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Author: dan_adm

What Shapes Your Identity

Posted on by dan_adm

What Shapes Your Identity

Today, I’d like to revisit a couple of significant “firsts” in my life, as these pivotal moments have played a crucial role in shaping my identity.

The initial “first” (quite a mouthful, lol) marks my debut car accident. Back then, I had just begun seeing Jenna and was a high school junior. Months before dating Jenna, I snagged a sweet deal on a slightly used Ford Ranger, only four years old! Despite a few quirks, it was in splendid condition, especially for a high schooler.

Skipping ahead a bit, shortly after Jenna and I started dating, I rose early one day to fetch a friend from the other side of the county for an FFA event. Consequently, I found myself up earlier than usual. Following the day’s activities, I took Jenna out for a date, albeit cutting it short as fatigue crept in.

As I headed home, approximately five miles away from my house, exhaustion took its toll, and I drifted off the road, succumbing to sleep. All I recall from the incident is the jolt as I launched over a county road, evoking images straight out of “The Dukes of Hazzard.” I shut my eyes tight, bracing for the inevitable.

Moments later, I found myself jarringly awakened mid-roll, the world inverted. Upon the accident’s cessation, I fumbled for my cell phone (yes, I had one; remember those rollover minutes?). Alas, it eluded me. Being part of the volunteer fire department, as was my brother, I radioed him calmly, requesting assistance near the small school.

Fortunately, it wasn’t too late—around 10:30 p.m. Without hesitation, he grabbed his gear, suspecting a deer collision, and rushed to my aid.

When Russ arrived, I was busy clearing the road of debris from my truck, determined to prevent another accident. After Russ’s arrival, I borrowed his bag phone—remember those relics? —to call Mom and Dad, reassuring them that although I’d been in an accident, I was safe and would be home soon. We then contacted dispatch to have an officer tag the truck, preventing a flood of unnecessary calls.

We hopped into Rusty’s truck and headed back home. This incident left a profound impact on me, shaping several facets of my identity. Firstly, it underscored the realization that I could have lost my life that night, but by some divine intervention, I was spared. It solidified my belief in the reality of a higher power.

Secondly, it taught me the importance of helping without hesitation, even if the situation arose from a less-than-ideal decision. The willingness to lend a hand to those in need became ingrained in my character.

Now, shifting gears to another significant “first” in my life: the birth of our first son, Billy. Jenna and I were quite young when we became parents. We began dating in our junior year of high school, got engaged right after graduation, and tied the knot a year later. By the age of 19, we had already shared three years, bought a new truck, and exchanged vows.

Shortly after our wedding, we decided to start our family. We conceived Billy just two months after exchanging vows, with his due date coinciding with our first anniversary. However, he had other plans, arriving a few weeks early. William Robert Greer, affectionately known as Billy, made his entrance into the world between 3 and 3:15 PM in Durango, Colorado, on June 3, 2006. That moment marked a profound shift in my identity—I became a father in every sense of the word.

Though I had felt like a dad before, that day sealed the deal in my mind. The memory of his birth remains as vivid as if it happened yesterday.

The night Billy was born, sleep eluded me almost entirely. Little did I know it would be the only night for the next decade that Jenna would enjoy uninterrupted sleep. Yet, I couldn’t close my eyes for more than a moment. Billy lay in his bassinet beside us, and I found myself drawn to him, marveling at this tiny, fragile life entrusted to us.

My mind buzzed with anticipation for the future—witnessing his first steps, hearing his first words, sharing in his adventures like his inaugural 4-wheeler ride, guiding him through learning to drive, embarking on family trips, fishing excursions, hunting outings, and witnessing his journey into adulthood and beyond.

But alongside that excitement was an overwhelming sense of fear. Suddenly, this little being was my responsibility. I felt the weight of ensuring his happiness, security, and upbringing in a nurturing environment. It was my duty to instill in him the values of kindness and respect, just as my parents had done for me.

In those profound moments, my identity underwent a seismic shift. As George Strait aptly sings in “The Breath You Take,” life isn’t merely about the breaths we take but the moments that leave us breathless. These moments define us, shaping us into the individuals we were meant to become.

So, I urge anyone reading this to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on the moment you find yourself in. Consider how God is at work, shaping your life in ways both seen and unseen. Embrace these moments, for they hold the power to mold us into the people we are meant to be.

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

What I learned when I read the book Traction (EOS)

Posted on by dan_adm

What I learned when I read the book Traction (EOS)

The other day, I found myself knee-deep in a strategy session with a massive, multi-million-dollar corporation, fine-tuning their marketing game plan. Yes, it may sound surprising, but we don’t discriminate—we’re here to elevate the marketing efforts of big players too. Pretty mind-blowing, isn’t it?

But brace yourself, because this story gets even more extraordinary…

We had this incredible meeting scheduled with the sales and operations dream team to kickstart our partnership and ensure alignment with our goals. As we delved into analyzing their current strategies and charting a course from “good” to “phenomenally successful,” a moment of enlightenment struck.

We uncovered a treasure trove of around 23 game-changing tactics they could either adopt or fine-tune to revolutionize their industry.

Then, in a surprising turn of events, the company’s top executive approached me and casually shared a golden nugget of wisdom: “Dan, I’m impressed by the groundbreaking work you’re doing here—empowering smaller businesses and equipping them with all the tools they need. How about I share a little pearl of wisdom with you?”

If you’ve been keeping track, you’ll know I’m a genuine advice enthusiast. Whether I adhere to it diligently is another matter, but I’m always eager to absorb valuable insights.

And then came the bombshell: “Dan, you’ve got to immerse yourself in the world of ‘Traction.’ It’s a game-changer, my friend, and I’m willing to bet it’ll revolutionize your approach too.”

“Traction.” It hadn’t even crossed my mind, but hey, when someone presents you with a plate of wisdom, you don’t turn it down. If it’s good, you devour it like a hungry lion.

Let me tell you, this advice wasn’t just good; it hit me like a meteor crashing to Earth!

I got hold of the audiobook and devoured it quicker than a cheetah chasing down its prey. And guess what? I managed to do it in my “NET” time (no extra time; trust me, I’ll write a blog about this someday!). Once I finished, I devised a master plan to implement those teachings into my business strategy.

The following week, while jetting off to San Diego for an event and some family beach time, I utilized that downtime to craft our vision. I’ve already covered it extensively in another blog post, so there’s no need to delve into the details here.

What I want to share is how immersing myself in the book’s wisdom triggered a mental breakthrough—not a breakdown, mind you (cue the laughter). You see, we’ve been striving to promote our DOT Docs software for a while now. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, we hadn’t gained the traction I’d been hoping for, particularly in attracting new clients to our do-it-yourself option.

Let’s face it: before diving into that book, our attempts to promote DOT Docs were as effective as selling ice cream in the Arctic at a livestock auction. To make matters worse, some of our other endeavors were hindering our mission to share this remarkable tool with the world.

The greatest misconception in business today is this: “If you build it, they will come.” Well, let me tell you, that’s pure nonsense! You could create something extraordinary, but if nobody knows about it, if you don’t incentivize people to spread the word, and if you don’t market it vigorously, it might as well not exist!

Bank that nugget of wisdom!

After delving into a few chapters of the book, I gathered Jenna and our entire team and had them pledge a rather unconventional oath. Get ready for this; it’s a doozy.

I had them swear that whenever I pitched a new idea for the business, they’d counter with a simple question: “Will this contribute to spreading the word about DOT Docs?” If the answer wasn’t a solid “yes,” we’d jot down the idea and set it aside for the time being.

This year, our mission is crystal clear: to proclaim loudly and proudly that we offer a DOT solution perfectly tailored for every company utilizing trucks or vehicles in their operations. We’re intensifying our focus, gearing up to broaden our brand and services, and aiding others in achieving the same level of success we’re enjoying.

Believe it or not, all this transformation unfolded within the first four chapters of that remarkable book. Can you now understand why I’m emphasizing the importance of getting your hands on “Traction” if you’re in business?

But there’s one more crucial aspect you need to know: how it reshaped our company’s mission. You see, we hadn’t revisited our mission statement since before the inception of DOT Docs.

Previously, Eclipse DOT’s mission was “to take the complexity out of compliance!” It was a commendable mission, no doubt, but ultimately, it was limiting our aspirations and potential.

Therefore, we decided to give DOT Docs its mission: to simplify compliance, earning it the moniker “The Turbo Tax of the DOT World.” Meanwhile, Eclipse DOT adopted a fresh mission that will enable us to better serve both current and future clients: “To Give Companies the Tools They Need to Grow and Scale Effortlessly!”

Our new corporate objective is to support our clients in a multitude of ways. Whether you’re a $20 million company aiming to reach $50 million or a $500K outfit striving for your first seven-figure year, rest assured, we’ve got your back!

The invaluable lesson gleaned from “Traction” boils down to this: resist the allure of shiny objects (a common temptation for us entrepreneurs) and identify the singular focus that will propel your business forward. Concentrate all your efforts on that until it gains momentum on its own.

So, if you’re eager to witness the remarkable growth of our business and seize this golden opportunity, stay tuned. Observe us closely and take note of our strategies, because one day people will be asking, “How did they achieve it?” Who knows, there might even be documentaries or books chronicling our journey.

I’m thrilled at the prospect of assisting you and your company in taking those monumental strides toward ultimate success!

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Why you should read the Book How to Win Friends and Influence People‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com.

When things get tough don’t give up.

Posted on by dan_adm

When things get tough, don’t give up.

It appears that God grants us the opportunity to endure mistakes and challenges so that we may grow and learn from them. At least, that’s my interpretation. Recently, Jenna and I had what you might call a “heated discussion.” It wasn’t enjoyable.

Both of us were upset for a while after our conversation. Frankly, she tends to stay upset for an extended period before cooling down and being ready to discuss things.

The main issue is that I tend to get upset and then quickly calm down, a trait common among many men. Consequently, I often attempt to initiate the reconciliation process prematurely, which causes friction because she’s still upset.

As a result, I become upset once more, and this time my emotions linger for a while. Therefore, when she is finally ready to begin the reconciliation process, I’m still upset.

This leads her to feel guilty for being upset for so long and feeling like she missed the opportunity for a swift resolution.

Ultimately, we both attempt to mend the situation, but unfortunately, not at the most opportune moment. The reason I wanted to share this with you is that this pattern has persisted throughout the 18+ years of our relationship.

At our wedding shower, an elderly woman named Mary Dossey offered us some resolute advice. Her words are likely to remain with me for the rest of my life. I’ll relay them as she said them, without sugarcoating, because I believe it reveals her honest character.

She said, “Everyone will tell you never to go to bed angry. Hell, if Richard and I had followed that advice, I would never have slept! Sometimes, you need to cool down before you can begin addressing the problem.”

She was correct. We’re all unique individuals. Honestly, I believe God knew I needed to hear her advice because I tend to be.

Before we can tackle the internal issue, we must first shut down the system. Failure to allow it to cool down before commencing repairs will inevitably lead to getting burned in the process.

The initial step is to power it off, followed by allowing some time for cooling. Only then can we begin addressing the damage. Once everything is reassembled, it’s crucial to start slowly.

There’s no way I’d reassemble an engine and crank it up to full throttle immediately—not! I’m the kind of person who always ends up with a couple of “extra” bolts, so when I start it up, I’ll be standing behind something sturdy, praying fervently that nothing explodes.

The main point here is that after making any repairs, we must ease back into things gradually. We can’t just dive in at full speed. It takes time to regain momentum. However, once the repair is complete and a few enhancements are made—like adding twin turbos, upgrading pistons, and other improvements—that engine will run better than ever before.

Similarly, our relationships follow this pattern. When we address issues, we’re essentially adding these fantastic extras to our connection.

Whether it’s a shared journal, a safe word for pauses, or even dietary changes for better moods, it doesn’t matter. The point is that we can enhance the relationship to make it smoother, faster, and more effective after repairs, depending on the effort and time invested.

Now, you might be wondering, “Dan, what does this have to do with not giving up when things get tough?” If you revisit this, you’ll find the message, perhaps even between the lines.

But, much like Mary Dossey, I’m also a straight shooter. So, I’ll just be frank with you. Most relationships come to an end because someone decides to give up.

Likewise, many businesses fail, jobs are lost, and individuals drift away from their faith because they give up when faced with adversity. 
Do you grasp the significance of what I’m conveying here? When one party decides to give up, it often leads to both sides throwing in the towel eventually. However, the exception to this rule is God.
 
He remains steadfastly by our side; all we need to do is ask for His help (Matthew 7:7).

This unwavering support is why God continues to hold a significant place in countless lives. He never abandons us; forgiveness is readily available to those who seek it, regardless of the magnitude of their mistakes.

Now, it’s time to act. Here’s what I want you to do immediately: Think about a relationship in your life that requires reconciliation. Have you identified one? (Personally, I can think of several that could use some attention!) Great.

Now, offer a quick prayer for guidance and the right words, because you’re about to reach out to this person. Find a means to contact them—whether through social media, phone, or visiting them in person.

Don’t hesitate. Remember, God placed their names on your heart for a reason, so act without delay (Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”).

Let me be completely transparent with you. As I composed this blog post, Jenna and I were having a “heated discussion.” It began over something trivial and quickly escalated, largely due to my temper. 

(It seems I tend to fuel most of our “heated discussions.”) At the time of this writing, we hadn’t yet begun the process of reconciliation. However, a few realizations dawned on me as I penned this for others to read.

Firstly, by the conclusion of this writing, I managed to let go of all the tension and recognize that, despite being unpleasant, our heated discussions serve a purpose. Without them, I wouldn’t have written this devotional or had the opportunity to share it with the world. Everything, it seems, happens for a reason.

Secondly, I cherish the fact that we made a commitment long before we got engaged—that no matter what challenges we faced, we would remain together. There’s no “easy way out” for us. While some might interpret this as implying divorce is an easy solution, that’s not at all what I mean. I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles of families who’ve gone through it, and I understand the profound impact it has on everyone involved. Our decision was to eliminate it as an option entirely.

So, if I ever mysteriously disappear and you can’t find my body, perhaps you should start asking Jenna some questions. Just kidding! (Well, kind of.)

There are numerous other lessons I’ve gleaned from this experience, but the purpose of this segment is to share a story. So, let’s delve into one.

Way back when Jacob was just a little guy, unable to even walk yet, we embarked on a trip to visit Jenna’s family for a few days before heading to the Redwoods. Since we were already up there, we figured, why not extend our journey a bit further?

Anyway, this incident occurred back in the days before smartphones, and possibly before any cell phones were in our possession—I can’t quite recall.

We were staying in Crescent City, CA, which remains one of our favorite destinations to this day. If you ever visit, I highly recommend it!

During our stay, we had a decent digital camera that we used to capture countless moments with our little family. On one day, while exploring a lighthouse in Crescent City, Jenna handed the camera to Billy, who was just 6 years old at the time.

Why? Because he was eager to take pictures of the ocean, and we always encourage our kids to pursue their interests.

However, neither of us was paying much attention, and Billy inadvertently left the camera on a bench as we walked back to the car. It wasn’t until about an hour later that one of us realized the camera was missing.

In a frenzy, I tore apart the car while Jenna searched the hotel room. Eventually, she emerged with tears in her eyes, recalling that she had given it to Billy in the ocean.

Instead of getting upset, we gathered everyone and returned to the spot where Billy had left the camera. But to our disappointment, it was nowhere to be found. Someone had evidently picked it up.

Undeterred, we proceeded to the town hall, hoping that someone might have turned it in. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case—no one had returned the camera there either.

Jenna was overwhelmed with guilt because we had amassed a plethora of pictures that were now lost without hope of retrieval. Determined to salvage some memories, we purchased a disposable camera during our time in the redwoods, eager to capture moments with the kids.

The situation left all of us—me, Jenna, and Billy—in a state of distress. However, our frustration wasn’t directed at each other; rather, we were disappointed in ourselves.

Ultimately, Jenna reached out to her stepmom, and their entire family rallied together, gathering all the photos they had of our family. Jenna’s stepmom then sent us an SD card by mail containing an abundance of pictures—five times the number we had taken originally.

In the end, it was a divine intervention. God provided us with all the images we could ever need to craft cherished memories. Since that initial trip, where we fell in love with the majestic redwoods, we’ve returned at least three more times. And on each visit, I can’t help but glance wistfully at that same bench by the lighthouse, reminiscing about our lost digital camera.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘HOW TO STAY STRONG THROUGH HARD TIMES‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com.

Why I pray all day, every day

Posted on by dan_adm

Why I Pray All Day, Every Day

Ever felt like something was missing in your life? I’m sure you have—it’s a common feeling.

Growing up, my home was steeped in Christianity. Mom never missed church on Sundays or Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) during the week. Her Bible was a fixture on the table, and Dad effortlessly quoted scripture.

But that’s not why I pray.

While I owe much of my faith to my parents, they aren’t the sole reason I pray.

About a year and a half into launching Eclipse DOT, during one of our frequent road trips, my wife and I had a candid conversation. I expressed my frustration about the business’s slow progress and my inability to accelerate its growth.

She then asked me a simple question: “Have you prayed about it?”

To be completely honest, the answer was a resounding “No!”

Why would I turn to God for help with a business? After all, it revolves around making money, and the Bible warns that “the love of money is the root of all evil.”

She was correct. Why hadn’t I sought guidance through prayer? Why was I harboring all this fear and doubt alone?

Right then and there, we prayed together. That moment marked a turning point for the business. I relinquished my role as CEO, and we designated God as the CEO.

We resolved that no matter how much the company expands, God will always have a significant presence in it.

From then on, my focus shifted from fretting over the company’s growth to considering how we could align it with God’s purpose. We launched a weekly devotional called God First and incorporated Bible verses at the bottom of every webpage.

On a personal level, I intensified my prayers, seeking divine guidance for every decision and meeting.

Before meetings, I make it a point to send up a quick prayer: “God, we trust that You are in control and have everything under Your care. Please guide our words to ensure this meeting is fruitful. Let your will prevail in every situation.”

The changes were immense, almost instantaneous. In July, we decided to change our CEO, and by September, we were prompted to break away from my other job and pursue our venture independently.

We maintain a strong faith foundation in the company. We pray before every event and major meeting, seeking God’s guidance to grow the company according to His plan. We ask for continued direction to understand how we can contribute to His work through this business.

As any good CEO does, sometimes God has to tell us “no” when we bring up hair-brained ideas. That’s okay; we understand.

Within our first year of independence, we experienced tremendous growth (over 2000%, to be exact).

I vividly recall our accountant going over our first year’s taxes with us. While she was encouraging, I could sense doubt in her eyes as we discussed our goals for the upcoming years.

Recently, she called me to express amazement at our progress. When I shared our earnings for the year with her, she was stunned. “How did you know?” she asked.

My response left her stunned: “I prayed earnestly and listened closely to God’s guidance regarding our earnings, placing my trust in Him. So, how accurate was He?”

“Within a few thousand dollars,” she replied.

Many times, we separate God from business, influenced by the misconception that God and business don’t mix. We’ve been conditioned to confine God to our personal lives, but in reality, He has a place in every aspect, including business.

To me, God encompasses every part of my life and belongs to every aspect of it.

That’s why I pray continually—before every meeting, phone call, email, and afterward as well. God is in control of every facet of my life, from my marriage (love you, Jenna) and my children (big shout-out to Billy, Nathen, Brianna, and Jacob) to our businesses (Eclipse DOT, Eclipse Training), our nonprofit (God First Life Next), and everything else I undertake.

I’d like to encourage everyone reading this to pause for a moment and reflect: Is there any part of my life that I haven’t invited God into? Are there areas I’m trying to keep to myself because I think “God doesn’t belong there”?

The truth is, God belongs in every aspect of your life. He loves us and desires our success.

Remember to pray continually, rejoice always, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this aligns with God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First, Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Trusting God’s Guidance Every Step of the Way.
“Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Why staying in your comfort zone is not good for you.

Posted on by dan_adm

Why Staying in Your Comfort Zone Is Not Good for You

For the initial decade of my career, I remained firmly entrenched within my comfort zone. I hesitated to embark on starting my own business, driven by fear and a perceived lack of knowledge. Additionally, the thought of potentially not being able to provide for my family fueled my apprehension.

These thoughts frequently occupied my mind and continue to resurface regularly. However, there’s a significant shift now—I’m confident that God is watching over me. I trust that He has a plan for me, and I firmly believe that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

For a long time, I remained within my comfort zone, reluctant to step out of it. Consequently, I settled for mediocre jobs with limited prospects for advancement. Towards the latter part of my tenure in the 9-to-5 world, I found employment with a fantastic company. They treated me exceptionally well. However, when a larger corporation acquired us, things began to change. Initially, the new company seemed promising, but it soon became evident that I was being reduced to a mere statistic rather than treated as a person. This realization compelled me to break free from my comfort zone and explore alternative business opportunities.

Little did I realize that my comfort zone was the very barrier holding me back. Once I dared to venture beyond its confines, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. I launched my own website, delved into blogging, and found inspiration to write devotionals. Every aspect of my life became a canvas for pushing boundaries.

Initially, stepping out of my comfort zone was daunting. However, after about three months of consistently challenging myself, it became my new normal. Now, if I have a day where I don’t push the limits, it feels as though I haven’t truly accomplished anything.

Here are a couple of tips that I’ve found to be incredibly helpful in breaking free from my comfort zone:

  1. Try something new each day, or revisit something you haven’t done in a while. It may seem unconventional, but committing to doing just one new thing daily can gradually propel you out of your comfort zone. The new activity could be as bold as reaching out to a mentor from a podcast you admire for advice, or as simple as trying a meal at a restaurant you’ve never visited. Whatever it is, challenge yourself to do it today and make a habit of incorporating something new into each day.
  2. Take a moment to seek guidance from God on where He wants you to be. While it may sound unconventional, this practice has been instrumental in my own journey. Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I ask God to direct me to where I need to be that day. This simple yet profound request provides me with the motivation and clarity to take the necessary steps. Often, it leads me to experiences that push me beyond my comfort zone. Additionally, starting the day with this practice allows me to prioritize my spiritual connection with the divine.
  3. Face your fears. head-on, starting right now. Don’t delay in seizing that opportunity, sending that email, or trying something new. For me, one of the most daunting tasks was reaching out to people I didn’t know via email. I couldn’t quite explain why hitting the send button felt so intimidating. So, I decided to confront this fear by sending out emails every day. I began with just one, then gradually increased the number each day. Before I knew it, I was sending emails to over 250 individuals. By taking small steps, I conquered my fear and pushed myself beyond my comfort zone.
  4. Set ambitious goals—ones that may seem insurmountable at first glance. Not only did I establish these lofty objectives, but I also shared them with others. When faced with skepticism or ridicule, I simply smiled and used it as motivation to turn my goals into reality. Whenever doubt crept in or the enormity of my goals felt overwhelming, I recalled those moments of laughter and used them to propel myself even further beyond my comfort zone. As a result, I achieved most of my goals by continually pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone.
  5. Trust your instincts and act on them immediately. For the longest time, I would experience the urge to make a phone call or send an email but would hesitate, thinking I could do it later. Then, while listening to a podcast, I heard the speaker emphasize the importance of acting on those impulses without delay. I took this advice to heart and began to act on my impulses right away. This step pushed me significantly out of my comfort zone. Often, I would feel the urge to reach out to someone I hadn’t connected with in years, and often, it led to positive outcomes.
  6. Prioritize self-care and make time for yourself. It’s crucial to focus on your own needs. There are countless ways to do this, such as investing in courses to expand your knowledge and skills or utilizing idle time, like driving or doing chores, to listen to podcasts. Whenever I’m behind the wheel or doing household tasks, you can be sure I have a podcast playing. Even when flying frequently, I turned that time into an opportunity to catch up on podcasts or indulge in reading. As I dedicated more time to self-care and personal growth, I noticed how rapidly I began to venture outside of my comfort zone.
  7. I understand that this is a lot of information to digest, and I realize that what worked for me may not necessarily work for everyone else. My sincere hope is that, as you read through this, you find at least one nugget of wisdom that resonates with you. If even just one thing inspires you to step out of your comfort zone, then it’s been entirely worthwhile for both of us—your time in reading this and mine in writing it.

Thank you for investing your time in reading this piece. If you found any value in it, I encourage you to share our blog with someone who might benefit from it as well.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Find Your Inspiration OUTSIDE of Your Comfort Zone‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com.

Why titles don’t matter to get the job done

Posted on by dan_adm

Why titles don’t matter to get the job done

Titles and positions mean nothing. They’re just decorations; they don’t reflect a person’s true worth. Every individual and role hold equal value.

Throughout my professional journey, I’ve faced numerous challenges, learned difficult lessons, and achieved many successes—all of which I credit to God. Without His guidance, none of it would have been achievable.

Today, I’d like to share a crucial lesson I’ve learned along the way that has transformed my understanding of leadership.

From a young age, I’ve felt a calling to leadership.

Despite consistently applying for leadership roles in various companies, I struggled to secure a leadership position on my own. I had the qualifications and excelled in all my tasks, earning the admiration of managers and supervisors. However, the elusive leadership title remained out of reach.

Nevertheless, I persevered. I continued to pursue leadership roles and climb the career ladder because I was certain that’s where God intended me to be.

For the longest time, I believed that God’s plan for me involved leadership in a business, working under someone else as a manager. I thought these roles were synonymous.

What I came to understand was that leadership and management are distinct roles with unique responsibilities.

I attribute everything to God; He has consistently supported me, even when I make mistakes (and I make plenty!). He has guided me along paths that I am deeply grateful for. He is the reason I have a wonderful wife and a beautiful family.

I had no idea that God had been using me in leadership roles all along. Reflecting on my past experiences, I realize that I exhibited leadership qualities in every position I held. At the time, I didn’t recognize it because I associated leadership solely with having a specific title.

My “AHA” moment struck when I landed a role with no inherent authority. I was given the challenging task of getting employees across the company to comply with tasks like paperwork and rules that I hadn’t established.

To complicate matters, we were a nationwide company, so I couldn’t personally meet with every individual to ask for form completions or to explain complex rules.

It took me a long time to realize my leadership potential, especially since I was only a few years into my new position before I fully understood it. This role taught me that true leadership doesn’t require formal authority.

I recall one instance in East Texas when a guy got into a CDL rig, and I knew he didn’t have the required CDL license.

When I calmly questioned him about what he was doing, he defiantly responded that his boss instructed him to do so, and he would follow his boss’s orders over mine!

I then had a discussion with his boss about the importance of having a CDL, but the boss dismissed my concerns, stating that his priority was making money and getting things done, regardless of the rules.

I was livid. I was incredibly angry at the guy, and I felt like screaming, but I knew that wouldn’t solve anything. I had to find a way to shift their mindset and help them understand why it was crucial to know and abide by the rules.

I needed to learn how to lead from a position without formal authority. Through years of experience, I’ve discovered that you can make a significant impact and bring about change without holding a specific title.

In short, during that role, I managed to transform the company from one of the worst in the nation to one of the best in less than a year. This marked a significant shift in my career mindset—from “I need the title” to “I don’t require the title.”

It’s not about rejecting titles, but understanding that they aren’t necessary to effect change and make a difference.

Many people mistakenly believe that you must hold a specific managerial position or carry a particular title to be considered a leader and make an impact. Here’s the newsflash: You don’t, and I’m living proof of that.

That’s the message I want to convey here. I used to be someone nobody wanted to work with—aiming to be a leader but behaving like a boss. I had to shift my mindset and actions, moving from seeking authority to inspiring others to do what is right.

After I changed my mindset and let go of my obsession with titles, I found myself blessed with leadership roles one after another.

Just look at where we are today. Whenever I discuss Eclipse DOT or DOT Docs, it’s always about the collective effort: we accomplished this together.

It used to bother me a lot when we first started. People would inquire about the business, and I would reply with something like, “Yes, we have certainly built something amazing here!”

Their reaction would be, “We? Who else is on your team?”

As a great leader, your responsibility is to uplift your team, not to take credit for their work. Give them recognition, both when they are present and especially when they are not.

One important lesson is that titles are not essential for getting the job done, and this comes from someone who once coveted them all.

Now, I eagerly look forward to passing on my title to a more deserving person to lead our business!

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Nothing is Impossible” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Why you should never separate God and business/work

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Why You Should Never Separate God and Business/Work

Okay, you all know that I have a deep faith as a Christian.

However, it hasn’t always been this way. There was a period in my life when I wouldn’t discuss God anywhere except in my home or at church.

I used to be what some call a “Sunday Christian.”

Then, God opened my eyes and reassured me that it’s perfectly acceptable to talk about Him at work. He revealed that people are curious about him no matter where I am. He showed me that my social platforms are excellent spaces to share about Him and that others are interested in knowing more about Him too.

The other day, someone called me and said, “Dan, I wish I had the courage and strength you do in talking about God.” I asked them to explain.

They replied, “Well, you’re unafraid to discuss God in any setting! You include verses on your web pages, and you acknowledge Him in every part of your life. You give Him full credit for everything that’s happened to you.”

They mentioned something that had never occurred to me before: I attribute everything to God. I’m not afraid of acknowledging Him, expressing my love for Him, and recognizing that He works through me.

I firmly believe in God’s existence and His involvement in my business, just as He does in countless other businesses worldwide. God desires our success, our prosperity, and our victories.

Why let fear of losing a customer prevent you from embracing the best thing for your business—acknowledging God? Consider how you can integrate God into your life and work, adding value and purpose. I encourage you to be a passionate, committed Christian in all aspects of your life, not one who is lukewarm!

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “It’s impossible to serve God and Money!” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Why you should read the book How to Win Friends and Influence People

Posted on by dan_adm
Leadership book recommendation

Why You Should Read the book How to Win Friends and Influence People

I mention this book so frequently that you might assume I earn a commission for every copy sold. However, that assumption would be incorrect.

If you’re familiar with me or have followed me for a while, chances are you’ve heard me suggest reading Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” This book has been instrumental in rescuing my job, acquiring new clients, retaining clients on the verge of leaving, and even influencing and leading my team.

The principles outlined in the book are genuinely timeless, and they absolutely do work! In my household, every one of my children over the age of the age of 16 has read this book at least once. Not only have they read it, but we’ve also had extensive discussions about its content. I recall the time I first discovered “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” I was employed at Crossfire, where Ezra Lee served as the company president.

I was invited into his office one day to discuss the company’s DOT program and what I needed for success. During our conversation, I mentioned my challenges in getting certain drivers and leaders to embrace our new DOT program. It was then that he asked, “Have you ever come across the book ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’?” I responded, “No, what’s it about?”

“Dan, are you serious? It’s all about ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’! It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read on persuading others to do what you want and need them to do. Buy yourself a copy and read it!”

So, I immediately returned to my office and went online to Amazon. There were numerous versions available, and since the original was highly recommended, I opted for the new edition tailored for the digital age.

A few days later, the book arrived, and I delved into it, finishing it within days. Proudly, I returned to the president’s office to inform him that I would take action—I had ordered and read the book.

He inquired about my thoughts, and I mentioned that it was good but didn’t quite blow me away. That’s when he stood up and said, “Fetch the book. I want to see what you’ve read.”

I hurried back to my office, snatched the book, and swiftly returned to his office, walking straight in. He glanced at the cover and exclaimed, “Ah, you accidentally got the wrong book! I thought you’d gone mad.”

We then went online to Amazon, ordered the correct book, and had a good laugh about the mix-up. It arrived a few days later, and I had finished reading it by the weekend’s end.

Following that, I revisited his office, as he wanted to discuss what I had learned and my plans for implementation.

We discussed the principles I recalled from the book and brainstormed how I could apply them to improve the DOT program. It was an inspiring conversation, and it showed me what a great leader Ez is.

Anyway…

As I traveled, I revisited the book repeatedly. Even today, I continue to read it several times a year.

I always recommend it to those new to leadership roles, and I’ve even gifted it to people because of the immense value it has brought me. Nowadays, I prefer listening to it rather than reading because it saves me time, and efficiency is crucial to me.

What strikes me most is that this book, written in the 1930s, still holds such relevant truths today. It serves as a comprehensive guide to leadership. By studying its principles, success in all aspects of life, particularly leadership, becomes achievable.

One crucial point I must emphasize about “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is that you must apply its techniques for good purposes, not for nefarious ones! The potential consequences could be devastating if someone were to misuse its teachings.

Over the next few months, my goal is to share Dale Carnegie’s principles with you to facilitate your learning. Additionally, I highly recommend reading the book yourself.

If you’re aiming for an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind gift, a manuscript of the book would be pretty amazing. Just kidding. (Or maybe not, haha.)

I hope you all receive your copies today. If you do, share a picture of you with the book or a screenshot of you reading it on your phone. Don’t forget to use #DOTDoc and tag me directly, @RealDanGreer.

I wish you a fantastic day, and let’s revolutionize the world of leadership together!

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Beyond the Bible: Exploring the Power of Reading“. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Working just work

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Working Just Work

Often, as adults, we find ourselves working simply for the sake of it.

Weekends and late nights have become the norm as we strive to meet deadlines and complete tasks. Occasionally, such sacrifices are necessary. Take this Saturday morning. For example, I was up at 5 a.m. to ensure a truck was ready for training, a 45-minute drive away from home, and by 7 a.m. for a CDL trainer. And I already know I’ll be working late tonight, likely until about 8 p.m., just to wrap up the day.

However, this lifestyle isn’t part of my usual routine anymore. Days like today are rare occurrences. I make a concerted effort to power down my computer by 4:30 pm, unless my wife and kids are out and about, engaged in activities. In that case, I work until they return home, prioritizing quality time with them over just working.

On most days, I’m up bright and early, often by 4 a.m. or even earlier, ready to tackle tasks for a couple of hours. After that, it’s breakfast time with the family before they embark on their day. Then, I dive back into work, aiming to wrap up early in the afternoon to enjoy some quality time with my wife and kids. Every night, I make it a point to read to my children before bedtime and lead them in prayer. When you’re in charge of your own business, the temptation to work endlessly is always there. In the early years of my business, I even felt guilty taking breaks to have lunch with my family or assist my kids with their projects.

Now, it’s become a consistent part of my life, albeit one without a fixed routine.

I’ve established boundaries that prioritize God and my family above all else. But it wasn’t always like this. There were times when I’d rise at 4 am, work until 10 pm, barely pausing for a meal, and repeat the cycle day after day, seven days a week. I felt like I was merely observing life passing me by.

These days, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Dan, how do you manage to travel so much?” It seems like you were just in Florida, then I saw you in Northern California, and it feels like yesterday you were in Moab, Utah. Oh, and the other question I often hear is, “Where’s your next adventure?”

My favorite response to that question is, “We’ve actually been home for about a month now, and it’s been amazing. We might stick around for a while. Lol.”

The reality is that even when we’re traveling, work doesn’t stop. I rise early and tackle tasks while everyone else is still asleep. My wife acts as my co-pilot, managing texts and emails when urgent matters arise. If you ever receive a flawless message, chances are she’s the one behind it. Lol.

What we’ve discovered is that traveling brings us closer as a family. We argue less and enjoy each other’s company more.

As a couple, we find ourselves growing closer not only to each other but also to God. Our primary purpose in life is to draw nearer to God and live according to His will.

We realized that when I was merely working for the sake of it, we weren’t truly progressing. Sure, we were putting out fires left and right, but we weren’t making significant strides in any aspect of our lives.

However, once we took a step back, slowed down, and prioritized living for God while placing our family first, everything changed dramatically. We found ourselves achieving more each day, experiencing financial growth, witnessing improvements in our business, and, most importantly, feeling genuinely happier.

Every day, I have to remind myself: “Dan, you’re a man of God, a father who’s always there for his children, and a husband any woman would be lucky to have.” Saying this isn’t about arrogance; it’s about aspiring to be the best version of myself.

It’s important to acknowledge that I fail every day. But with each failure, I understand that it’s the first attempt at learning.

I’m grateful for God’s guidance; He keeps me on track. Whenever I stumble, His outstretched hand is there to lift me back up.

Today, I am setting aside time to focus on personal growth and reflection. In the person I aspire to be, I see someone who embodies kindness, empathy, and resilience. I strive to approach each day with a positive attitude, seeking opportunities to uplift others and make a positive impact in their lives. Integrity and honesty are fundamental to my character, guiding my actions and decisions. By prioritizing my well-being and nurturing meaningful relationships, I am creating a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. This reminder will serve as a guiding light on my journey to success, reminding me of the person I am becoming and the path I am walking toward my goals.

Here’s what mine looks like:

I aim to live a life that reflects the values and teachings of God. When others observe my life and actions, I hope they see someone striving to align with God’s plan. I refrain from using harmful language or belittling others, and I endeavor to speak positively about others, lifting them up whenever possible. Placing God at the forefront of my life ensures that my family knows they are my top priority. I believe that material wealth is secondary to God’s blessings, and I am committed to using any excess to help those in genuine need. I envision our company as a place where God is honored and celebrated for our successes, recognizing that every victory is a testament to His grace. Ultimately, I aspire to be a devoted believer, a loving husband and father, an exemplary employer, and a trusted mentor for those seeking guidance and growth.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First, Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Trusting God’s Guidance Every Step of the Way.” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Working through the work

Posted on by dan_adm

Working Through the Work

Explaining DOT regulations is akin to unraveling an iceberg’s hidden depths.

Being a young entrepreneur means clocking in serious hours—I’m talking serious. But I’ve been at it for a while and have picked up a few tricks to dial back the workload. “Hustle” is the buzzword du jour in entrepreneurship circles. “Grind until you reach the top.” “Persist with the hustle, and success is inevitable.” While I endorse pushing through those early stages, it’s not the hustle alone that propels a company forward. It’s integrity and ethics that truly foster success.

Understand your network of support.

Every one of us has a support network, whether it’s our partner, parents, significant other, children, friends, pets—you name it. Lean on them when needed. They’ll be the ones to point out when you’re burning the candle at both ends and need to ease up. Pay attention to the signals they’re sending and heed their advice.

Numbers don’t tell the whole story.

I’ve always been fascinated by numbers. They have a way of making things tangible. For instance, envisioning 1000 clients at $100 per month resulting in a $100,000 monthly income is exhilarating. But I’ve learned not to get too caught up in complex calculations. Laugh out loud; I didn’t sign up for that! Instead, I’ve shifted my focus. Now, I prioritize my happiness and the well-being of my team over chasing numbers.

Prioritize early productivity.

Managing time is a constant challenge for business owners and entrepreneurs alike. Utilize a calendar app that everyone in your household can access. If finding time for yourself is a struggle, schedule it in. Eventually, it’ll become second nature, and you won’t need to pencil it in anymore. Date nights are vital for maintaining peak performance. Whether it’s a night out with your partner or solo time with a book or binge-worthy TV series, like my personal favorites, “MASH” or “That ’70s Show,” make sure to carve out that time for yourself.

Delegate tasks you dislike.

If you’re hesitating, thinking, “Why pay someone when I can handle it myself?” Let me assure you: outsourcing tasks you dislike will liberate your time and energy. Moreover, by entrusting these tasks to others, you’re supporting fellow business owners in growing their ventures. Don’t be afraid to relinquish control of certain responsibilities. Once you do, you’ll find your creativity flowing more freely.

Rise and Shine: Early to Bed, Early to Rise

We all have our own internal clocks, but personally, I relish the early hours. It’s a time when I can slip into my home office, tackle an hour of work, and have some quiet time before the household stirs. Welcoming my kids in the morning and possibly whipping up breakfast for them before school is a joy. I’ve noticed that my most brilliant ideas often strike about 15 minutes after waking up. Not to rush into setting the alarm an hour earlier tomorrow; that could leave you feeling drained all day. Instead, try gradually waking up 15 minutes earlier each week until you reach your desired wake-up time.

Nourish your body.

While I’m not a health fanatic, I strongly believe in the power of good nutrition to fuel our endeavors, especially during tough times. When our bodies struggle to digest what we eat, precious energy is diverted away from our projects. Too often, I catch myself grabbing a subpar lunch in town, reminiscent of Remy from Ratatouille when his dad says, “Food is fuel; be selective about what you put in the tank, or you won’t have any fuel.” I’m the opposite. Sure, a beat-up old car can chug along on low-quality gas, but I strive to operate like a finely-tuned Ferrari, which means I prioritize premium fuel to keep me running at my best.

Prioritize spiritual time.
It may sound unconventional, but trust me, dedicating just 15 minutes to devotional activities each day can open up your schedule in unexpected ways. How does adding more to your plate create more free time? Well, as they say, God works in mysterious ways. I’ve found that spending this time reading the Bible and praying makes my days significantly less stressful. When I neglect this practice, I tend to run myself ragged. Carve out time every day for the One who created us.

Now, I’m far from having everything figured out, and I know I’ll continue to stumble along the way. But here’s the thing: if you never fail, you’ll never learn. And if you fail but don’t learn from it, it’s time to hit pause because you’re destined to repeat those mistakes.

Discover our CDL & DOT Compliance blog for an exclusive trial at DOTDocs.com. Also, claim your FREE micro audit at THE ECLIPSE DOT MICRO AUDIT. Ready for smoother operations?

You can do Anything

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You Can Do Anything

Always keep your head up high; never bow it down. Meet the world eye-to-eye, with an unwavering gaze. Helen Keller

Many times, we judge based on appearance and miss God’s perspective entirely. I’m guilty of this every day, even when I assess myself. In the mirror, I might see someone too inexperienced to lead or someone who missed opportunities out of fear, ignoring God’s guidance.

At times, I observe a man who appears too fatigued and weary to persevere, yet that’s not God’s perspective. He peers beyond outward appearances to discern inner strength—a person who persists even when faced with “no,” pushing harder to achieve. Someone equipped with the skills to pursue any goal they desire.

He perceives the person He created—the individual He molded me to be. God exhibited the same care when He anointed David as king.

If we revisit a few verses in 1 Samuel Chapter 16, we see Samuel’s expectation that Jesse’s eldest son would become king, likely for specific reasons.

He possessed strength, and notable features, and outwardly fit the role perfectly. However, Samuel couldn’t discern his personality. Similarly, we often can’t grasp someone else’s personality until we’ve spent several days with them.

When God said, “Not this one,” I imagine Samuel felt a bit let down. He assessed all of Jesse’s children, only to hear God say, “Not this one,” for each one of them.

Samuel then inquired, “Do you have any other children?” Jesse responded, “There is one more; he is out in the field tending the flocks.” They sent for David, described in the Bible as “ruddy” and later as “God-like” as well.

Yet, God never judges a book by its cover. Why then do we judge both ourselves and others based on appearances?

Have you ever noticed someone in a suit and immediately assumed they must be important? Conversely, have you ever seen someone in worn-out jeans and an old T-shirt and felt relieved not to be like them?
In a recent book I read, the author shared an encounter with one of the key investors in Pixar animation. He noted that the investor had small holes in his pants near the calves, two on each side of both legs.
He remarked, “This man owns a significant share of Pixar, yet he strolls around with holes in his pants. If I were him, I’d simply buy new ones.” However, as he grew closer to Steve Jobs, he understood that while Jobs valued appearance, those small holes didn’t define him.
Those holes appeared because Steve habitually pulled up his socks throughout the day, using that spot to grab hold of them. Our external appearance doesn’t alter God’s plans for us or what He wants us to accomplish.
Have you ever judged yourself solely based on your outward appearance? I used to stand in front of the mirror and repeat, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not capable enough.” To be frank, those thoughts held me back from starting my own business for years—I didn’t believe I was “good enough” for it. Do you listen to God’s voice telling you that you can achieve anything, or do you let your inner critic keep you stuck because of feelings of inadequacy?

Today is your chance to make things happen!

Rise, face the mirror, and behold the authentic person God has sculpted you to be. The vibrant, outgoing, stunning individual he envisioned has been within you all along, much like David’s potential was always present. Today, I challenge you to embark on a new experience, something you’ve never dared to do before.
Choose anything you’ve never attempted before, regardless of what it is. As for me, I plan to write a letter to myself detailing my strengths and reasons why I can succeed. It might seem unconventional, but trust me, it can be effective. Give it a try!
The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

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

You have to be willing to put in the work

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You must be willing to put in the work.

The other day, I engaged in a conversation with someone about their aspirations in business and life’s ultimate destination.

I inquired whether they had a defined purpose and vision for where they aimed to be, be it in the short term or even within the next 30 days.

They revealed a long-term ambition: to establish a business that they could eventually pass down to their children to manage.

That idea sounds appealing to me. So, I inquired about their readiness to take action to achieve it. Their response caught me off guard.

“Well, Dan, I’m not entirely certain how to make that a reality. If someone were to give me a million dollars, I could probably establish one. Alternatively, if they handed me a business to run, I’d have it.”

If you’re familiar with me, you know I’m not adept at concealing my emotions. Therefore, I’m confident they could discern the expression on my face. Before I could interject, they resumed speaking.

“Dan, you’re certainly fortunate that the Lord has bestowed upon you such abundance and a wonderful life! I wish something like that would just fall into my lap. Perhaps someone would hand me a business like yours to call my own or provide the funds to start one.”

My initial reaction was…

Yes, I acknowledge that I’m fortunate to be blessed in this way. And let me be clear: I attribute every aspect of my life to God—from my incredible wife Jenna and children to our home, business, clients, team, possessions, upbringing, community, and the enriching experiences I’ve had.

However, I’ve also put in immense effort to achieve the life I have. It hasn’t been handed to me on a silver platter.

After these thoughts crossed my mind, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter!

After a moment of reflection, I decided on how to reply. I recounted a tale to him. It was about a devout Christian journeying through the Arizona desert when he stumbled upon an astonishing garden. 
His initial reaction was one of bewilderment: why would such a beautiful garden exist during the desert?

His subsequent thought entertained the possibility that it might be a mirage! However, as he approached it, he realized its authenticity.

With curiosity piqued, he ventured through the gate, marveling at the garden’s splendor and the lush greenery surrounding him. Determined, he resolved to find the owner and convey that the garden’s existence was a testament to God’s blessings.

As he explored, he eventually encountered the owner and took the opportunity to express, “You realize this magnificent garden exists solely because of God’s grace!” After an extensive “lesson” that stretched into roughly 30 minutes (more akin to a lecture), the Christian concluded his discourse with the owner.

Throughout the entirety of the conversation, the owner remained patiently attentive. When the Christian had finished, he inquired about the owner’s thoughts.

The gardener replied, “You’re absolutely right; this garden is indeed a testament to God’s grace. However, you should have witnessed this place before my arrival—it was nothing but a barren desert!”

The essence of this story underscores that God presents us with opportunities daily. It’s up to us whether we seize these opportunities as our own tasks. And when we do, God desires our success. However, it’s crucial to recognize that we must make the conscious decision to put in the work. God won’t simply hand us a business or a completed project, as He understands that we won’t fully appreciate the outcome unless we’ve invested our effort and dedication into its creation.

Consider the process of raising children—it starts off with joy and excitement, but it’s followed by years of dedication and hard work, spanning over 18 years or more. Eventually, after investing countless hours and effort, we witness the results of our labor as our children grow and eventually become parents themselves.

The analogy here is clear: God equips us with the necessary resources for success, but it’s our responsibility to put in the effort.

Take a moment to reflect.

Today, I encourage you to pause and consider if you’ve ever admired someone else’s blessings. Did you do so with envy or longing? If so, take a closer look at the risks they took to achieve their success. Are you willing to take similar risks?

The next time you admire someone else’s creation, don’t just focus on the result. Instead, reflect on the labor that went into its creation—from the initial concept and design to the iterative process and the final polished product.

A Deeper Reflection

As I sit down to pen these words, I find myself revisiting the conversation I recently had. It still astonishes me that the person I spoke with perceived my journey as one of effortless inheritance.

The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve meticulously traced back the path that brought me to where I stand today. It’s a journey marked by pivotal decisions and relentless perseverance.

One such moment echoes from my high school days, when Jenna, my now-wife, contemplated parting ways. Refusing to accept defeat, I steadfastly declared my commitment to our relationship, determined to overcome the challenges we faced.

Another instance etched in my memory is the arduous journey of building our home. Rejected by over nine banks, we faced countless setbacks before finally securing a construction loan. Our breakthrough came when we encountered a compassionate soul within a local branch, willing to take a chance on us when others had turned us away.

These anecdotes serve as poignant reminders that success isn’t handed to us on a silver platter; it’s earned through resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in our dreams.

Becoming a CDL tester was no small feat. It took me over 1.5 years to navigate the intricate process and gain approval from the state. I had to undergo scrutiny from a testing unit unfamiliar with my background before the state would even consider admitting me into the program.

Following approval, I faced the challenge of attending a week-long training session in Denver, which required me to take time off work and arrange transportation. I relied on financial support from my parents to cover expenses and was fortunate enough to stay with my wife’s cousin, who graciously lent me her car for commuting to the training sessions.

As if the journey wasn’t already challenging, a flat tire added an unexpected hurdle when my wife, Jenna, came to pick me up. With our son, Billy, by her side, they managed to change the tire, albeit with the spare being low on pressure. Fortunately, a kind stranger came to their aid, exemplifying the unexpected acts of kindness that can occur in times of need.

Embarking on our entrepreneurial journey was a lengthy process filled with challenges. It took years to gain momentum, and just as we made the bold decision to strike out on our own, the COVID-19 pandemic struck less than four months later. Despite the uncertainty, we made the pivotal decision to hire one of our closest friends, providing them with stable employment during the economic downturn.

From navigating the daily rollercoaster of entrepreneurship to evolving into a small business, the journey was fraught with ups and downs. We encountered setbacks such as customers, for whom we had purchased permits with our own funds, failing to reimburse us. However, each mistake served as a valuable lesson, contributing to our ongoing growth and development.

One notable misstep was the purchase of a truck in anticipation of significant CDL training and testing demand, only to have it remain idle for nearly 12 months. Eventually, we had to sell it, realizing that our initial projections didn’t align with the reality of our business operations.

Achieving my pilot’s license was a transformative journey, one that I’ve captured in a detailed devotional. It’s an inspiring read, filled with insights and reflections on the process.

In essence, my journey started with enthusiasm, but I encountered delays as my instructor prioritized other students. Just as I was poised to take the next step and fly solo in a multi-engine aircraft, my instructor unexpectedly ceased instruction, leaving me in a challenging position, particularly after I had assisted him in obtaining a unique endorsement for his license using my own plane.

Despite the setbacks, I pivoted and persisted, ultimately reaching the finish line. Now, I stand ready for whatever new adventures lie ahead in this unpredictable journey we call life.

I’ve been fortunate to receive plenty of support along the way. However, every time an opportunity arose, I was the one who took the initiative.

I initiated asking Jenna out on a date, drew up plans for our house, and approached banks for funding. I persisted relentlessly in pursuing my goal of becoming a CDL tester and took significant risks when we launched our business, putting my entire family on the line. When faced with setbacks, such as my instructor leaving me hanging during my pilot’s license training, I pivoted and found alternative paths forward.

Every milestone in my life is the result of my proactive actions. Nothing was handed to me, and the same applies to you.

So, if you’re waiting for opportunities to come knocking at your door, it’s time to act. Get off the couch, put down your phone, and actively seek out those opportunities. They’re likely right in front of you, waiting for you to seize them.

As Thomas Edison famously said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “You Have To Be Willing to Put in the Work” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“When you want something you have to be willing to take a chance and go after it.”

 

The other day I was chatting with someone about business and where they wanted to end up in life.

I asked if they had a clear purpose and destination in their life of where they wanted to be in the next few years or heck even the next 30 days.

They told me that long term they really wanted to have a business that they could hand down to their kids to run.

That sounds pretty good to me.

So I asked them what they were willing to do to make that happen.

Their answer kind of shocked me.

“Well Dan, I’m not really sure how to make that happen.  If someone was to hand me a million dollars then I could probably create one.  Or maybe if they could just give me a business that I could run then I would have it.”

If you know me you know that I’m not really good at hiding my expressions. So I am 10000% sure that they could see the look on my face.

Before I could do anything they started talking again.

“Dan you sure are lucky that the Lord has blessed you with so much and such a GREAT life!  I wish that would just happen to me.  Someone would just give me a business like yours to be my own.  You know or give the money to start one!”

My first thought was….

Yes, I am lucky that he has blessed me.

And don’t get me wrong I give God FULL credit for everything in my life.  From my amazing wife Jenna, to my kids, to where I live, to the business, our clients, our team, our stuff, the way I was raised, our community, and the experiences that I get to have.

But I have also worked my butt off for him and the life that I have. It wasn’t just handed to me.

After those thoughts passed through my head. I literally laughed out loud!!!

Then I pondered for a second how to respond.

I told him this story.

A very strong Christian was walking through the desert in AZ when he saw this amazing garden.

His first thought was what is the amazing beautiful garden doing out here in the middle of the desert?

Then his next thought was this is a mirage!!

As he walked closer he saw that it was REAL.  So he walked through the gate and marveled at the beauty of the garden and all the plants.

Then he decided that he was going to find the owner and let them know that this garden was only possible because god had blessed it.

As he walked around he found the owner. And proceeded to let him know, “You know that this amazing garden is only possible because of God!”

After about a 30-minute “lesson” (more like a lecture) he finally stopped talking to the owner.

The entire time the owner sat there patiently listening to the Christians lecture.

When he had finished the Christian asked him what he had to say.

The gardener responded, “You are 100% correct this is only possible because of God, but you should have seen this place before I got here. It was just a desert!”

My point here is that god gives us opportunities every day.

It is our choice if we take up the task as our own.  And if we do then God wants to see us succeed.

But…..

We have to make the decision to do the work.

God is not going to “hand” you a business, or a finished project.

Because he knows that as people we won’t appreciate the finished product the same if we don’t labor in the creation.

Just like making babies. It’s a lot of fun to begin with.  Then a lot of work, about 18+ years. Then finally after years and years of effort, we get to enjoy watching the fruits of our labor venture out into the world and eventually we become grandparents.

I think you get my point.

God will give us the tools to succeed but we have to be willing to do the work.

 

Take Action

Today I want you to pause for a second and think about if you have thought about how blessed someone else is.

Did you do it potentially with a haughty heart? (Longing for what they have.)

If you did, look at the risks they took to get where they are.

Are you willing to take those same risks?

The next time you look at anyone else’s creation don’t look at the finished product.

Look at the labor that went into the creation.  From the initial thought (concept) to the design, to the first round, to the finished refined product.

 

A little more.

As I stand here writing this I am reflecting on the conversation that I had with that person.

And my mind is still blown that they thought that I had been handed everything that I have.

The truth is that that thought is 1000% wrong. 

I went back and reflected on all the decisions that I have made that lead me to where I am today.

From not letting Jenna break up with me in high school. That’s right she wanted to break up at one point and I told her “No I wouldn’t let her do that.”  Then we worked through the issues we were having.

To build our house, we were turned down by more than 9 banks before we finally got approved for a construction loan. And the only reason we got approved was that we found the heart of one person and one branch.  Because we had already been rejected at the main branch.  It was only when I went to a branch that that manager decided to take a gamble on us.

To becoming a CDL tester, it took me over 1.5 years to get figure out the process and get approved by the state.  I had literally had to get approved by a testing unit that knew nothing about me before the state would consider letting me into the program.  Then after that, I had to take time off of work to go to Denver for a week for training. I browed money from my parents to get up there. Then I stayed with my wife’s cousin and she let me borrow her car to back and forth to the training.

Then when Jenna came up to pick me up she got a flat tire and Billy (5 at the time) had to help her change the tire on our van.  And the spare was low on pressure someone amazing stopped by to help her.

To starting our own business, it took years to get traction.  Then after making the decision to step out on our own corona hit less than 4 months later!!  We hired one of our best friends and because of the economic situation, we could keep them employed.  From the daily ups and downs of starting a business to growing into a small business.

To have customers that we bought permits for with our money NEVER pay us back.  Making a mistake after mistake after mistake and learning from every single one of those mistakes. I’m sure that we are not done making mistakes yet!!

I bought a truck thinking that we would be doing a ton of CDL training and testing. Only to have that same truck sit for almost 12 months before I sold it because we didn’t even put 200 miles on it.

To getting my pilot’s license. I wrote a whole devotional on that process alone.  You should read it was GREAT.

The short version is that I got started, but then my instructor put me behind other students. Then when I was ready to go solo in a multi-engine, the instructor told me that he was no longer going to be an instructor.  Just after I helped him add a very unique endorsement to his license using my plane.

To pivoting and finally getting to the finish line.

And whatever comes next in this crazy adventure we call life.

I have had TONS of help.  But every single time something happened I had to be the first one to take action.

I had to ask Jenna on a date. I had to draw up plans for the house and ask the bank for $$.  I had to be relentless when I wanted to become a CDL tester. I put my whole family at risk when we started our business. For my pilot’s license, I had to pivot and find a different direction when the instructor left me hanging. 

Everything that has happened in my life is because I took action.

It was never handed to me, just like it hasn’t been handed to you.

So, if you are one of those who are waiting for an opportunity to come knocking at your door.

Get your butt off the couch, stop playing on your phone, and start looking for that opportunity. 

Because it most likely it is right in Infront of you.  You just have to bend over and pick it up.

Thomas Eddison said it best when he said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

 

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“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.”

Amos 5:14

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