Failure is nothing more than a precursor to success as long as you stay in the game. If you fall down five times, stand up six. Remember... Winners lose more often than losers lose.

In order to grow as a leader, you must grow as a person. Personal growth is the toughest kind of growth there is, and for that reason, most people avoid growing personally. Take the risk to grow because it will determine who you will become. No need to wait for someone else to see the value in you to make that investment in yourself. It would be okay to get that handled today.

Each of us reproduces a likeness of our self. When you maintain a positive attitude, self-confidence, focus, determination, drive, integrity, passion, conviction and enthusiasm, then that is exactly what you will reproduce in the people around you in both your personal life and your professional life. Whether you want to be or not, YOU are a role model to someone. Choose to be a "powerful self".

When an individual has the courage to take a stand, the spines of others stiffen. It is not the critic who counts, nor is it the person who points out how the doer of courageous deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the person who has the courage to "get in the game" and remain focused on their positive outcome no matter the circumstance

Let's put this iFOTO concept to the test today. Let's say our outcome today is to be positive in every interaction we have with every person we come in contact with. Now I realize that you have no control over some circumstances, however, you have 100% control over how you respond to the circumstance. Before you take this on today, take a moment to write down 5 benefits of being positive in every interaction you have with a person today. No matter what circumstance comes your way remain focused on your outcome and be driven by the benefits of doing so.

When iFOTO becomes your motto, people will begin to ask "What are you on?" My coaching to you is to tell them you are "on purpose".

If the choices you are making in every given moment are not focused on a positive outcome, then it is likely that they are attached to historical events or belief systems. I suggest that everything you know or have experienced has the potential of being a resource that will benefit you in your life if you use it appropriately. Okay, so what determines appropriateness? The outcome that you are focused on will.

leaders have the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. They do not set out to be a leader, they become one by the quality of their actions and the integrity of their intent. Who are you...a leader or a follower?

Your attitude is not controlled by what is happening to you; however it is controlled by the conversation you are having with yourself about what's happening. Check the conversation you are having with yourself and remain focused on your positive outcome and you will get to the things you want.

When circumstances arise, it is important to know that the biggest energy in any environment will prevail. If you find yourself in a negative environment, focus on a positive outcome and remain enthusiastically committed to your outcome and watch what happens. Yupp, you have always had the ability to do that - pretty cool stuff.

There are almost 7 billion people on this planet, are you going to let just one of them take your joy away from you today? If you choose frustration over patience, anger over understanding or jealousy over love that's what you will do. Claim your joy today and then give it away to everyone in your life!

Pain has gotten a bad rap, and your comfort zone is overrated, nuff said.

Getting out of the paradigm, living life, exploring, and creating new, positive unreasonable possibilities that benefit you and others are available to you today. Warning; should you choose to take this journey, you will fall down a few times. When you do, focus on the gain, not the pain.

I want you to realize today that whatever is getting your attention is getting you. Are you focused on the negative things or the positive things going on in your life? If you just became aware that you are focused on the negative, then you are running from pain; stop that. In order to run to gain, you must set a positive outcome. Okay, now move your butt.

There is a great likelihood that yesterday's Thought of the Day may have been a little confusing. It was meant to get those neurons firing. So what it means is, if we are looking for the answer, we will simply create our future based on historical information. We are following the path that someone else has created. When we live inside of the question and we are focused on a specific, positive outcome, the answer we discover has the potential of creating a brand new future. Live inside the question.

I suggest that you stop looking for the answer and start looking for the question.

I'm about to give you a recipe that creates positivity every single time. Are you ready for this? Imagine what you would accomplish if you knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that the universe is conspiring for YOUR success. Well, guess what? IT IS!! When you add the choice to believe in yourself to your commitment to a positive outcome, Surprise! POSITIVE results show up, along with the desire to celebrate your imminent success. So, let's get on with it and go share that big ol' smile!

It is Thursday and today our focus is to start this day with a party, celebrating the successes you will have. Let's add this to your compelling story for today. Look for every opportunity to catch people doing things right and tell them about it. Wow, look out! Negativity has just left the building - LOL. What a positive day this will be because of you!

I want to have a slightly mathematical discussion this incredible Wednesday morning. In math, the symbol (-) when placed to the left of a number represents a 'negative' or absence of. Alternatively, the symbol (+) represents a 'positive' or presence of. If you have more negatives than positives, the outcome will ALWAYS be negative. It is the same in life. When you focus on the negative or absence of what you want, the outcome will be negative. So, my suggestion this morning is to focus on the positive and create your positive outcome. "I am Positive".

Okay, it's Tuesday, and as soon as you open your eyes this morning, you can decide to make this another Great Day to BE Alive. I understand there may be some stuff going on right now that you have NO control over, however, you do have control of the choice you are about to make regarding that stuff. I highly recommend that you write a compelling story about the positive day you will have before you get started.

This entire week will be focused on creating more positivity in the world. I am going to need your help; without it, I will not be successful. Let's re-visit this Monday thing. First of all, TGIM (Thank God It's Monday). Now repeat after me, "I am Positive". Okay, now smile and celebrate! Why, you ask? No matter what circumstances you may be experiencing right now, I would like for you to be aware that Monday is not to blame. Stop for a moment and write down three things that you are grateful for this Monday morning. See, I told you. It is Indeed Another Great Monday to be Alive. Let's keep that celebration going ALL day.

None of our stories are true and none of them are false, they are just stories. The energy and action that follows our stories creates an outcome that provides evidence that will prove the story to be true or false. In order to produce a positive outcome focused on what we want, the outcome must precede the story.

Embark on a journey of exploration. Rather than accept everything that you have been taught by another human being, seek a deeper understanding of why you are here on this planet and how you can transform this negative society into a positive society. During this exploration you will discover that you absolutely matter.

What would it be like if every one of us accepted personal responsibility for our own personal growth? We KNOW what it will take to transform our world into a place where love, peace, self-confidence, effective communication, being focused on positive outcomes, and catching people doing things right is the norm. Unfortunately, few are willing to get off the sidelines and play full out. Most are only willing to wait for someone else to take the lead or wait for someone else to give them permission. What will you choose today?

If you continuously have to motivate your team, whether it is the team at work or at home, it is likely they do not understand your vision or you do not have a vision. A continuous need to motivate your team is a result of not effectively empowering, motivating and inspiring them in your vision; because a vision empowered team is self-motivated.

As I listen to the stories people tell about why they choose to exist on this planet rather than live life on purpose and play full out, I have become aware that most people would rather look good and lose, than look bad and win. Winners lose more often than losers lose. If you live your life focused on meeting the expectations of others or concerned about being liked, then you are likely playing not to lose. You may end up looking good; however, in the end, you will lose.

I have heard many of the people I coach say that when they get the right job then they will be happy. Well, I tell them, "The right job doesn't bring happiness." Neither does getting married, having children, sending your children to college, or even retirement. None of those events will make you happy. Happiness is something you decide every moment of every day. It's a choice, not a destination.

Many of us who began the journey of personal growth and self-awareness have gained insight and knowledge about ourselves that we did not have prior to starting that courageous journey. You may have some people in your life who are not willing to take those same steps. Remember it is impossible to awaken a person who is pretending to be asleep. Have the courage to continue moving forward with armor on the front, no holding back!

No matter what you have accomplished in your life, success is never final unless you become complacent. No matter how hard you have fallen while going for what you want, failure is never fatal or the end unless you decide not to get up. As you choose to create success around you, it is important to see that success as the stair step to your next level. To remain committed to moving forward and redefining your 100%; to push yourself from what has become comfortable into the unknown; that my friend, will take courage. You've got this.

If thoughts of doubt, fear, worry, doom and gloom, and focusing on what could go wrong are a part of your thoughts today, be responsible for eradicating those thoughts. They will never benefit you.

If you choose to focus on your potential of succeeding, you will have more success than if you focus on your potential of failure. I'm just sayin'.

When we are angry, it is generally because we allowed something to go too far. Anger is generally a secondary emotion; therefore, if we dealt with issues in the moment, we would never experience anger again. Would that be okay with you?

Success begins first in the conversation you are having with yourself; envision it, create a conversation around it, and celebrate it. Giving it life in your mind opens the door to manifesting it and makes the impossible possible. One of the greatest secrets revealed is that the only impossibilities that exist in the universe are those that exist in the conversation you are having with yourself.

One factor that makes a difference between a purpose and a wish is personal responsibility. Wishing for what you want abdicates that responsibility and leaves it up to someone else to fulfill. Take that wish and accept personal responsibility for bringing it to life, and now you are on purpose.

There are no victims, only volunteers. The greatest gift you have in every given moment is choice. And not choosing is choosing. Ultimately, you are 100% personally responsible for those choices and what they create for you.

When there is a confrontation between a river and rocks, the river will always win in the end. Not by strength, but by perseverance. The biggest determining factor whether you will reach your outcome is your perseverance. Constantly moving forward - focused on the outcome - will create your push, your growth, and ultimately your success. Persevere in creating what you want. YOU make the difference!

Each of us has a personal map that was developed by everyone who taught us everything they knew. They didn't know everything; therefore, the highest form of ignorance is to reject something just because it's not on your map. Your map is not the entire territory; it's just your map. Step outside your comfort zone and learn something new today.

Choosing to grow to our own next level of leadership development requires that we continue to move forward. Should we find ourselves knocked flat or stumbling along the way, it is up to us to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and keep going for it. That takes courage. As we create success around us, it is important to see that success as the stair step to our own next level, to remain committed to moving forward and redefining our own 100%, and to push ourselves from what has become comfortable into the unknown. And that, too, takes courage.

I am celebrating my birthday today! Recently I was asked how I would determine if my life was successful. My response was, "I must have fulfilled my deliberate, intentional purpose of leaving the world a better place." My commitment to myself is to enrich my life by aspiring to live On Purpose every day and as a result, inspire others to do the same. Let's make it happen and celebrate our success together.

During our toughest circumstances, there is always a light there somewhere. Have the courage to remain focused on your specific positive outcome while choosing to have a positive attitude and keep moving forward.

One of the qualities that all successful people have is they accept personal responsibility for their outcomes. Accepting personal responsibility means taking ownership for your choices and the consequences of each of those choices. Until you accept that responsibility, you are volunteering to be a victim. My coaching to you is to own your choices and live your life on purpose!

Love is in the air on this Valentine's Day. When was the last time you told yourself, I love you? That has been far too long ago. I invite you to go take a look in the mirror today, look yourself in the eyes and tell yourself, I love you and you are worthy of my love. Happy Valentine's Day!

Leaders have the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. They do not set out to be a leader, but become one by the quality of their actions and the integrity of their intent. Who are you...a leader or a follower?

Measuring your wins and losses based upon someone else's successes and failures will never be a true test of your potential. Comparing your 100% to another person is either limiting or self-defeating. Make the choice to redefine your 100% daily, and you will redefine the successes you are able to create. Today is a great day to best your best.

Observe the people in your world today and recognize all of the things they do that they learned from you. You are the CEO, Chief Example Officer. Are you setting the example of what you want them to become? If the approach that you are using isn't working, change it! Let's get that handled today.

When you are focused on what you want, you are not risking failure, you are risking success. When you are focused on success, there is no failure, just learning opportunities. If you miss the mark the first time, stop, evaluate, and change your approach appropriately to get to the outcome you want.

It is tougher climbing up a hill than climbing down the hill because the benefit of climbing up is the incredible view at the top. Every day of our lives we get to make one of two choices; tough or suffering. Choose one. Keep Climbing!

There is a difference between the flag and the wind. The wind chooses its direction; the flag, on the other hand, waits for direction to be given. Learn to set your course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship. When you are outcome-focused and benefit-driven, the wind will be your only option because you know what you want and you will go for it!

This statement may confuse you this morning; "You don't know what you don't know until you know you don't know." Many of us believe "If they know I don't know, I will die". Every one of us occupies the largest room in the house and that is the room for improvement. You will not grow until you accept that fact. There is no need to get sick before you get well.

If you could have ANYTHING in the world, what would it be? Is that it, really? Well, you CAN have it. Just go make it happen!

Step into a new possibility that no one thought was possible for you. Being affirmed by others should be a value-add, not what drives you. If you wait for others to affirm you or give you value, life will pass you by. You can choose to believe anything you want, so why not believe in yourself and accept personal responsibility to get what you want?

Every day we crucify ourselves between two thieves: the regrets of yesterday and the fears of tomorrow. This is your NOW! Pour your heart, body and soul into this present moment. There is nothing wrong, nothing needs to be fixed and there is nothing broken. Whatever you want is available Right Now. The choice that you make now will either begin a journey toward what you want or it will not.

Some people allow failures to thwart their dreams. If you have failed, so what? I have some good news for you. You Get To Do It Again! Change your approach to get a different result and go for it again. Failure is not falling down, it is staying down.

You may fail many times on your life's journey; however, you are not a failure until you begin blaming others. Have the courage to accept personal responsibility for the choices that create your reality.

I know it is early; however, I have a raised beverage toasting your successful day. So what will we celebrate before we get started this morning? I have an idea; how about we celebrate that no matter what happens today, you will remain positive and accept personal responsibility for the outcome. Yay, I am drinking to that. Cheers!

If you are continuously having to motivate your team regarding your outcome and the benefits of that outcome, you either do not have a clear outcome or you have not effectively communicated the outcome to them. A continuous need to motivate your team is a result of not effectively empowering, motivating and inspiring them regarding your outcome because an outcome focused team is self-motivated.

You will always be able to rise above the image that others have of you; however, you will never rise above the image you have of yourself. It is important to be aware that the image you have of yourself is being projected by the conversation you are having with yourself. When you change that conversation, you will change how you see yourself. So check the conversation. You are worth it.

If you really want to live a purposeful life, make iFOTO your motto. iFOTO means, “I Focus on the Outcome”. The only way to know if the choices you are making every day are purposeful is by being aware of what is driving those choices. If the choices are being driven by anything other than your outcome, it is time to reevaluate those choices. Make life happen because of you.

Whether you are having a good day or a bad day is not determined by what is happening in your world. A good day or a bad day is determined by your assessment of what is happening. You are a prophet. Check your conversation.