"The 21 Day Turn-Around is a total surrender of your body to good health and a new beginning. We’ve designed this cleanse to give your body a push to flush out all the toxins, but also to ease you into a healthier lifestyle." -Arden's Garden

The 21 Day Cleanse (Day Eight), by Doug Grady

When my good friend and mentor Day Adeogba speaks, I listen. He recommended I take on the Arden's Garden 21 day cleanse. After some consideration, I committed.

You may recall I did a cleanse last year. It was 14 days all raw fruits, vegetables and nuts. But I had to do it my way- I refused to give up coffee. On this one, I am ALL IN. No sugar, wheat, dairy, smoking, drugs, supplements, vitamins or alcohol. I know what you're thinking- what the heck am I going to eat??

I think I have consumed more vegetable nutrients in the last seven days than I did in the previous two months combined. This has been facilitated by the purchase of a new juicer and multiple trips to the produce section. You sure can save time shopping when you get all of your food from the same aisle.

Week one was pre-cleanse. Aside from the lack-of-caffeine-induced forgetfulness (I arrived at rehearsal Monday without my banjo), the week was pretty smooth. By day five I didn't miss the coffee and on day six I felt fantastic.

Today is Day eight, the first of seven consecutive days of juice or smoothies only. I have been told this is the most challenging time of the cleanse. My energy dipped a bit late morning, but overall I feel pretty good.

One of the many health benefits of a cleanse is the potential for your body to heal. When you eliminate or take a break from the excluded substances mentioned, your body utilizes more energy for the healing process. I have personally been dealing with a persistent hip injury. 21 days is a tiny investment to make for the potential return of avoiding hip surgery.

Beyond the health benefits there are mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects to a cleanse. When you let go of elements of your life that you have become dependent on, you can rock your own world. You open yourself up for breakthroughs in every area of your life.

I'll check back in with you between now and day 21.

Please leave a comment- I really want to hear from you!

Start your membership now for $9.95

writer's block (noun): a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece

Writer's Unblock, by Doug Grady

A couple of days ago I jokingly posted on my facebook status,

"I was going to blog today about writer's block but I couldn't come up with anything."

And then I started writing this. It took forever.

For the past two years I have been writing regularly- blogging a couple of times a week and recently completing the manuscript for my first book, The Ripple Effect. At times the words flowed effortlessly. Other times it took hours to get one thought out of my head and into a word document; months and even years to complete some of my writings. At this very moment I have at least 12 unfinished articles in my files, some of which were started well over two years ago.

Writer's block is most commonly associated with fear on some level. Fear of criticism, fear of looking bad, fear of the naysayer. It's probably quite obvious that fear tends to stifle creativity and inhibit self-expression.

While this may account for much of writer's block, it is a limited view. There can also be a positive aspect to writer's block. At times your ideas simply need the chance to develop and mature.

Whether you are blocked from fear or your ideas are taking their time marinating, here are specific strategies to get your thoughts flowing.

• Morning pages as defined in Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. This practice of "three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning" has been a part of my daily ritual for years.
• Images. Google the images for your topic. Sometimes the right visual representation of what you are trying to put into words can have an almost magical effect on your writing.
• Talk it out. Converse with a friend on the subject.
• Do it anyway. Specify a minimum number of words you will write (my target is generally 500) or a minimum amount of time (say 30 minutes) of writing. Forget about the quality of the output, just focus on the activity.
• Exercise. I had been struggling with writing a song for my mother for months. I wrote almost the entire song in my head during a one hour trail run.
• "Good enough" sometimes really is. It doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful, purposeful, and published.
• Multiple starts. Leave the topic you're blocked on. Write about something else. Worst case scenario is you'll have multiple unfinished writings. Oftentimes you will combine two or more concepts into one writing.
• Begin without the end in mind. Just write. Don't worry about where you are going with it. You'll know when you get there.
• Deadlines and other commitments. If no one else is setting a deadline for you, set one for yourself. Commit to other people what you will complete and when you will complete it.
• Lastly, be aware of how you talk to yourself. If writer's block has a negative implication in your mind, try this:

"My subconscious mind is always working to clarify my communication. My words flow easily in the right way at just the right time."

Every once in awhile we post a guest blogger. Shoot me a link to yours if you have a chance.

Please leave a comment- I really want to hear from you.

Start your membership now for $9.95

Please leave a comment- I really want to hear from you.

Start your membership now for $9.95

persistence: firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

The Cost Of Persistence, by Doug Grady

per·sist·ence (noun): firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

“I will persist until I succeed.” -Og Mandino

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” -Calvin Coolidge

"Energy and persistence conquer all things." -Ben Franklin

The universal power of persistence has been proclaimed in self-help books and motivational speeches for hundreds of years. Persistence, put simply, is a refusal to give up. The talented may give up, the educated may give up, the genius may give up. The persistent one does not.

I am a persistent person. For as long as I can remember, whether in school, sports, or sales it seemed to take me longer than others to gain an understanding of the critical elements of a given discipline. Once I "got it", I would often surpass my peers. I always attributed this to persistence.

However nothing in any definition of persistence speaks to intelligence, innovation, or being strategic. It may be implied that if we continue to push long enough we will explore creative ways to succeed, but this is by no means an automatic element of persistence. Persistence without thought can lead to staying too long in a relationship or job, beating a dead horse, stalking…

When the economy turned in 2007, I was persistent. I pushed. I put myself out there. I went on many sales calls. Companies and industries that previously generated tens of thousands of dollars for my business yielded little or no revenue from my efforts.

But I was persistent. I refused to give up. I made more phone calls and booked more meetings. I tried harder. My "obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition" was undeterred. And eventually... things got worse. I continued to produce dismal results. My company lost more and more money. I became increasingly frustrated. I was persistently sucked into the quagmire of mediocrity.

Recovery of any kind begins with the admission that you have a problem. In this case I had several. It took some time before l began to see the light at the surface of the muck. The turning point came when I finally accepted the fact that what I was doing was not working. My persistence had failed me.

Faith, humility and a re-commitment to growth eventually augmented my persistence. I asked for help. I let go of behaviors that weren't serving me. The Ripple Effect highlights some of the personal struggles, lessons, and ripples that followed during this very challenging time in my life.

“As long as we are persistent in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time.” -Dr. Denis Waitley

Professionally, there were lessons to learn as well. I went "back to school" and educated myself on how to survive and thrive in the "new normal." My studies were focused in the areas of:

• Online strategy
• Social media
• Personal marketing
• Strategic alliances
• Branding
• Attraction versus promotion
• Recurring revenue

In the next few weeks I will be sharing some of the best of what I have learned and applied in these areas over the last four and a half years. If you are not sure whether or not you are opted in for my blog, take a moment to do so now (scroll up and to your right). And be sure to share this article with the people in your life who can utilize it.

Persistence, like many other attributes, can be a liability. Sometimes we need to slow down and reevaluate. Other times we need to let go of what's not working and do something different.

Please leave a comment- I really want to hear from you!

Persist intelligently. Start your membership now for $9.95

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Night, by Doug Grady

In The Tough Mudder Goal Setting Formula I suggested:

Do you want to:
• Play the guitar? Sing? Do stand-up comedy? Book an open mic night.

Although I have been performing music in my trainings for over a decade, I had never played an open mic night... until recently.

In 2011 I wrote four original songs, three of which aren't particularly suited for my speaking engagements and seminars. The thought had crossed my mind on more than one occasion that I should practice what I preach.

I was running an errand in Midtown Atlanta when I noticed a flyer on the door of the Red Light Cafe, "Open Mic Night every Wednesday". You gotta be kidding me. I didn't even have to look for it.

Wednesday rolled around and I showed up, banjo in hand with a couple of friends. To my surprise a few more arrived within the hour. The room was a mix of several people I know and 40+ artists, performers, and spectators.

10:55pm: "Next up, Doug Grady!"

I know what you're thinking. I got a standing ovation and booked a multimillion-dollar record deal. Not exactly. The first two songs, Saturday Morning and Is it Time to Let Go were a little off. These songs had never been performed for more than a couple of people and my nerves got the better of me. Of course The (unofficial) Tough Mudder Song had 'em clappin', snappin', hootin' and hollerin'.

My 13.5 minute open mic performance was nerve-racking, uncomfortable, and at times a little off key. It was fun, exciting, and inspired. It was a growth experience unlike any I have had or ever will have while simply practicing.

Put yourself out there. There simply is no substitute for putting your butt on the line.

Please leave a comment- I really want to hear from you.

Start your membership now for $9.95

What voice are you listening to?

That Little Voice, by Doug Grady

You know the one. The one that lets you off the hook. That makes it OK to not do what you said you would do.

According to statistics, 75 to 90 percent of New Year's Resolutions are broken by February. Roughly 60% of smokers who attempt to quit fail their first time. Up to 80% of the people who buy gym memberships do not use them. The voices in their head said it was OK.

I was talking with a business associate earlier this week. He said on day 3 of an exercise program he did not fulfill his commitment. I prodded, "How did that happen? What was the voice that let you off the hook?" After a few minutes we got to it. It was kind of a one-two punch. His voice said, "I'm too tired tonight and I'll make up for it by doing two workouts tomorrow."

What does your little voice tell you? What are the specific words that make lying to yourself OK?

Justification, rationalization, reasoning. Call it what you will. It is one of the voices in your head. This voice has been with you a long time. Think about the last time you let yourself off the hook. How did it speak to you?  If you don't remember, no worries- this voice will be back. Pay attention next time. Awareness is the key. Feel it coming. Hear it. There is power in knowing the exact words you listen to right before you break your commitment.

They are just words. You can hear them; feel them; even consider them; and then let them go. You can choose another voice to listen to. The voice that holds you to your word and encourages you to stay the course. The one that keeps you committed.

"I have many voices in my head. The key is choosing which one to listen to." -Doug Grady

That little voice is always telling you something. If it's inconsistent with who you are committed to be, choose a different voice. It is in there also, anchored deep inside you. You just have to listen.

Please leave a comment. I really want to hear from you.

Start your membership now for $9.95/mo

Ingredients: distilled vinegar, red pepper, salt

The Ingredients are Not Enough, by Doug Grady

Tabasco: distilled vinegar, red pepper, salt.

Achievement: inspiration, personal growth, perseverance.

My first experience with Tabasco was in New Orleans as a freshman at Tulane University. A couple of drops and I was hooked. Rarely a meal goes by these days without reaching for that familiar bottle of pepper sauce.

Did you know the ingredients of Tabasco are aged up to three years in white oak barrels before they fulfill their destiny? The barrel gives them an environment to come together, to develop, to mature. It provides a proven structure for the fulfillment of their potential.

The ingredients are not enough.

Even if you have the right potential ingredients for achievement, it is not a given. Inspiration can be fleeting. Personal growth is often painful. Perseverance alone can lead to banging your head against a wall. Put them all together, and you're off to a great start, but it is not enough. High Achievers consciously put themselves in an environment where they can grow, mature, and consistently progress toward realizing their full potential. They learn from others who have been there. They have a support system. They realize it probably won't happen overnight.

The ingredients are not enough.

Check your environment. Does it empower you? What messes do you need to clean up? How's your support system? What simple choices can you make today to nurture your potential for the long term? Who can you count on?

Ingredients: inspiration, personal growth, perseverance

Think of High Achievers as your own personal white oak barrel. Our mission is simple:

To help you embrace a lifestyle of high achievement.

What would happen if you fully embraced a lifestyle of high achievement right now? What would be possible for you in the upcoming months? In a year? In three years?

Bring your inspiration. Be willing to grow. By all means persevere. Join us in embracing a lifestyle of high achievement. Your destiny awaits.

New membership options start at just $9.95/month (start my membership now!)

Do you have a team of 20 or more? Find out how you can book Doug.

I thought I was just tired. I was reading a book with fine print and found myself pulling it further away to make out the words. My vision was better than 20/20- this must be a mistake. I delayed the inevitable for over 2 1/2 years. Last weekend I faced the facts and bought my first pair of reading glasses.

"It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision." -Helen Keller

What are the factors causing us to resist simple shifts that can significantly improve the quality of our lives? Here are some that have popped up for me:

• Resistance to change/comfort zone. Sometimes I like to hold on to my old, comfortable way of looking at things- even if it doesn't work so well anymore.
• Blind spots. I got so used to reading with obscured vision, I almost didn't notice it.
• Self comparison. Comparing myself to how I used to be can be a recipe for frustration. While it is true that I am continuing to improve in various areas of my life, apparently eyesight is not one of them.
• Denial. I simply did not want to accept my limitations.
• Pride/ego/vanity. Glasses, when I got right down to it, represented weakness in my mind. I didn't want to rely on something outside myself to get results I was used to getting on my own.

I just happened to be with a trusted friend who reminded me how absurd my stubbornness was. Without this gentle prodding, it is likely I would still be vision impaired. As I write these words (glasses on) I am wondering what took me so long.

Where there is no vision, the people perish. -Proverbs 29:18

Tools, resources, and strategies are all around us. They come in the form of books, trainings, people... and glasses. What are you doing today to improve your vision?

Start your 30-day trial membership for just $1

Actual comments in a chat room after attending a motivational seminar*:

tinxie: Jeez our company spends thousands and thousands of cash on motivational speakers. They don't work. They just don't. People will stay the way that they are no matter what. LOL. They will only change if they want to.

scarygerman: On the plus side you get out of work for however long the seminars goes on, and they're usually catered, so free food.

MrMerry: I'd honest to god rather be working.

*Not a High Achievers seminar

According to Marketdata Enterprises, a Tampa-based research firm, Americans spend more than $11 billion each year on self-improvement products and services. The self-help industry is expected to grow 6.2 percent annually over the next three years.

If the self-help section worked it would be getting smaller, not larger. -Self-help Conundrum

I remember attending a seminar in the mid 90s in which the speaker opened with the above point. I had been in the self-help industry for a few short years at the time. As of this writing it has been over 17 years. I can appreciate both the humor and the truth in the statement. My own internal need for growth has often surfaced in various external remedies and fixes which never quite get there. My search for answers has led to more questions. How much is within us and how much do we need to discover? Is it more important to learn or "unlearn"? When do I push and when do I let go? How can I best help others? What is the difference that makes the difference?

Recently I made a trip to my local bookstore to check out some of the titles. Here are a few highlights...

Self-help book titles:

How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You

The Secret Power of Middle Children

Put Your Big Girl Panties On

This is Why You're fat

The Owner's Manual for the Brain (1005 pages)

The Procrastination Workbook

Change or Die

14000 Things to be Happy About

8789 Words if Wisdom

365 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power

287 Secrets of Reinventing Your Life

The 10 Women You'll be Before You're 35

5 Steps to a Quantum Life

The 4 Hour Work Week

The 30 Second Solution

And finally...

The Only Book on Success You'll Ever Need, Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (OK, that one I made up)

Can a book really change your life? Or a seminar? Or hiring a coach? What does it take? What is the difference that makes the difference? What do you think? Please post your thoughts in the self-help section. I mean the comment section.

Start your 30-day trial membership for just $1