UNEXPECTED VICTORY

SPORTS HEADLINE-OREGON STATE SHOCKS #1 USC 27-21
Thursday night in Corvallis, OR, the unranked Oregon State Beavers upset the previously unbeaten and undisputed #1 team in the land, the USC Trojans.

Led by freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers 186 yards and 2 TD the Beavers knocked off the Trojans for the second consecutive time on their home field.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
This one is really simple, no obstacle is too great to be overcome. The sports landscape is littered with Goliaths that David has slain along the way. One of the mantras often repeated in sports is 'on any given day' which means that nothing is impossible. There are going to be hundreds of times in your life where the challenges that lie ahead seem to dwarf potential solutions. In those cases, you just have to buckle down, dig deep and have the ultimate belief in yourself that you will be victorious!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Whenever a major upset occurs, some of the same tenets are always quoted. 'Outstanding teamwork.' 'Solid leadership.' 'We had a plan and we executed it.' These aren't unique concepts. It's rare that you can have success at any level without teamwork, leadership and a plan. The difference between taking your team or your business to the next level or winning in the business arena against the odds is perfect execution.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Amongst the feelings of joy after a major win is, now what do I do? It almost seems deflating to have a big score and then not follow it up with another one. This can tread into dangerous territory financially. There are going to be times when you get an unexpected financial increase. While it's great to savor that increase, if you splurge and squander it then what? It's fine to celebrate a little, enjoy the spoils, but keep in mind that wins like that come rarely if at all so you should try to make it last as long as you can.

GAME PLAN-
We are accustomed to winning and losing and most of us can navigate those with a certain level of predictability. One of the great things about the game of life is the unexpected wins. These are the times in life we cherish most when we look back and revel in our accomplishments. The times that while we knew all along that we were capable of greatness, we are even a little surprised at ourselves for what we've accomplished. Celebrate all of your victories, expected and unexpected and continue to believe that your next great victory is just ahead.

SOMETIMES, IT'S JUST TIME

SPORTS HEADLINE-MATT MILLEN OUT AFTER UNSUCCESSFUL REIGN AS LIONS GM/PRESIDENT
After posting a 31-84 record as the General Manager/Team President of the Detroit Lions, former NFL star and analyst Matt Millen was relieved of his duties today by team owner William Clay Ford.

Millen has long been a target of ridicule by the fans, local and national sports media. The inability to field a winning team was magnified by Millen's curious personnel decisions, such as drafting WR in the first round in 4 consecutive years. The Lions, under Millen's leadership since 2001 are off to an 0-3 start this season.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
We all enter certain things in life-relationships, career paths, business deals, personal business ventures-with passion, confidence, vision and hope that it will all work out for the best. Some of these same feelings are why other people can see from the outside what it sometimes takes us too long to recognize for ourselves. Sometimes it just doesn't work and no matter what you do, it's not going to. Part of being a smart and effective decision maker is realizing that there is no shame in failure, only shame in failing to recognize when to let go. In the long run, you are better off for having the experience and moving on than lingering and 'hoping for the best'

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
It's always tough to let someone go. You hire or partner with someone with all of the best intentions. You are sure that this is the perfect person for the role you envision them fulfilling. For one reason or another, it's just not happening. Do you think it's a mystery to that person that you are not achieving the results that you both dersire? It may not be all of their fault, sometimes it's a matter of circumstance. But business is business. Doing the right thing by being fair and letting the person know that it's not working and you both need to move on is the right, professional thing to do.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Do you have a DeLorean parked in the garage? How about a stack of Enron stock certificates? Are you still feeling good about that HD-DVD purchase of a couple of years ago? A few bad investments can put you in a world of financial hurt for a long time. While you don't want to be hasty in making financial decisions, when the writing is on the wall, bail out and save what you can.

GAME PLAN-
Let's face it, losing is part of the game of life. Nobody is ever going to win all the time or lose all the time. One of the differences though between perennial winners and perennial losers is the self awareness to acknowledge when something isn't working and it's time to make a change. Einstien famously said, 'The definition of insanity is doing the same action over and over and expecting a different result.' I'm not advocating making change for change sake, however if there is a constant among other changes and your results remain the same, it's time for a change in overall direction.

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!

FROM THE OUTHOUSE TO THE PENTHOUSE

SPORTS HEADLINE-RAYS CLINCH FIRST EVER PLAYOFF BERTH
Since their inception in 1998, the Tampa Rays have been the joke of baseball. They usually couldn't draw more than 12,000 to their home games and had never been close to a winning season. They became synonymous with perennial losers. In 2008, that all changed.

With a new name (they dropped Devil from Devil Rays) and a new look, they were the surprise of the league. Holding first or second place from the beginning of the season, the Rays finally made good on the promise of all of their young talent they had accumulated over the years and took the fight to the 'big boys' in their division, the Yankees and World Champion Red Sox. Saturday evening was the culmination of everything coming together. With a victory coupled with a Red Sox loss, the Rays clinched no worst than a wild card berth in the 2008 AL Playoffs.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
I was always taught, 'if at first you don't succeed, try-try again. No matter what your history is, no matter the fact that the outcome seems bleak, like it's never going to change, don't give up. If you believe that whatever victory you are seeking is possible, then stick to the program until you achieve the success you seek. Perseverance is an intangible of all winners. The old saying goes, 'winners never quit and quitters never win.' Trust in yourself that you have the right stuff to come out on top.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
It's rare that companies start out at the top of their field. It often takes years, sometimes decades for it all to 'click' and to see the desired results. During these 'growing pains', it's vital to have a plan or program and stick to it. There is no specific blueprint for success in business. You have to develop your program and have the right people in place to implement it. Acquiring the right talent mix is another huge key. Sometimes the best looking person on paper isn't the best fit for your organization. Sometimes it's better choose personality and chemistry over a resume.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Coming out on top financially takes time. Rarely do people 'start the game' with pockets full of money and bank accounts overflowing. Having a solid long term plan of savings, stocks, bonds, real estate, wise investments and being able to stick to that plan are tried and true methods to financial success. There can and likely will be periods of dry spells, when it seems that there isn't a way-no matter what you try- to see prosperity in your future. You've got to believe and stick to your plan and your financial destiny will manifest.

GAME PLAN-
Yesterday doesn't define your present or your future. If anyone were to predict the Rays would be atop the baseball world at the beginning of the season they'd be roundly criticized and dismissed. But in sports, as in life, victory and success can come at any time. Having a plan, sticking to the plan, executing the plan and seeing the plan through to fruition will garner long term success in all aspects of your life.