The Two-Minute Monday Motivation Podcast: Recent Episodes
NateJov
I have often struggled with the paradox between being content with what you have, yet the desire for more. It wasn't until recently that I started to embrace the philosophy of “always grateful, never satisfied”.
This mentality is what drives people to soar to new heights, to press on when things get tough, and to accomplish more than what was thought is possible.
What trips up most people is trying to bypass the process. Instead of putting in the work, there is this notion that there is an easy button in life. But in reality, there are no shortcuts.
Embrace the journey.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?
What limiting beliefs do you have in your own life and how do your perceived limitations affect those around you?
In this episode I discuss three tips on how you can encourage others to reach new heights.
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In this episode I ask the high energy sales leadership coach, Anthony Conklin, about what he does to recharge.
You won't want to miss how he is changing the world. Take a listen and find out for yourself!
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**"It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure."
But what do you do when it is time to recharge your battery?
Here are a few tips:
1) Take a break
2) Seek inspiration
3) Break down your goals into smaller steps**
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A concept I have had for a while is to have a one or two question podcast with clean energy experts and entrepreneurs that compliments my Monday episode. Since the theme of the past two weeks is about taking action and executing, I thought it would be an appropriate time to turn this concept into reality.
This week I asked the Solar Maverick, Benoy Thanjan, how he decides what opportunities to prioritize and execute on. His response may surprise you. Take a listen.
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Ideas without execution is the sound of one hand clapping.
Here are a few tips on how you can execute on ideas in your life:
1) Set clear and achievable goals.
2) Prioritize and manage your time.
3) Be resilient and flexible.
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Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.
So don't . . .
Let procrastination steal your opportunities;
Withhold compliments;
Or take the environment for granted.
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As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Surround yourself with exceptional people to become the best version or yourself.
Exceptional people 1) elevate our aspirations 2) provide invaluable guidance and mentorship and 3) challenge our growth.
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You can't walk after your destiny, you must sprint after it! But how do you know if you are running the right direction?
Here are a few tips to make sure your are going the right way.
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The quickest way to change your life is to change your perspective. Because it is not the circumstances that define our happiness, but the lens through which we view them.
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A recipe for succes.
Perspective.
Priorities.
Presence.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
As Marcus Aurelius said, "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."
Sometimes we have to be reminded that obstacles are not barriers, but opportunities for growth and progress. By shifting our mindset, we can unlock our potential and find success even in the face of adversity.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
I'm back! And I have a powerful message on how you can alter your mindset to get unconventional results.
"Most people are stuck in a conventional mindset, but want unconventional results."
This week I want to challenge you to break free from the conventional mindset and embrace a new perspective, one that will pave the way for extraordinary achievements.
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When asked: “What’s the biggest mistake we make in life?” The Buddha replied, “The biggest mistake is you think you have time . . . Time is free but it’s priceless. You can’t own it but you can use it. You can’t keep it but you can spend it. And once it’s lost, you can never get it back.”
So let’s use time wisely, purposefully, and passionately. And when our time finally comes, let us look back with gratitude knowing we embraced every moment because in the end . . . the journey is the reward.
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People who criticize you are rarely doing more than you. In the words of Zig Ziglar, "Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember: the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you."
Here are a few tools to combat negative criticism so you can rise above the noise.
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If you want to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life than live by this simple rule . . .
Give more than you take, and do not create negative equity. This is the ultimate key to success.
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If you don’t ask, the answer is already “no”.
Many of us have been in the position where we have wanted something but were too afraid to ask for it. Maybe it was a promotion at work, or a date with someone you really liked. Whatever it was, you hesitated, and now you're left wondering what might have been.
As Nora Roberts once said, "If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."
We all know it is easy to come up with excuses for not asking. Maybe you don't want to be rejected, or you don't think you're good enough. But the truth is, you'll never know unless you try.
So, if there's something you've been wanting, go after it. Ask for it. Don't be afraid of rejection or failure. You never know, and you might just surprise yourself. Even if you don't get what you want, at least you can say that you tried.
Don't be content with staying in the same place. Take that first step and see where it takes you.
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All last week this quote has been rolling around in my brain.
"Do what is easy and life will be hard. Do what is hard and life will be easy"
Too often we try to take the easy road in life, thinking that it will lead us to happiness and success. But in reality, the opposite is true.
When we choose to take the easy route in life, we often sacrifice our long-term success and happiness for short-term comfort. It's tempting to skip out on the hard work and challenges that come with real growth, but doing so can leave us feeling unfulfilled and stuck.
In contrast, choosing to embrace the hard work can actually lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Yes, it may be difficult at first, but the rewards are so much greater than the struggles. When we push ourselves to tackle challenges that seem insurmountable, we build resilience, perseverance and character. We develop the skills and habits that lead to real, sustainable success.
Think about it. If you want to be physically fit and healthy, you have to put in the hard work of exercise and healthy eating, even on days when you don't feel like it. It's not easy, but the payoff is a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life.
If you want to be successful in your career, you have to be willing to take risks, learn new skills, and put in the extra effort to stand out from the crowd. It's not easy, but the payoff is a satisfying and rewarding career that you love.
And finally, if you want to have meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others, you have to be willing to communicate openly, be vulnerable, and put in the hard work of making time for loved ones. It's not easy, but the payoff is the deep connections and happiness that come from sharing your life with friends and family.
So, if you're feeling stuck in your life, take a moment to reflect. Are you choosing the easy path out of fear or comfort, or are you willing to embrace the hard work and challenges that will lead you to a more fulfilling and satisfying life?
Do what is hard and life will be easy.
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The path to success is paved with obstacles and challenges. Whether you're striving for a personal or professional goal, you must be willing to fail in order to achieve that goal. It's not enough to just desire success; it takes courage, persistence, and a willingness to embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
When my son was little I bought him a Michael Jordan print with this quote, “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
The print still hangs above his desk at home as a constant reminder that success is found through repeated failure.
Here are a few tips for embracing failure:
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Learn from your mistakes. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Take the time to reflect on what you could have done differently and how you can improve next time.
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Don't let failure hold you back. It's important to remember that failure is a natural part of the process. Don't let it discourage you from pursuing your goals. Instead, use it as motivation to keep going. Also, don't give up too early. It may take many attempts before you succeed.
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Seek guidance. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Seeking guidance from someone who has been through a similar experience can provide valuable insight.
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Trust your instincts. Trusting your gut instinct can be the difference between success and failure. If something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to adjust your approach. This is something I often lean into.
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Embrace the journey. Success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process and be open to the lessons that failure can teach you. As long as you keep moving forward, success will come.
Remember, failure is not the end. It's an opportunity to learn, grow, and eventually succeed. As Thomas Edison once famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." So, stay persistent, stay motivated, and embrace failure as a natural part of the process.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
It's easy to get caught up in the hustle of our daily routines and feel like we're not making progress. However, it's important to remember that small victories are worth celebrating.
Author Robert Brault put it this way, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."
Here are three tips for celebrating small wins:
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Keep a record of your accomplishments.
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Share your success with others.
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Treat yourself.
It's not just the big wins that create a fulfilling life. Cultivating an appreciation for the small successes makes life more enjoyable and hopeful.
This week take some time each day to recognize and celebrate your small victories, and watch as they add up to create something truly amazing.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
Working smarter, not harder. It's a phrase that we've all heard before, but what does it really mean?
Simply put, it means finding ways to be more productive and efficient without sacrificing the quality of your work. It means maximizing your time and resources in ways that allow you to achieve your goals faster, and with greater ease.
As Mark Twain once said, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." In other words, it's not how hard you work, but how smart you work that really counts.
Here are five tips for working smarter, not harder:
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Set clear goals and priorities. Before you begin any task or project, take the time to establish what your main objectives are. Write them down and make a plan for how you will achieve them. This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time on tasks that don't contribute towards your end goal.
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Use technology to your advantage. There are countless tools and apps available that can help streamline your work processes and increase efficiency. From project management software to automation programs, technology can save you time and make your work easier.
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Emphasize quality over quantity. Instead of trying to do everything at once, choose a few key tasks or projects to focus on and devote your full attention to completing them to the best of your ability. This will help ensure that you're producing high-quality work that meets your standards.
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Learn to delegate. As the saying goes, "if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself." But that isn't always the case. Sometimes, it's better to delegate tasks to others who are better suited to handle them. Not only will this free up time for you to focus on other important tasks, but it will also empower your team members and improve their skills.
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Take breaks and rest when needed. It might seem counterintuitive, but taking regular breaks throughout the workday can actually boost productivity and creativity. Studies have shown that short breaks can help increase focus and mental clarity, so don't be afraid to step away from your desk and recharge when you need to.
Working smarter, not harder, is a mindset and a set of practices that can help you accomplish more in less time, without sacrificing quality.
Speaking of working smarter . . . this post was written in less than five seconds with Chat GPT. I simply prompted the chat to "Write a three minute monologue about working smarter and not harder using one quote and providing five tips." I tried it multiple times and got a variety of quality monologues.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
Lately I have been finding my mind wandering to things that aren’t in my control.
I know better, but it can be hard. Maybe you are worried about your health, your career, or your broken march madness bracket. Even though most of these things are not fully in your control, you worry about the outcome.
Anytime I notice my thoughts wander to things outside of my control, I try to remind myself of this quote from Maya Angelou who said,
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
We all know that worrying about things you can’t control is pointless because your worry doesn’t affect the outcome. In these instances your attitude is key. A positive attitude can help reduce stress, cope with challenges in a healthy way, and assist in achieving your goals. It is important for your overall well being.
Here are a few tips you can use to help let go of things that are not in your control.
Determine what is in your control. As previously mentioned, pouring effort into things you can control is much more effective than worrying about what you cannot control.
Identify your fears. Once we get into a negative thought loop we often exacerbate the worst case outcome. Instead, try to understand the worst case scenario and acknowledge that it wouldn’t be as bad as you fear. You can handle it.
Concentrate on your influence. Maybe things are out of your control, but are they out of your influence? In order to influence things you must have a positive attitude.
Differentiate between ruminating and problem-solving. Don’t obsess over yesterday’s bad outcome and instead use your energy to problem solve. Past mistakes shouldn’t consume your thoughts. Instead, use it as a learning experience and move forward.
Manage your stress. This is important for everyone. Schedule time to form healthy habits to cope with stress. This could be meditating, working out, or just taking a scheduled break.
Develop healthy affirmations. Humans have over 70,000 thoughts per day and all too often they are laced with self-doubt and fear. Every year I come up with a self affirming statement to remind myself that I am limitless.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
I happen to believe that humans regret what they don’t do more than things they have done. If you are like me then you probably have taken some risks in your life. What you may not know, however, is that it is a learned behavior. One calculated risk leads to the next.
I have to admit that I still don’t really consider myself a risk taker, but I am sure there are people that know me well that would strongly disagree. It is all relative, I suppose.
As the great hockey player Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Next time you have a chance to take your shot remember that these risks boost self-confidence, enable you to learn new skills to grow and adapt, and often can come with financial rewards. Risks can lead to a sense of accomplishment, they create new opportunities, build resilience, and most importantly eliminate regret.
Here are five tips that I have found can help you take more calculated risks that lead to success.
Develop a system for evaluating your risk. When it comes to taking risks it is important to be both thoughtful and strategic. Weight the pros and cons and find the best way to reach a successful outcome that aligns with your values and goals.
Redefine failure. The only way you fail is if you didn’t learn anything. Afterall, failure is part of the process. It is okay to feel afraid, but take the risk anyway. This is how we grow as people.
Consider the upside of change. Instead of focusing on all the potential negative outcomes, remember why you are considering changing your present situation. Organize your thoughts around all the things that can (and will) go right.
Start small. You don’t need to go all-in on huge risks all the time. Instead look for things that are outside of your comfort zone so you can get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Seek advice from calculated risk-takers. I advise everyone to have their own personal board of directors. These are people with different areas of expertise that you can ask for advice. Talking with someone you know and trust about your plans is a good way to help you overcome your fear and stay on track.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
There is a children’s book by Jack Kent called “There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon”.
In the story the main character is a little boy, Billie, that finds a small dragon in his room. Upon informing his mother of the small dragon, she quickly dismisses him by saying, "there is no such thing as a dragon". So Billy decides to ignore the dragon. As the dragon gets neglected it gets bigger and bigger until it eventually runs off down the street with the entire house on its back. Now the dragon finally must be recognized, but once it is noticed the dragon quickly shrinks back down to size just as quickly as it grew.
The moral of the story is simple: Small problems turn into big problems if they are ignored, and at some point they may take over your life (or business).
Acknowledging your dragon is the first step towards dealing with it. Maybe you can’t make it go away entirely, but you can at least keep it to a manageable size.
Unfortunately most big problems result from little problems that were ignored. The task that wasn’t finished, the mounting credit card debt, the doctor’s appointment you never scheduled . . . these are just a few of many examples of dragons.
Some would argue that there are certain problems that are better off to be ignored.
I have a simple test for that. Ask yourself these two questions: 1) Is this within my control and 2) Am I willing to solve this problem? If the answer to either question is “no” then it may be best to ignore it, but know that you must live with the consequences.
If the problem is within your control then here are four reasons that you shouldn’t ignore your dragon:
1) Small problems are easier to handle.
2) Small problems don’t stay small.
3) Not dealing with it now means you will have to deal with it later.
4) Consistency is key. Be a problem solver not a problem creator.
There can be a lot of dragons in business. For instance, ignoring problem employees will erode the confidence in leadership within the organization and lower the standards of the company. Also, refusing to make hard decisions to control spending can lead to crippling losses and cash flow issues.
So this week I encourage you to take a few minutes and reflect on what dragons exist in your life or business. Address it now because big problems start small.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
Something I have been struggling with lately is focus. In fact, just this past week I was discussing with a coworker about how distracting I find Slack.
In a world where we are still mostly virtual, it is nearly impossible to connect with people when you are constantly getting “urgent” messages during your seemingly never ending string of Zoom calls.
This is why lately I have been opting to utilize the “do not disturb” feature on my phone and closing slack during important meetings.
I am sure many of the people listening can relate to getting distracted, thrown off task, and pulled in multiple directions. That is the world we live in now, right?
There is an old Portuguese proverb that simply states,
“Think of many things; do one.”
If you feel like I do this week then here are a few tips to help maintain your focus:
Eliminate Distractions - As I mentioned earlier, try putting your phone on do not disturb during meetings and also close all the open windows on your computer.
Stop Multitasking - A 2009 Stanford study shows that people who multitask have shorter attention spans, less memory capability, and less ability to switch between tasks. Multitasking will ultimately make you less effective and more prone to errors. Instead, try blocking time for important tasks where you can focus without interruption.
Take a Break - I used to stink at taking breaks, but it wasn’t until I started to get older that I realized that taking a short break is better than bringing anything less than my best self to a meeting or task at hand. There are countless studies that show taking breaks helps with performance of even the simplest tasks.
Exercise - When I miss workouts I don’t feel as productive. Study after study shows that working out is good not only for the body, but also for the brain. According to Harvard Medical School, regular exercise is important for memory capacity and concentration.
Meditate - Meditation is proven to help people focus and perform better on cognitive tests. Meditation requires a great deal of focus, and by practicing this you can help train yourself to stay focused.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
It has been my lifelong mission to get one of our dearest friends on an airplane. She is in her 40s and has never flown before, which has been a topic of conversation for the entirety of our friendship.
This past week we flew to Mexico and she loved it. Not just the destination, but also the plane ride. That is the motivation for my quote from Author Judy Blume who said,
“Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it.”
We all have fears. Physical fear, anxiety, fear of uncertainty, fear of failure. Here are six tips I have relied on to help conquer my own fears.
Identify Your Fear - If you want to overcome fear you must identify the challenge to overcome it. What exactly are you afraid of and why?
Acknowledge It - Once you identify the fear, I find it helps to acknowledge it. I have always been a pretty confident speaker, but I have had many times earlier in my life where I was nervous about speaking in public. What I found helped me the most was simply acknowledging my feelings with the audience. It helped break the ice and allowed me to move on without feeling nervous or insecure.
Understand Your Fear - What is the root cause of your fear? I believe a lot of fear is based on fear of the unknown. A few examples are not knowing what to expect when flying for the first time, being afraid of the dark, or maybe even starting a business. Nothing in life is to be feared, but rather, only to be understood.
Surround yourself with Success - Having a good support group is important in life and business. Whether you are flying on a plane for the first time or are starting a new business, it is always a good idea to surround yourself with others who have a similar mindset. People that can push you forward. In order to overcome fear, you need to raise your standards and allow others to hold you accountable.
Have a Plan - This helps me tremendously. Besides fear of the unknown, I believe there is also fear in not being in control. I find that my anxiety melts away when I feel prepared. Said differently, preparation alleviates fear.
Take Action - Action conquers fear. We are our most fearful when we sit idle, but action results in confidence. Often when we face our fears we find that the thing we were afraid of wasn’t so scary in the first place.
Hopefully these tips help you go out this week and experience adventure instead of being limited by the fear of it.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
I cannot believe it has been one hundred Monday’s already. Typically I would have a quote on discipline or consistency, but I am actually super excited about the timing of this episode because I am going to dedicate this time to the woman that makes me a better person every day. My rock, my stealer of covers, my best friend, and my travel companion. The woman who my kids get their generosity, throwing arms, and hopefully their looks from.
Angie, “I fall in love with you every single day.”
I know your love language is words of affirmation, which is not always my strong suit. I know I can be difficult at times; however, I can’t imagine (nor would I want to) going through life without you.
So for those listening, here are a few things I have learned from my wife that you can do this Valentine’s Day to bring some more love into your relationship.
Be supportive. This is one of my wife’s strongest traits. When I left my well-paying job to start my own consulting business she was my biggest supporter. She gives me confidence.
Acknowledge the thoughtful tings your partner does. My love language is acts of service and I can definitively say that my wife is better at acknowledging the things I do for her than I am at giving her words of affirmation. It is something I am working on.
Provide space. My wife is tremendous at recognizing when I have a lot going on or had a long day and just giving me time to decompress. She doesn’t pressure me for information, but let’s me come to her when I am ready to talk.
Take the good with the bad. She his obviously good that this because I am far from perfect. Yet somehow we fit perfectly together. Even though I can be overly sensitive at times, she never intentionally puts me down and is always supportive.
Compromise. My wife needs to compromise a lot with me because I can be difficult. However, she also knows when to hold firm. She is a strong woman.
Listen. Even though I don’t always want to talk, she is always ready to listen.
Thanks to everyone who has taken this journey with me. I am grateful to all those that have listened over the past 100 Mondays.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
We live in a world where being “busy” is considered to be a sign of success. However, what are we busy doing?
Henry David Thoreau put it this way, “It is not enough to be busy, so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?”
Instead of being busy try to be more productive. Here are a few adjustments anyone can make to increase productivity.
Stack Habits - Habit stacking is when you take a new behavior and pair it with something you already do consistently. This approach makes it easier to create a new habit and ultimately reach your goals. I recently did this by stacking my workouts (existing habits) with an ice bath (new habit). I was surprised on how simple it was to maintain my new habit, which now has become part of my daily routine.
Manage Time Effectively - Managing time effectively is important if you want to be productive. I personally prefer time blocking. Whenever I have a deadline or know I need to get something done I will block time on my calendar that I can dedicate to whatever needs completed. As I always say, manage your priorities and not your calendar. Time blocking allows me to do just that.
Be Accountable - If you have trouble holding yourself accountable there are a few things you can do to help yourself out. First, enlist an accountability buddy. By sharing y our goal with someone you will raise the likelihood that you will succeed by more than 50%. If you meet with this person on a regular basis to check in on your progress the probability of success skyrockets to 95%. Another good technique to keep yourself on track is to publicly share your goals, and provide regular updates on your progression.
Delegate Tasks - If you are on a team then make sure you are delegating work to best suit the skills of everyone on your team. Recently at work we all took a simple test called “Working Genius”. It was an easy way to understand each of our unique gifts and what we enjoy doing. This allowed us to focus on building a team with complementary skill sets so that everyone can spend more time doing things they enjoy.
Don’t Procrastinate - I find that at times people tend keep themselves “busy” just to avoid doing the things that really need to get done. Maybe this is because the task is hard, or just not enjoyable. If you want to be productive then you need to stop procrastinating and take action. Starting is always the hardest part.
So this week stop being busy and start being productive. Not only will you accomplish more, but you will also find more fulfillment and joy in your work.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
This weekend I was hanging out with a self-made business investor and advisor in the mountains somewhere in Utah. We where sharing stories and I was trying to learn as much as I could during our short time together.
He was telling me about some advice he gave to the high school football team he coaches. And it was this simple.
“It is better to act than to be acted upon.”
People who act build, create, and inspire.
People who are acted upon procrastinate and are unproductive. They also make excuses for not taking action or why things didn’t or won’t work out.
Here is the difference between the two types of people:
Someone who takes action might say, “There is opportunity in this poor economy to start a business that can help people.”
While someone who is being acted upon would say, “I can’t start a business in this poor economy.”
Another example is in retirement. Most people have the simple goal of accumulating enough wealth so they can do nothing (retire). They will consume their resources until they are gone. In this case they are an object to be acted upon.
Meanwhile, the rare elite choose to act. They accumulate enough money to create opportunities for others while also learning and growing themselves. These individuals have an abundance mentality and give back through their tireless efforts.
This week know that the choice is yours, and it is your responsibility to act. Otherwise, like an ostrich with its head stuck in the sand, you will surely be acted upon.
As a post note: If you want to take action and don’t know where to start then check out #58: "The Art of Doing”. In this episode I outline five simple steps to avoid procrastination and take action.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
I have been thinking a lot recently about what drives me. I want to unlock a way to consistently get the best out of myself, but what exactly does that mean?
The quest to reach for the highest that is within myself is why this quote from Zig Ziglar resonated so much with me this week.
“Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.”
I want to live fully, which means following the never ending process of trying to reach my full potential. As I said two weeks ago, I am haunted by my future goals, not my past mistakes.
Below are some tips I adopted from Tony Robbins on how to be the best version of yourself.
- Let go of limiting beliefs. These are things you convinced yourself you can't do. It is an artificial ceiling that holds you back from your full potential.
- Turn your “shoulds” into “musts”. This is how you live with no regrets. Get out of your comfort zone, take risks, and fail so that you can ultimately succeed. Stop talking about what you should do, and start doing what you must do.
- Focus on your strengths. There are different schools of thought on this one, but it is my opinion that you should amplify your strengths and lean on others to complement you where you aren’t as skilled. This is the most effective path forward.
- Develop a growth mindset. There are no weaknesses, but only opportunities for improvement. There are no failures, only learnings.
- Throw out expectations. Part of our identity is built on other’s expectations. Your vision for yourself must be yours, and no one else’s. Focus on what is in your control.
- Be willing to shed your old identity. This sounds easy and is necessary for growth, but it is harder than it seems. Often our “old self” will resist change in favor of what is comfortable. This is what holds many people back. Try to embrace a can-do attitude instead.
- Tame your fears. The best way to do this is through action. In addition, get comfortable learning from mistakes and allow yourself to accept help along the way.
- Prioritize outcomes. Set goals and manage your priorities.
- Create empowering rituals. This is one thing most leaders have in common. I practice this by exercising every day and taking ice baths to spend time with my thoughts while I let my body recover. This leaves me energized and ready to take on the day.
- Have compassion for yourself. There is no room for negative self-talk on your journey to be the best version of yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others, and instead embrace where you are at in your own journey towards self improvement.
- Manage yourself effectively. Effectively managing your time is critical. Keep yourself accountable and check your progress regularly.
- Stay positive. Remember, if it were easy everyone would do it. That means there is opportunity in ever difficulty so be a problem solver not a problem creator.
- Give back. Iron sharpens iron so in order to make yourself better, you must also understand there is a mutual benefit in making others better. Volunteering or mentoring others is a great way to feel more gratitude and abundance in our own lives.
Looking for a place to start your journey? Listen to the end of the podcast.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
Change is hard and growth is uncomfortable. You can’t improve if you are standing still, and if you are standing still the world will pass you by.
Martin Luther King Jr. said it this way, “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle."
The context of the quote has to do with making progress in the civil rights movement, but the same logic applies in all of our personal and professional lives.
Said differently, things won’t just get better on their own, and without struggle there is no progress.
You cannot wait around and expect positive changes in your life. In order to grow you must continue to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
Here are five things required for personal growth:
- Be positive, this is one thing that is always in your control;
- Be willing to make mistakes and learn from them because you will make many along the way;
- Be patient, results can take time;
- Be willing to make sacrifices because to get things others don’t have you need to be willing to do things others won’t do;
- Be willing to apply what you learned to get to the next level.
No matter your pursuit, chasing excellence is a daily grind.
This week do something that makes you uncomfortable. Something that challenges yourself and offers the opportunity to push past your limitations into your growth zone. You will be thankful you did.
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Two weeks ago I gave some advice for 2023. For those that didn’t hear that episode, my advice was simple: Just Do It!
The underlying theme is the fact that most people ultimately regret what they do NOT do, not what they HAVE done.
Last week I started listening to David Goggins' new book “Never Finished” on my morning runs. Goggins said something in the first chapter that really resonated with me.
He said, “I am haunted by my future goals, not my past mistakes.”
I can’t get this out of my head because I can relate to it.
Most people get stuck because they can’t let go of the past, but generally I have the opposite problem.
I spend more time obsessing over the things I want to get done (my goals) than anything that may have tripped me up in the past. Sometimes to a fault.
The truth is that having audacious goals is what drives me. Lofty goals create a level of focus and discipline that keep me pushing to get out of my comfort zone and do more.
In my world the peak of one mountain becomes the bottom of the next as I continue to chase excellence and find my purpose in this world.
Thinking about the future is critical to our well-being as humans, but we need to make sure we don’t think about the future more than necessary to the point of distraction.
In our modern society, people have the propensity to spend a lot of time thinking about, planning, and working toward their future goals. This is a requirement of success, but it is a fine line. Worrying about the future is a distraction and can lead to anxiety.
At the end of the day worrying about the future can be just as detrimental as being stuck in the past, but I would rather be haunted by the things I aspire to do than haunted by my past mistakes.
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I believe there are two types of people in this world; victims, and everyone else.
As we head into 2023, don’t be a victim.
Victims make excuses while champions do not. Champions do not put themselves in a position where the outcome is decided by the officials or something outside of their control.
As we head into 2023 remember this quote from Carlos Santana,
“Most people don’t have that willingness to break bad habits. They have a lot of excuses and they talk like victims.”
If you have tried resolutions in the past and they didn’t work maybe you should consider stopping something instead of starting something new. Break a bad habit that can get you back on track to reaching your full potential.
More importantly, stop making excuses for yourself. Real men and women find excuses for others, but never for themself.
If you want to elevate yourself and everyone around you in 2023 then stop being a victim. No excuses, play like a champion.
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I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, happy holiday, and that you have a prosperous New Year! I was asked recently what my advice is for 2023. Last year I did the podcast on setting SMART goals (Episode #45).
This year my advice is simple: Just do it!
Often people will not do something out of fear of regret, but the truth is we regret the things we do not do, not the things we have done.
Poll after poll of the elderly and ill show that people regret:
Not spending more time with the people they loved,
Not taking more time off work,
Not taking enough risks,
Not allowing themselves to be happier,
Not living their dreams,
Not taking better care of themselves,
Not staying in touch with old friends,
Not doing enough for others.
Lucille Ball put it this way, “I would rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”
I know this rings true in my own life. Have I done things I am not proud of? Absolutely, we all have. However, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every misstep is a chance to learn, adapt, and improve.
The things that sting the most are the things I haven’t done. The family trip I didn’t take, missing key events with my children because I was traveling for work, not buying that investment property . . .
Last year I made the decision to start my own business. It was risky, but looking back I wonder why I didn’t bet on myself sooner.
So as you reflect on your year I would encourage you to reflect not just on what you have done, but also what you didn’t do. What can you do in 2023 to avoid the regret of things you haven’t done? Just do it.
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Here are four things a Manager can do with their team to leverage the power of small wins to accomplish big goals.
- Establish a positive climate, one event at a time. By taking a practical approach to problems and their causes with a coordinated plan of action you can give subordinates a sense of forward movement even when roadblocks occur.
- Stay tuned into your teams everyday activities and progress. In a nonjudgmental climate this will naturally occur where team members will update you without being asked.
- Target support according to recent events. Try to anticipate what type of intervention would have the most impact on the team. Wether it is removal of an inhibitor, sharing good news, or just asking how you can help impact progress.
- Establish yourself as a resource for team members. Don’t be a micromanager. Micromanagers fail to allow autonomy, ask subordinates about their work without offering any help, are quick to assign blame when problems arise, and hoard information for their own benefit. Instead, effective managers are able to check in on employees while never seeming to check up on them.
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“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
In my opinion the only real failure is not starting.
Often we look at big tasks and they paralyze us. And for good reason, they are intimidating.
This is a byproduct of the society in which we live. A society where everyone only sees the end result, and not the effort. A society where everyone wants everything now.
The truth is that big goals take effort. They take time.
If you want to hit your goal then you need to start small, break it into manageable chunks, and be patient with results.
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Research shows that when you make someone feel appreciated it helps them feel validated and seen. This is what connects us as humans.
Showing appreciation and gratitude is also proven to improve physical and mental health in a variety of ways such as: improved sleep, lower blood pressure, boosted self-confidence, improved patience, reduced jealousy, increased optimism, and less depression.
Not only does showing appreciation improve your own mood, but it also boosts the mood of the person who feels appreciated.
French Philosopher, Voltaire, said it this way, "Appreciation is a wonderful thing: it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."
A compliment rooted in truth lets people they know that they matter, and are making a difference.
In a work setting these simple acts of appreciation will help boost morale, engagement, productivity, and retention. In fact “lack of appreciation” is often among the top reasons that people leave their jobs, not pay.
Here are five simple tips to make others feel more appreciated.
1) Actively Listen
2) Send Thank You Notes
3) Shine a Light on Someone; Be Specific
4) Make Connections
5) Offer Help
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I went on a run today with my brother, in the cold and pouring rain. It occurred to me while we were running that it was three years ago the pain started.
The pain that ultimately led to me having to have surgery on my lower back.
I was training for the Houston marathon with my brother this same week three years ago when lightening bolts down my leg started to become something that couldn’t be ignored.
Little did I know that in four months I would require surgery so I could do just about anything.
As we head into Thanksgiving remember this quote from American novelist Cynthia Ozick who said, “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”
As we were running today my mind started to wonder back. Back to when I couldn’t sit down long enough to eat dinner with my family, back to when I couldn’t walk down the stairs, back to when I couldn't even put my shoes on.
Of course most of us are thankful for the easy things like food, shelter, family . . . However, don’t overlook the small things.
Just being able to sit down to enjoy a meal with family is a privilege.
Being able to walk and run again is something I try not to take for granted.
So this week, ask yourself what little things you take for granted every day. The little things that get overlooked, but you should be thankful for.
I hope everyone can enjoy this week with family in warm houses and with full bellies. Most of all I pray that you don’t take anything for granted, live life to the fullest, and be present. You are blessed.
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When we started my last company, we had a performance dynamics consultant tell us that we needed to “Do Less Well”. He said we were trying to take too much on and we were all going to fizzle out. That we were busy, but we could be more productive.
Nearly a decade later this has stuck with me.
In fact, I often think about how Elon Mush, Oprah, Warren Buffet, Jeff Bezos, etc. get some much done and how do they prioritize what gets done and what doesn’t? After all, money can’t buy time. Sure you can pay someone to do things for you, but still, how do they accomplish so much with the same amount of time as everyone else.
I frequently give the advice to manage your priorities and not your schedule. I think that is something I excel at. Still, I am always striving to do less well. To have more free time, but increase effectiveness and productivity.
I believe the answer lies in this quote from finance expert Nathan Morris who said,
“It’s not always that we need to do more, but rather, that we need to focus on less.”
I have also heard it said that simplicity is identifying what is essential and eliminating everything else.
Other than managing priorities, I have found a few other hacks that I think help.
1) I am a list maker. I have lists for everything, but if it is important it goes straight to my calendar. Things that get scheduled get done. A the end of the week I review my list and cross the things off that were never really important. Things that don’t move the needle . . .
2) I don’t try to IMMEDIATELY respond to everything that gets thrown at me. This one can be hard because I take a great deal of pride in my responsiveness. However, squeezing in busy work between scheduled priorities is not often effective. I find that if you wait just a day (or a few hours in some cases) to respond to someone that they resolve the issue before you get back to them. It still amazes me how often this works, and you are still being responsive.
So this week I encourage you to schedule your priorities, cut out things that aren’t essential, and do less well.
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I currently run four miles every other day. It is just what I do.
Like everyone else, there are days where I don’t feel like running. Cold, rain, wind, travel, work, life, all seem like great excuses to do nothing.
Today in particular is a beautiful day, but I didn’t feel like running. Like always, that is when my brian starts negotiating with myself. That little voice in the back of my head that tells me I don’t have to run today. I deserve a day off. Skipping one day won’t matter . . .
These are excuses.
After the first mile the voice in the back of my mind tried to convince myself I should turn back. After all, my legs were tired from the 40 mile bike ride yesterday and I could fit in another workout tonight instead of running in the morning.
I find when this voice of doubt creeps in that I am the type of person that doubles down my effort. It is the days when you are tired count the most because these are the days that show you who you really are.
Entrepreneur Jim Rohn said, “We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment.”
This reminds me of the parable of the Ant and the Grasshopper. There are many versions of this story, but the gist is that the ant spends all summer storing food for the winter while the grasshopper spends his time singing and dancing. When the winter comes the grasshopper is starving and begs the ant for food, but the ant refuses. He doesn’t have enough to feed them both because the grasshopper didn’t help prepare.
This is a classic example of discipline versus regret. The same is true for saving for retirement, or working out to maintain fitness (as was my case this morning).
For me, the pain of disappointment is not something I want to experience. Ever. Does that mean I am never disappointed? Of course not. But I never want to be disappointed because I didn’t put in the hard work. Because I didn’t put in the effort. Because I lacked the discipline.
There are numerous times when I don’t feel like working out where I end up hitting my PR. I use that voice of doubt in my head to push even harder. To prove I am the one who is in control.
Are you listening to that voice in your head that is justifying why you shouldn’t do something that is good for you? Unfortunately, change often requires that the pain of not changing (the pain of regret) to be greater than the pain of the change (discipline). Don’t be the grasshopper. Don’t wait to make the change.
Like I said, for me, the pain of disappointment is not an option if it is within my control. I choose the pain of discipline. Every day.
So this week take control back. Get that extra workout in. Finish that project. Start an investment account. Feel the accomplishment that comes through daily discipline, and I promise you that your life will change for the better.
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I was spending time with a friend this past week when he received an email that upset him. His demeanor immediately changed. Instead of enjoying the company and beautiful view from where we were, he was angrily typing a response.
Everyone agreed. Wait until the morning.
I admitted to him that I historically I have zero avoidance, and therefore, waiting to have tough conversations (or send email replies) has not been a strength of mine.
Said otherwise, I have sent more emails that I regret sending the next day than emails I wish I would have sent the night before.
It is something I continue to work on.
I told my friend that the bottom line is that, “Sometimes the best response is no response.”
Or as the Dalai Lama said, “At times, you need to understand that silence is the best answer.”
From an outside perspective, this was certainly the case. It was an email that ignoring all together would have been more powerful than any reply. The reply gave power to the words. Silence would have communicated that it wasn’t important.
Again, I recognize this can be a weakness of my own. Seeing it in real time with an outside perspective taught me a lot. So this week make sure you think through your responses to negative situations. It isn’t always easy to show self restraint, but sometimes silence speaks louder than words.
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Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, and the youngest you’ll ever be again.”
I know I struggle with being present. Honestly, it seems to be an epidemic. When we are with friends and family we are still so distant. Often starting at our phones for the latest updates instead of spending the most valuable resource with each other, our time.
In this virtual world it is so easy to get caught up with work, games, social media, news, etc.
So here are a few tips that I have found to be more present.
1) Immerse yourself in every activity. Embrace moments in life by making a conscience effort to be an active participant. This could be as easy as keeping score during your kids baseball game, or taking time to literally stop and smell the roses.
2) Focus on the process. I often say the journey is the reward. Instead of worrying about the future, put more effort into your current situation. Although it may seem counterintuitive, I found that planning LESS during a trip or activity can really help me focus on what is happening now instead of marching from one scheduled activity to the next.
3) Put the phone down. Turn off notifications. I have been using “do not disturb” frequently and I love it. Not only is it great if I am spending time with the family, but this has been a huge help keeping me focused during meetings as well.
4) Journal. Preparing my Monday podcast is healing. It also gives me time all throughout the week to focus on the positive and find things for which I am grateful. The sense of gratitude helps me embrace the present.
5) Meditate. Admittedly, I have had an odd journey with my own meditation. It wasn’t until recently that I started taking ice baths, and I have really enjoyed the process. It keeps me grounded, focused, and is perfect time to be present with no outside distractions.
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I have coached youth sports, particularly baseball for about 14 years now and countless seasons. Anyone who is wondering why it is so hard to get coaches and umpires has either never been to a youth game or is woefully out of touch.
Just remember what it is about and that "It isn't always about winning; sometimes it is about doing what is right."
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What is your pebble?
As you set out to reach your goals and climb the mountains of life, make sure you don’t let little things derail you.
Often when we have our sights set on the mountaintop we can easily overlook the little things that ultimately bring us to our knees.
Muhammad Ali said, “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”
It can be the little things that slowly wear us down and dominate our focus.
Maybe it is low self-esteem, unresolved issues with friends or family, procrastination, bad relationships. Whatever it may be, do not underestimate the impact it has on you.
Over time these small things drain our energy and dampen our motivation.
So this week as you go out to climb your mountain, first ask yourself. “What is my pebble?”
Identify and confront these small things that drain you and then go forward with confidence. It still won’t be easy, but you can succeed. You will succeed. You must succeed.
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In business and life, I strive to be a person of action. Instead of talking about what I want to do, I just go for it and let the results do the talking.
Still, it never hurts to be your own biggest cheerleader. After all, if you don’t do it who else will?
The same is true for appreciation. What I mean by that is it never hurts to back up your action with words.
Sometimes I find myself in a position where I don’t express my gratitude for something because it is maybe perceived as “expected”. I believe the underlying thought is that this is what you are supposed to do so why do you require adulation? I liken it to everyone getting a participation trophy, which I am not a fan of.
However, just because it is expected doesn’t mean I am not grateful. I just find that there are words and then there is action.
Throughout my life I have learned that far too often action and words do not always match up. I avoid these people at all cost. They will tell you whatever you want to hear on one hand, and are doing the opposite with the other.
That lead me to this quote from JFK who said,
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
Actions speak louder than words, but I have to keep reminding myself that doesn’t mean you can’t use words too.
Ultimately, your actions show your true intentions. This is of the utmost importance. However, as long as you words are aligned with your actions there is no reason that you can’t tell someone how much you appreciate what they are doing. Even if it is expected. After all, how would you feel if the expected didn’t happen?
This week make sure you tell someone in your life how much you appreciate them. It could be a relative, coworker, or friend. Even though you live by your actions, sometimes it is nice to backup your actions with words.
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Live abundantly . . .
I wear a bracelet that I made that says “grateful”. It was part of an exercise we did with our kids last Thanksgiving where we asked each other questions to find a word that defined us.
People ask me all the time in my business who my competitors are. Anyone who knows me knows I will say “no one”. While there are companies like ours, I don’t think any of them do exactly what we do or as well as we do it.
I have a history of working with competitors. I was discussing this on stage during a live podcast interview at the end of the largest renewables conference in the world last week.
It made me reflect on what I see that others don’t. And I think it comes down to this quote from Tony Robbins, who said,
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.”
I don’t fear competition, it is good for business. Good for innovation, and growth. The author Jim Collins would call it “productive paranoia”.
I also approach life in general with an abundance mindset. If the entire industry does well the pie grows. That is good for all of us.
When you analyze your competitors, what do they do well compared to what you do well? There must be a gap. In that gap you will find opportunity.
I firmly believe that opportunity is all around us. Everyone we meet, everyone we talk to. There is almost always a way to learn, grow, or problem solve together.
So I encourage you this week to think about how you can work with or add value to competitors. At the very least, this exercise will reveal your competitive advantage.
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It is rare that I have trouble deciding on a weekly quote to explore on the podcast because I have too many in mind. Typically I either know exactly what to say, or I have to spend time in quiet reflection thinking of inspiration from the prior week.
This week I had trouble deciding because there are so many quotes I want to unpack.
Often times we measure ourself with someone else’s measuring stick. But surely of all people, you yourself deserve your love.
The ancient Chinese Philosopher, Lao Tzu said, ”Because one believes in oneself, one doesn't try to convince. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn't need others' approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts them.”
Too often we seek others approval to the extent of putting their options of ourself above our own. Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality.
Before we can expect others to accept us for who we are, we must first accept ourselves.
As the old African Proverb says, “if there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do no harm.”
So this week take stock of who’s approval you are seeking, and instead be content with yourself. Because when you accept yourself, the whole world will accept you.
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We have all heard it before . . .
“If you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
They used to say this quote every day on the morning announcements when I was in high school.
I prefer the quote from George Lorimer, “You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.”
I already knew the theme of the podcast this week going into today. However, I had the privilege of listening to SunCast Media Episode 515 with Nico Johnson and Spencer Oberan today during my morning run in the rain.
From now on when people ask me why I work at Enerflo I am just going to direct them to this podcast. There was so much great insight and wisdom. It was truly inspiring.
The days I get up with determination, don’t feel like work. They are also the same days I find myself most energized and fulfilled.
When you tell people this the next question that you inevitably get is, “how do I find my passion?”
Spencer nailed it in his interview with Nico when he said, “what do you always think about, what is the thing you would do for free, better yet, what is the thing you would pay someone else to let you do?” That is passion!
Spencer went on to say, “sprint after what excites you most.”
This reminds me of a Les Brown talk that I listen to over and over again where he says, “you can’t walk after your destiny, you can't stroll after your destiny . . . you gotta RUN after your destiny.”
The bottom line is that if you want to wake up with determination and go to bed with satisfaction then I encourage you to listen to this advice.
Reflect this week on what you believe is worthwhile. What do you think about, what excites you? Do more of that.
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What is success?
The story of the Mexican fisherman reminds me of one of my favorite Tony Robbins quotes, “Success is doing what you want to do, when you want, where you want, and with whom you want, as much as you want.”
I have yet to hear of a better definition of success, so this is the one I use personally.
In the story the investment banker doesn’t think the fisherman is successful because he is basing success on money. However, the banker would have the fisherman toil away his entire life to end up doing the exact same thing he is doing now.
This week ask yourself, what are you working towards? You can’t just say, “being happy.” You need to be specific! What would make you happy. Write it down.
The older I get the more I appreciate this story. If you are working towards money then don’t be surprised when you achieve it and still are not happy.
In fact, they say that money can’t buy happiness. That doesn’t keep everyone from wanting to find out for themselves though does it?
I say instead, work towards freedom. Freedom to do what you want, when you want, where you want, with whom you want, as much as you want.
Don’t spend your life putting off living until retirement. Like the Mexican fisherman, find what makes you happy and start doing more of that today. That is true success.
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The entire process of nature and is an integrated process of immense complexity. Therefore, it is impossible to tell whether anything that happens in it is good or bad because you never know what the consequences of good or bad fortune will be.
We often are looking at an isolated event at a singular point in time. This prevents us from having perspective. Events that seem bad today may come to define us, but we just don’t know it yet because we haven’t had enough time to let it play out.
This brings me to a quote from Confucius who said, “As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.”
This is similar to a quote from John Wooden that I us all the time, “Things work out best for those who make the best of they way things work out.”
I know that there are people out there that find this difficult to believe.
Maybe your girlfriend or boyfriend broke up with you and you just feel like nothing is going your way. In this moment things seem difficult. However, when you look back on this day 10-years from now while you are on your honey moon with the love of your life you will be grateful.
Just as in the story, what seems bad today only seems bad because of the lack of perspective.
So today, whatever you are going through. Remember to be like the Chinese Farmer. Whatever is happening for you in your life, it is nearly impossible at this moment with limited perspective to associate it being good or bad.
All you can do today is focus on what is in your control and make the best of whatever hand you were dealt. I promise you that one day when you look back, you will see the event differently with the benefit of time and perspective.
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The older I get the more I try to focus only on things in my control.
Sometimes you can execute everything perfectly, but you still don’t get the results you want or expected.
As a long time Little League coach, I find myself having this conversation with players a lot. Especially pitchers.
I always tell the kids judge their performance based on their effort, not the results.
With age comes the realization that results often come slower than we would like, but they will eventually come with the proper level of effort. This is especially true in a team environment where there are multiple variables outside of your control.
Former major leaguer, and World Series MVP, Ben Zobrist said,
“At the end of the day, you can’t control the results; you can only control your effort level and your focus.”
As a pitcher there are a lot of things you can’t control that affect results. The umpire, the hitter, your teammates . . . However, you can control your own effort.
If you are giving 100% then there is no reason to ever hang your head. After all, you can’t give anything more than your best.
If you aren’t giving your best then you need to evaluate why. The answer could be as simple as maybe your goals aren’t really what you think they are. I find that generally, when there is a lack of effort there is also a lack fo desire.
The thing with effort is that you are the only one that can truly evaluate if you gave it your all. It is the one thing entirely in your control.
So next time your game, product launch, meeting, review, etc. doesn’t go your way. Don’t judge the results, judge your effort.
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Exactly a year ago I did a podcast on not having a “Plan B”. My son and his friends were about to embark on their Freshman year of college and they asked my opinion about having a backup plan.
It was, and is, my opinion that you need to remain committed to you goals . . . no Plan B needed.
Fast forward to this year. My son is now about to go into his Sophomore year and he asked me how I felt about going “all-in”. To which I replied that I think it is generally it is a bad idea.
He pressed me a little because my answer seemed to surprise him. And at the time, honestly, I didn’t have a good answer.
Since our conversation on July 16, I have been thinking about if my advice to not go all-in is directly opposed the advice I gave last year about not having a Plan B.
After a few weeks of reflection, I stand firm in my advice. No Plan B, don’t go all-in.
Let me break that down a little further. Living life without a Plan B requires three things:
Commitment.
Flexibility.
Discipline.
I believe that going all-in really only covers the commitment part. By going all-in you are fully committed, but there is a problem with blind commitment.
Like going all-in with a bad poker hand, commitment can make bad ideas worse just as it can make good ideas better. The more you commit to a bad idea (work, relationship, etc.) the more trapped you become. While the more you commit to a good idea the more it energizes you.
That is why being flexible and disciplined are the other critical pieces.
Tony Robbins said, “Stay committed to your decisions but flexible in your approach.”
As I said a year ago, I think the key is to be committed to your goals, but flexible in how you get there. Ultimately this could also take you to a different path with new goals, and more, different, or better commitments.
So in order to ensure you don’t get stuck with / or doing something you don’t enjoy, you need to remain flexible.
To me the balance between commitment and all-in is flexibility, but also you also need to be disciplined.
You may be committed to losing weight, but you need to be disciplined about it. Going all-in and trying to do two-a-days when you first get to the gym is not sustainable. You need to have a disciplined approach recognize that goals take time.
The same is also true for the previous poker analogy I used. Good players remain disciplined and don’t chase bad flops. If you go all-in on a bad flop trying to chase a good hand, you no longer have flexibility because you are likely going to get out of the game.
So this week evaluate what you are committed to. Is it raising you up or pulling you down? Double down on the good, but always remain flexible and disciplined in your approach to achieve greater results.
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I often talk about James Clear. Not only did I enjoy his book, Atomic Habits, but I also throughly enjoy his Thursday 3-2-1 newsletter. I posted on LinkedIn this past week about how his message from July 28th resonated with me.
He wrote,
“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is eliminate the task.
Downsize. The rooms you don’t have, don’t need to be cleaned.
Donate. The items you don’t own, don’t need to be organized.
Delete. The projects you don’t take on, don’t need to be finished.
Is this a problem that needs to be solved? Or is it a problem that can be eliminated all together?”
This was a perfect for me this week because I was just talking about this with my wife recently. Why is it so hard to let go of things we don’t use? I am just as guilty of it as others, but it is something I am continually working on.
I used to own a boat. Those who have owned a boat have likely heard the saying, “There are only two good days to own a boat, the day you buy it and the day you sell it.”
For me, that was the case. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoyed the boat, but often it felt like a chore. It felt like I spent more time working for and worrying about the boat than making memories on the boat. At the end of the day it seemed like the boat owned me. So I sold it.
This lead me to this famous quote from Brad Pitt’s character in Fight Club, “The things you own, end up owning you.”
Before I make a major purchase I often think about the item as a liability and then try to work backwards from there. In other words, is this thing really worth owning? Will it bring me more good memories than bad? Will it take more time than it gives? Does it improve my overall quality of life, or make my life easier in anyway?
Often times there are additional costs that are not monetary that need to be considered. After all, you can always get more money anyway but you can’t get more time.
As the kids leave the nest, my wife an I envision ourselves downsizing to a condo in a walkable city. Somewhere close to an airport where we can be free of things and able to move agilely when it suites us. Whether it is to visit the kids, or go on a last minute trip.
This week I challenge everyone to give something away that you don’t use or wear. It can be something small, but just get the ball rolling to see how it feels. Often it can be liberating.
From experience I can say that this simple task is more difficult than it seems. I know I have shoes in my closet that I will probably never wear again, but for some reason I can’t bring myself to donate them. This is the exact scenario that begs the question, if you can’t give it away do you own it or does it own you?
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This past week I was on a fishing excursion in Alaska. What an incredible trip!
We saw a little bit of everything and always seemed to be in the right place in the right time.
I can confidently say that we caught more fish than any other group at the lodge. In total, our team of six hauled in more than 1200 pounds of fish from Tuesday to Saturday.
That isn’t meant to be a brag, but rather, highlight something we did extremely well. We consistently were one of the first boats to leave and last to come back to the lodge. More importantly, every time we caught a fish we worked as a team to get the hook back in the water as fast as possible.
There are so many epic experiences from this trip that I could share this week, but I think the key takeaway can be summed up from what the head of the lodge said on the first day we got there,
“If you want to catch a fish you need to keep a hook in the water.”
From that standpoint maybe we weren’t necessarily “in the right place at the right time”, but rather, maximized our opportunity for success.
Life is all about taking advantage of opportunities, and the more opportunities you get the better chance of success you have.
Our group was certainly not the most skilled anglers in the lodge, not by a long shot. However, we maximized our opportunities by maximizing our time on the water and always having a hook in the water.
So this week know that there are opportunities swimming all around you, but have to keep a hook in the water if you want to catch a fish.
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I challenge everyone this week to bless someone unexpectedly in a small way.
It doesn’t have to be monetary. It can be as simple as helping your neighbor carry in groceries, volunteering at the food bank, or assisting a friend with a project. It doesn’t matter what it is, but rather, the intent to impact someone’s day in a positive direction.
This past week I had a very important person in my life show me the greatest act of generosity I could ever imagine.
I am not going to get into the details, but it left me speechless.
In times when I find myself lost for words (both good and bad) I turn to the bible so the quote from this week is Proverbs 11:25 (New International Version)
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.This person has already done so much for me that his level of generosity is hard for me to comprehend. However, I always make him the promise that I will pay it forward.
As you think about your week, reflect on something generous that someone has done for you recently. Then simply pay it forward by blessing someone else. Give with a cheerful heart knowing that you are changing someone’s life, even if it is in a very small way.
It is these small blessings that grow, and create a chain reaction of giving that can truly change the world.
So go out this week and give some extra time, a helping hand, or a donation. Give without the expectation of anything in return, but even then I think you will find that when you give it always has a way of coming back to you in even greater ways.
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What steals your joy?
Last week I heard this saying, “comparison is the thief of joy”. I have heard this before, but this time it stuck with me.
As I reflected on the many blessings in my life, I also thought about what steals my joy. Undoubtedly it is when I compare myself to someone or something else.
Research shows that humans have biased comparisons. For instance, comparing yourself to the fittest person you know when evaluating your own fitness level, or the best cook you know when you are evaluating your own cooking skills.
This is exacerbated by social media where you only see what people show you. Many of whom are rich and famous.
Do not fall into the trap of comparison, and instead chose to live with gratitude. As the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus said, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
The only thing you should ever compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. So keep improving, keep getting better, and do not let comparison steal your joy.
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After more than a year of consistency that I did not put out an episode of my Limitless Podcast (aka Monday Motivation) this past week.
This was intentional.
Although I have done several podcasts while on vacation, including the one two weeks ago, I decided to take last week off to spend focused, dedicated time with my family.
We were having a blast in Magic Kingdom, and I couldn’t bring myself to move the attention away from the kids even though I had plenty of opportunity to shoot a quick video while in line, early in the morning, or even a week in advance.
I also thought about doing a podcast on something like “better late than never” mid-week, but ultimately I decided to remain hyper focused on what matters most, my family. That is what led me to this quote.
"In business, what you don’t get done today can be done tomorrow. With family, what doesn’t get done today is gone forever."
When you work hard you need to enjoy the time off of work even more. If I miss a weekly podcast, it isn’t the end of the world. However, missing time with my kids in Magic Kingdom is an experience I will never be able to duplicate.
So I hope if you have the day off today that you spend I wisely and focus some extra energy on spending time with people you care about knowing that work will be there when you get back. After all, the experiences you miss with friends and family today are gone forever.
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The greatest teacher is experience.
This past weekend I bought a giant gazebo from Costco and had friends over installing it.
One of the seemingly easiest but longest tasks was removing the protective plastic off the roof and the roof finishes.
The friend that was helping looked at me when she was pealing the last piece of plastic off of the final roof segment and she said, "Isn't it funny how when you are on the last one you figure out a way to do it better and faster?"
I looked at her and said, "That is called experience."
This reminded me of a quote from Julius Caesar who said, "Experience is the teacher of all things."
Unfortunately, most people expect to master something on the first try. However, that is not reality.
In reality you need time to develop and hone your craft. This is true in both life and business.
Remember that there is no such thing as failure. There is only learning. So take what you have learned to move forward. Continue to perfect your craft, and use your experience to master what you are trying to accomplish.
When things don't seem to go your way just stop and recailbate because experience is truly the teacher of all things.
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I was at a Goldman Sachs Crafting Tomorrow event last week in Austin, TX. First of all, wow. Goldman really knows how to through a first class event full of industry leaders.
One of the highlights for me was the conversation with Drew Brees at dinner. In full disclosure, I am not a Saints fan, but I have always admired Drew Brees.
Not just because of his faith, but also because people told him he couldn’t do it. For those that remember, he slipped out of the first round to become the first pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft because he was “too small” to be an NFL quarterback. That story always resonated with me because I was just graduating high school at that time and I was very small kid. I didn’t really grow until the summer leading into my freshman year of college.
I loved that there was someone out there not letting others perception of them become a reality. Someone who worked tirelessly to prove to the naysayers that they could not only compete, but thrive in the NFL.
During the dinner conversation Drew said that his mentor told him to abide by the 3M’s.
“Master, Mentor, Make a Difference.”
Everyone in the room was sure to remember this hook, and for good reason . . . this is a great playbook for life.
Master: Find what you are passionate about and master it. Dedicate yourself to your craft, learn from your mistakes, and improve every day.
Drew said that he would review every single play in the playbook each week and think to himself, “what is the worst thing that can happen on this play”. That enabled him to have a plan and allowed him to stay poised in the event that the play didn’t go as planned.
Mentor: Once you have mastered your craft, mentor someone that is coming behind you. Help them on their journey and provide them with the knowledge that it takes to become a master themselves.
Make a difference: That is what life is about. Helping others. 100-years from now no one will remember that Drew Brees was the MVP of Super Bowl 44. However, the Brees Dream Foundation, which supports cancer patients and research, will endure. As of 2021 the Brees Dream Foundation has donated over $35M to charitable causes worldwide.
The 3M’s set up a continued cycle of prosperity for everyone it touches. If everyone lived life this way think about all the good that would be done. All the people that would be helped. What an inspiration.
So this week remember to not listen to the naysayers. Go after your dreams and on your journey do not forget the 3Ms: Master, Mentor, Make a difference.
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About five (5) years ago I was playing miniature golf with my son and one of his friends. They called me a “try hard” in a condescending way. Clearly this has stuck with me a long time. I could never grasp why it was a bad thing to try your best. How did this become part of the middle school vernacular?
I decided then and there that it is important to teach my children to worry about what they can control, have a positive attitude, and always give it their best effort.
This past week my daughter had her fifth grade graduation marking her transition to middle school.
As I was thumbing through her yearbook I notice that the entire class had a short bio. Things like their favorite TV show, music, food, etc. That is when I noticed this quote from my daughter, “You can do anything if you try hard enough.”
That is why I have this podcast. I started the Monday Motivation (aka Limitless Podcast) for my children. Life lessons and inspiration that I get the joy of seeing in action every single day.
I am a firm believer that gratitude and a positive attitude are the drivers of living a life of happiness.
I also believe that things turn out the best for people who make the best of how things turn out.
Passing this message on to my children is the single greatest thing I can do for them.
I also know that someone out there needs to hear this message today. Someone is struggling to find the good in their situation. Someone is doubting their abilities. Someone is questioning their path, trying to find the strength to continue, and wondering if everything is going to work out. To that someone, take advice from my 11-year-old and remember that the one thing you can control is your attitude. After all, you can do anything if you try hard enough.
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Today is Memorial Day. A day in which we honor those who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.
I, for one, am grateful and fortunate for being born in the greatest country on earth. As we reflect on all the opportunities we are provided by living in America, let us not forget those who have died to provide our freedom.
A. Philip Randolph was a civil rights activist, and among other things, helped lead President Franklin D. Roosevelt to issue an Executive Order that banned discrimination in the defense industries during World War II.
Randolph said, “Freedom is never given; it is won.”
So as we all enjoy our day with loved ones, let us not forget those that died to win our freedom. Those brave men and women who valued liberty, and had the courage to fight so that we may be free.
Let us also not forget that freedom does not mean we can do whatever we want, but it provides us with the opportunity to do what is right.
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This past Saturday my brother-in-law and I set out on a self-supported 153 mile gravel bike ride from Wilkes-Barre to Bensalem, PA, in celebration of my birthday.
Like last year, we planned our trip meticulously.
We called the administrator of the trail to plan for unforeseen detours, obstacles, etc.
We marked dozens of points of interest to stop for food and water.
We conducted multiple gear checks to ensure we had a solution for pretty much any potential mechanical failure.
After attempting to cover all the details, nothing went according to plan.
Food stops were closed, or were on the opposite side of the river.
The trail administrator told us about the washouts along the way, but we did not anticipate seemingly endless amount of mud puddles that slowed us down to a pace well below what we planned.
98 degree heat, we have been there before.
There was no quit. We had no option, but to keep pressing on. No plan B.
I pulled a lot of take aways from this journey, but I think this quote from motivational writer and success coach, Dr. Roopleen, summarizes it best.
“Quitting is never an option on the road to success. Find the way forward. If you have a positive mindset and are willing to persevere, there is little that is beyond your reach. The attitude of being ready to work even in the face of challenges and despite odds is what will make all the difference in your life.”
At mile 90 my brother-in-law was ready to call it quits. But it wasn’t an option. How would we get home or to the hotel that was more than 60 miles away?
After some encouragement, we pressed forward. We were behind schedule and every unplanned detour or stop would extend our trip, forcing us to ride deeper and deeper into the darkness of the night.
In the soaring temperatures, water became harder to find than planned as we passed place after place that was not yet open, or already closed. Again, trying to balance the need for water with conserving energy and staying on track.
Around 9:30pm we rolled into the hotel. In total the trip took about 3.5 hours longer than what we perceived was our conservative case scenario.
At the end of the day, we reached our destination successfully. It didn’t go as planned, and it certainly did not happen in the time we expected. You could say that quitting really wasn’t an option, but I am sure we could have found a hotel along the way if things got really bad.
What lead to the “successful” outcome was having a positive mindset and the willingness to persevere in the face of unexpected challenges. After all, quitting is never an option on the road to success.
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What does Michael Jordan and YouTuber MrBeast have in common?
I really don’t watch that much TV, but I finally got around to finishing “The Last Dance” on Netflix, which is a docuseries highlighting the remarkable career of Michal Jordan. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend it.
Also, this week I was introduced to MrBeast by my kids. In fact, all of them from age 18 to 9 knew MrBeast, and apparently I have been living under a rock because I have never heard of the person who has the largest YouTube channel on the planet.
So what could a YouTube personality and Mr. Jordan possibly have in common?
I will start my answer with a quote from Vince Lombardi who said, “The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there.”
After learning about MrBeast I listened to his recent interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Like The Last Dance, I came to have a deep appreciation for the discipline and commitment that both MrBeast and Michael Jordan have to perfecting their craft.
The reality is that everyone only sees them while they are on top. Often people do not appreciate the tremendous amount of hard work and dedication it takes to be the greatest. I know for me, I would have never put a thought into it had I not heard MrBeast on Joe Rogan.
And everyone knows that Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, but many of us do not put much thought into what it takes to climb the mountain.
This causes many people to think that they can achieve the same results without putting in any effort. The difference is the tireless pursuit of their passion, and the desire to be the greatest at what they do.
People need to remember this because success isn’t easy. If it where then guess what? Easy come, easy go.
At the end of the day, I don’t care who you are . . . Warren Buffet, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brady . . . they didn’t get to where they are without putting in the work first.
So next time you are admiring someone who is at the top of their industry, appreciate the discipline, dedication, and sacrifice it took to reach the top of the mountain because they surely didn’t fall there.
Welcome to the Limitless Podcast with Nathan Jovanelly. Thanks for tuning in.
I am going to tell a quick story about the hardest working woman I know. She is a success but doesn’t wear designer clothes, or drive a fancy car. In fact, she doesn’t even have a car currently. Unfortunately, in society today most people tend to measure success by material possessions. This is foolish because “things” won’t bring you happiness.
The great theologian, Albert Schweitzer said, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.”
This particular woman grew up in the roughest part of town.
She didn’t know her father.
Education was important so she worked as a baby sitter to pay for catholic school to escape the broken city school system.
She got married young, and is still married 49 years later.
She never finished college, but she worked tirelessly to provide a better life for her two boys.
Her young family started off in a trailer park until she saved enough for a modest home in a great school district.
She worked hard, and made sacrifices.
She didn’t have everything, but the family had all they needed and wanted.
She never drove a flashy car, but was able to put two boys through college.
She always gives more than she takes.
She encourages and guides.
She is a pillar of faith.
She raises the bar, and sets the example.
Now she is retired in Florida. She is successful not because of what she has, but what she has accomplished. She created a better life for herself and for generations to follow. She doesn’t need to buy happiness because she knows it isn’t possible. Instead she can sit back and smile at a life well-lived. I am blessed every day to have such an inspiration in my life. I am eternally grateful for the support, encouragement, and opportunity. But most of all, the joy.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
It only takes a moment (or three months) to change your life.
What inspired me last week was my friend and colleague, Paul. Last week Paul and I spent some time in Salt Lake City together, and he was telling me about how last year he took a two month trip with his family around the country. To his surprise, his favorite part ended up being their visit to the Grand Canyon.
Paul noted that it only took 6 million years for the Colorado River to carve this masterpiece. While it seems like a long time, in perspective it was only 0.4% of the 1.7 billion years it took to build the sediment that would end up getting eroded away. Therefore, it only took about 0.4% of its life cycle to carve the Grand Canyon. Relative to our average life expectancy of 75 years, that is about 3 months.
So what is the point, exactly?
Well, I did a recent Monday Motivation on procrastination and Paul’s story reminded me of this quote from Gandhi:
"The future depends on what you do today."
So stop waiting for things to happen and start making them happen. You built your foundation over years, and now you can change your life in 3 short months.
Again, take Paul as an example. Paul was extremely successful in the oil and gas industry, but he wanted to make a change. He had no software or solar experience, but we hired him anyway.
We hired for the person, the attitude, the leadership. The intangible things that can’t be taught. Paul will learn the rest. In fact, he has already learned more in a few weeks than people I know who have been in the industry for years.
Paul used this story to make decisions and more importantly, act on them to change his reality. Instead of sitting back defeated, not knowing how to get into a new industry. He made it happen.
Most people won’t do that. Most people won’t put in the work. In fact, when I was leaving Salt Lake last week Paul asked if we could share a cab to the airport. I thought this was odd because my flight left at 6am and his left a few hours later. You see, Paul had some reading to do . . . he is learning. He is changing his life, and all it takes is a few short months to change everything. After all, what you do today will define who you are tomorrow.
The only hard part is getting started. So what are you waiting for? Some day or day one. It is your decision.
As many of you are probably aware, this past Friday, April 22, was Earth Day. This is a good reminder that we only have one planet and it is our responsibility to protect it.
While I am generally optimistic that humans can use technology to tackle the toughest problems we face, I also think that we all need to make sacrifices so that future generations do not get stuck with our problem.
I believe firmly that have both a moral and economic duty to ensure that we are setting up future generations for success.
The founder of Earth Day was a former US Senator and Governor of Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson. He put it this way, “The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will never be heard.”
I think it is time that as a species we understand that houses, cars, money, power . . . none of this matters if we don’t have an inhabitable planet.
I also feel that we need to realize that poverty and environment are linked. If we want to get people to care about the environment then we need to lift as many people out of poverty worldwide as quickly as possible. It is hard to care about saving the planet when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from.
Unfortunately the poor are disproportionally affected by pollution and climate change. We must break this cycle.
In honor of Earth Day, I want you to think about what small sacrifices you can make today for a better world tomorrow.
This week I want to talk about my lovely wife, Angela.
Ang is a lot of things, but a good test taker is not one of them. However, she had a desire to get her realtors license as part of a greater plan and ambition. Over the past few months I watched her put more energy into this goal than pretty much anything else other than our children.
First, to be able to take the actual license exam she needed to pass a sort of pre-exam or practice test. Only she didn’t know that was just the warm up. She studied and studied to pass the pre-exam only to to get her bubble popped at the peak of her excitement when she found there was yet another test.
As disappointed as she was, she got back to work and passed the state exam on her first try. The time and effort reminded me of a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, “Patience and fortitude conquer all things.”
Fortitude is strength of mind, and patience is the capacity to accept delay. Both of these things apply to her situation.
She could have thrown in the towel and quit after she found out there was another test. After all, she doesn’t really need to become a realtor.
Quitting wasn’t an option though.
Instead, she used two traits that are hard for anyone to conjure, patience and fortitude.
Take a lesson from my wife this week. Find an area in your life where you need to find more patience and strength of mind, and apply it to conquer anything that is holding you back.
What is the most important aspect of a high-functioning team? Alignment.
A lot of conflict in our lives is because we are not living in alignment. This could be the result of not being true to ourselves [our values] or it could be because we are not in alignment with our spouse, team, department, company, etc.
In business, I believe that agreement is a nice-to-have, but alignment is a must have.
Karen Kimsey-House is the co-creator of the Co-Active Training Institute, which is known for world-renowned coaching and leadership programs. Karen, put it this way, “When there is alignment and understanding, it is much easier to navigate forward together, moving in and out of agreement.”
Building a team of individuals that trusts each other is the foundation of being able to have productive disagreements, and therefore, being able to make the best decisions.
One pro tip is to call the discussion a debate instead of a disagreement. I do this all the time, and it is proven that by calling it a debate participants are more likely to share information. This is because teammates are perceived to be more receptive to differing opinions in a debate.
Either way, the bottom line is that alignment doesn’t require agreement. Alignment requires that you support the decision of the team or leader even if you don’t fully agree with it. If you can’t come to alignment, then you need to move or leave. It sounds harsh, but it is true.
Sometimes if there is no agreement a decision gets put off by the leader. This is another reason why leaders should strive for the best idea, not consensus. In business, we see all the time that failure to make a decision can be as damaging as a wrong decision. Remember that indecision comes because there is no perfect answer in business, and there never will be.
In order to avoid indecision, it is important to have a well-run process and a team where everyone feels like they can voice their opinion. Bruce Chizen, former CEO of Adobe, calls this “making decisions with integrity”. Simply meaning that you need to follow a good process and always prioritize what is right for the business over what is right for the individual.
I used to do this at my former employer all the time. Many times teammates and other Executives would be surprised when I would pitch an idea that would personally make me less money in favor of what was best for the business. To me this was simply making decisions with integrity (Note: You can avoid this type of conflict by aligning compensation with the business goals and objectives.).
If I did something that was not aligned with the business for personal gain, the business would suffer. This would eventually lead to the downfall of the business and the people that worked in our Division. This is never a good long-term strategy.
At the end of the day, I consider myself to be a seeker of truth. I believe through the process of understanding that the best idea always should win and this is more important than having consensus from everyone on the team. Alignment leads to better ideas and results.
A friend pulled me aside last week and asked me last week how to avoid procrastination.
First let’s break down what procrastination is . . . the word means “moving or acting slowly so as to fall behind.” It is a blameworthy delay of not doing something against our better judgement.
Like most psychological things, procrastination is negative cycle of thoughts and emotions. There could be something unpleasant about the task like cleaning a dirty bathroom, but procrastination can also be rooted in deeper feelings like self-doubt, anxiety, or insecurity.
Regardless, by not doing the task you are rewarding yourself with a brief reprieve. It is this reward cycle that enables us to keep repeating the action to create the aforementioned procrastination loop that ends up making you feel worse in the long run.
Abraham Lincoln said, “you cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” I guess we all know that though since we are avoiding the task against our better judgement.
So then how can we avoid procrastination? Here are my top five things that can help.
1) Set goals. Write them down and have a plan. Having a plan removes the energy of having to make the decision to get started, and it also plants the seed in your mind that it is going to get done.
2) Prioritize. You only have so much time, and you need to manage priorities. The big things. The things that if you drop will cause catastrophic damage to your life, family, career, etc. If the task is meaningless then maybe you are not procrastinating, you are prioritizing!
3) Just start. Leonardo Da Vinci said, “It’s easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.”
4) Remove distractions and put up road blocks to procrastination to make it less convenient. You can also tie your plan to existing habits to establish a routine and create new, better habits.
5) Manage your inner dialog. I am going to break this one into two parts: A) Perfection is the enemy of good enough so aim for done over perfect, and B) Remember, if you tell yourself you are a procrastinator than you are setting yourself up for failure. Start telling yourself that you are a person of action. A person that takes care of their priorities, and a person that gets things done.
I read Trillion Dollar Coach while I was on vacation earlier this month. The book is about Bill Campbell, who was on of the most influential people in Silicon Valley. One of Bill Campbell’s mantras really stuck with me. It was some advice he received while he was CEO of Claris from Donna Dubinsky who said, “Your title makes you a manager; your people make you a leader.”
We all know people that demand respect, but have not earned it. If you want people to respect you then you must have empathy, project humility and selflessness to show that you care about the company, people, and culture.
Managing is all about the people that work for you. They are the foundation of a successful company, and it is the responsibility of management to help people be more effective in their job so they can grow and develop (both in and out of the workplace).
Managers create an environment that amplifies the energy that employees come to work with through support, respect, and trust.
Leaders trust people and enable them to do their jobs and make decisions. They believe in their teams ability.
Great leaders gain respect through understanding each individual’s unique career goals while being sensitive to their life choices.
The bottom line is that people are always the greatest asset of any company. If you want their respect, it must be earned.
To state the obvious, there is a lot going on in the world today. Pandemics, war, and other human conflict.
Unlike most other videos you will watch this week, month, and year, I will not be making a statement on any of these events. Instead, I will simply leave you with this quote from Joseph Campbell, “We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.”
Not to sound cliche, but … happiness doesn’t come to you, it comes from you.
True peace can only come if you are unaffected by outside events.
As humans we always looking outside, literally. That is how we are designed. But to find joy we must turn inwards.
There is an African Proverb that I quote all the time that says “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.”
You are the biggest obstacle to happiness. You are the biggest challenge in your life. Everyone wants to have control of their situation, but it isn’t until you realize that you cannot control outside events that you can begin to find peace.
Who are you surrounding yourself with? People that raise you up, or tear you down? Don’t listen to the haters. The people that want to go through life without energy or passion. The online trolls.
If you let them affect your attitude, your mental state, then they are enslaving you (if only for a second). You are giving them power.
It’s time to take the power back. Everything starts in your mind. Everything begins and ends with you. Are you happy with your work? Are you happy with what you got accomplished today? Are you grateful for the things around you?
The answer needs to be a resounding “yes” to all these things because these are the things you can control.
Stop looking for happiness on the outside and turn inward. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen.
My family and I were on vacation this past week and while my wife was getting ready my eleven-year-old said, "Be quick, don't rush". I started grinning ear to ear, and we had a conversation about how she tells her friends this at school all the time.
I was grinning because here is my LinkedIn post from exactly two years ago in honor of the NCAA tournament:
"John Wooden was a legendary college basketball coach, and is one of my favorite people to quote (especially to my children). I love this quote from Coach Wooden in particular, “Be quick but don’t hurry.” To me this quote means to be in control. To be in control you need to remove hesitation without making too many mistakes. In order to do this you need to be prepared. Everyone wants things quickly, but you want to be prepared so you can stay in focused and pivot when necessary. Mistakes are unavoidable, but happen more often when we hurry without a plan of action."
When I told my daughter this is a quote use frequently, she got a little defensive. After all, she is confident this is her quote!
Andy Hill, author of “Be Quick-But Don’t Hurry”, identified four key pointers to remove hesitation:
- Avoid delays.
- Avoid maybe.
- Move on from mistakes.
- Follow your instincts.
Another Wooden quote that frequently gets thrown around my house is, “if you do not have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” Be prepared so you can quickly complete your task or achieve your goals the first time. That is how you can be quick without hurrying.
A few years ago we developed a large solar project for a mega church in Maryland. The project was equivalent to powering more than 225 homes, which was a massive undertaking for a nonprofit.
On a foggy, overcast day the pastor of this church, who was also a pilot, flew into our corporate offices in Ohio to meet with the development team.
Upon greeting the Pastor, I asked what it was like to fly a plane in the clouds when you can’t see anything? After all, flying blind must be frightening, right? I was genuinely curious.
His response was simple, but something I will never forget. He looked at me and matter of factly said, “I fly by instrumentation, not by sight.”
This was a simple straight forward response, but after a brief pause I responded, “That sounds like a metaphor for faith.”
It is these seemingly innocuous moments that sometimes have the biggest impact on our life. This happened years ago, but I still think about it to this day.
Big moves in life are life flying in the clouds. The path isn’t always clear and your direction is going to be met with uncertainty. Whether you are changing careers, schools, or starting a business.
Going into it is important that you know that not everyone will agree with you and not everyone will see it. That is why you must have faith.
Faith starts with a belief. An unquestionable belief in yourself, belief in your ideas, belief in your business . . . A belief that even if things don’t work out as you expected they will still work out how they are intended.
Set your sights on the destination and follow your gut to get there. It won’t be easy. You will experience some turbulence, but that is when you need to keep going the most.
You must know that most people won’t do that. Most people won’t believe in themselves. They will stop as soon as it gets uncomfortable.
It is during the inevitably turbulent and uncertain times where you must have faith. You must stay the course, follow your true north, and pursue your purpose with relentless effort. If you do these things, you will make it to your destination. That is the point where others will believe too, but it all started with having faith in your own abilities.
This past week I was at a solar conference in Boston. I was talking to a friend at the show that is absolutely crushing it. Someone I admire for many reasons. He is an excellent father, he is on top of his industry, he knows everyone, and more importantly, everyone knows him.
However, he doesn’t feel successful in the traditional sense of having a lot of money. The unfortunate truth is that most people define success by the amount of money in their bank account instead of the amount of lives they touch.
I personally know a lot of wealthy people that I would never want to emulate. It is not hard to name people that are “successful” only in the context that they have a lot of money. People like Bernie Madoff or Jeffery Epstein for instance. If you google either of their names the first description that comes up is “American Financier”, but if you keep reading I am sure you would agree they were not the embodiment of what it means to be successful even though they had more money than they could spend. This is because they lacked purpose.
When I was thinking about going to work on my own I had the pleasure of speaking with a self-made billionaire who was interviewing me for a 1099 position at a company he invested in. Although we have never met, he left a profound impression on me because he wanted to know more about me as a father and husband than me as a businessman.
Here is what he said to me during our short conversation, “I am a firm believer that no success outside of the home can make up for failure inside the home.”
This struck me hard. I know people who retired from Costco, the church, or are teachers, System Analysts, Accountants, and RN’s that are not considered by most standards to be “wealthy”, but they are people I admire and believe are successful.
Like the guy in the beginning of the story, they were all great family men and women. I define each of them as successful not because of how much money they did or didn’t make, but rather, how much they give.
I think it is time we reframe our perspective on success. Success and financial independence do not have to be mutually inclusive. Success is really defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
This week I encourage you to define your purpose. When you start achieving something you believe in . . . that my friend, is true success.
As always, remember that you are limitless.
Let’s face it, we all know people who always seem to have an excuse for everything.
The truth is that many of us are settling in life, whether it’s your job, your relationships, your abilities . . . There are too many people settling for less than they deserve or are capable of doing. They aren’t happy about it, but they make excuses for themselves so it seems all right.
One thing I do not tolerate in my life are excuses. Not for myself or from anyone else.
Today is President’s Day so I thought it would be fitting to have a quote from George Washington who said, “99% of failures come from people who make excuses.”
I love this quote because the way I see it there are only two things in life, reasons or results, and results don’t lie.
It look me years to train myself that there is never a perfect time to start a business. Yet, it is easy to make excuses for yourself. Here are a few that I had that may sound familiar to you: “I’ll do it when I have enough money, when my kids are out of college, when my house is paid off, when I turn 55 . . . ”
In order to get out of this thought loop I had to change my perspective about failure. It wasn’t easy even though the evidence was all around me.
For example, at IGS we started a combined heat and power business and ended up with a very successful solar business. Looking back I don’t consider it a failure of CHP. We were able to pivot and adapt to the market. We didn’t make excuses. We used information to keep learning and moving forward. Simply put, we made our success.
Enerflo is the same way. It didn’t start as solar software platform. It started as something else, but evolved into what it is today. I am sure it would have been easy for the founders to throw in the towel, but the one-percenters don’t make excuses. They make progress.
You see, failure is not an option because the ones who are determined gather information and pivot to make the best of their circumstances.
CAUTION: You still need to put in the work. No one else is going to do it for you, and there is no easy button.
I suggest you start your journey by prioritizing how you spend your time. By making the important things priorities you won’t need excuses because the critical things get done. The flip side of that is that anything that isn’t a priority doesn’t need an excuse for not getting done because it wasn’t important from the beginning.
So this week reflect on this simple question, what are you doing to better your circumstances?
As always, remember that you are limitless.
Jerry Maguire had the famous line, “You complete me.”
It turns out this notion of a “soulmate” originated from ancient Greek mythology. Plato surmised that there used to be a “super race” of androgynous humans that were comprised of both male and female in one person. These humans originally had four arms, four legs, and two heads. They were extremely smart and physically strong. Fearing their growing power, Zeus split them into two separate parts with his lightening bolt.
Separated from one another, each half could never be perfect without the other causing them to search desperately for their other half. Hence the term, soulmate.
I had never heard this story before, but it lead me to this quote from psychologist Eugene Kennedy, who said, “There would be no need for love if perfection were possible. Love arises from our imperfection, from our being different and always in need of the forgiveness, encouragement, and that missing half of ourselves that we are searching for, as the Greek myth tells us, in order to complete ourselves.”
I think this is an amazing summary of what it means to love and be loved. No one is perfect, but there is something special about finding someone that can embrace your imperfections. Someone that forgives, encourages, and allows us to be who we are without judgement.
This Valentine’s Day, whether you are single, in a relationship, or have been married for decades, make sure that you both forgive and encourage. Be certain that you recognize and celebrate differences because no one is perfect. However, if and when you find that right person, together you can get a little closer to being complete.
One of the cultural tenants at Enerflo is “different by design”, and there is no better advice for an entrepreneur.
Going with the crowd will get you no further than the crowd, but being different makes you stand alone. It makes you unforgettable.
It is uncomfortable forging your own path, being different. That is why most people don’t do it.
To innovate you must be willing to ask questions, challenge the current way of doing things, and look at problems differently.
It does not mean that you have to be different just for the sake of being different. That is not necessarily a good strategy either.
Coco Chanel said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”
Think about that for a minute. Being irreplaceable is the hallmark of a long-standing brand. However, as you contemplate this statement from Chanel, recall that she is known for her timeless designs and little black dress. Hardly “different”.
The point? Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Chanel wasn’t famous for shocking, outlandish fashion designs. That would be different for the sake of being different.
I believe that in order to make it as an entrepreneur you need to be willing to take risks and fail. To succeed you need a product or service that adds value. When you put those things together, then that in itself makes you different by design.
These days I often get the question, “Why would you leave a stable, high-paying job to work for yourself at a scrappy start-up?”
When I made the decision, I knew that not everyone would agree with it. I knew that not everyone would see it, and that is ok. I have always said, “I see it because I believe it”. In this case I see the path forward, and I believe Enerflo is and will be the dominant residential solar sales platform.
Regardless, the next question that inevitably follows is, “What if you fail?”
Well . . . former first lady, Rosalynn Carter, once said, “You must accept that you might fail; then if you do your best and still don’t win, at least you can be satisfied that you’ve tried. If you don’t accept failure as a possibility, you don’t set high goals, you don’t branch out, you don’t try, you don’t take the risk.”
When I met the co-founders of Enerflo I knew I wanted to be a part of the business they created. I don’t believe in chance, but I do believe the there are opportunities all around us and we have the choice as to whether we pursue them or not.
I saw an opportunity in a product that fit a need, a product that my existing business partners wanted, a product that adds value to the residential solar space, and a product that can help customers achieve energy independence by lowering the cost of solar energy.
After looking at the core tenants of the company, I knew I had made the right decision.
- I am “different by design". When people try to go through the wall, I go over it.
- I want to “build audaciously”. When people question why, I ask why not. Jeff Bezos started an online book store and now he is building rockets.
- I care about “partner success”. Their success is correlated directly to the success of our business.
- I want to work with the “rare elite”. There is a saying that if you are the smartest person in the room then you need to find a new room.
- Lastly, I want to have a “profound impact”. Above all, I believe everyone should have access to affordable green energy.
At Enerflo we have lofty goals. Goals that can change the world, and the satisfaction of trying to change the world outweighs the possibility of failing along the way. After all, if not us, then who?
So this week ask yourself, are you accepting that you might fail? If not, then you are not dreaming big enough.
Last week I ran the Houston half marathon with my brother. I never considered myself to be a runner, but in 2020 I ran the half marathon with the explicit goal of finishing fast enough to get in the first starting corral, which is reserved for “elite” runners, for the following year.
In 2020 I reached my goal by a mere two seconds, yet I was disappointed.
I was disappointed even though I reached my goal while I was suffering from a severe herniated disc in my back that made it extremely difficult to do simple tasks like put on my shoes or sit down.
So you would think in light of that I would be happy I hit my goal, right?
Wrong!
I was disappointed because I was unprepared in 2020. I was unprepared with both the distance and nutrition on race day. Even though I hit my goal, I didn't reach my potential.
Last year the event was virtual because of COVID, but I found out my time from 2020 was no longer good enough for the first corral in 2022.
Good.
Now with my back healed I had a second chance to put my best foot forward. It was time to get prepared.
This year I showed up ready. I was disciplined with my training, ran every other day for months, didn’t miss a workout, and was more confident in my nutrition regimen for longer runs.
Not beating my 2020 time didn’t feel like an option. Not placing into the first corral for the 2023 race didn’t seem reasonable.
That led me to the quote from William Arthur Ward: “The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.”
The discipline I had in all areas of my training allowed me to beat my 2020 time, and crush my 2022 goal.
I finished 12th in my age group of more than 200 athletes during the warmup 5k before the half marathon (top 5% of nearly 4,000), and overcame my errors from 2020 to finish the half marathon strong in 2022.
Like Jocko Willink says, “through discipline comes freedom”. If you want to reach your 2022 goals . . . if you want to attain excellence, find discipline. Otherwise, you will find yourself disappointed.
I believe that giving anything less than your best is a waste of time. I also believe that you need to know where you add value and focus in that area.
When I started at IGS Solar we had the goal of taking as much friction out of the solar process between sales, installation and the customer as possible. Simply put, we wanted to be the easiest leasing partner for solar in existence. As a result, we didn’t worry about all the things on the periphery. We remained laser focused on the 90% of standard deals, and pledged to transact on those better than anyone else in the industry.
The proof is in the results. In just a few years we amassed ~20,000 customers and deployed more than $600M and 150MW of residential solar.
Looking back on our journey lead me to this quote that I found from a speech Martin Luther King Jr. gave to a group of high school students in 1967. He said, “Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”
Even though we were the little guy on the block when we started IGS Solar, my mantra has always been one of continuous improvement, one of getting a little better every day.
Every single day I ask myself, “How did you improve today?” I am always striving to be a better father, husband, business owner, friend, colleague, etc., and I never take a day off from this mission.
So as you look at your business or life, ask yourself one simple question. Are you the best you can be? If not, maybe you have some changes to make.
December 27, 2021
What are you determined to accomplish?
Yesterday my family and I went to a place called Refreshing Mountain. This is a place in eastern Pennsylvania where you can zip line through Christmas lights, and attempt an obstacle course that is ~50 feet in the air.
When I first thought about this post, I thought about how we can overcome our fears through action. Or maybe, how we should do something every day that scares us a little.
But this post was inspired by my 11 year old daughter, Allison.
You see, my 8 year old son, Dylan, quickly got over his fear of the zip line. But my daughter, she completed the high ropes obstacle course.
I could tell she was extremely scared, and at one point she wanted to give up. The problem is that she was half way through, and there was no turning back.
Her response?
She gritted her teeth and pushed forward without accepting help from the instructor on the last obstacle.
At the end she stood triumphantly on the final platform having conquered her fears, and also having learned a little something about herself in the process.
She later told me it was the scariest thing she has ever done.
I have to admit. Walking on a high wire or jumping from swing to swing more than 50 feet in the air is definitely an experience (even if you are tethered to a rope above to prevent you from falling the entire way down).
When she made it to the final platform, I asked Allie how she was able to push past her fear to get through all the obstacles without falling.
She said, “I was determined to make it, and now I know I can do it.”
That inspired the quote from Og Mandino who said, “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.”
I think in this case you can also substitute “failure” with “fear”.
The lesson here is that the difference between what you perceive to be outside of your own limitations and what is actually possible lies in your own determination.
So finish this year stronger than you started.
And as for next year . . . find what you are determined to accomplish and pursue it unwavering optimism and determination.
December 20, 2021
What did you learn about yourself last week?
For all the kids coming back from their first semester at college, this message is especially for you.
Often you wonder why your parents are so hard on you when you don’t think they should be, and sometimes the opposite is true where you are too hard on yourself when you really shouldn’t be.
How do we make sense of this?!
Here is a quote from the Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard that will hopefully shed some light on this conundrum.
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
We in a constant state of learning about ourselves and the world around us. The older you get the more perspective you have on hardships, good and bad decisions, and missteps along the way.
We all have made mistakes. However, I personally wouldn’t change a thing about my past. All of these moments made me the person I am today.
Life is constantly in flux. At this very moment you are making decisions that are shaping who you are and will ultimately become.
So the important question is what did you learn about yourself? Once you answer that question you can recalibrate, readjust, and continue onward.
Remember that being too hard on yourself for things you cannot change is not productive. Instead, use it as a lesson to propel you forward.
Soren also said, “To dare is to lose one’s footing. Note to dare is to lose oneself.”
Don’t be afraid to take risks, challenge yourself, or make mistakes. But always, always fail forward.
December 13, 2021
When is the last time you were uncomfortable?
As humans we seek comfort. I remember being at kid and always wanting to eat the same thing. Specifically, I always got the hamburger with ketchup. I am sure that any parent can relate that kids don’t like to try new things, which seems to be the explanation for why so many kids smother everything in ketchup. It’s familiar. It’s safe. Trying something new could be risky, and our instincts tell us to avoid risk.
But it’s wrong.
In order to live fully, you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone into the unknown.
Here are a few suggestions for stepping into the unknown:
Start small. Try something new. Take strategic calculated risks to stack small wins, gain momentum, and boost your confidence.
Next time you face a challenge, don’t run from it. Embrace it. There is no better thrill than taking on a difficult task and overcoming a challenge to make progress.
Don’t listen to the naysayers. You are going to have others around you that are trying to pull you back into your safety zone. They will tell you all the reasons why you shouldn’t do something. Don’t listen. It isn’t that they always have ill intentions, but rather, they are fearful and maybe even jealous that you are trying to move forward in life.
Monitor your inner dialog. What are you telling yourself? Are you procrastinating, making excuses, thinking about giving up? Keep a reminder nearby of the reason you started to help you stay committed.
So next time you want to stay comfortable, try eating your meal without ketchup. Growing pains don’t stop when you become an adult, and it is time to see what you will become if you allow yourself to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
January 3, 2022
Did you know that 80% of people give up on their New Year's resolution by the second week of February?
In fact, research conducted by Strava using 800 million user-logged activities predicts that the day most people are likely to give up is January 19 (aka “Quitter’s Day”).
The problem is that most people set goals that are too vague like, “I want to be happier”. What does that mean? What does happiness look like for you? What are you going to do to get it? Be specific. Write it down.
Zig Ziglar said, “A goal properly set is halfway reached.”
Here are a few tips for you when setting you goals for 2022.
✔️ If you want to accomplish your goal makes sure it is SMART. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time bound.
✔️ Pin new desired actions that will help you make progress towards your goal to an existing habit. This will make it easier to stay on track.
✔️ Aim high. It is better to aim too high and miss than to aim to low and hit.
✔️ Write it down. This is an important part of the process to make your goal a reality and hold yourself accountable.
Let’s face it, change is hard. It has been said that in order to change, the pain of doing nothing needs to be greater than the discomfort of the change.
So find a goal worth changing for and take the New Year by storm!
January 10, 2022
The hardest part of living your dream is getting started.
Often we like to think of all the things that can go wrong, and not about what can, and will, go right. This keeps us in our box, our comfort zone.
What if we thought about our dream differently? Not as something in the distance that seems out of reach, but rather, as a wondrous journey of excitement and gratitude. A journey towards self-discovery and happiness
The quote this week is from Henry David Thoreau who said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined.”
In the full context of this quote he doesn’t say anything about reaching your goals, or your dreams. That is because the quote is about taking the journey. Through this journey you will recognize aspects of living that will free you from your perceived limitations.
I have said before that the “journey is the reward”. When you view life in this manner you will realize it is the strength you find within the disappointment and failure that builds your confidence and understanding.
Each time you get up after a setback, every time you make progress, you will find success.
These successes are the foundation that lead to a found freedom to simply live and experience the spectacular gift we call life. To live life to the fullest.
And if you don’t ever reach your goal, remember what Les Brown says, “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.”
Stepping out of your comfort zone is scary, but recognize the magnificent journey you can embark on (and the fulfillment you will find) by going confidently in the direction of your dreams.