CHRISTAPKEN.COM

No Fear

2011-04-13T14:20:00.001-07:00

The greatest life stories are those who don't fear. We all are moved by and attacked to those characters willing to step into huge risks and don't fear the outcomes. One of my favorite movies is Brave heart, where William Wallace is an amazing character because he did not fear anyone. Even grossly outnumbered, William Wallace risk his life in many battles. He was a great character and lived a great life story.

But so many today plan and plot of life story of boring mediocrity. Why? Because they are more concerned about comforts than taking the required risks which are uncomfortable. Most people fear the unknown so they settle for an average life story. That way, although very average, at least it's known. What a shame.

How about you? Are you living a great life story? Are you taking the required risks? Or is your fear holding you back?

No Fear was a brand that energized the youth a few years ago. You saw No Fear shirts, bumper stickers, hats, bags...it was all over the place. Today, I think we need an awakening of NO FEAR in our lives!

New Chapter

2011-02-23T07:04:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow starts a radically NEW chapter in my life. But one certainty I know: it's all about Attitude.

I love NEW:

New adventures
New challenges
New problems
New lessons
New growth
New doors
New potential
New possibilities
New dreams
New people
New places
New purposes
New missions
New adversity
New peace
New Hope!

A friend: Chris, I am so bored.

Me: Shame on you...find some New!

On to the NEW!

Wake Up!

2011-01-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

I need to keeping Waking Up!

The things I worry about or concerned about at times are so silly. I create superficial and artificial battles and concerns that are so silly and meaningless. Want examples?

Money
Future for my family
My comforts (where we are going to live, groceries to buy and paying basic bills)
Parenting my two boys

I do want to be fair to myself in that I have made a ton of progress over the last six years. Because six years ago I was so out to lunch and lost that is was ridiculous. Want examples of what I thought about six years ago?

Flying by private aircraft
Front row seats only
Status and Ego
American Express Platinum card
1000 in cash always
Gambling on sports
Eating out daily at the nicest restaurants
Swimming pool was warm and workers mowed the yard
Tee time at the country club

Progress has been made but still, I worry about silly things. And then I get the needed WAKE UP when I think about the real battles being fought. Consider:

143 million orphans in the world today
400,000 orphans will die this year because of malnutrition
1.2 million children will be involved in child trafficking
950 million people today are hungry
1 billion people today do not have safe drinking water
50 million of my fellow Americans are depressed and sad (27% of our population)
Today, brothers and sisters of mine in Jesus are going to be killed because of their faith
Today, a brother in Christ will be beaten so bad he will not be recognizable because he loves Jesus

My lack of a 401(k) is totally meaningless. My concern about paying my bills is so silly. My worry about my comforts is nonsense. My selfish uneasiness about my future and my family's future loses it's importance in comparison to the real battles being fought.

I need to get on with the program and WAKE UP to the real battles and then do something about it. These little issues I worry about need to stop. And then re-direct my efforts and life to helping solve the real battles being waged every day. This is what I have been working very hard on for the last several months. There has been an intense transformation and re-calibration in my soul. I am not sure where Jesus will take me but I know it's going to be a unbelievable ride. Stay tuned in...the story is just started!

What really matters?

2011-01-14T04:57:00.000-08:00

I have a new fear about succeeding at things that really don't matter. I think in today's world we are all graded and labeled by society standards. But do most of those things really matter?

And so I am really working on making sure I don't succeed at things that really don't matter.

Things like:

Does money really matter?
Does status really matter?
Does ego stroked things really matter?
Does position really matter?
Does material things really matter?
Does a house or car really matter?

Being a Christian, the Bible speaks clearly on what really matters and it's LOVE. And all the rest really doesn't matter.

How about you? What are you really trying to succeed at? And does it really matter?

4 lessons for my kids

2010-12-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

Someone asked me about a year ago what was the most important lessons I wanted to teach my kids. It was a great question. And I really wasn't all that clear in my answers or certainly as clear as I should have been. I rambled on and of course had ideas I wanted Teddy and Tate to learn. But I really wasn't all that clear. So I have worked on that and now am very clear.

Humility
Generosity
Thankfulness
Courage

As a Dad, I have my work cut out because they follow the leader. I have to be the example. And this is huge responsibly that keeps me up at night because the margin for error is zero.

That Place This Place

2010-12-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am going through this place in order to get to a better place.

Fun? NO

Enjoyable? NO

Like it? NO

Looking forward to it? NO

Want others to go there to? NO

Necessary? Absolutely...it's the only way!

But I have to go through these crazy storms in order to get to where I want to go. Where do I want to go? In a word PEACE! Specifically God's peace. So why are the storms necessary? I don't have all the answers yet but there are four concepts I am sure of:

Trust God completely with my life
Obedience in God's word
Priorities by putting Jesus above all else
Selfless with others before me

And these just are not fancy buzz words or "yeah that's really cute speaker-boy..." type noisy conversations; but rather concepts seeping deep into my spirit.

So maybe your storms are not so bad? Possibly your adversity is a good thing? Could it be that your tough times are really disguised as opportunities? Maybe it's all intentional to get you from that place over to this place....just like I am going through now.

Journey

2010-11-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

As far as I can tell Life is a Journey.

We are all going somewhere
We are all going somewhere in some manner
We are all going somewhere in some manner with some others

For me, I had to re-think everything when I learned this. I wrestled for months and hundreds hours with notebooks full of notes. Do I have a destination? Am I pleased with where I am going? Am I "all-in" on my journey? Am I doing this life the right way? Am I doing this life with the right people? Am I transparent and the real deal?

The stakes are high for me. I have no margin for error. I have to get this right. Statistically, I am in the second half of my life having lived 14,667 days.

It's hard work but so worth it. There was a ton I didn't like. There was much I was embarrassed about. But the re-direction has been every bit worth it.

The What and the How

2010-11-29T10:28:00.000-08:00

In my experience the WHAT will always come before the how. But earlier in my life, I got stuck with my total obsession on the how and forgetting the what. This lead to a sluggish life with not much forward momentum or impact.

But I have learned to focus almost entirely on the What with very little time or energy on the how. And the results have been so much better. The how will come. The how will just happen. The how will follow the what.

But so many people don't have a What. They don't have a prize, a purpose or a passion. And just settling for daily living. Good people with good intentions but still just daily existence. And a few decades past and they look back with not much being done with a life. All because there was no What. Life will get us busy busy busy distracting us from living for a what...

And then there are a few that do have a what but they don't start because of the obsession of the how. The details de-rail them or scare them from taking the step on the journey to achieving their what. Looks like this:

I am too old
I am too young
I don't have enough money
I have to pay my bills
I don't have the time
I would to but
If only

And sadly the result is a life of mediocrity.

The formula that has worked best for me is to dominate my time, energy, spirit, and prayer on the What and trusting the how will follow and happen.

(artwork by me and my 5 year old son Teddy)

Different Approach

2010-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

Living from a vision and purpose has been a huge part of my life. I am all in on those principles. However I have shifted my thinking a little on this. Let me explain. I used to be very focused on achievements and lists with my goals and vision in my life. I have one shot at this rodeo called a life; what I am going to do with it? It just makes complete sense to me that I should find a purpose and chase that with everything I got. I still think that.

But instead of focusing on achievements and things I need to accomplish, I have been more focused on the vision of the person I want to be. Achievements are good and I still have my list of things I need to accomplish but over the last several months, it has taken a back seat to the vision of what kind of person I want to become.

Putting the vision of my character secondary to the vision of my accomplishments has been a mistake. The vision of the person I want to become is far more important the my vision of things I need to accomplish with my life. Correction made and progress is on-going. And this process has been so cool. I just have this vision of what kind of person I want to be and it is so energizing.

How about you? Do you have a written vision for the person you want to be? Remember, if you don't define "it" you will never reach "it".

I'm just saying...

2010-11-05T06:35:00.001-07:00

Isn't it true that we often we scared to say things to the people we care about most? We can't stand the thought of the closet to us rejecting us. So we play it safe and don't say what we should or want to say.

We should care more about our friends than the friendship.

And for us Christians, this is it. We need to speak up for Jesus so that one day He will speak up for us.

Re-Think!

2010-11-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever gone through something hard and when you got done, you were glad you did?And then you experienced improvement and wished you would have done that earlier? I hear these stories often with physical activities...for example running a marathon. The training is so tough and then comes the event, the marathon is accomplished and these people feel great. I don't get it but I hear it. I don't want to drive 25 miles let alone run it.

I have been going through something very tough that I want to share with you because I wished I would have done it earlier. It's called THINKING! Or more like re-thinking is more accurate. But nevertheless, taking time away from "real life" and actually thinking. It's so easy to get caught up into ruts and routines and repeating the same behavior week after week and year after year. And with that comes more of the same!

I hate that. I don't want more of the same. I want improvement. But with improvement requires change. And with change come re-thinking how we are doing things.

For me I have been taking time to Re-Think my life! I know..just a small little project. It's hard. It's tough. There is a ton I don't like. There is stuff that can't stay. But it's so worth it in the end.

Some work product:

What are you really doing?
Are you holding back? What areas? Why? What are you going to do about it?
Are you settling in any area? If so, why? When you are going to change this?
What significant next step are you willing to take?
What are you going to do to get uncomfortable?
Are you happy with the use of your time, talent, and money?
Have you removed all regrets?

It's time to THINK...or RE-THINK!

Sick Cool

2010-10-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Now that's what I call Doing Church....Hillsong NYC style!

Ohhh...yeah I almost forgot; that's the very first service too! Boom

Simply put: It's an amazing movement of God!

Hillsong NYC...

2010-10-19T11:10:00.000-07:00

Just got back from NYC where one of the world's best churches just launched!

Hillsong is now in NYC baby!

What an amazing movement from God....when was the last time there was thousands of people standing and waiting in line to go to your local church? For Hillsong NYC, it was there very first service. Yes that's right. The very first service had a line of thousands waiting to attend Hillsong Church.

Hillsong is an awesome example of things we talk about in our speeches....starting with Leaders who love to Dream Huge God sized Dreams (and ignore the outside negative opinions.) And then flat out Go For It! And that's the problem for most people is it takes both...The Dream plus the Execution!

Hillsong NYC....what's it like?

Fresh and Hip
High positive energy
Depth...no wadding in the kiddie pool allowed
Teamwork...leaders serving ....yes the leaders leading by serving...servant hearts!
Awesome Leadership...Well Done Carl!
Big Huge Dreams
Challenging and pushing to get uncomfortable...no comfort zones allowed

This is a movement from God....and boom...it was incredible. As I told my awesome pastor Mac Richard from Lake Hills Church in Austin (and LHC is on fire too), I have to put this positive energy to work and leverage it!

Just watch Hillsong NYC...because years and years from now, it will stand huge and tall!

Pain provides Clarity

2010-10-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

One of the most important lessons I have learned is CLARITY!

To do greater things, I have to be crystal clear on my purpose and vision. I can't accomplish what I need to if it's not very clear. In others words, I will never achieve "it" if I don't' know what "it" is.

How do I get clarity of purpose? So many times it comes from a source that we dislike....it often comes from pain. Pain provides clarity. That doesn't mean it feels good or is fun to go through but it is so needed. So if you, like me, are going through adversity, it's OK....we are growing and getting clarity so we can take these experiences and leverage them for the good!

Got Pain?

Pain... the gift for clarity!

(my son Teddy having a bad day but his pain provided clarity...like.... I'm Hungry!)

Proud of my Pup!

2010-09-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

The comments below are from Teddy's teacher:

Please give Teddy compliments. Your son is such a gentleman. Grace had a lot of stuff to carry in her backpack. It was so heavy she didn't think she could carry it to the gym after school. Teddy volunteered to carry it for her. It was a very sweet, thoughtful gesture. It touched my heart.

I tell my kids all the time that they can't be too nice. But guess what? It starts with me as their Dad. And totally imperfect as I am, I need to work on this and get better so I can set a better example for them to follow.

My test: Do my kids see Jesus through my actions and behavior?

Good day and Goodnight: Wow...lot's of room for improvement...back to work!

Moments

2010-09-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

The only thing better than Amy's ice cream is FREE Amy's ice cream. I had a certificate for free Amy's ice cream given to me some time ago. And you know how life can be where we forget things and put off things. So a couple days ago, it felt like an Amy's ice cream day...just one of those days where I had to get me some Amy's Mexican Vanilla. I remembered my gift certificate. The only problem: It was expired.

I missed my moment. And that got me thinking about my life:

Pay Attention
Take Inventory
Don't Ever Miss My Moment!
Step up when it's my turn

What about you? Are you maximising all your moments? If not, it's time.

For me (and maybe you too)

2010-09-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

The British government created this poster in 1939 at the beginning of WWII. In case of an invasion, the government wanted a message to rally around and unite.

I don't know about you, but today, I need this!

NFL Picks

2010-09-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

My Superbowl Picks:

AFC Colts defeat Dolphins

NFC Packers defeat Giants

Superbowl Colts defeat Packers

No Set Backs...Just Set Ups!

2010-09-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes our set backs become set ups!

One of the lessons I have learned (and still learning) is to take my adversity and use it for positive purposes. And to do this, I have to change the way I look at my set backs. When I change the way I look at things, the things I look at change. So instead of having a pity party and seeing my adversity as a set back, I choose a different path. And that path is to view my tough times as a Set Up for something amazing...A Miracle!

My tough times are an huge opportunity for a Miracle! My pain is setting me up for something truly amazing. My crisis is just a season that will pass and bloom into the beautiful.

No set backs for me....just set ups for something amazing!

Artwork: by me. (sadly I admit...by me)

One Sentence

2010-09-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

The following is an abbreviated transcript from a phone call today.

Q: Chris, in one sentence, tell me about your motivational seminar.

A: I talk about things that matter to people who care.

Hello and Goodnight.

On the radar screen

2010-09-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have been asked by so many people if I would do a book. Timing is everything. I took me a long time to think through this...things like:

What would I have to say that anyone would care about?
When?
How?
What purpose?
What audience?

After two years, I have worked through most of these and I am ready to start this journey.

So a book is coming...buckle up.

Activities

2010-08-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

There are only two activities:

1. Ones that make you money

2. Ones that don't make you money

Not being very smart, I vote to only do the ones that make us money!

Question:

Do you know what activities make you money? (intentionality to this process)
Do you only do those and discard all the rest?

TT

2010-08-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

My oldest son Teddy started kindergarten yesterday!

The journey has begun....speaking of the journey here is what I have found about my own journey:

The destination is so secondary to the lessons learned as you stroll down the path of life

Sometimes very painful. Sometimes they sting. Always uncomfortable. But critical in our growth and development in character and as people.

What lessons are you learning now?

Dumpster Fire

2010-08-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

One of the critical areas I have been working on for the last few years is this:

Throw away non productive activities!

My time is a limited and valuable resource. So is my focus. So is my energy. I have to maximize all of these and I can't do it with non-productive wasters. I need to throw those in the dumpster.

So every week I audit my behaviors and time to make sure I throw away all non productive activities. You will be amazed when you audit your time and behaviors on how much waste and energy sucking activities we allow. Throw those in the dumpster today!

Teddy at Yankee Stadium

2010-08-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

I just wish Teddy and I had more fun at the Yankees Stadium...joking of course.

But this is the reason why I own a business so we can enjoy these types of times where we mix work and play together...but it's really not work because I love what I do. Win-Win!

And doesn't it make sense to have a career and absolutely love what you do for a living?

As one of my mentors taught me: Find what you love and you will never work another day in your life. That made so much sense I followed that advice with everything I had. We have hosted 7 events in the last 10 days...that's 42 hours of speaking...a ton...but not once did it ever feel like work. That's called the hitting the sweet spot in life!

How about you? Do you love what you do? Are you following your passions? Are you living by default or design? Are you making your dream job a reality?

If not, why not? What are you waiting for?

The future is coming one way or another...so in two years doesn't it make sense to do what you love? So start today and start making that a reality!

Invisible and Visible

2010-08-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

It's our invisible the leads to our visible.

Where are you at today with your invisible?

Dreams
Desires
Vision
Good Ol' Fashion Guts
Attitude
Emotional Fortitude

Do you have a raging burning fire deep in your guts driving your behavior towards something very specific?...or just going through the motions.

If not, what are you waiting for?

If so...rock on!

Winning

2010-07-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Winning Matters.

I am in NYC and heading to the Yankees game tonight. I can't help but think of George Steinbrenner who died recently when I think of winning.

Possibly the best medicine for the human spirit is winning.

Are you winning today?

If not, why not?

And what are you going to do about it?

Self Motivation!

2010-07-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

The best motivation is self motivation.

In my life journey, I have found this to be true: When you know what you want, and you really want it, you will find a way to get it.

How about you today?
Are you self motivated?
Do you really know what you want?
Do you love your job?
Do you love where you live?
Do you go for it in life?

If not, what are you waiting for?

Positive Reactions

2010-07-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

I have been really working on putting problems into proper perspective.

At the core, we only have two options with an event:

Positive Reaction
Negative Reaction

With only a limited amount of time and energy I have been gifted, doesn't it make sense to really focus on only positive reactions? What good comes from negative reactions?

So with my energy and time here are my choices:

Productive Use: faith, family, love, serve others, help, care, make a difference, have an impact
Non-Productive: drama, fight, resistance, over reactions, focus on small meaningless details

My work is to take events and react positively by using my limited time and energy in a productive manner. Easier said than done....but then again, when it's all said and done for me, I want it to be said: Chris did more than he said...

Missing vs Messing

2010-06-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Messing Up = So What

Missing Out = Not an Option!

There are two regrets:

Regret of Inaction
Regret of Action

When it's all said and done for me, which one do you think will sting? Yes!...regret of inaction will heat blister my soul.

So I step out to step up! After all Chris, what are you waiting for?

Be Different

2010-06-19T05:36:00.000-07:00

Stand out
Different
Be Dramatically Different
Ultimately Unique
Separation from the others
Why you?
Opposite of what everyone else does and says
Take road never traveled or at minimum road less traveled
Go Chic and Unique
Don't do cliques
Avoid cliche at all costs
How exciting is predictable? Jokes aren't funny when you know the punch line

Paprika

2010-06-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sprinkle a heavy dose of paprika of PASSION on your business and life!

How much spice do you have right now?
What are you waiting for?
Why not?
Be Different...separate from the "pack"...in fact be DD...Dramatically Different!
Try It...Screw up....And Try again
It's Go Time!

Adversity = Assets

2010-06-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

I spent some time with an awesome company in Austin TX and the CEO asked me to describe one critical element I see in successful companies and successful people.

My response was that they view adversity as assets.

One thing you and I are both promised is tough times. That's a given. It will happen. But I think the key rests in how we deal with those tough times. Now I fully understand this is much easier said than done...but we really only have two choices:

Move On and Grow...View as an Asset
Pity Party...decline and go backwards

Also understand, I am not saying these are Yippee, Fun Times, let's all just get better and grow... That's BS! The reality is that some of these times really stink and are no fun at all. But, we still really only have two options.

In our work we see some mountain movin' folks and they really do view their hard times as assets to learn, grow, and launch them to the next level.

Vision

2010-06-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Do you have an intense burning desire towards something very specific?

Yes = Vision!

No = Why not?

Death of a Legend

2010-06-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite people ever, John Wooden, died yesterday.

If you want to learn leadership, purpose, motivation, right living, and much more, go buy his books.

Thanks Coach Wooden!

My Words List

2010-06-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Words matter. What words do you think about? What words do you use? From my journal:

Dreams
Vision
Excited
Growth
Forward
Fun
Simple
Peace
Passion
Maximize
WOW!
Amazing
Go
Change
What's next
Inspired

Less Talking More Action

2010-05-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

I think we would all be much better off with less talking and more action.

Execution. Doing. Action. Take Steps. Move. Do Something. Go.

My friend Alan Graham from Mobile Loaves and Fishes talks about this all the time. We can talk about homelessness all we want but at some point we have to go fix it. Alan doesn't talk, he just provides daily miracles! And that's a pretty good life formula.

Bam! Power...

2010-05-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

Now that's some serious POWER!

I have been thinking and working on the word power lately. Some of my notes:

Power in messaging
Power of inspiration
Power in freedom
Power of forgiveness
Power of less
Power of dreaming
Power of financial freedom
Power of confidence
Power of excellence
Power of passion
Power of time
Power of action
Power of miracles

And you?

My Graduate!

2010-05-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Teddy graduated yesterday from pre-school!

Me: Teddy, you did great. I am proud of you TT. Take a look because you won't be coming back here.

Teddy: I am ready to go to the next school.

Me: I am ready for What's Next too Teddy!

What's Next for me?

No Idea but it's the journey that matters and not the destination. It's what I learn and how I grow...it character not circumstances. My journey:

Bumpy
Often messy
Absolutely flawed
Fun most of the time
Filled to the brim of uncertainty
Full Passion Pail most of the time
Pretty deep
100% Dependant because I can't do this life on my own...for me I depend on a 33 year carpenter and rabbi called Jesus of Nazareth
And I own it...

Two Questions....

2010-05-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

To continue to improve....to reach my potential....and keep on keepin' on, I ask myself two powerful questions that I want you to consider:

So What? and
Now What?

What about you today?

2010-05-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Are you?

Motivated
Inspired
Excited
Amped Up
On Fire
Energized
Carbonated
Sparked
Spurred
Geeked
Caffeinated
Alive
Jacked up
Snappy
Moved
Electrified
Charged
En Fuego

Or translation as the kids would say...How full is your passion bucket?

Big Dreams + Little Actions

2010-05-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

Big Dreams + Little Actions = WOW LIFE and WOW Experience!

My Little Boy with BIG DREAMS!

What if we just go back to Dreaming like Little Kids? Thanks Tate!

Change

2010-05-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

What if we changed from:

I, ME, and MY

US, WE, and OUR

I think we can change the world from dark to LIGHT!

And it starts one person at a time.

My essence that is written all over the place is simply this:

Today, you can change the life of another human being!

Think ??

2010-05-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Think about this:

What if your dream life is really right in front of you only to be disguised as your adversity and wrapped in fear?

Now what?

What are you going to do with this?

Chasing Daylight

2010-04-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

If you were told you only have 100 days to live what would you do?

This was Gene O'Kelly's reality.

Go buy this mountain moving book to find out from a Type A, Fortune 50, hugely successful CEO what he did and wants to teach you...

I read this 4 years ago and just re-read it again. It changed my life and maybe you too...

Uncertainty

2010-04-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

What if we would not resist, but actually embrace uncertainty? Yes embrace uncertainty!

I think the results would be amazing!

Give it some thought.

Right Wrong

2010-04-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

The right place often seems like the wrong place. And the wrong place often seems like the right place.

Don't Slack on the Lack

2010-04-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Don't Slack on the Lack.

The Lacks can will cause chaos in our business and lives. Let's focus and put intentionality to your Lacks.

Some common Lacks:

Lack in planning
Lack of motivation
Lack of systems
Lack in time management
Lack of cash
Lack of focus
Lack of inspiration
Lack of creativity
Lack of proper behaviors

What's yours?

Stop being slack on your lacks. But rather pay attention and fix the Lack in your business and amazing results will happen.

NBA Playoffs

2010-04-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Here are my predictions for the NBA playoffs:

First Round:
Cavs over Bulls
Heat over Boston
Atlanta over Bucks
Orlando over Bobcats
Lakers over Thunder
Utah over Denver
Suns over Blazers
Spurs over Mavs

Semis:
Cavs over Heat
Orlando over Atlanta
Lakers over Utah
Spurs over Suns

Conference Finals:
Cavs over Orlando
Lakers over Spurs

NBA Champion:
Cavs...LeBron gets his first ring!

Get On With It!

2010-04-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Last week I was feeling down and out. I was an emotional mess...in a funk. I was having "one of those days" that actually turned into a couple of those days strung together.

But when looking back, a major part of the my problem was caused because I was the center of attention. Basically, I was having a pity party. And there is never a positive outcome when you host a pity party.

Here is what I did to break out of this self absorbed slump. It's a two prong formula:

I took the attention off of me and back to my missions...shift attention to my sons Teddy and Tate, my wife, my work, my family, and some fun.
I got back to producing...back to execution of the most important producing activities.

So if you are in a funk, I want you to know I understand. I get it. And I want to share with you that there are options to get out. Today, you can break free by shifting the attention from the short term..you...to the long term...your life's mission. And second, Get on With It! Pick yourself up, dust off, and let's rock and roll!

No Weak Goals

2010-04-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

The goal of life can't be just to arrive at the finish safely.

Below are common words when I ask people to tell me about their life goals:

Comfortable
Safe
Steady and Easy
Things and Stuff
Good
Predictable
Enjoyable

That is just too weak. We can do more.

Here is my list:

Uncomfortable
Amazing
Blazing fast
Depth from experiences
Focus on eternal
Messy
Crazy
Coo-Coo...You are nuts
God inspired
God sized

2010 Baseball Predictions

2010-04-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

The great American past time is back. It's baseball season and here are my predictions.

American

East: Yankees

Central: Twins

West: Rangers

Wildcard: Rays

Champion: Yankess

National

East: Phillies

Central: Cardinals

West: Rockies

Wildcard: Braves

Champion: Rockies

World Series: Yankees vs Rockies

2010 World Champion: Yankees

Growth hurts

2010-04-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

Growth stings and sometimes is very painful. That's the part that nobody tells you.

But in order for me to improve, it involves some bumps and bruises along the journey...even some broken bones can be expected.

Flat out...growth hurts.

I remember having growing pains as a kid. Man, there were some nights that I couldn't sleep because my legs hurt so much. I hated those nights. But in the end, I made it through it all and grew because of those growing pains.

Same is true with my soul and emotional life path. In my growth process, some days sting and hurt. But it's all part of the process to get better. In order for me to improve as a person and become a better human being, I am going to have to continue to grow...and that means continue to be messed up from time to time.

Get It

2010-03-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

A Rock your Face Off Book!

Go Get It....

Nicely done Mark...I am jumping on a plane in 2 weeks to get see Mark do his thing live in DC.

What's most important?

2010-03-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

What's most important to you? Clearly defined? Do you work on this? Do you constantly check on this?

2 sub-questions:

Does your time reflect this?
Does your money reflect this?

WIT

2010-03-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

How about you?

Are you all in for an amazing 2010? (no...seriously....all in?)
Have you pushed all your chips to the middle of the table or are you holding back?
Are you willing to get messy in 2010 in exchange for amazing? messy to amazing
Winning Matters! Nothing is better for the human spirit than winning...Are you winning now? Do you have a plan to win in life?
Do you have the courage it takes to live the life you want to live?
Are you being bold in life?

I'm in!...whatever it takes!

Question...

2010-03-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

I had a great question asked of me yesterday by Tim Hamilton who designed our website.

If you need a website, call Tim at Astonish Designs! Great dude.

Question: If you were 100% more bold, what you would do?

I love that question and have been really thinking on it. Answer to come after I digest it.

What about you?

Strike Now

2010-03-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Strike while the iron's hot!

For me:

Take Vision and turn into Actionable Items!
Then do them..
Passion and Energy
High Payoff Activities only (never do $10 per hour work)
It's Go Time! (Don't wait...)

My 5 year old son Teddy and my conversation on a race car he wanted to buy with money he earned:

TT: Dad, we can't wait we have to go now.

Me: Just give me a minute and wait a little bit.

TT: Dad, why wait?

Me: I have no answer for that!

Really....why wait? Strike now for me.

3 R's with my adversity

2010-03-09T10:26:00.001-08:00

I was taught and want to share this mountain moving stuff.

With my pain and adversity, God will:

1. Redeem: God takes my most dreadful pain and does good with it. I don't always see it or understand it, but awesome good comes out of my pain. God will never make me suffer pointlessly.

2. Restore: God will restore my dignity. God always has the last word and the last word with my tough times is always Good! My adversity is not fun to go through but God will make me better because of it.

3. Remember: God always remembers my deepest pains. He never forgets me. God will wipe every single tear from my face.

Checklist

2010-03-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

Do each day all that can be done!

Focus on the right activities...the high payoff activities
Avoid waste at all costs (law of inertia...keep moving forward)
Don't get ahead of ourselves. Do today's work today and tomorrows work tomorrow
It's not about how many things you do...it's about how many meaningful things you do
Never do $10 per hour work
It's all about choices...make good choices (no luck involved)
Don't like your results, then change your behaviors
Don't ever settle
Be patient...success takes time
Avoid distractions
Track progress to stay on track

The list above represents some of my checklists to take our life (and business) to the next level. The good news, it works. The bad news, it's hard work. But the payoff is well worth the hard effort to achieve some meaningful progress.

I don't know...

2010-02-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

It's not what you know that is important. Real maturity is knowing how much you don't know.

I have to keep things really simple.

Don't do meth
My kids shouldn't use a chain saw
Being on stilts is never a good idea

That's about all I really know.

Outside of this, there is so much I don't know! But the pursuit continues....

Sunset in the ATX!

2010-02-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

There are amazing things right in front of us every single day.

I have been working on this and certainly still am working on: Pay Attention!

So many we speak to and work with tell us the struggles of daily life. They are running around a million miles per hour...rushing here and rushing there. And when you live in this havoc pace, you can't live in the moment.

We have been working on:

Slow Down
Less is more
Pay Attention
Conscious Living
Pay Attention
In the moment moments
Stop and smell the roses
Stop and pay attention to the sunset on Lake Travis in Austin TX!

It's completely opposite as society tells me...but it's the right path.

Clarity

2010-02-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

Clear Thinking?

With all the noise and chaos around today, I need to make sure I don't fall captive to all those distractions. I need to make sure I have clear thinking.

I seek clarity:

Clarity of thought
Clarity of focus
Clarity of priorities
Clarity of time
Clarity of strategy
Clarity of relationships
Clarity of vision
Clarity of marketing
Clarity of purpose
Clarity of my business

It doesn't come easy. To gain clarity, it takes hard work and being very intentional.

But the payoff is huge. And when I have clarity, it's like clear blue water. Amazing!

What about you?

Do you have clarity? Or do you need to work on it? Spend some time on seeking clarity, because the return on this investment is unbelievable!

Inventory

2010-02-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Managing inventory is a huge issue in the marketplace. Those that can get the most r.o.i out of their inventory have a huge competitive advantage. Organizations, the good ones, spend tons of hours managing inventory and it is a absolute focus.

But what our in our lives?

Do we take inventory?

Do we make sure we have the right inventory (priorities)?

Do we make sure we are getting the best r.o.i. out of our life?

Here is my inventory:

My relationship with Jesus Christ and My Faith
My wife Kelly and our marriage
My boys Teddy and Tate
My work and company
My relationships
My impact and serving others
My time and my money...are they in line with the above?

Not even close to where I want to be but on the journey nevertheless...

My stupid thinking...

2010-02-05T05:43:00.001-08:00

My Pity Party (a couple days ago)

Nobody shows up. Nobody signs up for that event. Nobody cares.

I should just stop having them.

And how about this Chris?

Turn problems into possibilities!

Yes, that makes more sense.

I think I will change my thinking today!

Man, there are days where I frustrate myself with my stupid thinking. I know there is no bigger waste of time and energy than on self pity. But yet I did it. Why? I know it's negative and produces nothing but junk and funk. But yet I did it. Why? I know it's against what I believe in. But yet I did it. Why? I know nobody wants to participate and talk about my pity problems. But yet I did it. Why? I know it's taking my life backwards. But yet I did it. Why?

I don't know.

But I do know this. I can change my thinking. And when I change my thinking, my outcomes will also change. And when my outcomes change, my life changes. And when my life changes, I can do my job of helping others change their life a whole lot better.

On with the change....

My questions for today?

2010-02-02T05:57:00.001-08:00

Some questions I am thinking about in our business:

What new and creative message can I get out? (Must be Innovative!)
How can I reach more people? (Must be Diligent)
What new accountability's can I put in place? (Must have be purpose driven)
When to start new programs? (Goals with passion and avoid procrastination)
Why go through all this hard work? (Relationships matter most!)

Some questions I am thinking about in life:

Why are people losing sight of the important priorities? (relationships vs watch some more TV...helping others vs buy more stuff....it's not all about me vs it's all about me...go to the park with my family vs go to the mall)..And what can I do about this?
What do bad things happen to good people? (My 38 year old fraternity brother dying with 3 young girls)
Why is fear so controlling and what can I do to overcome it?
What can I do to be more transparent?
Who discovered coffee?
Why does health care need to be some complicated and broken?
If money were not an issue....then what?
What can I do to master peace of mind?
What can I do to take my relationship with Jesus to the next level?
Why does my son Teddy ask so many questions? I wonder where he gets this from?

Today, it's only questions with no answers.

Communication...yeah it kind of matters!

2010-01-30T03:52:00.000-08:00

3 questions

2010-01-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

The three most important a business or organization must answer:

1. What do you do?

2. What makes you unique?

3. Why should I do business with you?

These must be answered using a two part formula of:

Clear +
Motivating

Change your place

2010-01-19T06:08:00.000-08:00

I am in Dallas all week. I love changes of environments. A new setting = new insights.

Change of place + Change of pace = Change of Perspective!

When is the last time you changed your surroundings intentionally to get new ideas and fresh approaches?

Try it...it works

Oh...you flat tire

2010-01-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

This was flat this morning.

I had two choices; one was to let to ruin my day and be in a funk and not get anything done today or....second was to go with the flow and not allow it to affect me.

I choose the second.

These "issues" we face every day are all just relative and need to be put in proper perspective. Give me a break, you think I am going to allow a flat tire to throw me off course for the day? Nope, not today, thanks for playing. Now was it fun to deal with this? No. But hey, put it in big picture lens of my life. Not a big deal so that is how I reacted.

Five years ago, my reaction would have been the opposite. I would have thought the world was coming to an end, been really mad, and a mess for the entire day. But I have learned, the hard way, that all life's problems are really learning opportunities in disguise.

For today anyway, I think I passed the test.

Blanket of Clouds

2010-01-13T14:41:00.000-08:00

One of my mentors taught me to slow down every single day and find a miracle.

Amazing advice. Try it.

14,000 ft descending into Austin TX!

All over the place today

2010-01-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Have a Do It Now Mindset. Fear stinks. Why Not? The Orange test: When I squeeze oranges I get orange juice, when I squeeze you what comes out? i love the water. re-actions are more important than actions. Ignore Society...stick to your own plan and don't get distracted by outside white noise. pre-decisions are more important than decisions. Big Dreams Rock! study success. surround yourself with successful peeps. caffeinated life only. attitude matters a ton.Vision 1st...tasks later. people more important than message. Best Story Wins! greatness is inside you...motivate it out. winning matters. don't let time talk you out of your dreams. go to work to work.have fun. my kids are cute. burn calories for your cause. have a great day!

Safe is not the goal

2010-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

There has to be more than just the goal of arriving safely. There has to be more than the goal of just surviving.

For me, it's about making a impact; about speaking to the potential of others by making a splash. Well to do that, I have had to take on risks (and still taking them). With risks and living on the edge come some serious ass kicking. I have enough for all of us. But with everyone of them come huge lessons that afterwards, I would not change for anything!

My lessons on adversity:

It's at the storms of my life that I found God
God wastes no pain
It's not about my circumstances but rather God will get make terribly uncomfortable and full of messes in order to improve our relationship. And for that, I am incredibly thankful.
Turn problems into possibilities
View each pain as an education opportunity. (I am a Ph D)
Focus on what I can control and nothing else
Let go to go up (give up white knuckling my life and my circumstances)
Stop being self absorbed. Be small. Humble is a huge life lesson
One day at a time. Live in the NOW.
When I am on the floor, at least I can't fall off (perspective)
Master Time (take in all conscious moments intentionally)
Be committed to my vision and my dreams even in the huge storms of my life

I have learned the hard way but the right way that adversity is healthy! That doesn't mean it's fun or enjoyable but neither is cough syrup. But adversity like cough syrup, it's needed and healthy.

Love My Punks!

2010-01-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Some lessons these two miracles have taught me:

One size doesn't fit all...everyone has a unique code to unlock the potential. It's my job as a leader to figure out what key works and what buttons to push.
Time is the most important issue to master on the planet. Time, priorities, and behaviors...Are they all consistent? Are they properly managed? Are they maximized each day? It's a stewardship issue at the core.
Go. Set. Ready....It's Go Time! What are we waiting for? Why are holding back? Why not?
"Dad, let's GO!" ...No One is Lazy in Lazy Town...Go Go...(see Nick Jr Lazy Town show)
Key element of joyful life = being able to laugh at yourself.

Teddy: Dad what are those lines on your head?

Me: Where?

Teddy: There (as he points to my wrinkles on my forehead!)

Me: Now that is funny!

Imagination is huge! With time and as we get older we tend to limit our imaginations. Mistake. Dreaming is crucial and we need to apply intentionality in using our imaginations. "Dad, can you believe Santa showed up and was here?"
Don't listen to society's advice and their barometer on success. "Dad, let's just take a rest."

I always say that I learn more from my kids than any other source. I got some smart dudes and Thank You Jesus for those miracles.

Jasper Toe Story

2010-01-04T07:42:00.001-08:00

At some point, we need to take action!

At some point, we need to spend the energy!

At some point, we need to turn nouns into verbs!

Are you ready to make 2010 the year of impact and action?

Unsustainable Pace

2009-12-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

Too many people are living life at an unsustainable pace.

A friend of mine sent me a message about how shocked he was the the head football coach of Florida, Urban Meyer, would resign from one of the best jobs in his profession. How could you resign from a dream job and when you are at the top of your profession was the question asked of me. I wasn't shocked at all. Why?Because I see it every single day where people, just like Coach Meyer, are burning life at both ends and running at a pace that just can't be sustained for the long haul.

Is this called burnout? No. This is much more of a problem than "burnout." Burnout is a short term energy and passion issue where as this is something much more. This is crazy life pace is a long term strategy that won't work. It's a loser. And part of the problem is society's barometer for success is completely wrong. Society tells us the most successful are the busiest people. WRONG! In my economy, the most successful are those who achieve the most. Let's not mistake activities for achievements!

How can I get out of this rat race and losing life strategy?

30 mins of quiet every single day. Complete isolation daily.
Constant auditing of your time. Where is it going? Are you doing the right things with your time? Are you working on the most productive things? How much true waste in time do you have per week?
Cut out all busyness and busy-bee activities.
Be Accountable (and if you can't do it yourself, find a partner to help you)
Start each day with a plan.
Say NO! You will have to learn to say NO more than yes to most requests of your time.
Stop and notice each day a miracle (sunrise, sunset, rain storm, a baby, blue sky, a laughing child, a loving family, husband and wife sharing life, the ocean,....they are all over but you need to stop and train yourself to see them)

Don't buy the hype. Don't listen to society. Being more busy is not better! It's a long term losing strategy. There is a better way. Slow down. Make a difference. Do the things that have an high impact and cut out the rest.

Homeless no more!

2009-12-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

Kim Perkins has a home!

I met Kim on a street retreat for Mobile Loaves and Fishes where I became homeless for one weekend. MFL founder Alan Graham told me I needed to go of which I am so grateful. In this life changing weekend where I experienced being homeless (no money, no ID, no phone, no place to eat or stay), Kim looked after us. She guided us and was our Shepard making sure we stayed from danger (and found something to eat). You see Kim has been homeless for years and an expert on living on the streets in Austin.

After this street living weekend, Kim and I stayed in touch. I had a front row seat to see just how hard Kim was working to improve her life. She constantly was taking little steps to improve. I now am so proud to call her my friend. She is an outstanding person and I am so thankful I got to know her this year. I have learned so much from Kim.

Kim also has made some unbelievable advances in her life. She has shown all of us that when we keep moving forward, just small steps, along with faith, amazing things will happen. Let me brag about Kim and consider her accomplishments this year:

Kim has a home! After years (7-10 years)of being homeless, Kim now has her own place! A home. A safe place where Kim can get a proper nights rest. A full 7 hours of sleep is something most of us take for granted. Not the homeless. Most homeless are so tired and it takes everything they got to make it through a basic day. Kim now can get out of the wind, rain, cold, sun, extreme heat, etc and have a safe place to call her home. Say it out loud, Kim has a home!
Kim's home has everything she needs: Chair, Bed, Kitchen, Bathroom! It's amazing!
Kim has food so she doesn't need to worry about eating each day.
Kim has been baptised where she publicly professed her faith in Jesus Christ!
Kim regularly now attends Lake Hills Church downtown.
Kim has a telephone.
Kim has clothes and a new coat. (and doesn't have to carry everything she owns like she did before)
Kim has a new life!

The true joy for me has come from knowing Kim and her friendship. It showed me, first hand, the power of serving and helping people out. When all of us just help out a little, huge things will happen! There are a million reasons why we can't serve more and help more (busy schedules, work, running here and there, emails to send, parties to attend)....but we all need learn from Kim and just take little steps to help out.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes is an outstanding place to start. I learned that it's the little things that make all the difference and end up being big things! One down and many more to go! What are we going to do about it?

Simplify

2009-12-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

As you are making your 2010 plans, I have one word that is life and business changing: SIMPLIFY!

We are all making business and life too difficult. Just look at and audit your calender for the last 90 days. Busyness...Busy being busy. Noisy!

There is a much better way.

Simplify.

Less is more.

Let's not mistake activity for achievement!

I could care less who is the busiest (noisy activities)...but I am totally engaged on who is running the business (achievement)

To be more successful, get rid of all the "stuff". And then concentrate on the big impact activities only. And I promise all of those will have one word in common: Relationships.

Relationships with employees
Relationships with stake holders
Relationships with customers

Simplify. Get rid of noise and clutter.

HOPE

2009-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

Powerful word.

Life changing.

My Hope:

Grow my faith and relationship with Jesus Christ
My kids future
My wife and our future
Peace (relational, financial, spiritual)
That society changes (priorities, how we treat each other, end homelessness, end poverty to name a couple)
I leave the world a better place
To motivate, inspire and help millions of people through my life, my story, and my faith (my work)

Some days are tough. Really tough. Hope gets my through every single time!

What do you HOPE for? When was the last time you worked on your HOPE?

Be intentional about your HOPE...

Choices

2009-12-11T04:59:00.000-08:00

I have been working with my 5 year old son Teddy on choices. When he is looking at his younger brother and the wheels are turning on if to mess with him or not...I look over and tell Teddy to make a smart choice. And he knows:

Mess with my younger brother = timeout
Don't mess with my younger brother = keep playing

Here is what I have learned on choices through some good choices and some terrible choices.

Take your time with choices and think, because they will be with you a long time.

With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight here are some of my thoughts on my choices:

Bad ones:

Made to quickly
Didn't consult with others
Didn't take time to stop and think (reactions)
Didn't pray
Self above all else

Good ones:

Used my head and did some thinking
Involved others
Took my time
Prayed and connection with God
Selfless involved

The results and consequences of our choices last a long, long time. Be smart, use my head, take my time, involve others, and pray work for me.

Effort!

2009-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

The score at the end of the day is the by product of something much more powerful and important called: *** Effort!

My focus on our business is the daily effort and moving forward each day. I try not to worry about the end results (profits). If I concentrate on the daily basics of our business, the results will come and be there.

Some questions we ask of ourselves that may help you:

In business today, are you giving it your all?
Are you totally committed?
Are you striving to become the best at what you do?
Would Teddy and Tate be proud of my work effort today?
Are you settling for less than your best today?
If so, why?

When you concentrate on the end score only, you lose.
When you concentrate on the basics, the score at the end of the game will say you win.

A great exercise....

2009-12-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

Do you want a exercise you can do in your business that will rock your world? Here it is:

How can I/we make doing business with me/us, a total blast?

Do this individually if you are in business for yourself, or as a group.

Today, we have:

Similar people
Similar things
Similar products
Similar experiences
Similar prices

Applebees, Bennigans, TGI Fridays, Chili's, on and on....all doing the same thing. How boring!

***** Be Different. Dramatically Different.

Make doing business with you a total riot...how can we do this?

It's all about experiences....It's all about doing things different.

I told Kelly this weekend that if we do things exactly opposite as the real world does and suggests, we would be right every time!

Different is in!

My Vision!

2009-11-28T05:29:00.001-08:00

In all of our speeches and seminars, you will find an overwhelming topic hammered on constantly and that is the importance of Vision. As the smartest and richest person ever to live on this planet said:

We there is no vision, people perish...said King Solomon

But the opposite is also true: Where there is vision, people prosper!

We get asked all the time about our vision. What are we trying to accomplish? What are my dreams? What part can I contribute to make the world a better place? When it's all said and done for me, what contributions do you want to make?

Here is the essence of our vision (my vision books are on volume number six):

To help, to inspire, and to motivate millions of people through my life, my story, and walk with Jesus Christ with the complete understanding that today, I can effect the life of another human being.

It matters...

2009-11-24T16:26:00.000-08:00

Design matters...

Presentation matters...

Don't overlook it....instead, be intentional and focused on both

It separates the good from the great!

Thoughts...

2009-11-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

Every single thought is either:

1. Strengthening you and making you better.......or

2. Weakening you and robbing you of life

Given this, doesn't it make sense to really work on our thought process? I would say so....

**** Thoughts - Feeling - Actions = Choices

Life is our series of choices we make (or don't make)

If choices come from thoughts....let's make good thoughts to make good choices!

Q: What are you thinking today?

Doom, Gloom
Negative
More wrong than right
Mediocrity
Addiction
Fear
Worry

Fun
Joy
Peace
Right than wrong
Abundance
Let's Go
Can Do

Sleep

2009-11-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

I remember when I was growing up how soundly I slept. Specifically, we had a summer cabin on a lake and I would spend all day outside playing baseball, swimming in the lake, and riding my bike up and down the lake hills. At the end of the day, I was all done and the minute my head hit the pillow, I was out!

But I recall how soundly I slept. It was so full of peace and calm.

But now 29 years later, real life can take its toll and with all the real life noise, sleep is much more difficult. I don't have sleep issues but nevertheless, I long for those days when my head it the pillow it was all over...and full of peace. That's the way sleep should be.

So I am working intentionally on my sleep plan called REST

Reset
Every
Single
Time

When today's done, it's done (stop trying to always do more and more)
Be Thankful for today and rejoice in it
Review the day (what worked and what did not work)
Reset to the Big Picture...(always keep focus on the big stuff and not little details)
Let go and Go Up (it's not about me but rather God and his plan)

But as my teachers taught me: to get good sleep, you have to make a Intentional Plan! Like anything else, you have to work at it. I never thought about it like that but I think it's so true.

Happy Veterans Day

2009-11-11T05:06:00.001-08:00

Veterans (both past and present)

Thank you!

You are my true hero's.

You selfless acts and ultimate courage are my inspirations!

Thank you!

Snowball

2009-11-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

My thoughts have a Snowball effect!

Negative Thinking = Negative Results

Positive Thinking = Positive Results

It's really that simple. But the problem I see is that most people don't Intentionally work on this process. I work Intentionally on my attitude and thoughts every single day. It's the most important thing I can do. Why?

See above.

Create Today!

2009-11-09T03:45:00.000-08:00

Great Leadership (and my formula) =

Vision : What exactly is the vision for your life and business? Is it big enough?
Goals: Set some targets based on your vision to make it come true
Creative and Innovation: Boring is out. Be interesting and entertaining!
Execution and a Do it Now Mindset: Take Action, Get on offense, Avoid Procrastinations
Focus: Use your time wisely...manage your time just like you do money...maximise your resources
Have Fun! : One shot at this life so we better have some fun

When I am not speaking, I make sure there is 50% or more of my time used to be CREATIVE and INNOVATIVE!

My Time Journal:

50% Creative ($200-$500 per hour)

30% Working On Business ($100-$200 per hour)

20% Tasks and Doing Stuff ($10-$50 per hour)

It's all relative...

2009-11-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

^^^^ Bad Times and Bad Events are all relative ******

I remind myself of this powerful thought all the time.

Seriously.

I hate pity parties.
I hate lack of courage.
I hate feeling sorry for myself.
I hate fear.
I hate living in ordinary levels of consciousness (when levels of extraordinary consciousness are available to me...and for FREE).
I hate looking back.

You know what? It's not all about me. In my times of adversity, I need to remind myself that I am not the center of the universe. My tough times are not the most important thing on this planet. And besides that, it's all relative. I tell myself this all the time:

Somebody on this planet would trade my tough times for theirs in a FLASH!

Instead Chris, how about this:

Pick yourself up dude
Nobody really cares about your pity party and nobody wants to attend
Instead, Go out and make a difference
Keep on keeping on
It's Go Time
Embrace Adversity
It's all disguised as tough times but in the end it's really good for me
Relax...God in control and with me
Awesome!

DD + MM = WE!

2009-11-02T10:11:00.001-08:00

Formula:

DD + MM = WE

Dramatically Different and then provide Magical Moments and you equal a WOW Experience!

1. Dramatically Different: What is your AHA in business? Why you? Why should people do business with you? What makes you unique?

VISION! You got to have a huge vision that is clear and motivating. If you aren't clear, how can you expect the marketplace to be clear? Vision separates the top from the rest; we see it every single day!
Do things different. Be unique. Take the road less traveled. Get uncomfortable.
Dream Big Time!

2. Magical Moments: Do the things that make it an experience! Do the little things extremely well from your heart!

Take the ordinary and make them extraordinary!
Focus on perfecting the BASICS (do the basics better than your competition)
Be Intentional (greatness doesn't happen by stumbling across it but rather by being intentional)
When you do this little things from the heart, you will be alone because your competition won't do it..Why? It's just too hard for them.

3. WOW Experience!: Business that has the "IT" factor full of energy, spirit, high performance, and passion. Something that can't be copied or duplicated. WOW!

When you are going to start?

Seperation

2009-10-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

What exactly are you going to do to separate yourself in the marketplace today?

You need a plan...

Make it magnificent and marvelous!

Start today.

Activities vs Achievement

2009-10-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Activities vs Achievement

Huge Difference!

A great exercise: Look over your calendar for the last couple weeks and audit your time. What did you see? More activities and noise or actual steps forward and achievements?

I think in today's world there is a wrong test for success. It seems like the gauge for success in today's world is how busy you are rather than how much you achieve. I see it all over.

Busy here and Busy there. Running around a million miles per hour with hair on fire; But short on achievements.

I am just the opposite. I want to slow down and take my time (especially with my decisions because most of them stay with me a long, long time.) I want to do less busyness and more business. I want to get rid of all noise and focus on taking steps forward. I hate distractions and busy bee non-sense that keeps me from getting the most impacting rewards accomplished.

But to get this done, I have to audit my performance and know exactly where my time goes. Why? I am where my time goes. Period.

What if....part II

2009-10-21T06:49:00.001-07:00

What would our businesses look like if we:

Found our passion and big aha difference maker
Cast a clear and motivating vision
Get great people on board
Execute the BASICS better than our competition (especially focusing on relationships!)
Take little steps forward each day with passion and enthusiasm
Have a bunch o FUN!

Today, we are making business/life much harder than it needs to be.

Let's just take a time-out and really think on this.

If any of this hits home, you need to sign up for IGNITE Seminar we are hosting. Email kelly@christapken.com for details (limited space and seats are filling up fast). You don't want to miss out on this day long seminar where we are building a plan of action for an amazing 2010! Enough mediocrity...there's a better way and it will start with you being at IGNITE course!

KISS...Part III

2009-10-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

KISS

Keep it Simple Silly!

We all are making business too difficult today! The top producers keep things very simple and focus on the BASICS!

It's all about the execution of the Basics:

Do Basics Daily!
Add a sprinkle of Passion!

Execute the basics every single day with a dose of passion and you have a formula that your competition can't match!

Apple, Google, and YOU! Keep things simple! (just like Apple and Google!)

Courage and some thoughts

2009-10-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Courage!...What does it mean? Something I have really been thinking about and working on.

It takes courage to live the life you want to live. This is for sure.

Another point about courage: Embrace adversity and tough times all the while understanding there will be ultimate victory. That's easy to say but hard work.

Really, I should look forward to adversity? Yes. Because it's in these tough times that we really grow. We dramatically improve when the weather is not so fair. We absolutely learn when the road is rough. We advance when the footing is not so sure. Now, please also understand that it's not fun and easy in these turbulent times. Nobody enjoys getting beat up. But it's needed and good for us.

Lastly, we need to keep our eyes on the prize which is in the end, WE WIN! We all will get through these tough times and come out even better. Defeat ..never. Victory is ours.

I think that's courage.

Very Cool!

2009-10-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

We have been running some very awesome marketing campaigns.

Very different...very unique!

**** Tremendous success when you can separate yourself in the marketplace!

Love Creative!

Q: What are you doing to seperate yourself in the markeplace?

Boring is out!

Something to Think about...

2009-10-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

Crisis! = Disaster

*** You can't run a business or a life in crisis mode. ****

Solution to Crisis is Clarity!

^^ Get Clarity to today.

Clarity! = Calmness

Amazing results come from a sense of calmness. But it starts with clarity.

Clarity:

Clarity to Time Management
Clarity to Vision
Clarity to Purpose
Clarity to Priorities
Clarity to Roles and Responsibility
Clarity to Having Fun
Clarity to Being Creative
Clarity to Selling
Clarity to Marketing
Clarity to Cash
Clarity to Management
Clarity to Leadership

Just to name a few...

Question submitted

2009-10-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

Question from our website: What is one of the biggest factors in today's marketplace that you are seeing?

And please feel free to post questions to our website and we will answer them.

Answer: The company's and top producers that are able to SEPARATE themselves in the marketplace is the biggest issue we are seeing today. There is so much Same ol' Same ol' out there with everyone running around a million miles per hour with their hair on fire....but can't separate themselves in the market.

And then there are the very few that Slow Down and Intentionality master the Vision and the message. Those that make themselves Different...not only different but DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT (DD) are the ones that even in today's chaos, go out and set records.

VISION...and communicating that vision in a clear and motivating manner is the BIGGEST separator in the marketplace.

Fail Fast

2009-09-30T13:10:00.001-07:00

To really suceed you have to fail!