May 2022 – Dan Greer

Serving Your Tribe!

Posted on May 23, 2022April 25, 2024 by dan_adm

Serving Your Tribe!

Today, we’re delving deeper into the art of serving your tribe, understanding the essence of a tribe, and the crucial role of keeping God at the center of it all.

Let’s begin by understanding what a tribe entails.

Traditionally, when the term “tribe” is mentioned, thoughts often drift to the Native Americans.

This association is prevalent in many schools across the United States, including the ones I attended. However, I propose a shift in perspective.

According to Webster’s dictionary, a tribe is defined as a group of individuals sharing common characteristics, occupations, or interests.
By this definition, we encounter numerous tribes in our lives.
For instance, I consider myself part of the tribes led by Russell Brunson and Tony Robbins, as well as those comprising my family, church, and colleagues at Eclipse DOT and DOT Docs. Additionally, readers of our devotionals at God First Life undoubtedly belong to our tribe.

Each of us is involved in multiple tribes, and some may even find themselves leading several, although it might not be immediately apparent.

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the matter.
Are you prepared?

Alright, let’s explore how you can serve your tribe. There are myriad ways to help and support others.

Jesus demonstrated service through various acts during his life. One notable example is his performance of miracles, showcasing compassion and power to help others in need. Additionally, he humbly washed the feet of his disciples, setting an example of servanthood and humility for all believers to follow.

Moreover, his sacrifice on the cross was undoubtedly a service to all of humanity. So, how can you also serve your tribe?

Let’s delve into the tribes I’m part of and how I contribute to them. Perhaps this will inspire some ideas for you as well.

My Family: This group is undoubtedly one that I am deeply committed to, making it effortless to serve them.

I serve my family by striving to provide them with the best life possible. This involves working diligently, being present for special occasions, helping whenever needed, guiding them to develop their core values, imparting a solid foundation for their lives, and allowing them to experience failure as a means of learning and growth. Perhaps I should consider writing a full devotional on this topic—sounds like a plan!

These are just some of the ways I serve my immediate family. But it’s important to remember that my family extends beyond just my wife and kids.

It extends to my parents, brother, my wife’s parents, and brothers. Then, it reaches out to our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Further still, it encompasses my grandparents’ siblings, their children, and their grandchildren. The family network continues to expand!

You’ve got the idea.

Serving our families can keep us plenty occupied, especially with teenagers around, ha-ha! Another tribe I serve is our Eclipse DOT and DOT Docs community.

These include our employees and their families, our customers and their families, potential customers and their families, the vendors we collaborate with and their families, the groups we support and their families, and many others!

You might be wondering why everyone’s family is included in who we serve. Let me explain.

Let’s say you receive that dreaded letter from the federal government stating that you are undergoing a DOT audit. It might cause a little stress, am I right?

You know I’m right.

Then what happens to that stress? You take it home with you, right? (Again, you know I’m right.) So, by removing that stress from you, our team and level of service are positively impacting our clients’ families.

The level of service we provide to the people in those tribes is significant! That’s why we don’t take it lightly. Now, what about our communities?

How can we serve them? Well, there are simple ways, such as volunteering for clean-up efforts or assisting anyone in our community who is in need.

We often witness people, especially around the holidays, volunteering at soup kitchens for a day or participating in roadside clean-up events once or twice a year. However, there are other ways to serve our local community as well.

One simple way is to observe a need and address it. When you encounter litter on the ground, whether it’s in a ditch, a park, or outside your home, take a moment to pick it up and dispose of it properly.

Perhaps you could offer a bit of money to someone who appears hungry, allowing them to purchase a meal. Often, those who need assistance the most may be too proud or scared to ask for it openly.

Therefore, rather than seeking out the beggar on the corner, take a closer look within your community to identify those who genuinely require help.

I could talk endlessly about serving your tribe, but I’ll refrain. One final point I’d like to emphasize about serving your tribe is to think outside the box.

Many of us seek the “easy” way out. (I know I do every single day!) However, when it comes to serving others, creativity is key. Avoid following the crowd. Instead, strive to go above and beyond, overdelivering on every tribe you’re a part of.

It’s time to spring into action!

It’s action time once more! Here’s your task: Firstly, identify the tribes you belong to.

Take a moment to jot them down. Seriously, I’ll wait…

Alright, now make a quick list of the ways you’re already serving them.
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and write them down. (You can set a timer for 2 minutes if it helps, and jot down everything you can until it goes off.)

Got it?

Perfect!

Now, here’s the challenging part. For each tribe, brainstorm one out-of-the-box idea to enhance your service to them.

Here is mine:

Tribes: Family, Eclipse DOT/DOT Docs, God First Life, Community

Family: Set a quitting time each day and never work past that time. Set a time when I no longer answer work calls on my phone. Take them with me more on work trips. Do something special for each kid and Jenna.

Eclipse DOT/DDOT Docs: I do everything I can to make each team member feel like family. (Not the bad family, but the ones you truly want to spend time with.) Lead by example for our clients and team. Think of ways to serve our tribe. Ask them how we can serve them better.

God First Life: continue to bring devotionals to them weekly. Daily post scriptures on social media. Never stop talking about God first. Show my love for God in everything that I do. Bring more events to our area.

Local Community: Give back more! Continue to be a leader in 4-H. When I see someone in need, don’t hesitate to help them.

Outside the box:

Family: Teach Nathen to drive a standard transmission. Support Billy with his falconry dreams. Be there for Brianna in her crafts and encourage her to continue to start tons of projects. Guide Jacob to learn his true potential (that kid has some major charisma). Take more walks with Jenna, slow down, and be present when I am with her.

Eclipse DOT/DDOT Docs: Go the extra mile, even if it costs more.

God First Life: Write a book about keeping God first in every aspect of your life.

Local Community: Be looking for the opportunity to serve. I know that God has huge plans for us. So, I need to be ready to take act when he calls.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Serving Your Tribe” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Set Your Goals High This Year

Posted on May 9, 2022April 25, 2024 by dan_adm

Set your goals high this year!

“Set a goal that captivates your mind, invigorates your spirit, and ignites your aspirations, and happiness will follow.” Andrew Carnegie

It’s that time of year again when we typically start making “New Year’s Resolutions.” But this year, I’m urging you to do something different. Instead of setting resolutions, I want you to set ambitious goals! Yes, you heard me right—audacious goals.

I want you to set goals that would make even the likes of Bill Gates, Tony Robbins, Mark Zuckerberg, and yes, even Donald Trump, say, “Wow, I wish I had goals that big!”

Here are a couple of compelling reasons why you should ditch the resolutions and opt for big, audacious, and scary goals.

Firstly, let’s consider how long most people stick with their resolutions. Resolutions are often easier to break than goals. A goal is something we actively work towards. And even if we don’t reach our goal entirely, we’ve still made progress, which is far better than not starting at all.

The second reason is that resolutions tend to lack specificity compared to goals. When we resolve to get into better shape, it’s a great intention. But how often do we go to the gym or work out at home consistently? With a goal, like aiming to do 50 pushups or 100 sit-ups, or to jog for 30 minutes straight, we get specific. This specificity makes it easier to track our progress and stay motivated.

The third reason to abandon resolutions in favor of goals is accountability. When you set a goal, you naturally hold yourself more accountable. At work, during those “water cooler” conversations, everyone often discusses their resolutions and how long they lasted. With goals, there’s a greater sense of commitment and accountability to follow through.

Interestingly, hearing about your peers’ struggles with their resolutions can subconsciously make it easier for you to abandon yours as well. It’s as if their lack of commitment permits you to do the same.

When you set goals instead, your mind doesn’t associate them with the struggles of holding resolutions. Goals, unlike resolutions, signify a higher level of commitment and determination. Consequently, it becomes more challenging for you to quit early or give up.

Here are some tips for setting exceptional goals that you can realistically achieve.

1. Dare to set ambitious, even intimidating, goals. If you don’t dream big, you’ll never achieve it. Did Steve Jobs envision Apple as a company with just one product, the Mac Plus? Absolutely not! He aimed to revolutionize creativity worldwide.

2. Establish reward milestones. These should be tangible markers of your progress. For instance, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, celebrate when you reach 5, 10, 15, 17.5, and finally, 20 pounds lost.

Bear in mind that your rewards shouldn’t contradict your goal. For example, rewarding yourself with a cake for losing 5 pounds might undermine your progress. Instead, consider rewards like a weekend getaway once you’ve gained five new customers—these should align with your long-term objectives.

Each reward you establish should correspond to an achievement. For instance, when you reach 5 pounds lost, treat yourself to a healthy lunch outing. At 10 pounds, consider taking a day off from exercising. When you achieve the 20-pound milestone, reward yourself with something significant, like that bike you’ve always wanted but hesitated to purchase. These rewards serve as incentives to keep you motivated and committed to your success.

3.Share your goals with the world! One of the most effective ways to stay motivated and accountable is by sharing your goals with others. After all, if your goals remain a secret, how will anyone know if you don’t achieve them?

When you share your goals and deadlines with others, it boosts your motivation and keeps you focused on the path to success. I always begin by discussing my goals with my wife.

Without the support of your spouse, partner, or significant other, it’s challenging to even begin pursuing your goals. When they’re involved, they become your foremost source of encouragement, especially during challenging times.

Following that, I share my goals with my children. It’s surprising how their reminders, like “Daddy, are we still going on that vacation when you reach 20 clients?” or “How many clients did you say we need for our Disney World trip?” keep me motivated and accountable.

Then, I discuss my goals with my circle of influencers. When they’re aware of your aspirations, they become invested in your success. With a supportive circle, achieving your goals becomes more attainable as they actively work to help you reach your desired destination.

4. Finally, I announce my goals to the world via social media. Although I rarely disclose my financial goals there, I share many others. Typically, I share my big, audacious goals because those are the ones where I need the most support and encouragement.

Well, folks, that’s all for now. I hope you take what you’ve read here to heart and ditch those resolutions in favor of setting some audacious goals!

Go out there and create an impact.

P.S. One of my greatest aspirations is to expand the reach of our brands and businesses to over 1 million people within the next 5 years. As a reward, I plan to treat my entire family to a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will be enjoyed by all. (While I haven’t decided on the destination or activities yet, rest assured that I’ll keep you updated as we approach this milestone!)

Email me with your biggest goals at Dan@Eclispe-DOT.com.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Do You Set Goals?“. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Solomon’s business principals Part 2

Posted on May 2, 2022April 25, 2024 by dan_adm

Solomon’s Business Principals PART 2

Illegitimately obtained bread may taste sweet at first, but in the end, it leaves a mouthful of gravel.

Today, we’ll approach things in a slightly different way. Let’s begin with a brief prayer:

Lord God, we thank You for the incredible leaders documented throughout our history. Please open our minds to your wisdom and knowledge.

Amen, in Jesus’ name!

This week, we’ll further explore King Solomon’s business principles. Keep in mind that even if you’re not in business, these principles can still enrich your daily life. You can apply the wisdom shared in this devotional. The second principle is about working wisely.

“The most important thing is wisdom; so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, gain understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

Hard work alone isn’t sufficient; working smart is also crucial. You must enrich both your business and your life with wisdom, just as you do with money, because wisdom is a protective shield, much like money. (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

The vast majority of new businesses will not succeed, and this holds true for businesses started by Christians as well. The numbers might be shocking.

According to the statistics I found, 97% of all startup businesses fail within the first year. Among the remaining 3% that survive, only 1% will reach the 5-year mark. And out of that small fraction (I’m not great at math either), only 1% will endure for 10 years.

If I’ve crunched the numbers correctly, the odds of launching a business that lasts 10 years are a mere 0.003%. This chance doesn’t change, even if the business is founded with noble intentions and a commitment to glorify God.

Becoming a successful entrepreneur necessitates acquiring the expertise and insight to identify and seize opportunities wisely and diligently in our work.

The third principle he emphasized was the pursuit of excellence. “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings.” (Proverbs 22:29)

Don’t settle for being merely satisfactory. You have the power to set your standard of excellence, so set it high and maintain it there.

In his first speech to the Green Bay Packers, who had finished last season, the legendary football coach Vince Lombardi famously said, “Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.”

Soon after, the Green Bay Packers went on to win multiple Super Bowls, fueled by their commitment to setting high standards and striving for excellence, not settling for mediocrity.

Consider this for a moment: would you prefer to hire a plumber who is just adequate, or would you prefer to hire the absolute best?

Of course, we all want the best! We don’t want water seeping into our basements every time someone showers or flushes the toilet.

So, set your standard of excellence higher than you imagine possible and work towards it diligently every single day.

His fourth principle emphasized working proactively. “In all labor, there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23)

While careful planning is beneficial, ultimately, action is required. You’ve heard me stress this repeatedly: The first crucial step is taking action! Without it, progress remains stagnant.

Consider this analogy: If you want to reach town, the initial step is moving toward the door, followed by another step, and then another. The pattern continues.

Many businesses struggle to grow or collapse entirely due to their inability or reluctance to act decisively.

How often do you receive ideas from God but fail to act upon them? Personally, it’s a daily struggle for me.

There are moments when he prompts me to reach out to a potential client, but I hold back. Or he nudges me to visit someone, yet I drive past their house without stopping.

I don’t always act on every prompting He gives me. How about you? Are you proactive in taking decisive action?

Solomon serves as a great example of proactive behavior, continuously building and consistently pursuing the next venture. (1 Kings 7).

His fifth principle emphasized the importance of being honest at all times. “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)

Character plays a vital role. Honesty in business should be an unwavering standard.

Consider whom you would prefer to hire: an honest person or a dishonest one? If you know me, you know that honesty has been a guiding principle for me for quite some time now.

However, it wasn’t always my main principle. There was a time when I would conceal the truth or present only part of the story to avoid trouble or appear better. Then, something changed within me, and I began taking full responsibility for my mistakes.

You know what happened next? I found even greater success. Yes, I had to admit my faults more often, and I faced reprimands from others. Yet, in the end, God always shielded me from lasting harm.

As Proverbs warns, “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man; but afterward, his mouth will be filled with gravel.” (Proverbs 20:17)

Honesty isn’t just crucial in individual interactions but also in addressing broader societal issues.

Recall the last time you felt tempted to embellish the truth to avoid embarrassment. How did you manage that situation?

“Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his wealth…will come to poverty.” (Proverbs 22:16)

Solomon’s reign was marked by generosity and a generous heart towards all. (1 Kings 4:29)

Honesty goes hand in hand with giving, aligning with God’s desire for us to be truthful and generous at all times.

On a related note, if you can’t request something face-to-face, you probably don’t deserve it. Never seek wealth through deceitful means, like leaving a note! God condemns such dishonesty, which is why such requests don’t hold weight in person.

Now, take action. Reflect on the principles we’ve discussed. Where can you improve? Personally, I see room for improvement in all of them.

When preparing to engage with someone, pause and ask yourself, “Who would I prefer to do business with? What qualities would I value in that person?” Then, go out and embody those qualities yourself.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “A Guiding Light in Proverbs 4“. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Month: May 2022

Serving Your Tribe!

Serving Your Tribe!

Today, we’re delving deeper into the art of serving your tribe, understanding the essence of a tribe, and the crucial role of keeping God at the center of it all.

Set your goals high this year!

“Set a goal that captivates your mind, invigorates your spirit, and ignites your aspirations, and happiness will follow.” Andrew Carnegie

Solomon’s business principals Part 2

Solomon’s Business Principals PART 2

Illegitimately obtained bread may taste sweet at first, but in the end, it leaves a mouthful of gravel.

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