Like Frankie Said, I Did It My Way

I love movies. I love music. And as a child of the 80's I enjoy listening to Bon Jovi. They are still great even after all these years and their new music is just as good as some of their classic stuff. Fortunately they got rid of the big hair, spandex leggings, and fur coats while performing on stage (well most of them did anyway).

They released the song "It's My Life" in 2000. And it became a stadium anthem and is still a serious piece of rock music even today (even though it never hit the top 10 in the US).

But I find depth and meaning in the lyrics that is beyond the superficial of just a killer music track and I use this song as an energy boost when I'm struggling with building my business.

And I hope I'm not infringing on any copyright or anything by discussing this song here.


"I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd"

I've decided that I'm going to be noticed. I am going to make a difference. I am going to win not just be an also-ran.

There is very little notoriety in the Iron Man marathon for the guys who stay in the middle or back of the pack.

People who perform at an average level in baseball, are not picked for the All-Star team and do not get inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"This is for the one's who stood their ground"

They are talking about Tommy & Gina, the two lovebirds from their classic 80s hit "Living On A Prayer." But they could be talking about anyone who stood firm in the face of adversity.

They could have been talking about Fred Smith, founder of FedEx who was told his concept for a small package delivery service was a bad idea.

They could have been talking about Abraham Lincoln, who failed numerous times in several areas, but is regarded as one of our nation's most influential leaders.

They could have been talking about me and my wife who had to face not one but two health challenges with our oldest daughter before the age of 5.

"It's now or never, 'cause I ain't gonna live forever."

Stop waiting for the "timing to get right" before you attempt to do something great with your life. The timing will never be right. Circumstances will never be perfect. If anything the circumstances you find yourself in will likely be a "perfect storm."

So many people take the Ready/Aim/Fire metaphor way too far. For most people it's more like Ready - Ready - Aim - Ready - Aim - Ready - Ready - Ready - Aim - Wait where's the bullets? And then they die of old age waiting for something to happen.

You need to be more like the guy who goes Aim - Fire - Ready. Find your target, shoot for it, then worry about figuring out all the little details along the way.

So if you don't have this song on your iPod or MP3 player, I highly recommend getting it. The official music video is pretty cool too (51 million views on YouTube can't be wrong).



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S.T.R.E.S.S.

Are you feeling stressed?

What do you do?

Do you get angry and break stuff?

Do you put on your sneakers and go for a run?

Do you go to the bookstore and pick up a self-help book?

Do you go take a yoga class to get in touch with your inner being?

Do you grab a bottle of alcohol and try to drown it out?

Do you sit on the beach hoping the waves will wash it away?

First we have to realize that when most people say they are "stressed" it means they are dealing with feelings of doubt, fear, worry or depression. These are topics for other discussion venues and likely need the input of a medical professional or counselor.

Stress on the other hand (at least in one definition) is "a reaction to a stimulus or circumstance."

We all have our own coping mechanisms and ways to deal with stress in our lives. But guess what, we will ALWAYS have stress. The only people who don't have stress, don't have a pulse. But stress is a good thing. If you can control your reaction to the circumstance, then the circumstance can't control you.

I look at it like this:

Stress is what normal people call

what extraordinary people use

as fuel to propel themselves to the next level.

So I get excited about having S.T.R.E.S.S. in my life.

S.T.R.E.S.S. means that I am:

• Setting a goal - I have something that I want to accomplish.
• Testing myself - I want to see what I am made of.
• Receiving feedback - I am listening to my body and my surroundings. If what I am doing comes too easy it is not worth doing and I need to set a new goal. If I continue to fail, I don't quit but I look for a different way to reach my goal.
• Engaged in the process - I may seem "unbalanced" to people around me but I know what I'm doing and I am committed to it fully.
• Standing firm - I am not listening to the naysayers and dreamstealers who say it can't be done.
• Separating myself from the masses - Most people never set goals and never try to do anything different or better with their lives even though they complain and ask "Is this all there is?"

So do yourself a favor. Go get some S.T.R.E.S.S. in your life. I think you'll end up being happier.

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