Tag: JustBeBetter

Talent Is Not Enough

As we begin the hiring process for the upcoming term, I’m spending time training my interview committee—not just to identify skills, but to recognize something far more important: work ethic.

I’m not looking for the most naturally talented candidates. Talent is common. What’s rare is someone who walks into the room and shows they’ve done the work—someone who took the time to research our district, prepare thoughtful questions, and connect their answers directly to the values we represent.

I want someone who makes me want to coach them, someone whose drive is so obvious that I feel compelled to help them reach their next goal. Talent is something I can help develop, but a strong work ethic is not.

And let’s be honest—no one has time to train someone to care.

Talent might get you in the room, but work ethic earns you the seat.

Every day is an interview. Show up like it.

🔖 Tags:

#JustBeBetter
#IOwnTheMorning
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#WWKDD
#EverydayIsAnInterview
#WorkEthicWins

The Edge of the Successful

There are mornings when I don’t want to work out. It’s cold, I’m tired, or life just feels inconvenient. But in those exact moments, I remind myself:

“What I do when it’s uncomfortable is what sets me apart.”

Success isn’t about showing up when it’s easy. It’s about showing up especially when it’s not. Don’t chase comfort to prove you’ve made it. Instead, embrace discomfort to prove you’re becoming who you were meant to be.

True growth happens in the grind—when you push through the fatigue, the cold, and the chaos. That’s the edge of success. And the edge is where transformation lives.

#WWKDD

#Just Be Better

#I Own The Morning

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#Everyday is an Interview

Memorial Day Appreciation: Remembering the Sacrifice

As we gather with family and friends, firing up grills and celebrating the unofficial start of summer, let us pause and remember the true meaning of Memorial Day. This day is not just a break from work or school—it is a solemn reminder of the men and women who gave everything in service to our nation.

“All gave some, some gave all.” — William Osterkamp

Memorial Day is a moment to honor those who never made it home, to reflect on the cost of our freedom, and to recommit ourselves to living lives worthy of their sacrifice.

To our veterans and active service members: we see you, we thank you, and we are grateful for your courage and dedication.

Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day.

#JustBeBetter


#StayHealthyStayStrong


#EverydayIsAnInterview


#HonorTheFallen


#WWKDD

#IOwnTheMorning

Are You Ready for the Call?

What if your dream opportunity came calling today—would you be ready?

Not just ready to interview… but ready to win the job?
Ready to step into your goals, your potential, your next level?

If your answer is anything but an instant “yes,” then it’s time to ask:
Why not?

We often hear about being in the right place at the right time. But the truth is, if you’re not prepared, the opportunity might come—and pass—without ever becoming yours.

Josh Bryant and Adam benShea use the term Gas Station Ready—the idea that you should be ready for anything at a moment’s notice, especially when it comes to protecting yourself or your loved ones.

The same mindset applies to your goals and aspirations.

  • Are you prepared to be great right now?
  • Are you prepared to achieve your goals right now?
  • Are you prepared to be who you say you want to be—right now?

Opportunities don’t wait until you feel ready. They come when they come. So get ready now.

Sharpen your resume. Practice your pitch. Train your mind and body.
Live like every day is an interview—because one day soon, the call will come.

Will you be ready to answer?

#EverydayIsAnInterview
 #IOwnTheMorning
 #StayHealthyStayStrong
 #WWKDD
 #JustBeBetter

The Power of Micro-Habits: Why Small Changes Lead to Big Wins

The bigger the goal, the more critical the process. Ambitious outcomes don’t happen overnight—they’re earned, step by step, habit by habit.

That’s where micro-habits come in.

Micro-habits are the small, almost effortless actions that, when repeated consistently, lead to lasting change. These aren’t massive overhauls or grand gestures. They’re the tiny tweaks that gradually move you closer to your goals without overwhelming you.

Here are a few that I’ve started to implement in my own life:

  • Morning protein shake after walking my dog – It sounds simple, but this small action ensures I get my protein in early instead of scrambling late at night. It’s a great example of habit stacking—linking a new behavior to one that’s already ingrained.
  • Sitting up straight while working – Posture affects energy, focus, and even confidence. This small adjustment has been surprisingly powerful.
  • Reading my mantra sheet before I get out of bed – A reminder of who I want to be, before the noise of the day sets in.
  • Leaving the food scale out on the kitchen counter – Visibility is accountability. This nudge helps me stay mindful of my nutrition without extra mental effort.

These aren’t dramatic changes, but that’s the point. The compound effect of tiny improvements is what builds unstoppable momentum.

Don’t underestimate the power of small. The path to big wins is paved with micro-habits.

#JustBeBetter

#StayStrongStayHealthy

#WWKDD

#IOwnTheMorning

Patience Over Perfection: How to Stay Motivated When Growth is Slow

Progress rarely arrives in dramatic leaps. Most of the time, it creeps in slowly—too slowly, if you’re like me, tracking your workouts, measuring your waistline, and stepping on the scale with hopes of seeing meaningful changes each day. When those numbers barely move, it can be maddening.

Despite what every coach, trainer, and motivational quote says about “enjoying the journey,” I still crave results. And I want them now. But here’s the truth I keep reminding myself: I didn’t get out of shape overnight, and I won’t get back into peak shape overnight either.

It took years of habits—some good, some not—to build the current version of myself. Rebuilding, reshaping, and reclaiming my fitness and focus will take time. But that doesn’t mean it’s not working. It just means the progress is happening beneath the surface, where discipline is forged and resolve is tested.

Each day I choose to stay patient, I’m not just building muscle or losing unwanted fat—I’m building grit. The gains may be small, but they are real. And the person I become during this slow grind? That’s the real reward.

So if you’re working toward something—whether it’s physical, personal, or professional—and the pace feels agonizingly slow, don’t give up. Stay patient. Stay focused. Stay in the fight.

Because strength isn’t just measured in pounds lost or inches trimmed. Sometimes, it’s measured in the courage to keep going when nothing seems to be changing.

#EveryDayIsAnInterview
 #JustBeBetter
 #StayStrongStayHealthy
 #IOwnTheMorning
 #WWKDD

Force the Future – Start Messy

After a lot of thought, research, and meetings, I finally broke down and hired a trainer. I chose Naylor Body Design, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is that you can’t do everything at once. Each new action my trainer gives me is designed to build a new habit — not just a quick fix, but a lifelong skill. That requires patience. It demands focus. It challenges me to slow down, master one thing at a time, and accept that starting messy is part of the process.

Sure, I would love instant results. If it were easy, I would have already hit all my body composition and fitness goals. But lasting change doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly right away. It comes from embracing the messy start, showing up, and committing to the slow build.

Force the future — even if you have to start messy. It’s the only way real growth happens.


#JustBeBetter
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#IOwnTheMorning
#WWKDD

Frustration or Lesson?

This morning started with a small panic.

I was trying to get out the door early for a workshop over an hour away. I knew traffic would be heavy, so I planned ahead. Shoes on, bags packed, ready to roll.

Except for one thing—I couldn’t find my phone.

Ten minutes passed. I retraced every step. No phone. I needed it for navigation and communication—non-negotiables when heading into unfamiliar territory. I started to feel the frustration creeping in.

Finally, I found it.

Tucked neatly into the pocket of the weight vest I wore earlier during my walk with Kix. The walk was productive, the vest did its job—and so did my forgetful mind, apparently.

Now I had a choice:
Be annoyed that I misplaced it… or learn from it.

Could I have gotten angry? Sure.
But would that help me improve? Not likely.

Instead, I chose to take the moment as a lesson. Put things back where they belong. Build better habits. Keep it simple.

The more we treat mistakes as feedback rather than failure, the faster we improve.

#JustBeBetter
#IOwnTheMorning
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#WWKDD

Driving Lessons from a Commute: Stay Safe and Sane

My wife and I had the rare opportunity to drive to work together. I am glad we did. We kept each other calm as one driver decided to use the morning commute as a tryout for a live Frogger event. She weaved in and out of traffic. Each time she would reenter a lane, she cut off another driver. At one point, she was so frustrated with the speed in the left “passing” lane that she darted into the right lane without looking, forcing the driver in the right lane to veer off the road.

There is no excuse for this. 

Driving recklessly in an emergency will not improve your chances of reaching your destination. The priority should be arriving safely, not on time.

If the person was driving recklessly because they were late, they should have front-loaded their day better not to endanger the lives of those around them.

#JustBeBetter

#StayStrong, StayHealthy

#iownthemorning

Balance

There is much talk about achieving and maintaining a work-life balance. I do not believe in work-life balance. Work is part of my life. Over the years, I have determined when it should be a priority. I also know when it should take a back seat. 

Each person struggles with balancing their priorities. I need to be prepared for any situation. At the same time, I strive to be a minimalist and not take more than I need. I do not like bringing more than I need to an event or task. But I also hate being unprepared. One reason for my minimalist approach is that bringing backup supplies starts a chain reaction. I end up with too many things I do not need. 

Here are some examples

I have a gig where I need a guitar, a pedal board, an amp, and cables. I prepared the packing list. Before I knew it, my car had four guitars, three amps, and two pedal boards. Despite all of the gear, I will end up using one guitar, one pedal board, one amp, and some cables.

The same thing happens when I go on vacation or play golf. I over pack and end up carrying things I do not need. It is one thing to have an extra pair of socks. Having an extra suitcase or golf bag you will never open is another. Also, I should never bring extra “toys” to golf until I learn to hit the ball straight. At that point, I will not need the “toys” anyway.

I preach the minimalist approach to my private students. Only take what you need to take a high-stakes test. There is no need to bring large equation sheets when three equations will solve over 95% of the problems. A large equation sheet will not finish the quest for the other 5%. One can only achieve such success through meaningful practice, AKA preparation.

How do I find balance? I review everything I need and do not need after each event. I am ruthless. Did I bring something I did not need? Did I forget something (once is human, a second time is unacceptable)? What challenges occurred that I was not prepared for? In doing so, I developed running lists for different events. These include an extended vacation and a short vacation. Other events include a beach trip, golf with my friends and family, small gigs, and practice. This ongoing process has allowed me to balance being a minimalist and being prepared.

Balance is an ongoing process. You have to work on it. It must be important to you. You must learn from what you do. Good luck with your balance.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#Be prepared

#Iownthemorning