Your circle of friends.

There is an old saying that if you hang around nine broke people. You are bound to be the tenth broke person. In other words, who are your circle of friends? Are they where you want to be? Are they going where you are going? Do they dream the same dreams you do? Last weekend, here in Atlanta. I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with a few millionaires. The conversation wasn't about the NFL championship games, we didn't share a laugh over a comedy sitcom on tv and we didnt gossip about the next door neighbor. We shared and learned about building wealth. A full day with everday people making extraodinary incomes. Millionaires flying in from Florida, Maryland, California and other faraway places. A former real estate agent, a former manager at a retail store in the mall and a high school drop out, who previous career was a janitor. These people and a few more teaching a handful of people about how to move mountains.

So 2006, you made a promise to make some changes. Are your current circle of friends encouraging you to go for it or are they laughing behind your back? It could even be a family member who laughs when you tell them about your dreams. Defensive NFL player Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens learned the hard way, about his circle of friends when he came very close to being charged with murder. Ray was innocent, but his circle of friends were not. Today, Ray Lewis will tell you, he had to let go a lot of his childhood buddies. They just didnt dream the same dream or was heading in the same direction. A celebrity will find a lot sooner than most of us, how valueable that circle is. Most us wait too late to change circles. We don't want to offend anyone. Is your circle delaying your success? Let me know about your circle. How are you changing them? Does your circle need to change? Are you surrounded by friends who want to succed and want your success?

Three demons...

The art of Procrastination


There were three demons graduating from demon school. So the Devil approached them and asked them what qualifications, did they have to graduate. The first demon told his teacher, I will deceive the masses into thinking that there is no Creator. The Devil replied you may fool some of the people, but the majority of the people will read the Bible and know that the Creator exists. The second demon stepped up and said he will lie to the masses into thinking that there is no HOPE. The Devil responded that you will fool some of the people but the majority of the people will go through trials and tribulations and come out stronger and they will teach others that there is HOPE. The last demon approached the Devil and stated I will deceive the masses into thinking that there is NO NEED TO HURRY. The Devil responded, then you will graduate with honors, because you will deceive EVERYONE.

Club 8&8 - Are you a member?

Most people have joined the 8&8 club without ever purchasing a membership. Some people have been lifetime members, while others just joined recently. From the time you reach kindergarten through college, you are taught how important joining the club is. But over the last 10-15 years, the club has lost its appeal. But still, many people keep their memberships even after complaining about the long hours, the management or the benefits. Right now, you’re probably thinking “I never joined this club” or “I didn’t receive a membership application.” But you did. You just didn’t know it.

So what exactly is club 8&8? The 8&8 club is someone that sleeps 8 hours a day and works at a job for 8 hours. They normally commute back and forth to work which adds at least
an additional 2 hours to the time. That’s 18 hours out of 24 hours of your day that you can’t get back, leaving most people with only 3-4 hours a day to enjoy the family, eat dinner, or indulge in their passion. When the weekend comes, you try to play catch up or you are just too tired to do anything. I have several friends that are working one full time job and one part time job. They are part of different club altogether.

I am not a member of club 8&8, but I am a member of several other clubs. sleeping late, financial freedom , time freedom, help others success club and the best one of all, daddy’s home club. If you like club 8&8, that’s fine but if you are looking for a different group of people to socialize with, explore your options. If you hang around people who have time and financial freedom, sooner or later you will have the same thing. If you hang around people whose lifestyle is 8 hours sleep and they work 8 hours a day, you are guaranteed to have the same lifestyle.

Always remember that whatever club you join, membership has it privileges, in other words you get what you pay for.

Share a hug today.

It really has been incredible to think about the last few years. Beginning with 9/11, followed by a few dozen hurricanes throughout the southeast. Devastating mudslides in California and the lastest tragic Tsunami event in Asia. It's about 11:39pm eastern time and as I was about to lay down for bed. I felt an incredible urge to write. I felt the urge to encourage people to share a hug today, tomorrow and next week. Send a hug by calling a friend. Email a hug to a co-worker. Whatever you do, make it a point to share lots of hugs. Hug friends, family members and co-workers. Send a silent message out to the world that despite everything that's been going on lately.. we will survive and remember .

Keep in touch with friends and share a laugh. Take a moment to sit back and read a good book. If you're like me, a perfect day could be hearing your kids run around in the backyard. It's important that we push forward, but hold the hands of others as we move forward. I am interested in hearing your thoughts and feelings about recent events. Also suggestions on how we can bring more hugs into the world.

I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.
Christopher Reeve

Start your tomorrow, today

Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... But no plans. Peter F. Drucker

Ok, we have all been guilty of being major procrastinators from time to time. Everyone needs to come up for air once in a while, especially with today's hectic lifestyle. But if you are constantly putting things off stating "I'm too tired," or "I don't feel like it today." Are you holding back your own success? If you find it difficult to to do minor tasks, then you will face major problems, by waiting till the last minute to finish a project or goal and giving your competitor the edge.

If we keep doing what we're doing, we're going to keep getting what we're getting. Stephen R. Covey

People approach me all the time about being successful, but rarely take the steps needed to be successful. It's not enough to wish for it. You have to want it. You have to make the commitment to accomplish your goals. That's what's separating you at this very moment from the Donald Trump, Barry Murdock, Meg Whitman and Bob Johnson's of the world.

Make a commitment today to stop procrastinating! Make a list and and each day check items off. Prepare yourself slowly to become successful. Yell "I will stop procrastinating!!" Write it down and put it somewhere as a daily reminder. Success comes today, not tomorrow.

You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action. Anthony Robbins

Terence Moorer-Exceptional Beginnings.com 

Living a creative life.

Life is about creativity. Life is about dreams, passion and adventure. So many people these days are living a life without creativity. We get caught up in the daily work grind, running the kids back and forth between schools, corporate meetings, late night fast food dinners and reruns on the Comedy Channel. I challenge everyone to think ahead about a life filled with smiles, passion and excitment. Put that vision in motion by taking the time each week to say

"I reflect on my past, look to the future and understand the present."

Most important do not live in the present. Present only last a second before it becomes the past. Understand that challenges will come (not problems). Focus on the solution and understand that it is a challenge that you faced before, with a different twist.

What have you ever dreamed about doing but at the last minute thought it was a foolish idea. Was it sky diving? Was it learning Salsa? How about learning another language? Live a creative life and start each day with a new promise!