represent, my current role, and the team I work with is extremely challenging and gratifying. There is nothing in my life that I would change.

However, my pursuit of gratitude and being an “influencer to elicit greatness” out of others provides me with fulfillment. There is a difference between feeling “rewarded” and “fulfilled”. Both are critical to our true happiness, but a strong sense of fulfillment is something you carry around on a daily basis and it is based on the opportunity to serve those who serve others.

“Life is more meaningful when our goal is fulfillment rather than gratification.”

This venture isn’t a solo act — I can’t imagine not having my team of committed, dedicated and passionate people along for the ride. First and foremost, a huge thank you the person to whom I refer to as “Wonder Woman,” and that is our Strategist/Copywriter, Andrea Frost. She is my right and left hand. Thanks to her, I am able to do what I love most, and that is write. She uses her gifts and talents to do everything else that makes this clock tick, and I don’t take that for granted. She invests hours of her time, creativity and mindfulness into making Charge Up unique and impactful.

There is the Elvis of Central Texas, the voice heard around the world through the LA Lloyd Rock Countdown, Lloyd Hocutt. If you like our podcasts, he’s the reason. All I do is speak into the microphone and he does his magic from there. He has been a mentor, an encouraging voice and a great friend.

Then there are the boys from Zapata, Texas, the Garza brothers – who aren’t really brothers. Shout out to Abel Garza, the only man whose camera lens actually takes ten pounds off me, and Joe David Garza, who is like a unicorn. You hear about them all the time, but you never see one. When we are able to have a rare sighting, his work is second to none. Both Abel and Joe David are perfectionists and take tremendous pride in what they do. As a result, I benefit from their amazing work and I thank you both for your contribution to Charge Up!

Our newest team member is Jayden Mount, who is just getting her feet wet but already has made a solid impact on our content and marketing research.

Our goals remain to reflect, inspire and empower, with a focus on leadership, character and action.

REFLECTION…

Who do you want to be? Where do you want to go? What do you need to get there? I’m asking lots of questions, but I will also help you find the answers through our content and resources provided. Let’s figure out your destination, and what you need for a successful journey.

INSPIRATION…

Journeys are often two steps forward, one step back (and sometimes 5 steps back and a tumble to the ground before you get back up). You’ll need fuel in your tank to keep moving forward, so consider Charge Up your fuel stop (minus the dubious bathrooms). I’ll share what I’ve learned, and also bring you the best insights from those who inspire me.

EMPOWERMENT…

So, here’s the catch to all this guidance (of course there’s a catch – no free lunches here): Charge Up is a pay-it-forward concept. The goal is empowerment – and once you’ve achieved yours, don’t forget to extend a helping hand to others. The best leaders know that empowering those around you doesn’t diminish your strength; it amplifies it.

“Keep in mind that you’ll have true happiness, true fulfillment,
not living to get but living to give.”

— Joel Osteen

I can think of no better way to conclude than to sincerely thank each and every one of you that has supported Charge Up and built this community. I am humbled to have earned your trust and respect. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to speak at over 60 events in just the past year – from corporate events, to NCAA university sports programs, high school leadership groups, and high school athletics. I have traveled all over the country speaking, and it fuels me. To all those who provided handshakes, hugs and selfies, I say “thank you.” To those who were kind enough to look in the camera and say, “And don’t forget my friends, Charge Up!”, I hope you know that a few seconds of awkwardness meant the world to me.

To those friends that didn’t hesitate in allowing me the opportunity to present and work with their respective programs once we launched, and continue to encourage and support my endeavors today, including Mike Alfaro, Caitlin Bollier, D’Layne Kelly, Bill Harrison, Tom Damiani, John Carpenter, Mari Bissaro, Leticia Morales Bissaro, Maggi Welham, Penny and Roman Foore, Donna Fields, Patrick Murphy, and most of all, a very special friend that’s like a daughter to our family, Molly Fichtner and the Athletic Department at the University of Louisiana Monroe, I sincerely thank you.

But the biggest thank you of all goes to my family. To my inspiring wife, Beth, and my two beautiful, strong and successful daughters, Isabel and Catherine — I am so thankful for your support and encouragement. It has been a long 365 days for you as well. Your selflessness and kind hearts push me to be a better person. I love you. I also want to thank my brother and his family, my sister and her family, and my uncle and aunt whose love and guidance make the hard days easier and the easy days brighter. I am forever grateful for what was always my father’s number one priority…family.

“You don’t choose your family.
They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

— Desmond Tutu

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#ChargeUp #365 #patience #prevent #success #leadership #RaiseTheBar #impact #BeTheImpact #Lead #authentic #gratitude #PayItForward #mentor #purpose #GoodToGreat #reflection #inspire #empower

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

More . . .

✏ The Power of One Leader

As we approach Charge Up’s first anniversary on July 11(!), I’d like to offer a few reflections on what’s at the heart of what we do . . .

Why me?

Why Charge Up?

Why now?

IF YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE AS IF EVERYTHING IS ABOUT YOU . . .
YOU WILL BE LEFT WITH JUST THAT.
YOU.

I’ve been blessed to have so many people in my life who were willing to take the time to invest, inspire, motivate, empower, teach and push me to become successful and as a result, I want to pay it forward. Those lessons weren’t meant to keep to myself, but to share with the right intention and motivation. Charge Up was built on the foundation of a very important person in my life, my late father, Vic Pisano. He was a “Servant Leader” before it became a thing. He was the epitome of empathy, integrity, character, passion and motivation.

Questions I’ve been asked…

Why me? I was taught that leadership and success isn’t a secret code, it’s wisdom that’s meant to be shared.

Why Charge Up? A platform like www.chargeuptoday.com that anyone can access is how I can share.

Why now? Gratitude is key, and by taking the baton and continuing my dad’s legacy, I can uncover the GREAT in people.

I’m in an amazing place in my life, that’s not an accident. I’ve already gained more than I have given. The world needs more leaders who understand the gift they have and the value they can bring: they need to be responsible to pass that knowledge on, and accountable for how they do it. Leadership is about more than “you”. Somebody believed in you; now it’s your turn to reciprocate. Be a part of the solution. It’s time to turn the tables.

THE POWER OF ONE LEADER.

I’m motivated to be part of the “community” that contributes, the “thought leaders” who inspire, the “innovators” who create, the “selfless” who make the impact, the “optimist” who brings joy and the “realist” who brings the truth. I commit to contributing to the momentum that others before me have set.

As long as one person is listening, following, reading and being inspired, then I have done my job. It’s a simple philosophy…

THE POWER OF ONE LEADER.

If you can change the thought pattern, and inspire or motivate just one person, imagine how many lives that one person can change in the course of their own lives. And here’s the kicker — you never know who that one person is.

“To the world, you might just be one person. But to that one person, you may be the world.”

— Dr. Seuss

No more “what if”, “I should have”, “if only”, “I remember when”, “why can’t” or “we needed to”.

Those are excuses, not solutions; phrases that will lead to regret as you get older. You’re better than that, you have the ability to do great things. Be prepared: this journey will require patience, sacrifice, persistence and belief. It will come with challenges, barriers, excuses, negativity and disappointment — because nothing worth having comes easy.

I want to challenge you to think. . .

Imagine a world where people accept fear, and stop.

Where people who tried to challenge themselves can’t find an answer, and quit.

Where those with strategy have no passion.

Where leaders don’t have followers.

You are the POWER OF ONE LEADER. You have the ability to make a difference. Look deep within yourself and discover your passion, that will lead to your purpose. Be the impact — even if it’s just under your own roof. Positivity and change are not defined by the numbers you affect, but rather the impact you bring. We all start small, build the foundation and as long as we are taking small steps forward, we are progressing.

As long as we have momentum, we will grow. As long as we operate off integrity and character, we will make a difference.

So -— why you? Why now?

WE ARE THE POWER OF ONE LEADER!

Make a difference today.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

RECEIVE MY FREE WEEKLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

SUBSCRIBE NOW

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

More . . .

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

Here are five specific strategies to help you avoid burnout:

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

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