Once I realized where it was coming from, I responded with, “What do you want me to give up?” Around this same time, my mentor, Dani Johnson had been telling me that I needed to read the bible cover to cover. Now, I had been raised in the church and I knew the bible more than the average, but she wasn’t having it. So, well you guessed it, last year I decided to read the bible cover to cover, from Genesis to Revelations, in 40 days. It wasn’t easy, but it was one of the best things I ever did. I learned so much. I could write a book on what I learned through that process and it came at a perfect time for me in my life.

Obviously, it isn’t for everybody. Reading the bible in 90 days, 180 days, or even in one year is another option. And for those of you that aren’t too sure about the whole “God” thing, read it as a book (literature) and that will get you results. You show me any person that has success in any area of their life, and I can show you how they are following principles in the bible. No matter where you are spiritually, this book will rock your world.

So yeah, you guessed it, I’m doing it again. I’m a lot busier this year than I was last year at this time, but, I’m going to find the time. It won’t be easy, but anything worthwhile isn’t easy.  ne of my favorite sayings around my offices to my employees is, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” Guess it applies here also.

If you’d like to take this challenge with me, subscribe to this blog by entering your information in the blue box on your right. You will receive “Read the Bible in 40 Days” via email.

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

“Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching.  As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” ~ Ephesians 6:6-7

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always looking at quotes and stories from inspiring people. As we celebrate this Labor Day, I’m reminded of that saying “Hard work pays off.” Not a bad directive. Persistence is definitely good. But there’s more. When you balance your marriage, your children, your work, and your free time with faith to guide you, the blessings will come back in a way that you’ve never imagined. The quote from MLK and the scripture from Ephesians go further than “Hard work pays off.” Our work is only a small part of our vocation on Earth. It’s part of a larger calling we have to work/play/love/serve with, as Dr. King so eloquently said, painstaking excellence.

Whether you’re sleeping in this morning, or going to your kids’ weekend events, or heading out-of-town for fun, or planning a BBQ for Labor day, or actually WORKING, as many are doing today, I want you to know that I believe in you. I believe that YOU are called to excellence.

Change never has or ever will come from the top. Change must come from the common man. Instead of talking about it, be about it! How about asking the following questions in terms of the last 24 months, 12 months, and 6 months:

• How much debt have I paid off?
• How have I increased my value in the marketplace?
• How much of a better spouse or parent have I become?
• How much have I given back to my community?

If we can’t answer those questions with any type of positive results attached to them, do we really have the time or even the right to question what our political folks have or haven’t done? I’m not giving them a free pass. All of them will reap what they sow. But think about it, we are asking them to do something we aren’t doing ourselves. I guarantee you, if, we the people started paying off debt, increasing our skill, becoming better people overall, and started giving back, things will change, I guarantee it. Why? Because it’s a law and a promise! No matter where you are at, you can improve. Start with something small. You can do it. I believe in you!

I’m going to do a bit of a reset here and talk about someting other than success. What’s on my mind probably isn’t the most popular subject because it’s my biggest struggle; the biggest monster that stops me in my path and threatens my success. That monster is bad health habits. My health is the one “spoke” in the wheel of life I’ve neglected. It’s always been in the back of my mind, but until recently, I have never committed to changing it. Probably because I’m always thinking and evaluating things. (Ask my wife. It drives her nuts sometimes.)

It wasn’t long ago; I was on the road thinking. “Why succeed in all other areas of life if I die of a heart attack or other health related sickness?” My old self is quick to blame my bad health habits on “being hereditary”, or “it’s too hard to change”, or “I’m too busy running five companies”, etc. but those are just excuses. Anyway, I’m driving along and thinking when something crazy happened. I thought about the solution from a business perspective. I figured if I’ve had success in other areas of my life, I could take that process and use it as it related to solving my health issue. (Let’s get one thing straight right here. It’s not really a health issue as much as it’s an “I eat too many buffets and I don’t exercise” issue. Know what I’m sayin’?)

Two areas in my life I love and have had success in recently are my financial and spiritual life. In both areas, I’ve had mentors and coaches that keep me accountable. There is NO way I could go from broke and $100K in debt to a seven-figure business without some coaching. So, I found someone who not only had my weight problem, but had persevered and come out the other side of it successfully. Her name is Kara Saha. I contacted her, asked her to come to my house, and begged her to teach me what she did to lose weight and lose it forever.

She had some great advice and is completely open about her monster and how she overcame it. I have started this journey with her as my coach. It’s not a destination, it’s a lifestyle change. Will I mess up? You bet I will.  But I’m committed to not just being on a diet, but to permanently lose weight and get healthy.

Now, what does this mean to you? We all have our monsters. Mine is my weight. What is yours? I promise you the answer to slaying your monster is right before your eyes. Most people ignore the problem and think it will go away. Take an offensive mindset and SLAY YOUR MONSTER. I believe in you! Help keep me accountable and register in the box at the left with your email address. I will post regular updates. I’d love to hear what’s on your mind. What are you struggling with?

In Los Angeles, I sat next to Jeff taking notes, shooting the breeze, and catching up about our families. I was struck that, although he has built wealth beyond what anything most folks dream about, he was still seeking improvement and honing the tools that help him succeed. He’s still the same genuine, warm guy I met four years ago, with the sweet wife and the kids who sell stray golf balls from their backyard to offset their allowance. The secret to Jeff Usner is this: He remains humble. He remains steadfast. He remains diligent in the journey to greater awareness.

On July 15^th, Jeff will be featured on ABC’s “Secret Millionaire” television show. I encourage you to watch. Remember that no one is ever too big to improve on the most valuable asset, which is YOU. If you’re in any type of business and you aren’t spending time on personal improvement, chances are, you’ll fall far short of your goals.

I’m excited about the opportunities on the horizon with this new venture! I can’t stress to you enough how much I want you to experience the kind of success that feeds your spirit and spurs you to give back to others. It has transformed my life. This partnership with this dynamic organization is the latest step in my success journey.

These are just a few of the people I consider to be heroes.

I am continuing my discussion on some things I learned from a recent seminar titled “No excuses”. Today’s tip: Get yourself a hero.  The quote that comes to mind is “Find someone who has what you want and do what they do.”  The disclaimer is to make sure it is really what you want. Don’t look up to the rock star with all the money and yet, they can’t keep a relationship. I recently spoke with a man that was friends with a multi-billionaire. When he was ask what was the one thing he would have done different, he said he wished he had spent more time with his kids. Find someone that has the success you are looking for. Rich isn’t about the money. It’s rich in relationships: rich in helping others, rich in having an abundance of time, etc. All those things are qualities when looking for a hero. Find that hero and learn from them. Learn from their every word.  Before you know it, you will start becoming more like them and that is when your life changes from the inside out.  Have a great weekend.

Listen for Stu’s TFTD broadcast on KMKS Hot Country 102.5FM each weekday around 5:45pm or click on the audio player below. stu0503

This guy isn't even Master of the Universe.

I am continuing my discussion on some things I learned from a recent seminar titled “No excuses”. Todays tip is don’t worry about things you can’t control. One of the lines I have posted on my wall is “You are not the master of the universe”. I have to remind myself of that often. Many times I get caught up in trying to solve all of lifes problems. I am in control and responsible to one person and that is the man I look at in the mirror. I have the responsibility to make a difference in everyone I am in contact with. Too many times we want to change people. That is not the way to look at it. My goal instead is to change the person I am in order that other people want to follow me on that journey of change.  Change is so uncomfortable but it is the one thing for which YOU are in control. Don’t worry about people and things you can’t control. Remember, you are not the master of the universe.  Have an amazing day!

Listen for Stu’s TFTD broadcast on KMKS Hot Country 102.5FM each weekday around 5:45pm or click on the audio player below. stu0502

Listen for Stu’s TFTD broadcast on KMKS Hot Country 102.5FM each weekday around 5:45pm or click on the audio player below. stu0501