SPORTS HEADLINE-YANKEE STADIUM CLOSES ITS DOORS FOR THE FINAL TIME
One of the grandest stages in all of sports has held it's last performance. The home of the most storied franchise in all of sports history, the New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium, hosted it's final game Sunday afternoon in Manhattan. After 85 years of being home to some of the greatest names in baseball history from Ruth to Gehrig to Berra to Mantle to DiMaggio to Jackson to Jeter, the time had come to replace the old stadium with a brand new, state of the art facility being built in an adjacent parking lot.

Sunday evening represented a celebration of baseball history. A gala that brought together Yankees from throughout the years to reminice and celebrate championships and memories of the past while preparing to usher in the new stadium in 2009.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
We are all in such a rush these days to do everything in life faster, smarter, more efficiently that sometimes we lose sight of where we have been. It's very humbling and grounding to take some time every once and a while to reflect back on our own personal history to see where we've come from. In good times, reflect on the struggles you've had to overcome to get to where you are today. In bad times, look back at times of celebration for spiritual edification, but also look back upon when you've been able to emerge from struggle for inspiration. The old saying goes, those that choose not to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
One of the reasons that the Yankees have had such success over the decades is what they call the 'Yankee Way'. Now there is no written definition of the Yankee Way but it's a culture that is ingrained in the organization. There's a certain level of expectations, a certain level of professionalism, a certain standard of excellence that is just a given when wearing the pinstripes. In your business, what is your 'Way'? What are the core beliefs you seek in your business practices and employees? Establish your own winning culture and make that permeate all aspects of what you do and watch the results!

PERSONAL FINANCES-
If you follow baseball at all, you know the Yankees aren't afraid to spend money! They consistently have the highest payroll in baseball and for decades have the on field results to justify it. Sometimes in life you've got to spend money to make money. The wisest investments they've made have also been some of the safest. Traditionally, it's going to be more beneficial for you to invest your money in stable, long term vehicles (stocks, bonds, CDs) than the latest, greatest booming trend. Making decisions based on today's news means you've missed yesterday's boat. The big money is already been made in most cases before you get a chance to jump in. There's always merit in taking a smart risk with a small percentage of your portfolio, but avoid the danger of trying to hit a major league home run with a wiffle ball bat.

GAME PLAN-
Take some time today to reflect on days past. What's been good and what's been bad? There have been great people who have entered your 'stadium' throughout your life, celebrate them with a quick phone call or e-mail to let them know how much you appreciate and revere them. Establish your winning ways in life, in business and in your finances. Start your personal dynasty today!