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Extreme Ownership

Posted on by dan_adm

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

Getting out of Your Comfort Zone

Posted on by dan_adm

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”—Roy T. Bennett

When did you last purposely step out of your comfort zone? For me, it’s almost every day. Not always in big ways, like the first podcast I did, the first newsletter I made, or the first person I hired.

Some days it’s just about trying a new recipe for dinner, using a different pen, or wearing different shoes. You get the idea.

Every day, I deliberately do things that push me out of my comfort zone. You might wonder, why would you do that, Dan? What’s the point of making yourself uncomfortable?

The truth is, when you step out of your comfort zone, you’re helping yourself grow. And when you do it intentionally, you get to decide where you grow.

Think about it. If you want to improve at public speaking, the best thing you can do is get on other platforms, get interviewed, or join a group like Toastmasters and speak to a crowd.

If you want to improve and meet new clients, you could begin by saying “hi” or “how are you today?” to strangers in the store, on the street, or in a restaurant. Next time you eat out, try telling the waiter a bit about yourself. Practice introducing yourself to strangers.

If you don’t act on purpose, you might end up feeling uncomfortable in a way you don’t like. In any case, God has a way of nudging us out of our comfort zone from time to time.

I often get asked, “Dan, why do you keep pushing your comfort zone?”

My answer is straightforward. I push beyond my comfort zone because I want to grow. I enjoy making progress and moving forward. The best way to do that is by challenging yourself.

Here are some tips to help you step out of your comfort zone:

  • Make a list of something you’d like to achieve in the next year. This is helpful because if you don’t know what you want, it’s hard to start moving in the right direction.

Here are some ideas: talk to strangers, start a podcast, go live on Facebook or IGTV, talk to people of the opposite sex, create great presentations, speak in front of lots of people, and more.

  • Begin with something easy. If you want to speak in front of people, don’t start with a big event. For example, if you’ve never spoken in front of a group, don’t plan a massive event and make yourself the main speaker.

Begin with a small group, like 2–5 people, having drinks. Then, try speaking to a small and friendly group in a local organization, such as a Grange meeting. Next, give a presentation to children, like at your local school or to a group of 4-H kids. After that, organize your event and invite a small group of around 10–25 people. Then, speak at someone else’s event for their group. Finally, gradually speak in front of larger and larger groups until you feel comfortable with it.

  • Don’t wait; start today. One of our biggest problems as people is that we let fear control what we do.

When we’re scared to make a video and share it, we often delay it until we say, “Oh well, I guess we’re not supposed to make that video.” Instead of that, just do it right away.

When I started recording videos on my phone, it was scary! I mean, I was terrified. It was so difficult to press the record button. And after I recorded a few, it was even harder to share them.

After I shared them, I started getting feedback. Some friends commented on the videos, encouraging me to keep sharing knowledge. Now, a year later, I’m comfortable making those videos, and I don’t hesitate to post them. I’d encourage everyone to follow my YouTube channel.

  • Talk about your difficulties. It’s hard to admit where we struggle. For some reason, we’re wired to believe that others don’t have the same struggles as us.

We might believe that our older brother has everything figured out, but the truth is, we rely on each other for support. When you talk about your struggles, it helps clear your mind so you can focus on moving forward.

I remember after we built our house, my brother, who’s a skilled diesel mechanic, told me how much he admired my ability to design and build things. It’s a skill he didn’t have but wished he did.

So, what did we do? We began by teaming up to build a tack room in his barn. I led the project, making sure he understood everything.

We sat together and planned the room, made a list of what we needed, got the materials, and began building. He was uncomfortable the whole time and nervous until he could see the end. Then we knew he could do it.

You won’t believe what happened next. He called and said, “Hey, I need to build a deck and stairs for my back porch. I have the plans drawn up. Could you come and check them out?”

He got a lot more confident by trying something new once, so he was ready for more! When you talk about what’s hard for you, it’s easier for others to support you.

If you never talk about your struggles, how will anyone know what you need?

  • Before and after photos and comparisons. I used to not believe in these. Until one day, my wife secretly took a picture of our messy craft area before we started organizing it.

Then she took another picture after we finished the project, with all the workstations built and everything organized.

Wow, we made such a big difference in just a few days. It’s amazing to have something to compare, so you can see how much better you’ve become by stepping out of your comfort zone.

Those before and after comparisons encourage you to keep stepping out again and again. When I look back at the first videos, I shot a year ago compared to now, what a difference! I’ve learned where to look, when to shoot, about lighting, and so much more.

Never compare yourself to anyone except the person you were yesterday!

  • Get an accountability partner or join a group. When someone else knows your plan, they can help you stay on track.

A good idea is to schedule a weekly Zoom call with a group, so you can all help each other stay accountable for your goals.

This one scares a lot of people.

But if you handle it right, it’s not a bad thing at all. In our group, we never judge.

If someone doesn’t meet their goals for a week for stepping out of their comfort zone, we all ask what we can do to help, or we simply give them support by reminding them of how far they’ve come and that they can do it because they’ve done so much more in the past.

Hopefully, these tips will help you take uncomfortable action very soon. Let me know if you want to join our accountability group. I’d be happy to chat and see if you’d be a good fit for us.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘MAKING THOSE TOUGH DECISIONS‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at eclipse DOT

Set Your Goals High This Year

Posted on by dan_adm

Set your goals high this year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go out there and create an impact.

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

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

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

Taking Ownership

Posted on by dan_adm

Taking Ownership

Success is elusive until you take full ownership of your actions and responsibilities.

Dan Greer

Recently, I assisted a company in regaining compliance, despite the challenging task of traveling across the western US during the winter. Throughout this experience, I gained valuable insights.

First and foremost, I realized the pivotal role of taking ownership of any project for its success. Upon arriving at their administrative office, it became evident that no one had previously taken full ownership of the DOT program. Like many organizations, the responsibility had been passed from one person to another, resulting in repeated failures and a compliance rate of less than 10%.

Stepping in to assist, we made remarkable progress. Within the first two weeks, the compliance rate soared to over 40%, reaching over 50% by the end of the third week and now standing at over 90%. So, what made the difference? It was simple—I took ownership of the program.

I made it my priority to engage with as many drivers as possible, identifying and rectifying underlying issues. Others had shied away, citing the situation as too chaotic to handle and expressing sentiments like, “This is just too much of a mess right now. Once it’s under control, then my team can handle it.” Such attitudes only perpetuate the problem and hinder genuine success.

Sadly, a member of their team had recently abandoned the project, passing it on to someone else due to a perceived lack of time. However, the truth is clear—without genuine ownership, true success is unattainable.

Taking ownership is crucial for several reasons, which we’ll explore next.

When we take ownership of a project, we ensure its success. There’s no room for excuses like “We did our best” or “It’s not my fault if a third of the company didn’t attend our meetings at every location” (which happened). When someone truly owns a project, nothing, absolutely nothing, can impede its progress. That’s why taking ownership is paramount.

Imagine starting a new project with only a half-hearted commitment. What are the chances of its survival? About 25% at best. But when you commit 125%, there’s no room for failure because you’re giving it your all. You tackle obstacles head-on, finding solutions and overcoming them.

Now, if you don’t take ownership, what happens when obstacles arise? You become disheartened and give up. When I discovered that 100 drivers hadn’t attended our meetings while we were traveling, I had two options.

Option 1 was to blame the managers and organizers. But what would that achieve? Absolutely nothing besides assigning blame.

Option 2 was to find solutions. I chose this path. It wasn’t easy, but it was the only viable option. I delved into the system, identified what was needed for full compliance, and reached out to each driver individually.

By taking ownership of the project, we navigated through obstacles as they arose, ensuring its success.

Today, I want to urge everyone to embrace ownership in all their endeavors. Whether it’s scrubbing toilets or loading a rocket with fuel, take ownership.

Commit yourself to ensuring that it gets done because you’re determined to make it happen. So go out there and take pride in your work!

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Being a leader when you are NOT in charge‘ 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.

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.

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You’re only stuck when you stop moving

Posted on by dan_adm

YOU’RE ONLY STUCK WHEN YOU STOP MOVING

During my childhood, my grandpa used to impart a simple yet profound wisdom: “You’re only stuck when you stop moving!” He often referred to a tractor navigating through the wet parts of a field, but his words held a deeper truth about life.

Life is a continuous journey, always in motion. I’ve come to realize that the only instances when I’ve felt truly stuck were when I allowed myself to come to a standstill.

During my tenure at Crossfire, it seemed like I was always progressing. I experienced frequent promotions, shifts in my job responsibilities, and the challenge of building a DOT program from the ground up. Even when we were acquired by another major corporation, the momentum didn’t stop.

In essence, over the span of 5.5 years, I never once felt stagnant.

While working as an equipment operator for San Juan County before my time at Crossfire, I often found myself feeling stagnant, despite numerous opportunities for advancement. It wasn’t until near the end of my tenure there that I finally began to seize those opportunities.

Ultimately, the crucial factor lies in our self-motivation and drive.

We always have the opportunity to move forward. Whether we choose to act or remain stagnant is entirely up to us. I’m here to emphasize that the majority of people prefer to stay in their comfort zones, while only a small fraction—the 1%—are constantly in motion.

It’s this minority that tends to be the most successful, not necessarily in terms of financial wealth but in their overall fulfillment and happiness. They find joy and satisfaction in what they do and where they are in life, consistently striving for progress and growth.

At some point in our lives, we all find ourselves in ruts. However, it’s up to us to decide whether we’ll actively work to steer ourselves out of those ruts or simply coast along and remain stuck.

Escaping from these ruts can be challenging, particularly if they’re deep, and many others are also caught in them. But with determination and effort, it’s possible to overcome these obstacles and chart a new course.

You might currently find yourself stuck in various ruts, such as excessive social media use, binge-watching TV for hours on end, relying solely on one news source for information, being consumed by fear and hesitancy, avoiding new experiences, hesitating to pursue remarkable opportunities, overindulging in alcohol at night, and the list goes on.

Have you ever experienced getting stuck in a rut while driving your car or navigating through a swampy area on an ATV? The crucial thing to remember is to keep moving. If you come to a halt, you run the risk of getting stuck, or at the very least, it becomes much more challenging to regain momentum.

Seeking assistance from someone to pull you out of your current situation can be incredibly helpful. The key lies in making small corrective actions.

Attempting to make drastic changes in your life, akin to jerking the wheel sideways, can lead to tipping over and becoming even more stuck than before.

However, if you make a slight adjustment to the wheel and maintain a steady throttle, you can gradually ascend out of the ruts and onto dry ground.

I understand there are numerous analogies here, but the crucial point to remember is to never stop moving! Regardless of your current circumstances or endeavors, you only become stuck when you cease to move forward.

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

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“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”

Psalm 32:8

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