Friday, December 12, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
4 Ways To Help You Create Your New Look For 2015
When folk ask us what someone looks like, what do we say? When they ask us what do we look like, what do we say? Tall. Short. Brown eyes. Long hair. Bald. You get the picture. But what do you really look like? Do you look like the way you describe yourself or do you look like what you've been through? Uh oh. I just said something. Do you look like the hurt, pain, hard times, and the failures you've endured? When folk look at you, what do they see? Better question. What do you see? Do you look like that stuff, those things, them folk? Are you carrying the residue from it? "Well, now that you mention, Eric, I am. How do I get rid of it?" I'll share with you a few ways to do this. But first, I want to congratulate you on your courage and language. You said, "How do I get RID of it?" Shout out to you for taking charge and tossing that junk out for good! Yay you! Now, let's hit a few ways to get rid of that mess!
1. You've got to have a short memory. For my football fans, you know that defensive backs say this a lot. They have to. When they're guarding the speedy wide receiver who burns them for a touchdown, they've got to use that short memory to get their minds right back in the game. They can't focus on what happened on that play. If they do, the receiver will likely beat them for the rest of the night. The same is true for you. When negative and untrue things are said or done to you, you've got a choice to make. You can dwell on it and buy into the negativity or you can utilize your short memory to forget about that mess and press on like Lee Nails.
2. You've got to have the mentality of a sifter. You know, the little metal devices that you use to sift flour and similar ingredients. Sifters break up the clumps of those ingredients. Because you're not a Bad Landlord, you sift the things that attempt to come into your space. You break down the clumps and determine what can stay and what must go. You evict the junk that doesn't belong. You tell it, "You don't have to go home, but you have to get out of here!" You've got to realize that you're sifting for gold. Have the mentality of a gold miner. They're determined to find and only keep the gold they find. That other stuff? They toss it out. But they've got to know the difference between the good stuff that needs to be kept and the pyrite or "fool's gold". You've got to do the same thing. Determine if what they said matters, should be sifted and kept, or if it's worthless fool's gold that you should throw out. I'll give you a hint: You're looking for GOLD!
 |
| Evict the junk! |
3. Put your makeup on. Fellas, calm down. I know half of you just passed out. I'll give you a few seconds to come to... Back? No. Ok. A few more... Alright, breathe. Stay with me. I'm going somewhere. A few years ago, I remember reading about a new type of plastic surgery called permanent makeup. You heard me right. Permanent makeup. Plastic surgeons will outline your eyes and color your cheeks with a permanent pigment. "So, Eric. This is what you want me to do?" No, that's not what I'm saying. Peep. I want you to put your permanent makeup on. That is, the make up that shows us what you really look like. Make up your mind that you look like...Joy. Peace. Love. Contentment. Grace. Faithful. Kindness. Warmth. That's who you really are. That's what you really look like. If the previously mentioned types of make up don't go well with your "skin", guess what? There are shades for ALL skin tones! And with your permanent make up on, you're sure to shine and glow! Yes, fellas. Sometimes, even we glow. Deal with it. Uh oh. I think they're down again.
 |
| Your "make up" can look as flawless as Lupita's |
4. Mind your mouth. That is, instead of spewing fool's gold or buying it from someone else, what if you said...I AM a great teacher. I AM a good business owner. I AM smart. I AM a good student. I WILL succeed. I WILL graduate. I WILL finish on time. I WILL publish my book. I WILL start my business. Don't just say these things. Write. Them. Down. There's something very powerful about seeing them in black and white or whatever colors you choose. Yes, I want you to speak those things, because there's much power in the spoken word, but remember, I'm a sign guy. I double up! I speak those things and write them down. Double coverage!
So, the next time someone asks you, "What do you look like?" A BIG, broad smile is going to break out all across your face. Because you'll know exactly what you look like. A champion who's ready to fly into and throughout the New Year and beyond!!!
Monday, December 8, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014
The 1 Reason Why You Need To Keep On Pushin'
If you hadn't noticed yet, today is December 1st. Yes! You've made it this far! Most of the year is over! You'll get to and through Christmas and soar into the New Year. But, isn't today the day?
Isn't today the day that you decide not to wait any longer? To do that thing. To do your thing. To do what's needed. To do what you're called and gifted to do. What you're created to do. To do what God has told you to do. Isn't today that day? You've been procrastinating. C'mon, admit it. Back in January you said, "________________________________________________________." Go ahead and fill in the blank with what you said you'd do. I know. You need more space. It's ok. Because in March you said, "_____________________________." No, it wasn't March for you? Ohhhh. Ok, I get it now. You love the month of September. The ninth month of the year. September is good. After all, nine represents completion. And surely, you'd be done by or in September. Right? Of course. So in September you said, "__________." Didn't need as much space in September huh.
Now, it's December 1st. And you're still saying the same stuff from January, March, and September. Yes, ma'am. You've got a question? "Yes, Eric. You're making me feel bad. What am I supposed to do? It's over." Well ma'am, I'm sorry that you feel bad, but it's not me who's doing that to you. Mostly, you've done and are doing that to yourself. And you're wrong. You couldn't be more wrong. See, today is December 1st. That means there are 30 more days left in this month. As I'm writing this, there are approximately 736 hours left in this year. And guess what? The 1 reason why you need to KEEP ON PUSHIN'? YOU'RE STILL HERE! And as long as you're still here, you've got a shot! A shot to do and be all that you've dreamed of, written down, thought about, and believed that you could be. You've got a shot to do it ALL! Not only this month, but you're staring down the barrel of a BRAND NEW YEAR!
So get up and do that thang! Run It Up! Leave No Doubt!
Don't wait. As its been said to me many, many times, "Nothing beats a failure but a try." Don't just sit there! DO SOMETHING! JUST DO IT! JUST WIN, BABY! KEEP ON PUSHIN'!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
3 Things To Do While You Wait
I’ve
never been a patient man. I’ve become
one and I’ve learned to be more patient.
In fact, I’m still learning how to be more patient. What about you? Are you a patient person? You’ll have to be as you stand in lines this
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Uh oh.
I just called you out. No, not
like that. Remember, I don’t front on y’all. I just do my best to challenge you and make
you think. Let’s be real though. Some of you know you’ll be in line on one of
those days if not all three of them. You’ll
be there attempting to save BIG DOLLAR$!
Right? I understand. See, I know the importance of whisking
yourself away from Thanksgiving dinner with your loved ones on Thursday night
or getting in line at 3am to save $50 on a laptop. What’s that?
The ad said they were practically giving
them away? Got it. Ok. I’ll
tell you what. If you believe that, then
I’ve also got a magic lamp for you to rub.
You can rub it while you’re waiting.
And that’s the question. What do
you do while you’re waiting? Whether it’s
a Black Friday line, DMV, or grocery store line, what do you do while you
wait? Here’s a few things to help you
endure your time in line.
Smile.
Remember, you chose to be in
line. No one told you to get up before
the chickens to get that crockpot, Xbox, Samsung Smart TV or the G.I. Joe with
the Kung Fu grip. You made a
choice. So, while you’re there,
smile. A lot. You’re going to need every bit of happiness
that you can muster, so do it. Folk
around you could use a warm smile too.
Yes, even if they don’t smile back.
As hard as it is to smile through adversity, do it anyway. I remember a time when I felt as though God
had forgotten about me and my prayers and needs. It was a very tough time in my life. I’d say, “Lord, where are you?! I need You!”
In truth, He was—and is--with me all the time, but I wanted an immediate fix to my situation. Any guesses on what His reply was? I’ll tell you. He directed me to 1 Thessalonians 5.18 which
says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you.” Not what I wanted to
hear, but it was what I needed to hear and know. I had to learn to smile while I waited. So,
remember to smile while you’re waiting in line this week and from now on when
things get hard. Yes, it’ll be hard to
do sometimes, but at some point, you’ve got to make a choice. You can live in the mess, hurt, funk, junk, and pain, or you can move on and smile as you’re doing so. Take Kirk’s advice and just smile.
Have faith. Yes,
even when you’re in line for that new PS4 game, have faith. That’s why you’re up so early anyway,
right? Because you have faith that the
game will be there just for you! I get
it. However, I’m asking you to have
faith in the process. Because sometimes,
you’ll find yourself doubting if things are going to turn out the way you’d
like. Truth be told, things are going to
turn out the way they need to. You’ve
just got to see and get what’s in it for you.
Uh oh. I just said something
there. Back to the main point. You’re in line, because someone has asked for
something because they have faith in you.
I know 74.2% of you just fell out of your favorite chair! Yes, they have faith in you! Just as you have or should have faith in what
you’ve asked God to do for you, your loved ones, your business, and folk and
situations here at home and around the world. There’s no
coincidence in Matthew 7.7. Ask.
Seek. Knock. Look at the first letter in each word. Put them together and what do they
spell? ASK! Just cooked your noodle, didn’t I? So ask and have faith while you wait. The process is designed to build up and
strengthen your faith anyway. While you’re
standing in line this week and from now on in your life, dig in and increase your
faith and change your thinking all the more by believing.
Do something. No,
don’t talk, text, or play games on your smart phone. I’m going to ask you to do something
radical. Talk to people. Hello?
Are you still there? Oh. You are.
I wasn’t sure, because it got mighty quiet in your section. No, you’re not dreaming and yes, I said it. Talk. To. People. You remember them, right? You live with ‘em. You’re married and related to ‘em. You work with ‘em. Yes, human beings. You’re in line and will be for a while. Use your time wisely. I’m not asking you to become BFFs with them,
but I’m asking you to talk to them. Yes,
even if they don’t talk back. Here’s the
thing about that. Most folk will talk back to you. Oh, the horror! I know.
I’m overcooking your grits. You’ll
live. Put your phones and tablets and
phablets away and talk to other human beings.
For some of you this will be a new experience, because your teenagers
haven’t spoken a coherent sentence to you in months. It’s ok.
They’ll come around. In the
meantime, you’ve got plenty of time while you’re waiting in line for that Doc McStuffins
doll to sharpen your communication skills.
So, don’t just wait in line lookin’ all tight-faced and angry like
Grumpy Cat. While you’re waiting, do something. Smile.
Have faith. You do realize that
all of these are action terms, don’t you?
Some require more work than others, but they all require some level of
work. Guess what? You’re more than up to the task! Do something!
You’re alive, so be alive! Connect with the folk around you as you
wait this week and beyond. You never know
when you’ll be meeting someone who can help you or better than that, someone
that you can help. And isn’t that what life is all about?
As
always, I truly and sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read this. Share it with your friends and families this
week. They can also subscribe to receive
my posts by going to:
Also,
if you or they are interested in more uplifting and encouraging messages, the
link below contains audio clips similar to what you just read.
If
you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, have a great time with friends and
families! Be thankful this week and
always.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Sunday, November 9, 2014
At The Movies Pt. 4
C'mon. Y'all know the scene. The Titans are taking a break from or have just finished one of Head Coach Herman Boone's grueling and grinding football practices. Just in case you've never seen the movie, take a gander at the scene in the clip below.
1. Check Your Attitude. Uh oh. You didn't expect me to come out blasting huh. You know me by now. This is what I do from time to time. Anyway, it's your attitude that needs to be checked. You're concerned about the speck of dust in someone else's eye while there's a beam in yours. I've got a word for you. Stop it. Mind your business. Check yourself. Get yourself together. Fix your stank attitude. Then maybe someone wouldn't mind being led by you. Tough words? Not hardly. In the days, weeks, and months to come, you'll get tougher words from me. This is tame and light. One last time. Check Your Attitude.
2. It Starts With You. You're the leader, right? That's why you're reading this. You're a leader or you desire to lead. The right way. Just like Julius said to Bertier. Correct though he may be, young Julius should take his own advice. He may not have been a captain, but he was definitely a leader on that team. Y'all know how I feel about titles and getting stuck on formal authority. Yes, there's a place for both as it pertains to structure and the like in organizations. I get it. Some organizations put too much focus and emphasis on both. Often, the real leaders, the ones who folk are really following? They have no titles. No formal authority. They're names aren't listed in the managerial hierarchy. But they're the ones everyone runs to. They are you. How do I know you so well? Because I was you. I was you during my time in Corporate America. With and without a formal title. I know both sides. It's how I know that It Starts With You.
You really wanna be a leader who's respected? A leader who folk will follow even when you don't have any authority? A leader who's loved? Yes, I said it. Loved. A leader who gets it? You really wanna be that kind of a leader? If you do, it's easy. I'm going to tell you how. Ready? Here we go. If that's the kind of leader you desire to be, you must die. Uh oh. I just said something and 89.2% of you just ran out the door.
For the rest of you, here's the deal. You've got to die to the junk, funk, mess, and stuff you've been carrying that never belonged to you and was never a part of you. You've got to die to bad, old habits and ways. Bad, old habits and ways of doing things and thinking. Sound hard? It is. Sound like it will be very well worth it? It will be. As long as you sell out to it. Completely. How on earth do you expect anyone else to buy-in if you don't buy-in? The real and authentic you is lurking around in there somewhere. Find her. Dust her off. Look to have her redeemed.
When you're ready. I'm talking really, really, really ready. That's when your new attitude (Yes, I just went all 1984 Patti LaBelle on you.) will be reflected throughout every level of your team, organization, and--watch this--your life. That's when you'll be ready to Start A Fire.
Join me on my webinar, Start A Fire on Nov. 10, 2014, I'll teach you:
- How to start your fire
- Purpose is fuel
- The importance of quick hits
- Purpose is fuel
- The importance of quick hits
You’ll also receive:
- SPECIAL ACCESS to the EXCLUSIVE RECORDING!
- LIFE-ENRICHING, insider leadership tips!
- EXCLUSIVE PRICING for January 2015 training: Fit In ‘15!
- LIFE-ENRICHING, insider leadership tips!
- EXCLUSIVE PRICING for January 2015 training: Fit In ‘15!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
SPACE IS LIMITED AND GOING FAST!
BECAUSE IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY OR TOO LATE TO START YOUR FIRE!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHY THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON ON EARTH IS THE HUMAN SOUL ON FIRE!
Webinar: Start A Fire!
Registration: http://startafire14.eventbrite.com
Date(s): Nov 10, 17, 24, & Dec. 1
Time: 7.00 PM—8.30 PM EST
Sunday, November 2, 2014
3 Reasons Why You Need To Look But Not Live In Your Rear View Mirror
We've all heard it, y'all. People have said to us, "Don't look back. Look forward." "Things in your rear view mirror are behind you. Leave them there." We've heard those phrases and more. We've said them. I know I have. And those are true statements. Today, I contend that the rear view mirrors of our lives have something for us. But before we really begin, let me be clear about something. There are some things that happened to us that we do need to leave in the past and don't dwell on them. Cool? Cool. Here's what I'm saying today. Our rear views often teach us how not to rip our rears. It's one of the reasons we need to look but not live in our rear view mirrors. Here are three more reasons.
1. It doesn't matter. It's in the past. Remember that? That's what Rafiki said to Simba. He was talking about the negative things that happened in Simba's life and those he'd done. I'll add to that and say that we should see our successes the same way. Celebrate them at the time they happen. Enjoy them. Revel in them even. If you get caught or stuck still living in them in the present, you are and/or will find yourself in big trouble.
2. Success is still available today. And tomorrow. And... I'll stop, because I know y'all hear and understand me. There are new successes waiting for you to create them. It's why you work as hard as you do. No, you're not working for the sole purpose of success. You work as hard as you do because it drives you. Again, not success. Your it. And I'll let you in on a lil' secret. Y'all listening? Good. When you succeed, you succeed. When you fail, you succeed. You learn a lot from both, but even more from your failures. That's where you find our much about and build your character and resolve.
3. Fond memories of the things and people that touched our lives in great and major ways. Remember those for encouragement. For growth. The things and people can't be separated. That is, there's usually someone or a group of folk who are there with us when those memories are being made. Those folk helped us. They loved us. They corrected and lovingly disciplined us. They cared for us. It's why remember and hold so dear what they did for us. How they made us feel.
So look back once in a while. Because some of the objects that are closer than they appear just may be worth you taking a quick glance in your rear view mirror.
Because you now understand the importance of looking forward, you're excited and eager as a beaver to learn more about how to do this. When you join me on my new webinar, Start A Fire! on Nov. 10, 2014, I'll teach you:
- How to start your fire
- Purpose is fuel
- The importance of quick hits
You’ll also receive:
- SPECIAL ACCESS to the EXCLUSIVE RECORDING!
- LIFE-ENRICHING, insider leadership tips!
- EXCLUSIVE PRICING for January 2015 training: Fit In ‘15!
- LIFE-ENRICHING, insider leadership tips!
- EXCLUSIVE PRICING for January 2015 training: Fit In ‘15!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
SPACE IS LIMITED AND GOING FAST!
Because it's never too early or too late to start your fire!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHY THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON ON EARTH IS THE HUMAN SOUL ON FIRE!
Webinar: Start A Fire!
Registration: http://startafire14.eventbrite.com
Date(s): Nov 10, 17, 24, & Dec. 1
Time: 7.00 PM—8.30 PM EST
At The Movies Pt. 3
With this movie quote, I'm gonna take y'all back. What's that, ma'am? "Eric, how far back are we going?" Way back! And for the song associated with it--those who know me best know that there's always a song--I'm taking you back even further! Alright, now here we go.
Character 1: "Do you always carry a guitar?"
Character 2: "It's my future."
Character 1: "Sure of yourself, aren't you?"
Character 2: "Yeah. Aren't you?"
Character 2: "It's my future."
Character 1: "Sure of yourself, aren't you?"
Character 2: "Yeah. Aren't you?"
Any guesses on what movie this comes from? "Walk The Line?" No, but that's a great guess! Anymore guesses? No? Ok. I'll help you out a bit. The title of the movie was also a hit single in 1958 and a #1 hit nearly years later in 1987. Give up? Alright, I'll tell you. The movie is... La Bamba! Of course, that's also the song I mentioned earlier. It tells the story of Richard Steven Valenzuela, who was best known as Ritchie Valens. The movie tells the story of Ritchie, his family, and his rise to fame. I dig flicks about singers and musicians, of which Ritchie was both. Check it out if you haven't seen it. Now let's move deeper into this week's topic.
The conversation above takes place between Ritchie and the love of his life, Donna Ludwig. They're taking a stroll and as always, Ritchie has his guitar slung over his shoulder.
Donna: "Sure of yourself, aren't you?"
Ritchie: "Yeah. Aren't you?"
Ritchie: "Yeah. Aren't you?"
Wow. His reply is golden. Just think on it for a minute. He's not being cocky or brash. He's not being arrogant. He's exuding confidence. Supreme confidence. In his skills. In his future. In himself. It's simple, profound, and solid. He's a self-aware and self-assured cat, daddy-o. But here's the thing that you don't see. His very strong and firm beliefs have deep roots. You don't see how deeply he truly believes in himself. However, if you read the statement again and think on it, you just might get it.
That's the kind of belief that you need to have. Believe in yourself. In spite of what you see or hear, believe in yourself. Don't listen to That Stuff, Those Things, Them Folk. Believe in yourself. In your skills. In your abilities. In your talents. In the work you've put in. (Uh oh. I just said something there. Please don't miss it.). In what God has put in you (Uh oh. I just said something else. Definitely don't miss that one!). Believe.
Take some time. Step away from things and build up your belief in you. Be like Michael Jordan. MJ said that he always wanted to be the one to take the last shot, because he always believed that it was going in. I won't get all deep into sports analogies, but I'll say this. You've got to be willing and ready to take the last shot, if you will, knowing and believing that it will go in. And for the times that it doesn't, what do you do? The next time there's an opportunity to take the last shot, shoot it. Keep shooting. By the way, you know another reason he wanted to take the last shot? Because he'd put in the very hard work (some of y'all just ran away weeping) that helped ensure that he'd make the shot more often than not. He prepared. He practiced. He got good. I know that last one is bad grammar, but it needs to be said just like that, because that's what you need to do. You need to get good. When you do, that's when you'll begin to trust yourself to take the last shot. It's when folk will call on you to take the last shot. It's when you'll be trusted to do so.
So the next time anyone says to you what Donna said to Ritchie, now you know how to reply. And you'll know why you're replying that way. Because you've put the hard work in. Because you believe in you. You'll know that even if you miss the last shot, you'll be back. Ready to take the next last shot and all the others thereafter. Because that's how you roll. It's who you are. Because you believe.
And when you believe? That's when you know that it's fire-startin' time!
To learn more about what you need to do to be ready to take the last shot and start your fire, join me on my new webinar, Start A Fire! on November 10, 2014 at 7.00 PM EST. During this special call, I'll teach you:
- How to set up your fire
- Tending your fire - Equipment needed for the fire
You’ll also receive:
- SPECIAL ACCESS to the EXCLUSIVE RECORDING!
- LIFE-ENRICHING, insider leadership tips!
- EXCLUSIVE PRICING for January 2015 training: Fit In ‘15!
REGISTER NOW! BECAUSE IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY OR TOO LATE TO START YOUR FIRE!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHY THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON ON EARTH IS THE HUMAN SOUL ON FIRE!
Webinar: Start A Fire!
Registration: http://startafire14.eventbrite.comDate(s): Nov 10, 17, 24, & Dec. 1
Time: 7.00 PM—8.30 PM EST
Sunday, October 26, 2014
At the Movies Pt. 2
Because we all want to be our best, right? We want our character to honorable. Don't we? Of course we do. That's why we must endure the fire. Just as Alfred said to Bruce. We must "Take it." The biggest difference between Bruce and us? We're not relying on ourselves. Oh. You are? Well, that explains a lot. No wonder you can't figure some things out. You already know where I'm going. Your trust should be in the Lord. You know that, maaaan! "I know Eric, but..." No buts! That's how you get caught up. It's how you mess up! Buts will mess you up! Buts are the reason that you've got to learn to be still. In fact, peep this.
If you will stay in the fire--and I strongly encourage you to do so--you'll come out of it much better off than you were before you went in. And I know that fires can get pretty nasty. I also know that there were these three young cats who an evil king ordered to be put in a blazing furnace. He even ordered it to be heated seven times hotter than normal! Question? Sure, go ahead. "Eric, that sounds awful! What happened to them?" Well, let's just say that those three you fellas kept their cool. "Did they survive?! C'mon, bud. Ya gotta tell me!" You already know that I'll never do your legwork for you. You can read all about 'em by clicking here.
Dear readers, when we endure our pains, hurts, and the things that press us, we're better for it. We're also able to help other folk by way of our painful experiences. There are many, many reasons that we should endure and do so with a good attitude. I've given you a few and I'll leave you with this. When you endure the fire, you become better equipped to Start A Fire. Because as its been said, "The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." And that's exactly why you need to endure. So you can become a fire starter! Some of you just got too excited! That's cool. Keep your level of excitement right where it is and bring it with you as you join me on my new webinar, and I'll teach you all about how to Start A Fire.
To learn more about what you need to do to start your fire, join me on my new webinar, Start A Fire! on November 10, 2014 at 7.30 PM EST. During this special call, I'll teach you:
- How to set up your fire
- Tending your fire- Equipment needed for the fire
You’ll also receive:
- SPECIAL ACCESS to the EXCLUSIVE RECORDING!
- LIFE-ENRICHING, insider leadership tips!
- EXCLUSIVE PRICING for January 2015 training: Fit In ‘15!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
SPACE IS LIMITED AND GOING FAST!
REGISTER NOW!
BECAUSE IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY OR TOO LATE TO START YOUR FIRE!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHY THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON ON EARTH IS THE HUMAN SOUL ON FIRE!
Webinar: Start
A Fire!
Registration: http://startafire14.eventbrite.com
Date(s): Nov
10, 17, 24, & Dec. 1
Time: 7.00
PM—8.30 PM EST
Join me! It's guaranteed to be a hott time! (Sorry, with all of the talk about fire, I couldn't resist!)
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