What's In Your Library? Dan Lier
May 12, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
What's In Your Library? Dan Lier
It's hard to believe I have known Dan Lier for over 18 years. It was April 1994 when I decided to leave the insurance business and begin working in the personal and professional development industry. I drove my car from Southern California to Miami, FL and began promoting Brian Tracy seminars. My two roommates were Peter Montoya and Dan Lier. We began friendships that have lasted almost two decades.
Dan is one of the most charismatic, dynamic people I have ever known. Back in the day I modeled his certainty when communicating one-on-one or to large audiences. Through the years he has been a peer, a sounding board, and a coach for me.
Four things I have learned from Dan:
- Think BIG and take massive action
- Certainty separates the good from the great
- When facing a crisis, take a long-term perspective
- Make progress every day
Now for the official bio... Known as "America’s Coach", Dan is a best selling author, executive coach, business consultant and former top speaker with Tony Robbins. With over two decades of experience and 3,500 customized presentations, along with coverage by The Today Show and Inside Edition, Dan’s track record speaks for itself. His TV show “Your True Potential,” has inspired millions of people to take their life and business to the next level. From a former college basketball player on two national championship teams to a top performing sales producer, Dan knows what it takes to win.
Check out my interview with Dan on blogtalkradio.
By the way, three of Dan's trainings from his popular audio series The 10 Minute Coach are unlocked in your High Achievers intro membership: A Winning Attitude, Goal Setting and Vision and Success Mindset. Not a member yet? Plug in!
Becoming A Trusted Authority, by Doug Grady
May 9, 2012 by Doug · 7 Comments
Becoming A Trusted Authority, by Doug Grady
Years before I led my first seminar, wrote my first song, or typed my first blog I penned this in my journal (it is more or less a paraphrasing of a famous Goethe quote):
"When you proceed confidently in the direction you want to go, a path will unfold itself." -Doug Grady
Becoming a trusted authority is an exciting journey- you never know quite where it will take you. Wherever you are on your path, here are some thoughts on proceeding confidently.
"See yourself as you want to be." -Brian Tracy
Vision. Before you can effectively position in someone else's mind that you are a trusted authority, you must first position it in your own mind.
- How do you see yourself? Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses.
- How do others see you? Compare your list to the feedback of others. How do your clients see you? Your peers? Your friends? Ask a few trusted people how they see you- your strengths and weaknesses. Give them permission to be brutally honest.
- How do you want to be seen? Begin to see yourself as a trusted authority. What type of companies would you ideally like to work with? What would your ideal work day consist of? What activities would you consistently like to engage in?
Vision is critical, but it is just a beginning. In order to make your vision a reality, work on your...
Character. Think of a person you consider to be a trusted authority. Resist the urge to evaluate what they do. Instead consider who they are.
"Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming." -Jim Rohn
What are the characteristics you would use to describe this person? Strive to strengthen these characteristics in yourself. Focus daily on the person you intend to become. Allow the character of this person to dictate your:
Strategy. What activities would you consistently engage in if you were a trusted authority? There are many to choose from.
- Study. Great students become trusted authorities. Have you ever noticed that trusted authorities commonly quote other trusted authorities? Go out of your way to be around trusted authorities. Take them out to lunch and pay for it. Ask questions and listen. Buy their books, listen to their audio programs, invest in their trainings.
- Write blogs, write articles, write a book.
- Video blog.
- Lead seminars.
- Validation. You think you're great- wonderful. Who else says so? Collect written validation from satisfied customers and peers in your field. When it comes to testimonials, consider the source- not all are created equal. Seek endorsements from known and respected entities. Don't expect busy people to come up with a unique testimonial for you- always be prepared with an draft for their modification and approval.
- Contribute. Be a consistent contributor to groups and organizations in your field. Comment on others peoples' blogs. Provide testimonials and endorsements for people you believe in. Volunteer for causes you believe in.
Do you have a question on becoming a trusted authority? Is there a strategy you are using to be effective? Please share it with us in the comments section.
What's In Your Library? Joel Weldon
May 6, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
What's In Your Library? Joel Weldon
If you have ever called my voicemail and listened to the words, "Make it a great day!" then you have been touched by Joel Weldon (I got that from him).
I will never forget the first time Joel spoke for High Achievers. It was 2003 in California. He ran up on stage, put a huge smile on his face, and just stood there for almost a minute. What a way to start a talk! He was funny, enthusiastic, and tailored his talk specifically to our members. Joel is also master story teller. A story he told us a man name Willie has impacted the way I interact with my clients to this day.
"Success comes in cans, not cannots." -Joel Weldon
For 30 years, Joel Weldon has been sought after as an Idea Consultant and seminar leader by many of the world's leading organizations and businesses. A former construction worker with no formal education, Joel turned down a full scholarship because he thought he "wasn't smart enough to go to college." But a few years later his life completely changed. He discovered amazing talents and abilities he never knew he had, and he became a prime example of the power of one idea to transform your life!
Doug with Joel and Judy Weldon
"It's not what happens to you , it's how you respond! It's all up to you! Control the controllables! Forget the excuses, and take ACTION!" -Joel Weldon
Joel's full length seminar, Extraordinary Selling- Using The Willie Factor, is unlocked in week one of your High Achievers intro membership. Not a member yet? What are you waiting for?
What's In Your Library? Les Brown
April 18, 2012 by Doug · 2 Comments
What's In Your Library? Les Brown
Les Brown's life itself is a true testament to the power of positive thinking and the infinite human potential. Leslie C. Brown was born on February 17, 1945, in an abandoned building on a floor in Liberty City, a low-income section of Miami, Florida, and adopted at six weeks of age by Mrs. Mamie Brown, a 38 year old single woman, cafeteria cook and domestic worker, who had very little education or financial means, but a very big heart and the desire to care for Les Brown and his twin brother, Wesley Brown. Les Brown calls himself "Mrs. Mamie Brown's Baby Boy".
"You've got to be HUNGRY!" -Les Brown
In the early 90s as a young man in the insurance business Les Brown was one of my favorite sources of inspiration and motivation. Over two decades later his voice and message is more powerful than ever.
"My mission is to get a message out that will help people become uncomfortable with their mediocrity. A lot of people are content with their discontent. I want to be the catalyst that enables them to see themselves having more and achieving more." -Les Brown
Les spoke three times for High Achievers. He was one of our most popular, passionate, and powerful speakers. You can listen to Les Brown's full length High Achievers seminar, Live Your Dreams Now, in week 11 of your High Achievers intro membership. Membership is just $9.95 a month. I challenge you to listen to him and not be motivated.
Get, be, stay HUNGRY!
Change Your Mind, Change Your World, by Doug Grady
March 28, 2012 by Doug · 5 Comments
Change Your Mind, Change Your World, by Doug Grady
After watching a PBS documentary on Steve Jobs last week this quote stuck with me:
"Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you'll never be the same again." -Steve Jobs
There was a time in my life I didn't think I could change much of anything in my world. I changed my mind.
"When you change the way you look at things the things you look at change." -Dr. Wayne Dyer
The turnaround in my life came from accepting that God had a plan for me and that I was not living it. This change in perspective eventually brought about massive changes in every area of my life. If you are taking on a change in your life, your environment, or the world around you, it begins with changing your mind.
Your mind is powerful. It can be stubborn, stuck, and stagnant. You can tell it "yes" but it still says "no." It can delude you into a life that is not much more than a slow, just-comfortable-enough death. Or you can change your mind.
You can change:
- the way you talk to yourself. That little voice in your head is always telling you something. Listen to it. If it is not consistent with the world you want to live in, you can choose a different voice.
- your input. Change what you read, what you watch on television, what you pay attention to online. Consciously add mental inputs that nurture you and grow you as a person. Let go of some of the garbage that pollutes your mind. Access to a High Achievers membership (just $9.95/month) is a great way to do this. You will receive one personal development program each week in your email box from the best in the business.
- your focus. One of the simplest, most powerful ways to change your focus is to develop a sense of gratitude. Each day list at least 20 things you are grateful for. If this is difficult or uncomfortable for you, do it anyway.
- your attitude. This one can take awhile. Consistently maintaining a better attitude is often a by-product of the first three changes. If you choose to, you can change your attitude right now.
"Change happens in an instant." -Tony Robbins
Change is a choice. Make one simple choice today to change the course of your life. You may not think you can change the world, but you can always change your mind.
More simple choices...
One Simple Choice, by Doug Grady
March 14, 2012 by Doug · 5 Comments
One Simple Choice, by Doug Grady
In retrospect, it may have been more for therapy than for any other purpose. On October 31, 2010 I published an article called The Ripple Effect. It contained glimpses of a painful journey out of a very dark place.
What began as a simple 30 day commitment to physical exercise led to an ongoing awareness of what was showing up in my life as a result. From this one choice all kinds of extraordinary happenings surfaced.
My struggle seemed to resonate with others. The more I observed the more I wrote. Eventually my life turned around.
The Ripple Effect is now a published book. The following is an excerpt...
Consider your life as a series of ripples. The experiences in your life and your response to them have led you to exactly where you are now. It is not an accident.
One simple choice can change the course of your life.
You can choose right now to reconnect with your higher purpose. You can take the first step toward an unrealized passion or let go of an unhealthy habit. You can throw your hat in the ring. You can choose a daily, weekly, or monthly commitment. You can choose to do nothing at all. Each choice will have ripples.
"If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice." -Geddy Lee
Don’t worry about making the perfect choice. Perfectionism nourishes procrastination and can keep you stuck. Choose something. Choose simply. Choose powerfully. Choose now.
“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.” –Cavett Robert
Honoring your choice will not always be easy. Don’t let your ripple die the death of most New Year’s resolutions. Breakthroughs happen in the daily grind of consistently doing what you said you would do. The road ahead will undoubtedly contain many twists and turns; unexpected pain and exciting breakthroughs; setbacks and victories.
“I took the road less traveled, now I have no idea where in the world I am.” –Anonymous
Become acutely aware of what is showing up in your life. This is source of the power of the ripple effect. Record in your journal:
- What level of integrity did you operate in today?
- What ripples* are surfacing?
- How do you feel?
*Ripples are defined as the breakthroughs, experiences, realizations, people, things, additional commitments, and other results showing up in your life since you made your choice.
Finally, share with others you know what you are doing and your ripples. This is in essence how this book came to be.
What's In Your Library? Jim Rohn
March 10, 2012 by Doug · 2 Comments
What's In Your Library? Jim Rohn
"You must either magnify your skills or modify your goals" -Jim Rohn
For more than 40 years, Jim Rohn honed his craft like a skilled artist-helping people the world over sculpt life strategies that have expanded their imagination of what is possible. Those who had the privilege of hearing him speak can attest to the elegance and common sense of his material. It is no coincidence, then, that he is widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of our time, and thought of by many as a national treasure. Jim authored countless books and audio and video programs, and helped motivate and shape an entire generation of personal-development trainers and hundreds of executives from America's top corporations. -jimrohn.com
"Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion." -Jim Rohn
Jim spoke twice for High Achievers- once in California and once in Texas. I had the honor of meeting him and learning from him in person.
Jim passed away in December of 2009. His legacy lives on in his writings, his recorded seminars, and the countless lives he touched all over the world. You can listen to Jim's full length High Achievers seminar in week three of your High Achievers intro membership. Membership is just $9.95 a month. Start my membership now.
Join us and embrace a lifestyle of achievement.
Coming Off The Cleanse, by Doug Grady
February 18, 2012 by Doug · Leave a Comment
"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
Day 20
Coming Off The Cleanse
Yesterday was Day 21 of my 21 day Arden's Garden cleanse. Week three gradually reintroduced solid food, with eggs added on day 20 meat on day 21. Today it is anything goes. My first non-cleanse indulgence? No, it wasn't coffee (I am surprised myself), it was... Tabasco with my morning eggs.
Over the past 21 days I let go of stuff that has been a part of my life for years (even decades). My biggest challenge was coffee, but after day four I didn't even miss it. Days 8-14 were just juice (two fruit smoothies and three veggie juices per day) and a gallon of water each day. I was a little hungry every once in awhile, but it was never overwhelming and didn't last long.
The most challenging aspect was preparation. If you are considering taking on this type of cleanse, a blender and a juicer are essential unless you plan to purchase all your fresh juices (often) at a place like Whole Foods or Arden's Garden. I also highly recommend doing it with another person.
The benefits? All in all, it was fun. I lost 12 pounds. I did not do this to lose weight, but most of us carry an extra 5-10 lbs of waste in our intestines. If I can cleanse some of that, why not? I slept better. I breathed better. My energy level exploded around day five and has remained consistent since then (again, with no coffee). Most of all, I received significant relief from a hip injury that has been bothering me for over two years. During week two I went on my longest training run in over six months with little pain in my hip. This is a definite breakthrough.
The ripple effect from this cleanse? I see more fresh juices in my future, more water, and (dare I say) a lot less coffee.
Feel free to email at doug@highachievers.com if you have any questions about the cleanse.
Join us and embrace your lifestyle of high achievement.
LIVE at Tough Mudder Georgia
T Collie and Doug Grady performing at Tough Mudder Georgia
LIVE at Tough Mudder Georgia
Saturday, February 11th was one of the coolest experiences of my life. The folks at Tough Mudder got word of The (unofficial) Tough Mudder Song and asked me to perform it LIVE at their Georgia post-party.
My good friend T Collie, lead singer of The Commitaphobics agreed to join me for the performance. We rehearsed for several hours during the weeks leading up to the big day. Saturday morning we hit the road and 2 1/2 hours later we arrived at Aonia Pass Motocross Park, home of Tough Mudder Georgia 2012.
I have been speaking and performing music all over the country for years, at times for large audiences, but this was the first time I had taken the stage in this type of setting. I gotta admit I was a little nervous. T said, "Hey man, it's just like performing in our living rooms." Aside from the fact it was 28 degrees outside, this was helpful wisdom from a seasoned pro. Once we got on stage the nerves left and we just had fun.
I opened with a song I had never sang in public called I'm a Tough Mudder Baby to the tune of James Taylor's Steamroller. We closed with The (unofficial) Tough Mudder Song. It was pretty surreal hearing the crowd yell "ONE TOUGH MUDDER" each time we sang it in the chorus.
This performance is just one the many ripples emerging from challenging myself with consistent, intense physical exercise. Join us for Muddervation as we explore the power your body to create breakthroughs in every area of your life.
The Turnaround, by Doug Grady
February 8, 2012 by Doug · 16 Comments
The Turnaround, by Doug Grady
If you would have told me 19 months ago that by now I would be an author, have a youtube hit and be in the best shape of my life I don't know that I would have believed you.
Less than two years ago I was heavily in debt, full of self-doubt, and struggling through a mid-life crisis on several levels. Today my first book, The Ripple Effect is complete, High Achievers 3.0 has been launched, and I am preparing for the most exciting performance of my life.
"Live with passion!" -Tony Robbins
Life these days is filled with activities I am passionate about. I am part of a team I am excited to work with. I get to exercise, write, create, volunteer, perform, teach and coach. I am living a life consistent with the person I have always wanted to be. Don't get me wrong- I haven't "arrived." Now is simply very different (and much better) than the not too distant past.
I paused today to ask the same question I asked myself almost two years ago when I felt helpless, hopeless, and out of control.
"Well, how did I get here?"
I have distinguished four core components in my turnaround.
- Surrender. I prayed. I had prayed before, often. I prayed for guidance, wisdom and clarity; for the ability to make good decisions. These may seem like intelligent prayers, but when I prayed them they were nothing more than various ways of saying, Help ME get better at getting what I want. Something was different about this prayer. It came from a different place, one of no agenda; open to whatever response I received. I asked to be the man God made me to be. Almost immediately I became present to this truth: I had been given much and was by contrast, giving very little. My prayer was answered initially in the form of:
- Physical exercise. I believe intense, consistent physical exercise to be the single most important discipline I engaged in to begin my turnaround. After nearly five months of a sedentary lifestyle, I exercised at least 30 minutes per day every day for 78 days straight. Since that time I have maintained a minimum of 45 minutes per day, five days a week. Discipline in this area caused a ripple effect in every significant area of my life. This led me to:
- People. I reconnected with some. I let go of others. I went out of my way to be around people I respected, trusted, and wanted to grow with. Along the way I was introduced to Day Adeogba in a Saturday morning boot camp. Day became my friend, mentor, and personal trainer. I went to three to five networking meetings per week. I invested time with people I met- not to make a sale, simply to connect. I became actively involved in a Christian men's group called Ironmen. A strategic alliance with BNI was strengthened when I met David Alexander, now CNO of High Achievers. I began to consciously choose my:
- Lifestyle. Slowly but surely unwanted behaviors and bad habits were replaced with people, activities, thoughts, and experiences consistent with the person I knew I could be. In addition to taking care of business, I took time to learn and grow. I started writing music, blogging, and performing for anyone who would listen. Church, family, and service became more of a priority than ever before in my life. I took care of my body with better nutrition and health habits. I trained for and completed three Tough Mudders in 2011.
It didn't happen over night. In fact many of my endeavors, particularly business and financial, took longer than I thought that they would. Some still are. But it almost didn't matter. I was beginning to live the life I always wanted but had never quite realized. Not just glimpses here and there, but fully embracing a lifestyle of achievement.
"Thinking is the hardest work there is which is, the probable reason why so few people engage in it." -Henry Ford
Sometimes you just gotta sit back, take a deep breath, and reflect. No matter where you are on your journey, right now is the perfect time to do this. If you choose not to do it now, schedule yourself at least an hour to give yourself this gift within the next two days. Take your time. Be where you are. Reflect for a few minutes on the answers to each question.
- How did I get here?
- How is my life different now from a year ago?
- Am I closer to being the person I know I can be?
- What am I most grateful for?
- Am I living the life I truly want to live?
If not, maybe it starts with a prayer, a push-up, and a person.