Friday, November 30, 2012

Beyond Reason

"What is known has already been done. It is the unknown that drives them ..."

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Predator Or Prey


Every morning, when the clock hits 3:45 and my eyes open, I have two options: Stay in my warm bed or get up and be the model for my daughter. If I remain tucked under my covers, I instantly lose the opportunity to teach Logan that anything in life is attainable if you're willing to sacrifice, endure, and be relentless. At 3 1/2, she already asks me why I'm on the computer when she wakes up every morning. My answer will help mold how she thinks and who she becomes.

When I wake up earlier than the sun, I become the predator, losing the victim's mentality, and gain a competitive edge over who I used to be. If I ask my students to do "whatever it takes," I better be willing to do the same, if not more! 

There are only two options: Predator or prey. If you're not outworking your competition, you'll get eaten alive today. Life is an immense competition, on and off the playing field. You're competing in the classroom, on your college applications, and after you earn a degree and attempt to make your mark on the world. If you're unwilling to grind for what you want 24/7, 365, you have no chance of succeeding against those who are.

Move over or get run over!

The #1 rule I live by: To achieve what 99% can't ... I must do what 99% won't.



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Confidence Isn't Enough

Most are searching for confidence. I challenge you to go a step further ...

Monday, November 26, 2012

Driven By Impossible

The next time you doubt anything, no matter how big or "impossible" it seems, remember Jack Taylor. This Grinnell College guard scored 138 points in a basketball game last week, shattering the NCAA record. Lakers star Kobe Bryant said, "I don't care what level he's on, that feat is insane."

Scoring 138 points with no one defending you would be an unbeilable achievement!

Jack's the definition of believing before evidence. He obviously knew he could score ... but 138 points in one game? Impossible no more!

Don't allow anyone to dictate your belief system. If you want something, decide it'll happen, decide you'll endure any amount of pain necessary, and decide you'll battle for as long as it takes. It's only impossible until someone achieves it. Are you going to be the person who waits for records to be broken or will you make up your mind that you'll be the one who breaks them?

The 1% is driven by impossible!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

ThanksGIVING


The greatest gift I was ever given was my family. The day my tennis partner decided to quit was the day I met my wife. I was supposed to be in Germany that Friday night, but instead was forced to stay home because he changed his mind - he didn't want to compete anymore. Thank God he did!

"I'd like you to meet my roommate, Liane," my friend said. 

The rest is history! 

The day my daughter was born, was the day I was born ... again. No one prepared me for the emotions I would experience and the deep sense of responsibility I would feel. My instincts would tell me to acquire, achieve, attain. And that's what I would set out to do. I wanted to make (X) amount of money before (X) year. I visualized it every day, but never felt whole with the visual - never felt fully committed to that future plan. Achieving money never resonated with me, making me feel like a failure - I wanted my family to taste that type of financial freedom. 

Then I met the man who changed it all for me. He was homeless as a boy, kicked out of his house at 16 years old, but worked his tail off to become a huge success 20 years later. The conversation I had with him altered my life forever. He reminded me that money should never be the motivational factor, but instead, a deeper emotional connection that would drive me to a nonstop fury. 

"If you want to provide financial freedom for your family, then give away as much of your time as possible," he said. 

This was counterintuitive to me, but I trusted his years of experience - he wasn't just talking it, he was living it every day. The second I erased money from my visual, and solely focused on helping those who wanted it ... BOOM! 

It's Thanksgiving. Don't just say the words, live the meaning. What have you done this year to help those around you? Life isn't about attaining, it's about learning and sharing. Be grateful and give. 



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

There Are No Rainy Days

Never settle for less than ridiculous levels of success. Do what they won't ... achieve what they can't!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Want New? Do New.


Most don't mind sacrifice if it's free, painless, or comfortable. That's NOT sacrifice!

In order to achieve something great, you must give up something great ... usually your time and comfort levels. 1% Success comes to those who are willing to feel pain and struggle, love and embrace it. It may last an hour, month, or 10 years, but the pain will disappear, leaving behind your dreams!

Decide you'll do whatever it takes for as long as it takes. This is true sacrifice.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Thursday, November 15, 2012

No More Excuses


It's very simple: If you really want something to happen in your life, you'll do whatever it takes, no matter how long it takes. If you just "kinda want it," you'll find an excuse.

Get it done! 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Raise Your Expectations

I wanted to share four outcome goals an athlete of mine wrote down, regarding an upcoming soccer tournament she has:

1. No goals scored on us. If it happens, I'll take full responsibility.

2. I'll have huge impact on the field. My opponents will envy or hate me - no other option.

3. Make someone cry.

4. Sign a Division 1 scholarship on the spot from one of the many college coaches watching.

To most, these goals sound aggressive, cocky, maybe even arrogant. Why does she want an opponent to cry or hate her? Why will she feel responsible in a team sport? This athlete is willing to put the entire team on her back, and do whatever it takes to separate from the pack. She's completely uninterested in being liked on the field ... only respected and feared. She's a beast during competition, and is why at 16 years old, already has D1 offers on the table. 

To achieve what they won't, you must do what they can't. Raise the bar for yourself!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Confidence Isn't Good Enough


Chip Kelly, Oregon's football coach is revolutionizing the way the college game is played and especially thought about. 

He doesn't settle for confidence ... he expects dominance!

Coach Kelly's expectations are set for the total destruction of their opponents' will. The old school way of thinking is "slow and steady" will win the game - Chip's mindset is about ripping your heart out NOW! He wants to score on you every single play, and fast. 

I highly suggest you adopt this mentality. Make sure your goals are being attacked with a fever pitch. Opportunity won't hang around forever, so while you have a chance, strike now. 

Lose your focus on confidence ... switch it to dominance!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Friday, November 9, 2012

A Lost Generation?

Is this generation growing up lazy and lethargic? Some say yes, others choose to do something about it!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Live Or Die

Unbelievable story of a boy who was driven by impossible! He said, "It was a future I couldn't accept."

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Monday, November 5, 2012

I AM Having Fun


Someone recently suggested to me that I should have more fun. "Life's too short," he reminded me. Life IS short, which is why I stopped having the fun I used to regularly take part in. My life used to be full of nonstop fun, screwing around and achieving nothing. I'm through with that type of "fun!"


Waking up at 4:00 am is fun, knowing I'm teaching my daughter she can have anything her imagination can picture - all it takes is a willingness to work harder than the majority surrounding her. 

The past kind of fun I took part in would've taught her how to be lazy and afraid. It would've shown her that mediocrity is an o.k. way to live and taking risks isn't a normal part of life. The type of fun I used to have would've kept me out of her life the majority of nights and weekends, as I high-fived buddies and lived for the football team of my choice. 

The old fun was exciting ... and selfish. My new fun is committed ... and dedicated to my family's future and legacy! 




Thursday, November 1, 2012

Take Advantage Of Opportunity



Your time doesn't tick, tick, round-n-round, as most believe ... it slides away. 

You don't have the time you think to accomplish your goals. If you don't capitalize on it right away, it will disappear. Act with passion. Act now! Opportunity is sliding down into the bottom of your hour glass, one grain at a time. Eventually, it won't be there anymore.

The hungry take advantage, the weak make excuses.

Who are you?