Michael's Motivation

We call it the journey to success, but too many think of it as the lottery ticket to success. People fixate on the big break, the big move. In reality, success comes from slow, often boring, methodical, plodding work from one step to the next to the next. You can't leap to the top. I know. I've tried.

A listener commented with some alarm and surprise that I share my phone number on my podcast as a way to connect with me. I explained that it's my business phone and that number is out everywhere. It got me thinking that so many people hide away from the world to protect themselves from bad people, but it does not work because bad people always find their way in. It's the good ones they end up hiding from.

Too many people out there think they're all that. They think they are superior to others and don't need to make the time to even acknowledge them. I've watched such a person slowly but surely lose prestige and reputation by this kind of attitude. Everyone you meet is important and has influence, and every "little person" you dismiss can impact your representation in a small way. Don't do it. Be kind to everyone. The dividends are tremendous.

We live as creatures of motion. When we stop, so much of what we do collapses to a small legacy. It makes me wonder, if I suddenly ran out of time tomorrow, what would my legacy be? What would yours be?

If you are taking a shot at something, people will try to get you to reconsider and turn back to the "safe" path. There are two kinds of people who will do this: those who care about you and those who care about themselves. If you have committed, don't listen to either.

Balance is necessary in all things. After my baptism and the death of my cat yesterday, I started thinking about beginnings and seasons, and I realized that I have been giving my self one mode: all out. This is exhausting and ineffective. Instead, I've created a new mode to follow: sprint and drift. Seasons of intense work followed by seasons of renewal and rejuvenation. Are you constantly sprinting? Constantly drifting? Perhaps structure could benefit your seasons.

My cat has been sick for a while but we didn't know how bad it was. We do now. He passed away this morning. This episode may not be as upbeat and inspiring as the last two, but it's very honest and sincere and maybe you'll find some wisdom in it. Send feedback to [email protected]

There are certain components to a perfect start to the day. I often fail to incorporate most of them. First thing in the morning, you are a blank slate and your most creative. You're also at the lowest willpower state, so you check your phone instead of writing in that journal. You lie in bed a few more minutes instead of getting a fast start. Let's explore the right start to the day together.

I have a gift. God gave me the gift of speaking. I can speak in a way that inspires others, but I have failed to use it. When you fail to use your gift, God will put up roadblocks until you find your way back to the path that He intended. I have found more and more roadblocks in my way, and I believe that it is because I have been squandering this gift.

What is your gift? What can you offer the world? Are you squandering it because of doubt and insecurity? God gave you the gift. Who are you to doubt it.

I want your feedback. Email me at [email protected]