In March 2008, I had an experience that I am positive many of us have had – perhaps several times. It all started with an IDEA in my mind! I had been talking with a friend on the phone and he mentioned something to me that sparked a business idea that I knew would work, and that I was extremely passionate about. However, much like everyone who has good ideas and dreams, I spent too much time listening to the voices of fear and doubt that I thus never acted on those ideas.

One night, however, as I was retiring for bed, this business IDEA came back into my mind; but because time had elapsed, I was having new and different (and better) ideas this time. It was at this moment, now looking back in hindsight, that the very first principle of success was implemented … (more…)

The majority of personal successes in life are usually accomplished after the individual determines to not give up when they experience a failure. This reality should suggest that dreams and goals are absolutely possible, but most often aren’t achieved because we quit during the ascent up the hill, not realizing the prize is just a few more steps away. Likewise, this truth should also suggest that any dream or goal, in order to be accomplished, most certainly will be accompanied by temporary failures and requires consistent effort. Would you believe me if I told you that my personal journey to become the Student Body President of my high school actually demonstrates this very principle; and more importantly, should suggest to everyone what is necessary to become successful in anything in life. (more…)

We all have heard and know that the majority of wealth in this nation was acquired through … Real Estate. The secret of the wealthy is actually no secret at all – they understand that purchasing properties is the key to achieving financial independence, freedom, and wealth. Because people realize this, there is an entire market of real estate investing products ranging from books to seminars to coaching programs that promise this same success and wealth. And yet ironically, the market for these products continues to thrive while the actual millionaires made from Real Estate continue to decrease. Why then do so few succeed, and what is so challenging about real estate investing? (more…)

The other day I ran into a woman who asked me the typical question that seems to be a common start to many conversations. She asked: “So what do you do?” First of all, being an entrepreneur who has his feet in many waters, I never quite know how to answer that question. However, considering I was at the library, I thought it was appropriate to answer by saying: “I am a published author whose book and company focuses on strengthening families everywhere.” I will never forget the response this middle-aged woman gave, and the lesson I learned, when in excitement and regret she said: “Congratulations! Wow, you are an author. The manuscript for my book has been sitting in my drawer for over fifteen years.”

Where is your manuscript? Is it also in the drawer, sitting and collecting dust? Perhaps it is still in your mind, being mulled over and thought about every once in a while. Or, perhaps it is actually in your mind – but you have not discovered it yet! (more…)

Have you ever had a dream or goal in life that you were so desirous to achieve, excited about, and hoping it would come true … some day? I think we all have – or still do. Whether it is traveling the world, achieving financial independence, developing a talent or pursuing a hobby, or perhaps simply spending more time with family and friends – the dream may be different for each of us, but we all have them. And yet, despite the excitement and hope felt from this dream or goal, do you feel that it probably will not be realized until much later in life when you have more time, money, and knowledge? Perhaps the more appropriate question to ask is – do you really think that it is the time, money, and knowledge that keep you from your dreams and goals being realized, or is it actually the inability to make time, believe in yourself, and put forth the necessary action required to accomplish them? (more…)

Do you believe that within you can be found every talent and ability necessary to be great in anything? Whether it is playing in the NBA, becoming a millionaire, graduating from an Ivy League school, achieving success as a performer, or being an incredible parent – do you actually believe it is possible? If you don’t, chances are extremely high that you will fail in pursuit of your goal or dream. I failed in my boyhood dream of playing in the NBA – not because I wasn’t born with an innate talent or skill – but because I did not believe in myself, believe my dream was possible, and put in the work necessary to achieve my dream.

Like many boys growing up in the U.S., I had a boyhood dream of one day playing in the NBA. I remember fondly going out in the backyard playing basketball for hours pretending I was Michael Jordan, making the big game winning shot, and envisioning myself someday being great. Those imaginary and fun basketball games in the backyard eventually turned into real life situations when I found myself on the sophomore basketball team for my high school. In this environment, I quickly realized (more…)