“If you always do what you have always done…”

 

One of my favorite quotes is: 

“If you always do what you have always done, you will always get the same results.

Until you start to do things differently, don’t expect a different results.”

This quote has made a dramatic difference in my life.  It continues to impact me to this day.  Just yesterday I was listening to a cd while driving, (A great way to kill time and learn at the same time) The author said the following statement:

“If you want things to change in your life, your going to have to change some things in your life.” 

One thing I have realized throughout the years is that there have been times when I haven’t been satisfied or happy with the current status of my life.  Whether it be my finances, relationship, physical health, or career.  I used to make excuses and blame circumstances on things.  It is because of this, because of that.  It is the economy, it is them.  I would point fingers and always validate why I didn’t have certain things, instead of taking ownership of my situation and realizing I am accountable for all results in my life.

As I dug into this and realized that instead of making excuses, I could make solutions, my life took a dramatic change for the better.  I took accountability and responsibility for my finances. I took charge of my life.  I learned that life is a blank canvas and that I can choose whatever I want to put into it.

I could chooses excuses, blame, regret, negative thoughts, or I could choose happiness, control over my finances, quality relationships, health, and a fulfilling career.

I learned that in order to get different results, I would have to change my habits that put me where I currently was. 

I would have to do things differently.  

I would have to change my approach.

I would have to change my habits.

So I evaluated where I was, evaluated my current daily habits. 

Using credit cards wasn’t helping my financial situation, so I stopped using them and / or paying them off quickly.

Eating fried foods, soda, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol wasn’t helping my health. So I started eating healthier, exercising more often, and minimizing soda intake.

I started learning habits of traits and characteristics of individuals that had already achieved what I wanted.

Learn what they do, and model their behaviors.

In summary, if you haven’t yet achieved what it is you want, look at your approach.  What you are doing is getting you to where you want to be, otherwise you already would have what you want, right?

Do things different.

Learn what works from those that have already done it.

No one is perfect.

But we are all accountable for where we are.

We all can make a difference.

We all are responsible for being the best we can be, and live the life we have always wanted to live.

Live your dreams!

Unlock your potential!

Until next time…

Jesse

82 days left? How to make the best use of your time!

I can’t believe there are only 82 days left this year. 

75 days to Christmas

45 days until Thanksgiving

If you consider that most people take two days off a week, that leaves only 67 days that your average person will have days to work on their goals.

Lets say that an average person spends 20 minutes a day on their own personal goals, that leaves you only 33 actual hours that you are spending on making progress in your life and accomplishing your goals.

Kind of wants to make you watch less tv, no?

Time flies doesn’t it?

It is important to cherish every moment of the day, every minute that you live.

Value your time more than money. Money is something that can always be made again. Time is not.

Time once you spend it, is gone forever. 

The time you could have spent with your spouse.

The time you should have spent with your kids.

The time you should have spent working on your health.

Some tips to help add more “time” to your life:

• Know what you want!  If you do not have a list of goals and know what you want in life you will not be able to manage your priorities accordingly.  Set goals! Know your goals!  Use your spare time to accomplish your goals!
• Keep your priorities in check.  This will help un-stress your mind and will give you a feeling of control.  After you make a list of things to do, prioritize them by labeling the “Must do’s” an “A”, the “Nice to do’s” a “B”, and the “If I have time” a “C”. Only work on your A list first, do not start on any other priorities until your first “A” priority is complete.  Put your biggest most important task first, that way when it is complete you will feel good about yourself and can go on knocking out the easier items on your list.
• Plan your day in advance. A few minutes spent planning will save you time. It gives you purpose and a plan. Make your list of things to do the night before so you wake up focused on hat needs to get done.
• Understand and accept that there are only 24 hours in a day.  Move with a sense of urgency. Have the attitude, “I must get this done today!”  “I am productive!”
• That only leaves you 86,400 seconds in a day. Every second counts. Keep that in your mind and when you find yourself not engaged in a task that is assisting you in getting something accomplished or moving you towards a goal, stop doing it.
• Just because your phone rings, do you have to answer it?  Make phone calls and return messages after you complete your priorities.
• Watch less tv, spend less time “wasting” time.  I find there are minimal shows on the television that actually benefit my life. I don’t watch much news. Reality tv is a major distraction of mostly scripted acting. If you must watch tv, limit it to 1 or 2 shows and stay focused on your goals

So there are a few tips and tricks, feel free to comment below and add any other tips you may have for everyone as well!

The clock is ticking.

Until next time…

Jesse

Have you made your bucket list yet?

Have you heard of a bucket list? 

In other words making a list of all the things you want to do before you kick the bucket?  You name it.  Skydiving. Hot air balloon.  Europe. Asia.  Las Vegas.  New York.  Australia, etc…  Make a list of all the things you want to do and places you want to see before you kick the bucket.  You only live once, you might as well do as much as you can before it is too late, right?

One way to maintain motivation and be inspired is to make a list of places to travel.  Write down every place you want to go before you die.  Get out that piece of paper and begin right now.  It does not matter if you do not have the money today.  What matters is that you have dreams and goals to work towards.  When you have something to look forward to, it makes the long days at work more enjoyable.  It makes the hard work you are doing now worth the wait because there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Years ago I made my first list.  It included skydiving, going on a hot air balloon, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, and many other items.  I can proudly now say that I have done all of those items over the last few years.  Part of it is due to the fact I wrote down as a goal and made it part of my focus. 

After you make your list, decide on what item you really want to do next.  Make that your priority.  Research it.  Price it out.  You will be suprised. You could probably achieve that goal faster that you had ever imagined.  You may find a good deal on an airline ticket, find a place to stay that is relatively inexpensive or are able to stay at a friends house.  You never know what may happen.

You only live once.  Do you want to live your life saying I wish I would have done that?  Or do you want to live your life saying, look at all I have done!

Unlock your potential from within…

Until next time…

Jesse

Only 3% of the 300,000,000 million people are millionaires. Why?

Finances.  We all have them. Why is it that less than 3% of the US population are millionaires? 

The population of the United States was 307,006,550 as of July 2009 according to the

U.S. Census Bureau.

Last year there were 7.8 million households that had a net worth of $1,000,000 dollars.

What makes the millionaires different than the rest of us?

I think it is a few things.

1. How they spend their money.
2. How they earn their money.
3. How they manage their finances.

First of all.  The majority of most people have a J.O.B.  Do you know what that stands for?  Just Over Broke.  Haha.  When I first heard that I laughed.  But you know what. Unfortunately it is true.  How many wealthy, I mean really wealthy people do you know that have a job.  Now that it is not possible, but the majority of wealthy individuals out there own a business or invest to create their wealth.

It is the difference on how wealthy people invest their money, spend their money that separates those that live paycheck to paycheck.

How they spend their money

A few ways: 

1.  Wealthy individuals spend their money on assets that produce income. For example. If you purchase a home and live in it, it is not an asset.  It is a liabiity because it is costing you each month (mortgage).  If you buy a home and rent it out and earn $200 a month, then the house is considered an asset because it is putting cash into your pocket each month.  Wealthy people think of assets as things that produce income and put money into your pocket each month. 

2.  Education.  Wealthy individuals are always learning something that will assist them in expanding their wealth.  They read books on finance. They improve their skills in time management, organization, and productivity.  They spend money on getting good advice to make business decisions and to protect themselves from potential liabilities. 

If you want to learn how to increase your income and your financial education click here

How they earn their money

The wealthy earn their money by having their money work for them, instead of them working for money. For example.  Let’s say you have a job. You are working for someone else.  You spend x amount of time to get back x amount of dollars each paycheck.  Basically you are trading your time for money.  Wealthy individuals leverage their time and maximize a few things.  1. They have multiple streams of income coming into their bank accounts each month.  They may have some investments in real estate. They may own a few businesses.  Their money is working for them, they are not working for their money.   They make money while they sleep.  They make money through the time of other people.  They get involved with Network Marketing companies.  If you want to check out a great way to earn more income through network marketing click here

How they manage their finances

Wealthy people are prepared for suprises.  They have an emergency fund of cash in case something comes up.  They manage their credit well.  They don’t pay un-needed charges of interest unless they want to.  I know I have learned the lesson of debt the hard way.  I racked up a lot of credit cards, payed hundreds of dollars in interest to other companies each month. Why? I didn’t realize.  Once I actually added it all up and came to reality of the situation I came up with a plan to wipe it clean.  I encourage you to do the same. 

Another way wealthy peoplle manage their finances is by having a plan.  The reason a lot of small businesses fail is due to lack of planning. They don’t manage their finances well and run into issues when it comes time to pay the bills.  Well guess what?  You are a business.  You are in control of how you spend your money, what you spend it on, and where it goes.  Make a choice right now to take control of your financial future.

One thing I recommend, is by charting out all of your finances.  If you would like a copy of the form I use send me your email address and I’ll send it over!

To building wealth…

Jesse 

 

 

 

Goals – the secret to getting what you want!

Goals – one of the secrets to unlocking your potential and getting what you want

Dictionary.com defines a goal as the following:
       -noun 1. the result toward which effort is directed; aim; end

     Did you know that only 10% of the world’s population actually sets goals?  Did you know that the majority of all the business owners and wealthy people in this world set goals regulary and work towards achieving them on a daily basis?  Do you want to be in that 10%? Or in the 90% that does not set goals regularly and continues to run around in circles?

     Having goals in life is a matter of knowing what you want, and where you want to go in life.  Which direction do you want to head this year?  How much money do you want to earn?  How do you want your physical body to look?  Where do you want to travel?  If you always do what you have always done, you will always get the same results. Until you start to do things differently, you can’t expect a different result.

     2010. Time flies.  The new year is always a great time to get out that piece of paper and a pen and write down your goals for 2010. That is my challenge to you.  Once you write down your goals and become clear about what you want in life something magical happens.  The world seems to open up and offer you opportunities to achieve those goals. If one of your goals is to buy a house, you may run into a real estate agent the next day, or see a house for sale that you have always admired. Pay attention to the signs that come your way into helping you unlock your potential and achieve your goals.

Tips for setting goals:
- Goals should be specific
- Goals should have a timeline or “accomplish” by date
- Goals should be written in the present tense as if you have already achieved them.  For example, if your goal is to buy a new car, you want to write, I own a brand new, blue, Porsche 911 turbo. Writing your goal in the present tense trains your subconscious mind into already believing you have your goal and and it will go to work to make it a reality.
- Dream Big!  You only live once.  Always go after your dreams in life.  Dreams are what give inspiration and motivation in life.  Wouldn’t it be great to live your dreams?
- Take daily action towards achieving your goals. Write down your goals daily. Take daily action and move towards your goals.  Make a phone call, do some research, spend 20 minutes a day.  Breaking your goal up into small pieces can help build momentum and make it easier to achieve.

Remember, you only live once, accomplish and live the life you have always desired!

Until next time,

Jesse

If regret is in the past, worry is in the future, what is in the present?

Regret. Worry.  Remorse.  We have all had these thoughts in life before. 

One things remains true.

We cannot change the past.

We cannot change the future.

The only thing you have control over (for the most part) is what you are doing right now in the present.

Right now you are either getting better or you are getting worse.

Right now, your relationships are improving or getting worse.

Right now, your are improving your financial future, or it is getting worse.

Right now, you health is improving, or it is getting worse.

Right now you have a choice.

You can choose to live in the past.  I wish I would have done that. I wish this wouldn’t have happened. I wish I would have invented facebook.  I should have invested my money better. I shouldn’t have said that.  I shouldn’t have made that decision, etc…

You can choose to live in the future of someday.  Someday I’ll be happy.  Someday I’ll open a business.  Someday I’ll do what I want to do.  Someday I’ll repair that broken relationship.  I am worrried about what is going to happen.  I am worried about tomorrow.

Where do you prefer to live?

The past, the future, or the present?

I know where I prefer to be. That is right here and right now.  You see. Everything in life happens for a purpose and reason.  Everything in life is a results of the decisions you have made in the past, that I have made in the past, that everyone has made. 

Our thoughts come into our life to create what we have in life, which is the present moment.  Right here – right now!

The actions, decisions, and steps you are taking right this minute in life, will determine how your future is going to turn out.  Make great choices today, to have the future you want tomorrow.

Tip to get into the present moment:

I am currently listening to a productivity cd to help me increase my productivity.  One exercise it recommends is to “center” your self to the present moment.  It involves taking a few moments to breath.  To realize you can’t change the past, you can’t change any mistakes you have.  You can’t change the future.  All you can do is be now in the present moment.

Breathe. Realize right now at this moment is all you’ve got.

Make the most of it.

Unlock your potential and the potential of others.

Make an impact today.

Until next time…

Jesse

The POWER of words…

Words are a very powerful tool. 

Have you heard this quote before?

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…”

As much as this would be nice to be true, it isn’t always correct.

Words can uplift or bring down someone in an instant. 

In my 18 years of working in restaurants and managing others I have learned a great deal about communication and the choice of words we make when speaking with others, as well as the words in our thoughts.

It is not what you say, it is how you say it.

Are you choosing powerful words?

Or are you being negative?

I can try and do it.

I will do it!

Is it a problem?  Or an opportunity / challenge?

It is how you look at it.  Words can help shape that perception and view of an issue or crisis. 

The symbol in chinese for crisis is actually two symbols together. Crisis & Opportunity.

Learn to use the power of affirmations in your thoughts to help you achieve your goals and unlock your potential and choose words that communicate that you have already achieved your goal.

Say out loud whatever goal you want to achieve.

I am strong & flexible

I am wealthy

I am fit and healthy

I have great relationships in my life

I am living my purpose in life

By saying and thinking that you have already achieved your goal, your subconscious mind will then believe it and take steps to bring that goal to fruition.

In order to achieve your goal you must believe it to be true, before it becomes true.  Have faith and confidence that what you want will happen.

Choosing your words wisely will assist you in getting what you want!

Say this out loud:

I am getting what I want in life!

I am unlocking my potential!

Until next time…

Jesse

click on this link to read another great article on the power of words.

What if you could remove obstacles in your way?

Obstacles, excuses, negative thoughts, money, time, you name it.

Isn’t it funny how whatever you say prevents you from achieving your goals usually come true?

This is one of my favorite quotes:

“If you say you can do something, or you say you can’t, you are probably right…”

It is easy in life to not go for your dreams and make excuses instead.

I know because I have done it before.  I used to let my dreams and goals just sit there instead of going for them.  I used to make excuses. I don’t have the money,  when I get out of debt,  once I become financially independent, etc…  My attitude towards life was crappy.  My outlook was dim.  I thought the universe was working against me.  In reality, it was me working against the universe.  It was me that was getting in the way of my own success.

Look at the following illustration:

What would happen if you could eliminate an excuse or obstacle in your way?

Once I realized that I was getting in the way of my own success, I started taking action and changing. I started flattening and eliminating excuses in my path. 

I realized I wasn’t organized. So I read books on organization and time management. I learned techniques and skills that would enable me to work more efficiently and increase my productivity. 

Once I accepted that my financial situation wasn’t going to change on my own, I began increasing my financial education. I read books on personal finance, I spoke with people that were financially successful and asked them what advice they had, I went to seminars about how to increase my income and create wealth.

Denial is an interesting thing.  It can blind people to where an abundance of opportunities lie.  I know I have had my fair share of being in denial. 

Once I took 100% ownership and accountability for my results in life, I was able to actually see where I stood and the areas in my life that were holding me back from unlocking my potential.

My challenge to you is the following:

Identify anything that may be holding you back.

Accept that you are limiting yourself by saying that is it true.

Make a plan to move past it.  Learn & develop more skills, change your attitude, etc…

Anything is possible.  Follow your dreams.

It is always easy to make excuses and say why you can’t do something.

The question we should be asking is how could that be achieved?

What would happen in the world if we all took that same approach?

Unlock your potential.

Until next time…

Jesse

Sharpen your saw! Take care of yourself…

Have you heard of the term, sharpen your saw?

If not, please read the article below,m

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw Sharpen the Saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have–you. It means having a balanced program for self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual. Here are some examples of activities: Physical: Beneficial eating, exercising, and resting Social/Emotional: Making social and meaningful connections with others Mental: Learning, reading, writing, and teaching Spiritual: Spending time in nature, expanding spiritual self through meditation, music, art, prayer, or service
As you renew yourself in each of the four areas, you create growth and change in your life. Sharpen the Saw keeps you fresh so you can continue to practice the other six habits. You increase your capacity to produce and handle the challenges around you. Without this renewal, the body becomes weak, the mind mechanical, the emotions raw, the spirit insensitive, and the person selfish. Not a pretty picture, is it?

Feeling good doesn’t just happen. Living a life in balance means taking the necessary time to renew yourself. It’s all up to you. You can renew yourself through relaxation. Or you can totally burn yourself out by overdoing everything. You can pamper yourself mentally and spiritually. Or you can go through life oblivious to your well-being. You can experience vibrant energy. Or you can procrastinate and miss out on the benefits of good health and exercise. You can revitalize yourself and face a new day in peace and harmony. Or you can wake up in the morning full of apathy because your get-up-and-go has got-up-and-gone. Just remember that every day provides a new opportunity for renewal–a new opportunity to recharge yourself instead of hitting the wall. All it takes is the desire, knowledge, and skill.

Here is the link if you want more info
https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits-habit7.php
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I am just returning from a much needed vacation and I can certainly testify taking time to take care of yourself and get rest is much needed.

It is extremely important to know yourself well.  Know when you are getting stressed out or tired so you can take some time and recharge your batteries before they are completely depleted.

The happier and fresh you are, the easier it will be for you to take steps towards achieving your goals, unlocking your potential, and going the extra mile to do whatever it takes to get what you want.

It can be more challenging to take that extra step each day and make a few phone calls, or spend 15-20 minutes exercising, if you are already burned out.

Take time for yourself.

Take care of yourself.

Sharpen your saw.

Unlock your potential.

Until next time!

Jesse

Why?

Why Jesse?  Why do I want to unlock my potential?

I thought I would take a minute to share with you some benefits to unlocking your potential and some philosophies I have been taught and learned through the 36 wonderful years I have roamed through this world. (lol) 

So why should one want to unlock your potential?  I say why not?  Think about it.  You only live once.  This is your one shot to make it, your one chance to live the life you have always dreamed of.  Are you living your dream life?  Why not?  Why?  Have you given up on your dreams?  Have you achieved certain dreams but not all of them?  I believe one reason why we are all here is to get better, improve and pursue our dreams. 

I do not want to be 80 years old and look back on my life with regrets. Wondering what would have been if I had done this or that.  I want to look back on my life and say, wow!  Look at what I have done. Look at what I have accomplished, where I have traveled, the lives I have touched.  We all have the ability to make a difference and touch the lives of others. 

Some of us touch the lives of others through being an artist, and making paintings.  Others touch lives as a teacher or professor. Some of us may be a driver or pilot.  All of us are touching lives of others every single day we live.  What impact can you make?  Can you brighten the life of a stranger by being friendly?  Can you help a friend move to a new place?  There are many ways to make a difference. One way of unlocking your potential is by helping others and making a positive difference in their lives.

Unlock My Potential Philosophies:

-You only live once, you might as well continue to improve

-Everyday, you are either getting better and moving forward, or getting worse and moving farther away from your goals

-The more you learn, the more you learn

-The more value you add to the world, the more income you will earn

-The bigger difference you make, the bigger your paycheck will be

-The more you enjoy what you do, the more you will earn

-Whatever you are doing, think about what you truly want and how to get it.

-Focus is the key to achieving your goals.  Focus on 3 goals at at time. Once one goal is complete move the other 2 up on the list and add a third at the bottom.  You will accomplish your goals faster and unlock your potential if you do not take on too much at once.  Keep it simple.

Unlock your potential, why not?

Until next time…

Jesse