Enjoy the season that you are in.

ENJOY THE SEASON THAT YOU ARE IN

Do you ever take time to sit, relax, feel, and appreciate the present? With all the current chaos in the world, we often find ourselves consumed by worries about the future. It’s essential to balance our concerns and embrace the beauty of the moment we’re living in.
 
Here’s a quick tip:
 
Don’t let worry change things. Instead, appreciate the current season; God has given you many reasons to be grateful. Focus on the good things around you, and find joy in the blessings you’ve received.
 
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of His creation. Relax and enjoy life; tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Embrace the saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” Life is precious, so take time to savor the present and find joy in the reasons behind it all.
 
God is the most sensible explanation for everything. We can discuss science, but it just makes sense that God is behind everything around us.

He deserves praise for everything. Another well-known saying is, “If you wake up, God still has plans for you.”
 
In 1 Kings 19:7 of the Bible (MSG), it says, “Get up and eat more; you’ve got a long journey ahead of you.”
 
God is assuring you that there’s a long journey ahead. Don’t rush; take time to enjoy what’s in front of you.
 
How can you make sure that you’re truly present and living in the present moment?
 
Here are some suggestions to assist you in cherishing the numerous small moments that come your way every day.
 
1. The past is history, the future is a mystery, and the present is a gift.
Avoid overthinking the past and stressing about the future. If you must carry something from your past, let it be something you cherish. If not, smile and concentrate on the present moment. 
 
2. Be mindful of the little details.
Embrace and observe your surroundings, even in the smallest details. Appreciate the ambiance, sounds, and sights—these are all little things to be thankful for.
 
3. Pay attention to each passing moment.
When you care about every passing second and minute, you extend the significance of that moment and maximize its potential.
 
4. Practice kindness and express gratitude.
Assisting someone in need will bring joy to your day. Always be grateful to God for allowing you to experience each day as a blessing.
 
5. Positive confirmation.
Declare to yourself, “This is it. I’m in my 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond. I won’t dwell on what could, should, or might happen.”
 
In conclusion, there comes a day for everyone when things feel out of order and you find yourself sitting in your car or bathroom, shedding tears.
 
That’s why it’s crucial to remember your positive days and moments, as they can support you during challenging times.
 
Wholeheartedly value today’s moments, let go of past hurts, cease worrying, smile, and live one day at a time.
 
Alright, lift your chin and make every moment meaningful.
 
Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Blessings are all around us.” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Everything Happens for a Reason

Everything Happens for a Reason

What you’re experiencing right now is showing you that you really can do this.

Lately, I’ve been navigating a series of challenging moments. I’ll highlight a few to give you a sense of what I mean.

During a recent visit to a small town in Texas, I had a rental car reservation, but they had already given it away by the time I arrived. To make matters worse, they didn’t have any additional cars available for me.

I had to rent a U-Haul to go to and come back from the job site, which was an hour away by car.

I was close to getting my pilot’s license for a plane with two engines. My instructor, who used my plane to get his multi-engine certification, suddenly decided he didn’t want to teach anymore.

I had to search all over the country to find a new instructor who could help me with multi-engine training. During this, I had to show the new instructor that I knew what I was doing all over again.

Some clients think using my money to support their businesses is fine. We purchase permits for them, but it often takes them several months (or even years for a few) to pay us back. 

It’s not a big problem, but if you can’t afford it, just don’t do it. The other day, someone reminded me to be thankful for everything that happens. 

Even if it’s unpleasant! Then they went on to give me this advice: “Since you want more in your business than what you have now, the challenges you’re facing are giving you the chance to show yourself that you CAN DO THIS.”

I stopped and sent that message immediately. Then I looked up and said, “God, I know you have a plan. I tell everyone that things happen for a reason. So, thanks for helping me learn this lesson. If you could help me learn it faster, that’d be great.” Here’s the thing: We all want to achieve more tomorrow than we do today. 

We aim to be better Christians and live better lives. Sometimes, we want more responsibilities, and other times, we wish for fewer. Every situation God puts us in is for our benefit; it makes us stronger. However, it can be tough while we’re in the middle of the lesson. 

As I write this, I’m sitting on the balcony of our rental house in Pismo Beach, CA, looking at the Pacific Ocean. Yesterday, I was in the water playing with the kids. We had our boogie boards and had a lot of fun catching waves. 

While doing that, I looked around and took a moment to thank God for giving me the strength to get into this cold water. I also thanked Him for letting me trust that my kids would be okay playing in the water.

 When I was a kid, we never went to the ocean because my dad was really scared of the water. His favorite thing to say was, “I don’t take baths because people die in the bathtub.” Another one I liked was, “I’ll get in as long as it doesn’t get above my ankles.”

And he really means both things he says. On a different note, I recall the first time I went to the ocean that I can remember. It was with Jenna. We were seniors in high school and met her family in California to visit Disneyland. Jenna and I went a day early so we could go to the ocean. 

I instantly loved the waves and the hugeness of what God made. We were playing in the waves when suddenly I couldn’t touch the bottom anymore.

I totally panicked. Meanwhile, Jenna calmly stood up and said, “Hey, you can touch; just stand up!” 

After the lifeguard pulled me back to shore, I felt a bit embarrassed. I mean, what kind of “man” would freak out just because they could touch the bottom?

We didn’t go into the water for the rest of that day. Skip ahead a few years, when we had the kids and returned to the ocean again.

We hurried to San Diego to visit SeaWorld but got there too early. Who knew that things in the city didn’t open until 10 a.m.? 

Not me when I was young! Lol. So, we chose to go see the ocean. When we arrived, I only allowed the kids to get their feet wet.

I’m completely sure. Jenna thought, “Oh my goodness, I married Dan’s dad when it comes to water!”

Later in the trip, we went to the ocean again because the kids really wanted to. Up near LA, we returned to the beach. We ended up spending several days there because the kids enjoyed it so much.

During the first trip, I kept the kids close to me. I vividly remember telling them that if they went too far, they were out and playing in the sand, no questions asked.

Jump ahead a year later, and we’re playing in the ocean in San Diego again. I allowed the kids a bit more space, but they still had to stay close.

Now, let’s go to yesterday. I’m sitting on the beach, telling myself that I just need to get over it and join them. They’re out there catching waves and having a blast.

God got me ready for that situation. My kids and I are still careful, but we know our limits, and each time we push them, they expand a bit further.

Just like the situations we’re facing right now! God wanted me to rent that U-Haul. He wanted me to find a new flight instructor, and he wanted me to do everything. I just had to accept that he was in control, and he was right.

It’s time to do something.

Today, think about a situation you don’t really like. You can even think it’s terrible. That’s okay. Now, just give it to God.

 Say the prayer below and give it all to God with your whole heart. Trust that He will give you the right answer for your situation. In the future, when things get tough, I want you to do the same. 

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Everything in life happens for us, not to us.

EVERYTHING IN LIFE HAPPENS FOR US, NOT TO US

Every event unfolds for a purpose. We might not always understand that purpose, but there is always a reason behind it.

I’ve always thought that everything in life has a purpose. Sometimes we don’t get why things happen immediately, and maybe we never will. Nevertheless, there’s a reason behind it. It could be because we needed to learn from a mistake, or maybe we weren’t prepared for a specific job or promotion. Perhaps God used us to help someone else learn a lesson because our faith is strong. 

Life’s twists and turns often carry valuable lessons. Reflecting on these moments and understanding that they contribute to our growth and the growth of those around us is important. It’s like pieces of a puzzle fitting together, even if we can’t see the complete picture just yet.

Reflecting on my life, I see moments where God guided me, often without my realizing it. One significant choice was not enlisting in the military right after high school. I had plans to join the Army, head to basic training after graduation, attend warrant officers’ school, and eventually fly helicopters. However, God had a different plan.

This decision spared me from the heightened danger during the early days of the war on terrorism when many helicopters were shot down. God protected me. Furthermore, the reason I didn’t enlist was to meet my now-wife. This choice likely led to the family and life I have today, including the wonderful kids I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Looking back, I can see God’s unseen hand shaping my journey.

Let’s talk about the time I didn’t get a full-time job at the paid fire department. Back then, I was really upset; how could I mess that up? I was already working part-time, covering many shifts, and the squads liked me.

Now, looking back, if I had stayed there, I wouldn’t be living where I am now, I wouldn’t have gotten my CDL, and I wouldn’t be starting my own business. Likely, I wouldn’t be as close to God as I am today, either. Sometimes, not getting what we want opens doors to unexpected and better things.

Let’s talk about when I lost a job for working too much. I was young and couldn’t understand why that happened. God used that experience and the next three years at a different job to humble me and bring me closer to Him. He taught me the true meaning of forgiveness and encouraged me to lean on him.

He even gave me a not-so-great boss to show me how not to act and treat others. This period sparked a passion in me to find needs and fill them, no matter how challenging. It was then that I discovered the need for CDL testing in our area. I worked hard for 1.5 years to go through the process and became one of the youngest testers in the state of Colorado at that time. God’s guidance and the challenges I faced shaped me into who I am today.

Recently, I dealt with another awful boss. The company leadership was great, but my direct supervisor was challenging. God used this to teach me to let go, forgive, learn how not to treat others, and stay humble. This experience motivated us to start Eclipse and take those faith-filled steps.

Looking back on my life, I could easily feel regret. I regret missing a chance to serve my country, messing up job interviews, experiencing poverty, and dealing with terrible bosses. But instead, I choose to see these moments as opportunities to say, “Thank you, God, for helping me!” I don’t live with regret because I believe there’s a higher power looking out for me.

He won’t give me more than I can handle. If we believe things happen for us, there’s no room for regret. Every experience, even the tough ones, shapes us into the best version of ourselves.

Now, more than ever, I hold the belief that everything in life occurs for our benefit, not against us.

 Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “God has a Plan For You” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Extreme Ownership

Extreme Ownership

Let’s begin by defining extreme ownership. How would you describe it?

Extreme ownership, to me, means owning everything in your life—your work, family, and thoughts. It’s about not letting others handle your responsibilities. You take charge of what happens in your life, making sure you’re in control. It’s all about being responsible for every aspect of your life—no excuses.

Read that last sentence again. Don’t let others take responsibility for what happens in your life. Own it all, and take charge without allowing excuses.

You’re in charge of it all. If someone leaves, it’s on you. Your weight is what you’re doing. Can’t handle bills? Your responsibility. In the end, everything falls on your shoulders, whether it’s people, pounds, or payments. It’s all your call.

Understand? Whatever occurs, it’s on you. Even your thoughts! If you believe you’re not attractive, it’s your job to shift that thinking. You hold the key to why things happen, including the way you see yourself. Take charge and change your perspective for a better outcome.

Another part of extreme ownership is avoiding excuses. What? I never make excuses. Yeah, right! We all make excuses, and that includes me. It’s important to acknowledge and overcome that tendency toward true ownership.

Making excuses limits extreme ownership. Each excuse signals to our minds that it’s okay or offers a reason for not achieving our goals. To truly take charge, we need to eliminate excuses and take responsibility for our actions, fostering a mindset of ownership and accountability.

Why does it matter? When we provide an excuse, our mind seizes the opportunity. A single excuse paves the way for more, creating a chain reaction. One leads to another and then another, forming a cycle of excuses that hinder responsibility and ownership. It’s crucial to break this pattern.

You probably understand by now. Winning makes it easier to keep winning, and losing makes it easier to keep losing. Reflect on your recent excuse—was it major or minor? How did you feel afterward? The goal is to make you aware that you made an excuse, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership.

I didn’t start a webinar because someone left, and I had to change plans. I haven’t found time to finish the slides. I’m letting external factors control aspects of my life. But pay attention to two things in the last sentence. It’s important to be aware of these patterns.

Firstly, notice I didn’t mention being busy—avoid that word. Secondly, I’m owning the excuse by admitting, “I haven’t made time for the slides.” I’m not saying I lacked time; I’m saying I didn’t prioritize it. Recognizing this difference is crucial for taking responsibility and making intentional choices in how we spend our time.

Friends, adopting extreme ownership, even in excuses, is the first step to changing thoughts and stopping excuses. Now, let’s change our focus. It’s about taking responsibility and altering our mindset, paving the way for positive change. Now, let’s shift our attention.

For a long time, I had a hard time making my team embrace extreme ownership. While I was good at it, some team members struggled to follow suit. I decided to invest time in their mindset. We meet once a month to brainstorm about the business, fostering a collaborative and responsible approach to our work.

But there’s much more to it. This day gives me insights into the team’s well-being and where they face mindset challenges. We engage in exercises to empower them to take control. You might wonder, what are they taking control of? It’s about taking charge of their mindset, actions, and the direction of our collective efforts.

The key is their mind. Once they conquer their minds, anything becomes possible. During our team day, we tackle 5 to 6 exercises to break limiting beliefs. Then, we establish new beliefs, enabling us to embrace extreme ownership. It’s a process of empowering the team to overcome mental barriers and foster a proactive mindset.

Through these monthly gatherings, I discovered our productivity soars—seriously, it goes through the roof! Everyone’s pumped, sensing something greater than us all. The energy we bring to the room excites them, renewing their passion for our cause. It’s like a booster, making our collective effort more powerful and inspiring.

Unconsciously, everyone, me included, begins to embrace more ownership. We quit shifting blame and say, “I’m good at that; I can handle it.” Or, “I might have misspoken to a client about ______. Do you have a suggestion for fixing the situation?” It’s a positive shift toward accountability and problem-solving within the team.

Should you want me for a “team day” at your office, contact our team, and we’ll gladly set it up. But first, let’s chat. If you don’t buy into it, your team won’t either! You must be 100% committed to making a genuine impact. Let’s discuss this before diving into this valuable experience.

Until next time, keep the rubber side down.

Dan Greer

Explore more on leadership and personal growth. Don’t miss our blog on ‘TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS‘ Stay tuned for more practical insights and advice at Eclipse DOT

Faith it till you make it

Faith, It Till You Make It

Step into the courage you’ve lacked to become the person you aspire to be. Over time, you’ll realize you’ve always been that person. Until it’s clear, embrace pretending and inventing. Paulo Coelho

How can you maintain faith until success? We’ve all heard of faking it till you make it, but that’s not a mantra I could embrace. Staying true to oneself seemed more genuine and worthwhile on my journey.

Using money, you don’t possess means squandering time that could be better utilized. Creating an illusion of success for others while you’re descending further into difficulties. It’s a cycle of deception and decline.

Faking things has never been my strong suit. If you don’t enjoy it, just skip it. There’s this saying that if what you’re doing doesn’t bring joy, you might be on the wrong track. Ever heard that? It’s a good reminder to find happiness in what you do.

How does having faith until success differ from pretending until success? When you have faith, you trust in God to provide what you need for success, relieving yourself of the pressure to achieve it independently. You let God handle the burden, placing your confidence in divine support on the journey to success.

I’m not suggesting you simply wait, saying, “If it’s God’s will, it’ll happen.” My grandma’s fridge had a saying: “All things come to those who wait, as long as they work hard while waiting.” It’s about combining patience with effort for success.

As a kid, I didn’t grasp the saying. Growing older, I observed others aiming for success, and it clicked. If you don’t put in the effort, God can’t bless you. Working for your goals opens the door for divine blessings, a realization that dawned on me with time and observation.

Winning the race or hitting a home run doesn’t happen by staying on the sidelines or in the dugout. To have a shot at success or even face failure, you must actively participate in the game. Fear often holds us back from taking the leap, preventing us from embracing opportunities and challenges that come our way.

Having faith until you make it means trusting that, whether you win or lose, you’re actively participating and giving it your best shot in the game. 

I encourage you to do this now. Look at where you are in life. Is it what you expected? Do you have what you thought you would? If the answer is no, acknowledge it. Whether you lack much or expect to be further, it’s a moment to reflect and consider what changes or efforts can shape your path ahead.

Pause and reflect on moments where you lacked faith in the outcome. Examine instances where you chose to give up instead of persevering.

Thomas Edison persisted through 9000 attempts before successfully inventing the lightbulb. Imagine if he quit after the first, hundredth, or even the thousandth tries. What if he threw his hands up, saying, “I give up”? His determination highlights the importance of resilience and not giving up on our goals, no matter how challenging they seem.

Initially, he might not have known where to begin. Perhaps he followed unproductive paths. Eventually, he might have thought, “I can’t do this.” It illustrates the common challenges one faces while navigating uncertainty and finding the right direction toward success.

He held onto faith in his project and mission, persistently trying to figure things out. Reflecting on past obstacles, let’s now focus on the future. What projects are you currently working on? It’s a moment to consider your goals and keep moving forward with determination and purpose.

Do you have any big, scary projects on the horizon? If yes, like mine, let’s have faith until we make it together. Before diving in, let’s say a quick prayer to ensure we’ve got the right support team on our side.

Let’s trust that we’re the right fit for the job. We were picked because we can get it done. When things don’t go smoothly, we stay strong. If the first video fails, we step back in front of the camera and try again. Never give up; persistence is key!

Finally, when we achieve success, take a moment to express gratitude where it’s deserved. Thank our support system and those who helped us where we faltered. Show appreciation to those who contributed ideas.

Most importantly, thank the higher power for granting the faith to complete the project successfully. Let’s go out there and keep the faith until we make it!

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Patience Comes With Many Hard Times!”. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org. 

Family road trips are the BEST!

Family road trips are the best!

Your children are only young for a short time, so don’t waste the chance to spend time with them.

When we began our business, we weren’t moving forward as fast as we hoped. We didn’t understand why. We kept going, but it felt very slow—like a snail. We didn’t feel like we were making any progress.

During this time, we went on a long family trip. We packed our four kids into the car and drove from Colorado to Red Lake, Canada. If you don’t know about Red Lake, it’s up north from where Minnesota and Canada meet, about seven hours away. The drive was great. We spent a whole day in the car and saw many amazing things along the way.
 
During the drive, we got a chance to talk and bond with each other. That’s why we enjoy driving—it gives us time to reconnect as a family, which is great. We discussed our business and what we wanted to achieve with it. Without even writing anything down, we made our business plan and set goals.
 
We had a fantastic week in Canada, enjoying every moment. We rented a small fishing boat and caught lots of fish. Our youngest son caught his first pike! Our oldest caught a small-mouth bass. We didn’t think it was a big deal, but the locals told us it’s a rare catch in those lakes. We also took a biplane tour of the lake, seeing bears and even two bull moose from the air. We laughed about the plural of moose—is it Meese? Who knows! One evening, my wife and I went for a drive on a dirt road until sunset. It was an amazing experience. And of course, we had to try poutine, a Canadian fry dish. It was delicious, eh?
 
After leaving Red Lake, we drove to Pennsylvania, spending another 24 hours in the car. Throughout the trip, our family continued to bond. Our kids got along well, and my wife and I talked about everything. As we left Wisconsin, we both had the same idea: why not make God the CEO of our company? It wouldn’t be ours anymore; we’d run his business! We were as excited about this idea as when we found out we were going to have kids! It felt like something out of a movie—we both said it at the same time.
 
After that, there wasn’t much to talk about. We decided: We didn’t own the company anymore; God did. Our job was to work for him and run it his way. We prayed before all meetings and included verses on all our web pages. It’s His company; we’re just here to run it as His stewards.
 
We began making changes right away. Instead of saying the company was ours, we called it what it was. I changed my title from CEO to COO and announced that God was the new CEO of Eclipse. Almost right away, things started improving, and the company began moving forward again.
 
We spent the next week in Pennsylvania at a family camp. It was so much fun! Our kids enjoyed it. If you ever have the opportunity to be a chaperone at a family camp, go for it. Bring your kids and let them have some fun while you keep an eye on them, join in, and have a great time together. We’ll always remember these moments.
 
Then we drove to West Texas for work, another 24-hour drive. We spent the week there and then headed back to colorful Colorado.
 
This trip changed our lives forever.
 
We made choices that helped us reduce stress. We bonded as a family and grew in ways we never imagined. I truly believe that if we hadn’t taken this trip, our business wouldn’t have God as its CEO. I’m grateful He guided us to prioritize family time. He showed me that time is our most precious thing. We can make more money and make new friends, but we can never get back a moment of our day.
 
Your kids are only young once, so don’t waste your time with them.
 
Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Take time to be with your family‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com.

Family, Spending time where it matters

Family and Spending Time Where It Matters

If you’ve been checking my social media, you might have noticed that I’ve been spending more time with my family, and we’ve been traveling a lot.

We’ve been driving a lot because it’s expensive to fly six people, but we enjoy being together in the car and seeing all the amazing things God created.

It felt like we blinked, and our oldest son turned 14! Then we realized we only have 4 more years until he probably moves out and starts his own life. We want to make the most of this time together.

So, we decided to stop spending money on unnecessary things and instead focus on creating memories. 

One thing we did was sit down with all the kids and ask them where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do.

We got a variety of responses!

Some were exciting, while others were heartwarming. Our daughter said she wanted to learn more about fixing things. One son said he wanted to spend more time together as a family. And of course, one wanted to do more hunting, especially in exotic places.

All of this got us thinking.

None of them asked for more things! They didn’t want us to buy toys or gadgets. They wanted us to give them experience. And that’s exactly what we wanted, too. Less stuff and more memories.

Have you ever sat down with your kids and asked them what they truly wanted? Not about gifts for Christmas or their birthday, but about what they want to do, where they want to go, or what experiences they want to have.

You see, we’ve taught our children everywhere that when we ask them what they want, they usually ask for stuff, not experience. That’s because, whether you realize it or not, we’ve trained them to ask for stuff. Do you know why? It’s because giving stuff is easier than giving an experience. It’s much quicker to go on Amazon and buy a dollhouse than to build one for your daughter.

I want you to do something today: go home and talk to your family about the experiences you remember from your childhood. Like fishing with your grandpa, fixing a truck with your dad, baking cakes with your mom, riding in a tractor with your other grandpa, or baking bread with your grandma. As you talk about your memories, pay attention to what makes your kids excited.

I also want you to think back and try to remember the toys that excited you the most. Can you remember any of them? Do you still have any? I do. One Christmas, I got a few remote-control toys. They brought me a lot of joy. But now, seeing my kids play with them brings even more joy! You see, I used to think that the toys themselves made me happy, but it’s the experience of playing with them and now watching my kids play with the same toys that brings me true happiness.

It was never the things in my life that made me happy; it was the experiences I remember. With that in mind, what can you do to create more experiences for your family? How can you be there for your kids in a way that they’ll always remember?

I promise you that taking a family trip to San Diego and eating at your favorite hamburger place in Ocean Beach (Hodads) will bring more joy and leave a longer-lasting memory than buying them a new phone every year!

Go out and create wonderful memories with your family while you still can!

As for me, keep an eye on my  Facebook and Instagram to see where life takes us in the next few years!

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Take time to be with your family‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com.

Find A Way

Find a Way

When we try, we can always find a solution to make things work.

Take a few moments to read these verses.

A few guys brought a man who couldn’t move his body on a small bed and wanted to show him to Jesus. But they couldn’t get through the crowd blocking the door. So, they climbed up on the roof, made a hole, and lowered the man down with ropes, right in front of Jesus. Luke 5:18–19

These guys were carrying the paralyzed man, maybe about 6–10 of them. They wanted to reach Jesus in the crowd so the paralyzed man could be healed. But they couldn’t push through the crowd. So, they started searching for another way to get him to Jesus. Then, one of them had an idea: “Let’s carry him up onto the roof and lower him down!

At that moment, some guys started to feel unsure. They said, “No, it won’t work.” Now, there were only 4-5 guys left to help. One climbed up on the roof and started making a hole. Meanwhile, a couple of others figured out how to get the paralyzed man up on the roof. Yet another group started working on a way to lower him down.

I imagine one of them stayed with the paralyzed man, keeping him updated. Like a sports announcer, saying, “Jim made it up onto the roof and found a good spot. Now he’s taking off the cover. Oh, Ben and Mike found some long poles, and they’re setting them up like an A to lift you. Here comes John with some rope.”

Do you feel how exciting this is? Everyone is working together for the same goal! Here’s something interesting: None of these guys who are still helping would give up.

When the crowd blocked them, they searched for a different way. Even when their first plan failed, they didn’t give up. They kept searching and searching until they found a way that worked.

Many times, when things get hard, we quit. We give up and say, “I can’t do it,” or “It’s impossible.”

The truth is, it’s possible! If you believe that God is helping you, you can do anything!

Today, we want to tell you to never quit. When things get hard, you need to get stronger and find a solution to make it work. Never give up! With God, everything is possible.

Prayer:

Dear God, today we ask for strength. Strength to stay strong even when things don’t go as we planned. Strength when we can’t seem to find a solution. God, we believe in your greatness, and we know that with you, all things are possible. We understand that you are working through us, and we are grateful to be part of your mission. Help us recognize your presence and assistance. Just like the stonecutter who kept swinging until the 102nd swing broke the stone and revealed an amazing geode. What if he had stopped at 50, 75, or even 101 swings? He never knew how close he was until it broke open. Give us the same strength to keep going and never give up. Thank you, Lord, for everything you have done for us. Amen.

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.

Find Your Inspiration OUTSIDE of Your Comfort Zone

Find your inspiration outside of your comfort zone.

Firstly, I want to take a moment to say thank you.

Thank you for allowing me to share these with you.

Thank you for spending a few moments reading them. Now, let’s have some fun! Today, I’m going to tell you about the coolest live event I’ve ever been to. It was hosted by Russell Brunson and the Click Funnels team, and it’s called Funnel Hacking Live.

Strange name, isn’t it? I began following Russell Brunson in January 2021. Honestly, I first heard about him in March 2020, when he was promoted along with Dean Graziosi and Tony Robbins. That’s when I first learned about Russell Brunson.

He’s a marketing expert who knows how to sell to many people at once. He shares similar beliefs with me and enjoys spending time with his family. It took me some time to start following him, though. I think it was around November 2020 when I finally decided to buy his perfect webinar training.

By January, I had purchased all three of his books. Then, by June, I had bought tickets to a live event he hosts every year called Funnel Hacking Live. As an entrepreneur, this was the most exciting live event.

To be honest, it was a bit overwhelming. I started wondering what I’d gotten myself into. As I made my way to the event registration, I saw many people wearing branded shirts, backpacks, caps, and more. I could attend to help with our business.

I got to Orlando, took an Uber to the hotel, checked into my room, and then headed to the event check-in. As I walked in, I was very doubtful about everything and everyone. (Not judging, just skeptical.)

When I finally got to the check-in area, everything was done on a computer. I filled out a simple form, then walked a bit more and saw about 20 people ready to assist me.

It felt nice. They asked for my shirt size, then gave me a box with Click Funnels branding, along with a name tag and a wristband. I don’t like wearing name tags. Then, I went back to my room to see what was inside the box.

They gave each person some cool stuff: a tumbler, notebook, t-shirt, a few pens, and some other small goodies, all with Click Funnels branding. But there was no schedule included!

So, I went back to the check-in area and saw that the schedule was posted all over the walls of the hotel. I quickly took a picture of it so I could remember everything.

I saw that the first session started that afternoon. I didn’t want to be late, so I planned to be there about 30 minutes before the doors opened. When I got back, about 1500 people were waiting in the hotel hallway.

One thing to know about me is that I’m not afraid when I’m on stage or hosting an event. But when I’m just attending, it’s a whole different story. I was nervous, to be honest.

Anyway, I walked past most of the crowd and found a nice spot near the doors, so I could get a good seat. When they opened the doors, there was a big rush of people all running to the front to grab the best seats they could find.

One thing to know about me is that I don’t rush to get a good seat. I just walk casually, not showing how nervous I am. Anyway…

As I walked to the other side of the room and then up to the front section, closest to the stage, I noticed there were one or two empty seats. I asked the people next to me if I could take one of them. Voila! I had an amazing seat for whatever was about to happen next.

The next four days went by quickly. I took over 40 pages of notes. I got to see Tony Robbins in person. I talked to people I didn’t know about our business. I also advised strangers about their businesses after hearing about their struggles.

We began early and ended late each day. Every time, I had the perfect seat, thanks to God. This event felt like attending a four-day rock concert.

The atmosphere was incredible lights, an MC to keep things going, a DJ to set the mood, cameras everywhere, enthusiastic people, and lots to learn. When I booked my tickets, I planned not to fly out until the afternoon after the event ended.

It was the best decision I ever made. The next day, as I walked through where Funnel Hacking Live took place the night before, it felt completely different. It was like the quiet after a big storm.

The hotel staff had taken apart the room, and the stage was being dismantled to get ready for the next event. What was packed with 3500 people the night before is now empty! There were only about three people there who weren’t hotel staff.

One lady was sitting on a couch with her computer, and another guy was sitting at a table with his computer. As for me, I was typing up a devotional. The past three days have inspired me.

I checked the time and realized I needed to leave. I only had about 30 minutes to pack everything and get to the lobby to meet my ride to the airport. As I walked past the other two people sitting there, I greeted each of them with a “hi.”

Then I felt like I should talk more to the lady on the couch. She seemed a bit worried. After chatting for a while, I found out she was Amanda Holmes, Chet Holmes’ daughter. Chet wrote the book “The Ultimate Sales Machine,” and she was working on rewriting it.

We chatted for a bit, and I mostly listened as she talked about her struggles with a particular chapter. She mentioned how she had rewritten it several times, but it just kept getting longer and longer.

Then she said, “I could write a whole book just on this one topic.” My response surprised her: “Then go for it! What’s stopping you from making a sequel to this book that goes deeper into this topic?”

I had to go, but she was thankful for the advice I gave her. I’ve been to lots of live events in different industries, but this was the best one ever. Now, my goal is to create something similar in my industry soon.

My main point is that I felt uncomfortable when I arrived. But by the end, I felt a bit better. And this year, I’m thrilled to get another chance to go!

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “God already knows your path!” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

From the Heart

From the Heart

I was in my mid-twenties when I had the chance to travel to Reno, NV, and deliver a 5-minute speech for the National Grange.

Standing on stage in front of the whole convention and delivering my speech felt amazing. I bring a lot of energy to the stage, which is something you should know about me. It’s a cool experience overall.

I spoke at a conference in Colorado with around 150 people. We arrived the night before. The next morning, we sat and listened to the presenters. It was a big event.

They were all nice people, but they seemed a bit nervous and serious when they stood in front of the group. My turn to speak was scheduled for just after 10 a.m.

Sam, a member of my team, accompanied me as I swiftly passed him my truck keys. “Quickly head to the store,” I instructed, “and purchase a candy bar for everyone present. We’re commencing in 45 minutes, so no dawdling!”

He dashed to the truck and sped to the store, buying plenty of candy bars for everyone. He returned just five minutes before my presentation. We distributed the candy bars, and as they signaled me, I hurried from the back to the front of the room, beginning the presentation.

After that 45-minute presentation, I felt completely exhausted for the whole day. Many approached me afterward, saying, “You’re amazing! I was nodding off before you started, but I stayed alert and took lots of notes during your talk. Thanks for being here!”

Moving on…

Now, back to my speech for the National Grange. While preparing, they mentioned that there was a podium available. I grabbed my speech and headed there, ready to deliver it.

I tilted my head to the side, like a dog hearing a high-pitched sound, and asked, “Can I have a handheld mic, please?”

They agreed. Then, the woman in charge reminded me I only had 5 minutes! She warned that at the 5-minute mark, they’d cut off my mic.

Awesome! As I stepped onto the stage where many great singers had performed, I sensed their presence. Suddenly, my nerves vanished, and I began speaking. The more I spoke, the more comfortable I became.

After the speech, I was filled with immense energy! The passion and fervor in my delivery were palpable to everyone present. The speech centered on the importance of having God in your life.

I wish I had a video or just the audio of it. Finally, I wrapped up at 4 minutes and 59 seconds. As I walked off the stage to applause, I realized that being in front of groups was where I belonged.

Throughout the entire speech, I felt a powerful presence, causing the hairs on my arms to stand up. The best part came afterward when many approached me, surprised, saying, “I never knew you had such strong faith!” That’s when I knew God’s presence was with me on that stage.

He guided me to speak the words necessary for both me and others. He enabled them to listen attentively to the message I conveyed.

Since then, every time I step onto a stage, I offer a prayer. “God, help me convey the message you want them to hear. Open their ears and minds to accept what they need. I’m grateful for your guidance!”

Despite my discomfort with attention, being on stage is where I thrive because I know it’s my purpose. I’m meant to assist others as much as possible!

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Using Stories To Teach” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Get out there and take ACTION!

Get out there and take action

Taking an inch of action now will propel you closer to your goal than a mile of mere intervention ever could!

It’s about time we took action. How often have we heard this phrase? I’ve heard it countless times. So why do we struggle to heed it? I can’t pinpoint how long it took me to finally take the initiative and build my house. Or why I remained in the same job for another year or two, despite knowing I needed a change. Sure, dedication to our work is commendable, but was I truly benefiting anyone by staying in a job I no longer found fulfilling?

Throughout my life, these are the challenges I’ve grappled with continuously. I’d wager that if you delve a bit deeper, you’ll discover similar struggles within yourself. Today, our focus will be on initiating action and putting an end to procrastination.

There are seven straightforward steps. Determine the factors that are restraining your progress.
 
What’s impeding your ability to take action at this moment? Is it concerns about loved ones, fear of loss, or a lack of confidence? Pinpoint the obstacle and confront it directly. Only then will you be empowered to take decisive action.
 
Engage in prayer!
 
This might not align with your beliefs, but let me share that when I increased my prayer practice and surrendered to God, I experienced a profound influx of knowledge and, above all, peace. I vividly recall counseling someone on prayer once. They expressed, “Dan, I’m hesitant to pray because then everyone will know I’m a Christian!” Is that necessarily negative? It depends on who you aspire to be. I desire for everyone I encounter to recognize my steadfast Christian faith and commitment to living a righteous life. What I conveyed to him was this: “You can pray anywhere, anytime, and no one needs to be aware unless you choose to share. Whether your eyes are open or closed, whether you’re driving, conversing, sitting, standing, or lying down—it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you dedicate time to communicating with God.”
 

Pay attention and act decisively.

Listening serves as the initial step towards taking action and embracing substantial risks that can ultimately yield significant rewards. Tune in to your inner sentiments and instincts. If you sense the urge to reach out to someone, don’t hesitate to make that call promptly.

If your intuition prompts you to halt eating, then cease without delay. However, if you contemplate more daring actions, ensure you exercise caution and consider all safety measures thoroughly. Listen attentively and respond promptly.

Avoid prolonged deliberation over minor choices.

My rule of thumb is simple: if a decision won’t have a significant impact on my life in five years, I don’t dwell on it. Instead, I make a choice and move forward. What does this principle entail? When someone asks me where to dine, I suggest it without hesitation. If they inquire about a deadline, I provide a specific time.

Even when invited for lunch, I propose a concrete plan for the following day. These minor decisions won’t significantly alter my trajectory over time. However, decisions like starting a business, purchasing additional property, or acquiring a new vehicle are significant and warrant thorough consideration and research.

For immense risks, expect substantial rewards.

Have you ever tied the knot? Started a family? Have you purchased a home or a car? Pursued higher education or embarked on a career path? Each of these endeavors carries considerable risks, but they also offer immense rewards. Life-changing events necessitate a willingness to take risks. You cannot anticipate transformative shifts if you persist in the status quo.

To effect genuine change in your life, you must venture beyond your comfort zone. So, the next time an opportunity arises, scale that mountain, ask that special someone out—just leap.

Stop seeking approval.

Seeking permission, even from yourself, inhibits growth. It harkens back to childhood, when you had to ask for approval for every little thing. “Dad, can I have this candy bar?” Well, if you want the candy bar, just buy it! Who cares? Cease seeking validation from others before taking that leap of faith and advancing to the next level. I recall consulting a trusted advisor about whether I was ready to start a business.

Their response was, “I would hate to lose you, so I would say you can do anything as long as you don’t leave. Lol.” I was essentially asking for permission to take a risk. I was waiting for the perfect moment to take that next step. Now, don’t misunderstand me—I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t communicate with your spouse or partner. That’s crucial. If you missed it, refer back to the section on prayer. That’s about communicating with the most important person in your life—at least in my life.

Failure is not an endpoint!

Thomas Edison encapsulated it perfectly when he said, “I did not fail once; I just found 10,000 ways not to create a lightbulb!” I’m not suggesting that you won’t encounter setbacks; rather, it’s essential not to perceive them as failures. Instead, view them as valuable learning opportunities. Admittedly, some of these “learning experiences” may come at a significant cost, but remember, money is just a transient aspect of life.

You entered this world without a penny, and you’ll depart it in the same manner. The crucial point is to acknowledge that mistakes are inevitable; however, don’t allow them to plunge you into despair. Maintain your composure and press forward. Taking risks entails encountering numerous learning experiences—it’s an inherent aspect of the journey. So, don’t let the fear of failure deter you from taking action today.

In a world brimming with individuals, aim to belong to the 1%. Be among those who proactively seize opportunities and take decisive action, rather than remaining among the 99% confined to mundane 8–5 jobs, loathing every moment. Start today and implement the necessary changes to enhance your life. Remember, time is the ultimate currency. While your time on this planet is finite, the potential to accumulate wealth is boundless.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Encouragement in Daily Life: Small Acts, Big Effects” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Getting in the right state to make GREAT decisions.

Getting in the Right State to Make Great Decisions

I got to see Tony Robbins speak at a live event for five hours! It was great. I took lots of notes—more than 50 pages in just four days. There’s so much I learned, but it would take forever to tell you everything.

I want to talk about one important thing. Before you decide anything, you need to get into a positive mindset.
 
If you’re fine with making simple choices and feeling lazy, then go ahead and keep sitting in your chair without any motivation.
 
But if you want to learn how to make really smart decisions with confidence, then keep reading this.
 
Now, turn up the volume and pick a super fun and fast song that you really like. Something like “Shake” by Mercy Me. Then, the first step is to stand up.
 
Stand up now. Shake your whole body. Why wait? Just do it! Seriously, shake your body.

Now that you’ve done that, jump a little. Jump higher, and keep jumping like you’re a kid at a trampoline park without any fear!

Stop looking at others; just jump. Now that you’ve done that, there’s one more thing I want you to do.
 
I know you might be wondering what people think. You might feel silly and think everyone’s watching. BUT WHO CARES?

If you want to make really smart decisions, you have to do things that others won’t.
Make a noise that makes you happy. Now make it louder. Even louder.
 
Did you do it? If not, you won’t feel the full impact. Now jump up and down again, like a kid playing in a mud puddle. Are you doing it?
 
Now, make that happy noise again. Louder. Even louder this time. Okay, sit down. Now, make some noise while you’re sitting. Move around like you did when you were standing up. Do it so much that you feel like standing up again.

Okay, now spend 10 minutes getting that task done. Make those important decisions you were struggling with earlier. I know what you’re thinking: there’s no way I’m doing what Dan just suggested.

Here’s the deal: It’s completely your choice whether you do it or not. But if you give it a try and it works, what have you lost? Maybe just looking a bit silly and making awesome decisions.
 
I have a rule in my life that I learned from Russell Brunson: if you don’t know him, search for him. I listen and do everything that successful people, who own a helicopter and have strong stage presence, tell me to do.

If it works for Tony Robbins, it can work for you. If it works for me, it can work for you too. 

The important thing is to believe that it will work. You need to get yourself in the right state—mentally, physically, and emotionally—before making any decisions, or else you won’t make really good ones.

At best, they’ll be just okay. Let me ask you something: Would you marry someone who’s just okay? absolutely not! You want someone amazing, not just average.

If we wouldn’t marry someone who’s just okay, why should we make decisions that are only okay? Ever since I learned this from Tony directly at a live event, I use it every single day. When I’m getting ready to teach a course, I apply it.
 
When I’m ready to write something, I do it. When we’re ready to buy another business, I do it. When I’m ready to go home and see my family, I do it.
 
Because if I’m not there for them, then I’m not living my happiest life. We only have one life, and we can decide how we want to live it. We can settle for just okay, or we can aim for excellence.
 
It’s up to us. Just like it’s up to us who we marry, where we work, and what we do.
Now it’s your turn to choose: Do you want to live a mediocre life, or do you want to live an extraordinary one? Personally, I’m giving it my all and living each day to the fullest.
 
There’s one more thing I really need to share with you. Are you ready? It’s pretty awesome.
Life is what we decide it to be. We can choose to be without money, lacking, busy, tired, hungry, thirsty, or unsatisfied.

Alternatively,

We can choose to feel happy, content, rich, fit, loyal, and in love. It’s completely up to us. And we decide that every day when we wake up.
 
One more thing to ask you quickly: Have you ever felt like you care about your partner, but maybe not in love with them anymore?
 
I think many of us have felt that way at some point in our relationships.
 
I’ve felt that way before. (I’m sure Jenna has too in the past. I haven’t always been the best husband and father. I’ve made mistakes. I’m grateful she’s forgiving.)
 
Can you think of something that used to be adorable but now bothers you?
 
It’s a decision. When you were in love, those things didn’t annoy you. They were actually cute things they did. But now that your feelings have changed, they’re not cute anymore. So, what can we do to make things better?
 
Decide right now to change how you feel. Do whatever you need to do to get into a good mood and stay there.
 
And when you begin to feel less happy, you have to choose to change how you feel. Not how others feel, but yourself.
 
Guess what? Once you change how you feel, the people around you will start to change too!
 
So, here’s to changing how we feel so we can always make really smart decisions.
 
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.

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