"(A) process orientation (versus outcome orientation)… asks ‘How do I do it?’ instead of ‘Can I do it?’ and this directs attention toward defining the steps that are necessary on the way. This orientation can be characterized in terms of the guiding principle that there are no failures, only ineffective solutions."

                                                                                                                                          – Ellen Langer, Mindfulness

How often do we find ourselves paralyzed by the question: "Can I do it?"

It’s a question that’s natural to ask when faced with a challenge, but it’s also one that can stop us in our tracks. The moment we focus on whether we can achieve something, we tend to get caught in a cycle of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. We worry about failure, which, ironically, makes failure more likely.

But what if I told you the question you should be asking is not “Can I do it?” but rather "How do I do it?"

Let me ex...

"The smallest change in perspective can transform a life. What tiny attitude adjustment might turn your world around?"
                                                                                                                         – Oprah Winfrey

I am continually amazed by how the smallest shifts in our perspective can have profound effects on our lives. Whether we're facing challenges or standing at the crossroads of something new, often it’s not the situation itself that holds us back – it’s our view of it. By changing our perspective, we can dissolve worry and negativity and open ourselves to new opportunities.

A few years ago, I found myself in a situation I never expected: divorced, navigating life as a single dad, and raising my 13-year-old son, Jason, mostly on my own. My former wife had moved to Hawaii, leaving Jason and me to build a new life with just the two of us in Denver.

Jason was – and still is – an incredible son. Despite all the upheaval, he adapte...

“In the study of truth, we talk often about the power of words. It is important to put into words only the verbal statements you want to see manifest in your life. For instance, the word ‘problem.’ You say, ‘I have a problem.’ A much better word to employ when referring to some sort of challenge is ‘project’.

’Note what happens when you say, ‘I have this project.’ It makes all the difference in the world. The word project suggests a positive endeavor of development… We tackle a project with vigor and imagination and with the conviction that it will be done.”

                                                                                                                               - Eric Butterworth

In life and business, it’s not what happens to us that defines us—it’s how we respond. This simple truth is the foundation of growth, resilience, and ultimately, success.

As we reflect on the challenges we faced in 2024, many of us may feel it was a year full of unexpected hurdl...

“Hope is a start. But…hope needs action to win victories.”

                                                                  – David J. Schwartz

A new year has arrived, and with it, a fresh wave of possibilities. I don’t know about you, but I’m thrilled that 2025 is here!

Now, I’ll be honest: usually, I’m not one to get too caught up in the buzz of a new year. But this time feels different. After everything we’ve been through, there’s a special energy surrounding the start of this year. It’s like a breath of fresh air after a long storm.

2024 was a tough year for many of us—and I’m no exception. But with the arrival of 2025, I feel a renewed sense of hope for what’s ahead. And here’s what I know: hope is an incredibly powerful force. It’s the spark that gets us moving, that pushes us to break through barriers and overcome challenges. But hope alone isn’t enough.

Hope needs action. Hope needs a plan. Hope needs you to do something about it.

The Power of H.O.P.E. in Cre...

"Making a choice that is one percent better or one percent worse seems insignificant in the moment, but over the span of moments that make up a lifetime, these choices determine who you are and who you could be. Success is a product of daily habits—not once-in-a-lifetime transformations."

                                                                                                                                                                   – James Clear, Atomic Habits

The dawn of a new year is always a powerful moment. It’s a time when we reflect on the past and dream of what’s possible in the future. We often set lofty goals—whether it’s improving our health, advancing in our careers, strengthening relationships, or building financial stability.

But here’s the catch: while having a clear vision is crucial, it’s not enough to just know what we want. What truly makes the difference is the ability to show up every single day and take consistent action toward those dream...

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.”

                                                                                                                                                          – Joel A. Barker

We all have a vision. It’s not just a pipe dream or a fleeting thought—it’s a deep-seated knowing inside of us, one that’s been there since childhood.

Think back to when you were a kid. What did you imagine yourself becoming? An astronaut? A doctor? A superhero (I’m pretty sure I was Batman at the age of five)? The possibilities were endless, weren't they? The world was a canvas, and your imagination was the brush.

But as we grow older, those boundless visions often fade. Why? Because we start questioning whether they’re possible, practical, or worth pursuing. We allow fear, doubt, and the voice of "what if I fail?" to silence our dreams.

But I believe the visions inside of u...

"We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give."

                                                                                - Winston Churchill

The holidays are usually marked with hustle and bustle of year-end activities.  Our calendars fill up with events, parties and gift-giving functions, celebrating with family and friends. 

Some of us may struggle with how to get into the spirit of the holidays.  However, it is my experience that when we focus on the giving of "gifts" during this time of year, is where the magic happens.

With this in mind, here are five gifts we can give others and ourselves (that you can’t buy on Amazon or anywhere else) to make this unique holiday season joyous and one to remember.

1) Connect– Take this time to slow down and connect, first with yourself and then with others. Begin each day by allowing your mind to get quiet and connect to the that “still, small voice” within.  Then, from this place, focus on tru...

“The moment you take Responsibility for everything in your life, is the moment you can change Anything in your life.”

                                                                                                                                                         – Hal Elrod

As a speaker, I have the privilege of sharing my Mind of a Champion message with diverse audiences—ranging from elementary school students to corporate leaders.

Though each audience is unique, I’ve learned that the core of my message remains the same: There is a champion inside of you. And when you access that champion and take full accountability for your life, you can achieve anything you set your heart and mind to.

But what happens when things aren’t going according to plan? What happens when you’re facing challenges, setbacks, or even downright failure? How do you break through?

I’ve spoken to groups of young people who’ve made poor choices and now struggle to find their way back on trac...

“No one can do it for you, but you can’t do it alone.”

                                                       – People’s House, Denver, Colorado

This powerful mantra, originating from the world of drug and alcohol rehabilitation, holds deep resonance for me as an adult child of an alcoholic. But no matter what personal challenges you’ve faced in life, this statement carries a universal truth—one that’s not only important for overcoming addiction but also crucial for achieving success in every area of life.

We all encounter trials, don’t we? Moments when life seems to throw us curveballs we didn’t see coming. But as you take a step back, you’ll realize that many of these challenges are born from the choices we’ve made—our thoughts, actions, or beliefs.

While we may feel the urge to find someone to blame or wish for someone to come and rescue us, the reality is that we must take ownership of our journey if we want to move forward.

The Power of Ownership

When we take ful...

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions.  The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”

                                                                                           -  Zig Ziglar

Thanksgiving 2024 will soon be upon us. 

It is certainly an understatement to say that 2024 has been an unusual, and in many cases, a very challenging year.

Depite our many challenges, we still have much to be grateful for.  

However, what I realized today is, even though I consider myself to be someone who lives life with a high appreciation for what I have to be grateful for in my life, there are still things that I have grown to take for granted – one of those is spending holidays with family and friends.

Additionally, during the course of the recent pandemic, I have realized how much I have taken for granted some of my favorite activities that are were curtailed.  These include:

Going to...