Be Bigger Than Zig Ziglar

Success is all a matter of perspective. You’ve never been better at life than you are right now (click to tweet), and you’re only getting better. At some point, in the sunset of your life, your body and mind may fight against you, but until then, you have plenty of days to fulfill your legacy.

I’m 42 years old, and I am no spring chicken anymore. In fact, I’m all kinds of injured from some of the physical stresses I put on my body. Getting old sucks, and the idea that I may be outside my prime does trickle into my head occasionally, but then an amazing thing happens—people thank me for helping them.

I’ve told others, and myself, that age is just a number, but I’m not sure if I meant it as a way to encourage, or a way to blind myself to the realities of time not being on my side. Middle Aged is a weird phrase to use when talking about yourself. I remember middle-aged people when I was young, and they were “old”. Now I’m one of them, but I don’t feel as old as I remember them being.

I don’t know how mid-life crisis thoughts actually happen, but if I fashioned a guess, they start with a constant questioning of your status in life. I’ve achieved a lot; a great family, a wonderful son, a home I can call my own, but have I created my legacy? Not yet.

No Time Like Now

I heard the most astounding thing today about Zig Ziglar. If you’re not familiar with him, first climb out from under that rock, now to to Ziglar.com and check out what a truly amazing legacy Ziglar made for himself. He is one of the most often quoted inspirational entrepreneurs of recent memory, and he authored more than a dozen best selling books on a variety of business subjects. The astounding fact, you ask?

Ziglar didn’t publish his first book at 49.

If you know Ziglar, like me, you probably assumed he was producing greatness from a much younger age. We assume when someone is mature in age, and highly successful, they must have been doing it all their lives. In reality, Ziglar had only done it half his life.

Dave Ramsey, Doctor Phil McGraw, Sir Richard Branson; all of these men may have had good things happen to them earlier in their life, but their real legacy started after 40. Why is it so hard to imagine that your best years are ahead of you if you start making them happen today.

I’m 42 and I published my first book this year. It’s not a best seller and it won’t be the best thing I’ve ever written, but I got Zig Ziglar beat by 7 years, and I’m only getting started.

when you do the right things in the right way, you have nothing to lose because you have nothing to fear - zig ziglar

Filed Under: Ponderings

You’re Fat, Lazy, Unproductive, and You’re Going to Die

ramsfit weightsBefore I begin, let me first state that I am not an expert in the fields of nutrition, kinesiology or health in any way shape or form. Before beginning any sort of diet or exercise program, you really should talk to your doctor first.

Sorry for the disclaimer, but I want to make sure we all get off on the right footing here. The last thing I want is to do damage when I’m trying to help. Now on with the show.

I Used to be a Fat, Lazy Bastard

Yes, it’s true, On January 1st of 2012, I had tipped the scale at around 275 lbs. It was pathetic; I felt like crap, looked like crap and my health and well being was on the verge of becoming a really big problem.

January 2nd, 2012, I started on a regimen to get back into some sort of shape. It’s been a hard fought battle, with both success and dramatic backsliding, but as of this moment, I am down 50 lbs and I’ve put on a decent amount of muscle.

I still have much to lose still, and it’s never easy, but anything worth doing never is easy, is it? That’s why I got myself into the mess in the first place. I was lazy and comfortable and I let go of any responsibility I had to my own diet.

My number one reason for getting back on my diet and exercise program was for my son. At nearly 3 years old, he’s running around like crazy and if I was still in the same condition, I probably couldn’t keep up with him. I want to be the kind of dad that can run and play any time.

I also want to be fit and strong to show him how important health is to our lives. Childhood obesity is a huge problem, not to mention sedentary lifestyles of most kids these days. I do not want him in that category, and the best way to discourage it is to lead by example.

The Unintentional Side Effects of Discipline

The most amazing thing happens when you choose to be healthier; you actually get better at other stuff. Since I started working out and eating better, I’ve noticed my energy level rise dramatically. That’s a no brainer, but what I didn’t expect was the sense of being more energized mentally. I feel like my brain is in hyperactive mode when I’m working on projects now. It’s an amazing rush that can only be witnessed first hand.

My attitude is also much better than in the past. In 2011, I was a total shut-in, didn’t want to go out, didn’t want to talk to people anymore than necessary. I was a self-imposed introvert and it was really starting to bother me.

Today, I’m a lot more gregarious than before. I’m doing meetups whenever I can, mixing it up with complete strangers. I’m helping others with their business needs much more than before, and it all feels really good.

Also, I’m so intensely productive, it’s almost a problem because I’m handling way more stuff at once than I ever was before. I’m juggling projects like mad, which could be a bad thing, but in comparison to a year ago, it’s mind-blowing all the things I’m getting done.

All this from a little exercise and a shift in my eating.

What Exactly Did I Change

This is where things get a little sticky, so please take what I say and then do your own assessment. A lot of what I’ve done over the past 16 months is more body hacking true regimen. I’ve tried different things over different periods of time until I find what works best.

When I first started, I cut out all red meat from my diet. I still ate chicken and turkey, but no beef, pork or lamb. I also went more natural, whole food and cut out as much processed crap as possible; a lot more fruits and vegetables. I cut out white flour and white rice, replacing them with whole wheat and brown rice.

For exercise, I started with walking 30 minutes a day. I eventually ended up running, but it was really tearing up my knees, so I backed off on that and went back to brisk walks 3 to 4 times a week.

Eventually, I plateaued with my weight loss. I thought it had something to do with my exercise program, so I upped my game. I signed up for a gym membership and started hitting the iron.

After reading some new reports and books on different diet types, I switched things up quite radically with my food intake, moving more to a low-carb/high protein diet. I brought back the red meat, but tried to keep it to only grass fed, farm raised beef and some organic bacon. I still eat vegetables, but have been limiting my fruits in order to keep my carb count low. I also cut out all grains whenever possible, especially wheat in all forms.

Finally, I do some intermittent fasting, where I don’t start eating each day until 10am at the earliest, sometimes later. As crazy as it sounds, it helps quite a bit, and the more I read, I’m finding out that there are many myths we consider to be truisms, like eating a healthy breakfast to start your day.

Again, this is just my approach to what I’m finding works for my body. I encourage you to do your own research, but here are a few resources that I’ve been using for reference

Carb Nite Solution – My food regimen—low carb/high protein mixed with intermittent fasting and a “cheat day” to shake things up.

Wheat Belly - Renown doctor debunks the myths of wheat in the American diet and how it’s making us fat.

(Those are affiliate links, which means I get a small piece of the pie, but it doesn’t cost you anything extra, so if you feel like buying them based on my recommendation, then I am more than appreciative.)

I’m not trying to get in the habit of telling anyone how to live their life. As with anything I do, I merely show people a path, but it is your choice to walk that path or not. We’re all adults here, so get down with your bad self in any form you see fit.

That said, the world would really like you to be the best you possibly can be from now until the end of your days, so why not make strides to improve the quality of your life. I guarantee, you won’t regret it.

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Filed Under: Ponderings

The Best Weapon Against the Do-Nots is to Do It Anyway

get to workI’m absolutely slammed this week; so many projects on my plate at once, it’s making my head spin. In complete honesty, I started freaking out a bit this past weekend from the massive overwhelm that headed my way.

I contemplated skipping this week’s postings because I figured I could get away with one week of no posting and you all would probably be ok with it. Then I remembered the last time I tried this tactic; one week turned into two, and then three and eventually I went 4 months without posting anything. We can’t have that happen again.

The overwhelm was so heavy, I didn’t even know what I was going to write about, but I resolved that I would just write and see what happens. And so here we are.

One of coaching clients sent me a note this weekend to tell me she was going out of town for the holiday weekend. Her family takes this same trip every year, a long weekend out of town to visit family for Easter, and it’s a problem for her.

“Previous years this trip has always been a downfall for me. I go and get in ‘vacation mode’ and struggle to get back on track when I’m back. I could really use a game plan to put into place before I go so I can avoid this if you have any ideas.”

I’m using this blog as a platform to answer her request and share that advice with you at the same time. So, my friend, when you feel  an overwhelming need to do not, do it anyway. By all means, go on vacation, enjoy the time with your family, but when you get home, get back to work. The reasons you have for not getting back to work are total crap, and I’m sure you knew I was going to say that.

Be honest with yourself, the slacking off is an opportunity to back out of something that scares you, am I right? Do as Jon Acuff says, “Punch Fear in the Face.”

Yes, the work may be hard, and you’re venturing into uncomfortable territory, especially after having time off, but just like all the drones who go back to work on Monday after a weekend, you need to get back to work.

The answer to the problem is simple; do something, anything that gets your momentum up again. If you need to write, then write, even if it’s gibberish at first. If you need to do art, then draw something. We’re not shooting for perfection; just getting the blood in the brain pumping again.

Remember your goals? Those goals are a means to get you to where you want your life to be. Is the action (or inaction) you’re doing right now getting you to any of those goals? If the answer is no, then step it up.

No BS excuses. Get off your butt and go do work… unless of course the work requires you to sit down; then sit. Entrepreneurs don’t get what they want in business by resting on laurels. You are an entrepreneur, aren’t you? (the answer to that question is,”HELL YEAH!”)

I don’t want to come back here tomorrow and see that you haven’t achieved anything.

Your life is waiting. Go get to it.

Filed Under: Ponderings

iReflect – A Eulogy to Steve Jobs

This will definitely be one of those moments in my life where I will remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news of Steve Jobs’ death. As I watch the thousands upon millions of tweets roll by paying tribute to the man, the feelings really start to hit home.

The only things I know about Steve Jobs are what I’ve read in articles or see in his keynote speeches. I’ve never met the man, never even seen him in public, but he is still one of the most influential people in my life. As the thought of a world without Jobs sinks in, I’m struck with some pretty heavy emotions, strange to feel deep sadness for a person I would likely never have met in my life. It doesn’t take away from the idea that Steve Jobs has done more for me personally than my own father—that isn’t anywhere close to an exaggeration.

I was exposed to Apple computers at a very young age, my grandfather being one of the early adopters, owning more than a couple Apple IIe machines. Back then, I was lucky enough to play simple games like Pong or Zork. Even though I didn’t buy my own Apple for decades later, the mystique of the Apple was firmly ingrained in me.

In 1996, I went back to school to study graphic design, beginning my reintroduction to Apple products. Back then, the company was in a bit of turmoil. By the time I finished school and started my first job as a designer, there was a strong chance Apple might fail. Even as Jobs assumed control as CEO again, nobody thought he’d succeed in turning the company around. Even I was certain Apple was doomed and I was destined to spend the rest of my design career in front of a Windows machine (shuddering thought).

When the eMacs came out, my boss bought one. It wasn’t ideal for design work, but it made a hell of an office machine. We used it as a scan station and a print center. He managed his business on that little, aqua-marine box and life was good. Shortly after that, when I was teaching a class on design at a local tech school, I saw my first iPod first hand. One of the students had a crowd surrounding her, sharing the details of the new device with everyone in the room. Right then I had a feeling this device would change things forever, but no one could have predicted the extreme level of impact brought on by the little, white brick.

Over the last dozen years or so, largely because of Jobs and Apple, I’ve embraced the idea that design could change lives, change the world. The iPod wasn’t the first MP3 player on the market, nor was it the best or the cheapest, but it definitely outsold everything else because of one simple idea—Make it pretty. Jobs may have been tough to work for, may have been the worst task-master in the working world, but he produced results and both his employees and his customers loved him for it. He embraced simplicity and design over everything else and those ideals turned a drowning company into the largest tech organization on the planet. I would never want to be the tyrant Jobs was at times, but I definitely have as much idealism about design as he; if only I could be as innovative.

Design permeates my life. It’s not uncommon for me to pick apart every day items based solely on their design flaws. I’m sure my family and friends are tired of me breaking down typography errors in every logo, billboard or advertisement I come across, but I soldier on despite their chagrin because maybe, just maybe, I might be able to shed some light on why design is important in our daily lives. Maybe the future generations will realize that utilitarian objects need not be ugly.

Without Steve Jobs, I would not be this way. I would not look at everyday objects from this critical eye. I would not be enraptured with the technology products that surround both me both at work and at home. Without Steve Jobs, I might not have become a graphic artist at all. Without Steve Jobs, I would likely be some slag in a dead end job, hating every moment of my existence. I am grateful for the life that Steve Jobs’ help provide for me.

“There may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.” – Barrack Obama

Filed Under: Ponderings Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The 10 Best Things – Part Two

I’m counting down what I consider to be the best things in my life right now. Sometimes its easy to get down about all the bad crap going on in our lives, so to keep from jumping off a cliff over stupid stuff, it’s good to reflect on the positive elements in our lives. This is my list. If you missed the first part of this list, check it out here.

#5 – My Day Job

I complain about this job a lot because of the direction the upper management is taking the company. I do not feel any kind of security there because any one of us can be axed at the drop of a hat, making every payday very tense since that’s when pink slips are generally handed out.

Being in magazine publishing, business isn’t good. Books are dying off all the time and if you’ve been to a newsstand lately, not many are filling the empty holes. The mags that remain are having their pages cut regularly, advertisers are bailing for greener pastures in social media and online advertising, and it’s making for extremely tight budgets. Our editorial staff has been cut and my editor is asked to do more with less every month. It’s not a fun situation to be in.

On the other hand, why would I complain about a job that allows me to dress in t-shirts and shorts every day, gives me a flexible enough schedule to get home to hang out with my family and pays me to use my creativity on a daily basis? I’m not highly paid, probably marginal compared to a lot of art directors, maybe higher than some at my company, but I have good benefits and lots of vacation time and I have a whole bunch of really cool people I get to hang out with. I also have a boss that is by far the best boss I’ve ever had. He doesn’t micro manage, gives guidance when needed and backs up his team when their pushed into a corner. Answering directly to a Senior VP has its privileges.

Yes, the job can get mundane at times, doing the same thing month in and month out, but the long and short of the story is I get paid decent to use my right brain often. Compared to a lot of people in corporate America, my job is golden.

#4 – My Friends & Family

This is one of those no-brainer items. Of course my friends and family are on the list. Without them, I’m a pretty uninteresting person, really. I combined the two groups here because many of my friends are like family to me. In fact, a lot of my family members are less important to me than my group of close friends. I have some buddies I’ve known for 20+ years that I would jump in front of a bullet for, and some family members that I wouldn’t, but they all are responsible for partially making me who I am today.

I also married into one of the best possible families I could ever imagine. My wife’s family is gigantic, to say the least, and even the quirky ones (you know who you are) are good people and I get along with them very well. I’ve also gained a lot of deep respect and admiration for the Japanese culture through them.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t bring up my mom here. She’s been the center of my universe from the beginning. When the man who would call himself my father decided to up and leave both of us stranded and destitute, my mom stepped up and did what she had to to make it, not an easy task at 20 years old. Most would assume she’d run back home, but my mom was determined to push through. She got help from family, and we suffered many slings and arrows together, most of which I never fully appreciated until later in life.

My mom and I don’t always see eye to eye, I can be a bit rough on her at times because of my lack of vision and clarity for situations, but it’s only because I want to lift her higher than she’s ever been before. I do this because I feel I owe it to her after all she’s done for me over the years. I’m blessed to have her in my life and I’m glad she’s got a real man in her life to do take care of her better than my “father” ever could.

#3 – My Creative Mind

Again, how awesome is it that I get to create art for a living. Sure, I’m not selling so many art prints right now that I can retire on the funds. Heck, I couldn’t pay my monthly food bill with what I sell right now, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that I have an almost endless amount of creativity at my disposal to make neat stuff. Even if I wasn’t selling anything, I would still be creating art. I’ve done it all my life and I will continue on for as long as my mind will allow.

I had a conversation recently with a friend who is an art sales dynamo. He confessed to me that recently, while setting up for an art and craft fair, he looked around at some of the old dudes in the other booths and wondered if that was his destiny. Would he be in his 60s and 70s still slogging away trying to hock his art and shows every weekend. When he brought it up, it didn’t sound very appealing at all. I thought about it some more afterward and I found the other side the story.

What if these old guys came out to these art fairs every weekend, not because they had to, but because it was what made them happiest? They get out of the house, interact with people they’ve never met and get to make a few bucks. Maybe they do need the money, but as I eluded to before, how bad of a job is that really? Would they rather be working at Walmart greeting people at the door? I doubt it.

#2 – My Wife

You know that line in the wedding vows where you repeat, “for better or worse”? My wife really took that to heart. She is the angel in my life, the rock beneath my feet and a constant source of love and support no matter what we go through. We balance each other well, taking the hard times as they come, and relishing in the good times with lots of laughter.

I often reflect back to the day we got married on a beautiful beach in Maui. I saw her walking with her sister up the path to where we waited, she almost moved in slow motion. Everyone gets jitters at that point, but I somehow knew I was making the best decision of my life right then. I’ve been asked by other friends who’s marriages aren’t going as well as they’d hoped; they ask if I would get married again if I could have a do-over. The answer is always yes. I’ve told more than one person over the course of our marriage that she definitely got the raw end of the deal, and I’m lucky to have such an awesome woman in my life.

#1 – My Son

Honestly, I was going back and forth on which person was the best thing in my life, my son or my wife. It wasn’t easy, but I finally decided to add the little guy to the top of the list because nothing in this world makes me feel more special than when he crawls up onto my lap, wraps his arms around me and lays his head on my shoulder.

His smile is infectious, his antics crack me up and his affection is electric. No matter how bad my day is, no matter how tough my commute or how tired I may be, nothing gets my spirits up more than one look into his smiling face. I know I’m in for a lot of trying times between now and when he finally leaves the nest, but I will always cherish the sweetness that he brings to our lives daily. I am a better man because of him.

What about you? What are some of your best things? Write ‘em down, share them with others.

Filed Under: Ponderings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
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