NOT SAVING THEIR BEST FOR LAST

SPORTS HEADLINE-REGULAR SEASON BEST IN AL & NL ON BRINK OF ELIMINATION
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Chicago Cubs posted the most wins in their respective leagues in the 2008 MLB season. Both enter the weekend one loss away from being swept out of the first round of the playoffs.

The Angels are facing the defending world champion Boston Red Sox and after a dramatic 7-5 loss Friday night head to Boston facing the daunting task of having to sweep the Sox on their home field and come back to LA for a clinching win.

The Cubs committed 4 errors Thursday night en route to their loss to fall 2 games down to the Dodgers. Many thought this would finally be the year that long suffering Cubs fans would see their team win the World Series for the first time since 1908.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
There are times in our lives when we've all accomplished great things. You are feeling good about yourself, what you've done, the hard work it took to get there and the rewards of your accomplishment. Now keep going. Now that you've reached this goal, how can you make it a stepping stone towards the next goal? Just as games aren't won at halftime and there are no trophies for second place, life is a long marathon. Enjoy your victories along the way, but continue to press forward and strive for more greatness to come.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
The history of sports and business is filled with 'unfulfilled promise'. Teams and companies that seemed to have it all going their way with ultimate glory just at their fingertips. But a funny thing happened along the way to that ultimate glory. Something or someone broke down, exposing a fatal flaw. Fortunately in business it's rare that even if you fall short of your ultimate goal, all of the good works and efforts are for naught. See what worked and what didn't and build off of your successes.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Just as the Cubs were their own undoing in their Game 2 loss by making errors in the field, you can cause yourself undue financial stress and strain by ignoring solid financial fundamentals and making errors in judgment. While you may not be able to immediately recover from errors that you've made, by getting back to the fundamentals and sticking to those principles, you will ultimately end up victorious.

GAME PLAN-
In sports there is only one champion at the end of each season. One team that had it all come together, either dominant throughout the year or getting hot at the right time or a magical performance for the ages that culminates in a championship. Every team strives to be that champion when the season begins but only one reaches that pinnacle. The difference between jubilation and disappointment can be such a slim margin do all that you can not to sabotage your victory. Focus on your fundamentals, don't rest on your laurels and persevere until you've reached the top!

WNBA FINALS NOT SO MUCH OF A 'SHOCK'

SPORTS HEADLINE-DETROIT AND SAN ANTONIO OPEN WNBA FINALS WEDNESDAY NIGHT
For the third straight season and fourth overall appearance, the Detroit Shock will represent the Eastern Conference in the WNBA Finals versus the San Antonio Silver Stars. This ties the record of the Houston Comets (1997-2000) for WNBA championship series appearances.

Winning is nothing unique to the Head Coach of the Shock, former Detroit Pistons "Bad Boy" Bill Laimbeer. He was the center and lead villain of the Detroit Pistons teams of the 1980's that made 3 NBA Finals appearances and won 2 NBA championships during that era.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
I recently had someone say to me, "you are an average of the people you associate with." I found that to be a fascinating statement once I really thought about it. If that is true, who do you want to associate with? Do you want to be around winners? Do you want to be around positive people who are doing the right things every day to improve themselves and the lives of those around them? It's always a great thing to step back and see those who you allow to consciously and unconsciously influence you and determine if they are indeed the positive force you need to help get you to the next level.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Sports and business have so many parallels. In order to have success you need leadership, an solid plan and proper execution. In order to have sustained success you also have to have strong leadership, an excellent plan and near flawless execution. How do you find those strong leaders, those who can execute the plan and lead their troops to execute it to it's maximum potential? Is it always the case that the best players automatically become the best coaches? Not at all, so why would that ring true in business. There are endless stories of top producing sales people who flamed out or outright failed as managers. Take the time to examine the intangible someone brings to a position, look beyond the resume and achievements to determine who is going to be your best coach to lead your team to victory.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
There are very few strategies for sustained financial success. Why, you may ask? Well, because the ones that exist already work pretty well! Some of the most basic strategies, budgeting, saving, investing wisely, taking moderate but calculated risks, are strategies that will almost unfailingly keep you in the game, if not ahead of the game financially. When you either don't follow or try to reinvent these existing strategies you are playing in a game that's much tougher to win.

GAME PLAN-
A team that wins consistently over a period of time is called a dynasty. Dynasties are rare in today's sports world because of the impatient nature of society. It takes time to develop a solid team with the right mix of players, it's vital to have the right person leading the team and crafting the message, there is a certain level of 'buying into the system' that has to take place with every player to execute the strategy, however basic it might seem. Life is full of peaks and valleys but the hallmarks of sustained excellence rarely waver across different lines of life. Determine for yourself if you want to ride the roller coaster or if you'd rather sail the calmer seas of continued success.

A LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE BY A LEGEND

SPORTS HEADLINE-BRETT FAVRE SETS NEW PERSONAL BEST WITH 6 TD PASSES IN WIN
Future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre of the New York Jets passed for a career high 6 touchdown passes in Sunday's 56-35 victory over the visiting Arizona Cardinals.

Favre, who retired from the Green Bay Packers in the spring but returned this summer with a trade to New York holds virtually every passing record in the NFL record book including career yards and touchdown passes, has led his new team to a 2-2 record through the first four games of the 2008 season.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
No matter what you have accomplished in life, there is always room for personal growth and achieving great things. There's a saying that says 'Greatness knows no bounds.' This means that whatever you can envision for yourself, and even things that you can't see in your own mind's eye, are attainable and achieveable to you. We are all capable of great things, find where your passions and talents lie and excel within those arenas.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
In whatever business you are in, there is always a superstar. It could be in sales, technology, travel, business, industry, really anything. What usually makes that person a star is their unfailing beleif in themselves and their ability to do what they do better than anyone else. I've learned over the years that the talent difference between great workers and good workers isn't that broad. What's usually different is their belief in what they are doing and them being put in the right positions or locations to succeed. Take a look at your organization and see if your stars are in the right places to maximize your game plan.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Favre is known as a bit of a wild card. His charm is that he will do something completely unimaginable in order to try to make a play for his team to win. Guess what, that works for him! In your finances, there is room to take such chances, every once in a while. In order to attain greatness, you have to try to be great! You can't sit and play it safe all of the time. That will rarely put you in a position to lose, but it also limits your ceiling. Take smart, calculated risks-but risks nonetheless-in the pursiut of great financial success.

GAME PLAN-
In life, business and financially, there is always an achievement that's out there to accomplish. Life's scorecard is never filled up. As long as you believe there is another level for you to go to, another rung on the ladder to climb, keep presssing onward towards your goals. Some of the most satisfying acheivements in life are those that make you say, 'I didn't know I could do that!' Believe you can do anything and live all phases of life accordingly.

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.

Excelling without your best

SPORTS HEADLINE-USA HAS LARGEST 1ST ROUND LEAD IN RYDER CUP SINCE 1979
Yesterday marked the beginning of the Ryder Cup, an annual golf match featuring the best players from the United States vs. Europe's best golfers in a team competition. But one thing is missing from this year's event. THE best player in the golf universe, Tiger Woods. Woods has been out of golf recovering from knee surgery following his heroic win at the US Open this summer.

So with the US Team missing their far and away best player you'd just assume that they'd struggle to find their footing, maybe be in some tighter matches than previous years and overall have a harder time competing, right? Well to the contrary, they ran out to a huge lead after the 1st round, their largest since 1979. "We're in a good place," said US Captain Paul Azinger. "Who would have thought?" With 6 rookies on the team this year, who would have thought indeed!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
So what do you do when conditions in your life are less than ideal? Do you find it hard to overcome obstacles in life when the odds seem insurmountable? Do you view your challenges and obstacles with fear and regret or do you relish the challenge and attack things head on? Believe in yourself, your abilities and your destiny and power through the barriers in your path.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT-
Your top salesperson just left the company. Your best representative is on vacation as the 'big wigs' are coming to town and you need to have a good showing. Sales goals and accountability to management or your shareholders doesn't go away just because you are without your top performers. Look within to uncover new superstars. There are winners with untapped potential within your organization simply waiting for the chance. Giving them a chance, encouraging and supporting them could be the keys to your victory.

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT-
It's really easy to focus on what's missing in our lives financially. I sure wish I'd have bought some Google stock a few years back, anyone with me? The lottery numbers sure would come in handy right about now, wouldn't they? When faced with tough times, look within and truly assess your resources. Determine what tools you can use to get you thru the rough patch until you are able to be at 100% again. Making wise decisions on savings, budgeting and credit will keep you on the green and away from the rough!

GAMEPLAN-
There are times when we are all at less than our best. Life happens to all of us at one time or another. Whether it's a personal loss, professional struggles or financial turmoil, each one of us has to overcome and persevere at times when we wish conditions were more favorable. Dr. Robert Schuller once said, 'Tough times never last. Tough people do.' Face your challenges head on, don't focus on what you don't have, focusing on maximizing what you do and embrace your victory!

OOPS!

I've always been a believer that adversity is the catalyst for some of life's most valuable lessons. My favorite all time quote is from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy."

For my inaugural blog post of what I hope to be daily strategies for victory garnered from the world of sports, let's look at the week of Ed Hochuli.

SPORTS HEADLINE-HOCHULI BLOWS CALL, COSTS CHARGERS VICTORY
If you follow the NFL at all, you've seen and heard about this story. One of the leagues best, and unquestionably highest profile, officials, Ed Hochuli incorrectly ruled a play an incomplete pass rather than a fumble with less than a minute left in the 4th quarter of a close game between the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers. He reviewed the call and immediately and on the field acknowledged his error, but as the rules are written, he was unable to reverse the call and correct his mistake. As a result of the mistake, the Broncos retained possession and on the next play scored what ended up being the game winning touchdown.

Throughout the following week, an admittedly devastated Hochuli weathered brutal criticism, endured hate mail and speculation about his job. In response to the backlash, Hochuli took an unusual step. He admitted he screwed up and apologized. He took out an ad in the San Diego newspaper as a mea culpa, taking full responsibility for missing the call and contributing to their team's loss. No doubt he will be back on the field this weekend, 'guns blazing', belting out 'First Down!' as two more teams strive for victory.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-What areas in your life have you made mistakes in but didn't step up to the plate and acknowledge your culpability? You don't have to take out a full page ad in the paper, but maybe it's the simple steps of sending an e-mail, mailing a card or making a phone call that will make the difference in someone's life today.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT-Where in your business can you see where an error was made that by a little more attention to detail would have been the difference between success and failure? What changes can you implement to ensure that similar errors don't occur in the future?


FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT-We've all made mistakes in handling our personal financial affairs but nothing is a permanent 'game changing' mistake. The wonderful thing about money is you can always make more. Even the most catastrophic mistakes rarely result in 'game over'. The first step is acknowledging your mistakes and understanding the behavior that led you to make them. Then correct the behavior to change the result the next time you are faced with a similar decision.


GAMEPLAN-
The lesson I want to share from this is no matter what your circumstance, you will face adversity of your own doing. The question is will you take reponsibility, acknowledge your mistake and soldier on? It would have been easy for Hochuli to blame the NFL for the rule not allowing him to change the obvious error. It would have been simple for him to just ignore the firestorm and move on to the next game. In life, the right choice usually hurts a little bit, but in the long run you are a better person for making it.