CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

SPORTS HEADLINE-
The Philadelphia Phillies won their first World Series title since 1980 Wednesday evening over the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3. The win, in Philadelphia capped off a 4 games to 1 series victory.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a sports fan is seeing a team celebrate ultimate victory. It reminds us that while most of these players are millionaires and live the lives that most of us can only dream of, they are simply just playing a game for the joy of winning.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
What's the point of achieving goals and milestones without taking the time to celebrate them? We find ourselves always chasing the next goal and next dream often without enjoying what we have already. When was the last time you sat back and took stock of what you've accomplished and reveled in it just a little. There's nothing wrong with being a slight bit self congratulatory. You've worked hard to get where you are and do what you've done. Before sprinting down the road towards that next target, take a deep breath and enjoy where you stand.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
It's been repeatedly documented and shown that there is a direct correlation between high employee morale and increased levels of production. Simply put, a happy worker is a productive worker. Doing simple things like unexpected work parties, catering in lunch for your employees on occasion, company sponsored Happy Hour, etc. are little things that show appreciation and celebration to those that toil for you. Celebrating their efforts will reap you rewards that far outweigh those that take their employees for granted.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
There is a common phrase "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." This also has financial applications. Is there really a point to hoarding every dollar you can, scrimping and saving without ever rewarding yourself with the fruits of your savings? You can't take it with you, so enjoy what your money allows you to do, within reason of course. One of the best reasons to ever do anything is simply 'because I can!' Is there a more powerful feeling in the world than being able to do things without worrying about the consequence? Be smart, don't stray off of your plan and don't be unreasonable with your spending, but by all means, treat yourself. You deserve it!

GAME PLAN-
On the way to ultimate victory in any phase of your life, there are small victories. Be sure to celebrate those small wins along the way so when you reach ultimate victory it doesn't seem like it was just a bunch of work to finally get to the end. There's a way to enjoy even the most tedious of tasks and that's by celebrating getting beyond them. Life is short, so you might as well enjoy the ride!

SUSPENDED ANTICIPATION

SPORTS HEADLINE-WORLD SERIES GAME 5 SUSPENDED BY RAIN
In a World Series that was already made historic by it's participants, history was made again Monday night when Major League Baseball suspended Game 5, tied 2-2 in the 6th inning due to inclement weather. This was the first game in World Series history to be suspended by weather and will be resumed at the suspension point at a later date. The Phillies are leading in the World Series 3-1 in a best of seven. They have the chance to clinch the series on their home field with a win in the completion of Game 5.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
There are times in all of our lives when we need to hit the pause button and chill for a minute. There was a study by Dr. Walter Mischel at Stanford University with 4 year old children where they were left alone in a room for 15 minutes with one marshmallow on a plate. They were told they could eat the marshmallow, but, if they didn't eat that marshmallow, then they would receive two marshmallows when the adult came back in the room. Predictably, some children ate immediately, others were more patient and were rewarded for their patience. 14 years later, those same students were revisited and almost universally the children that waited were more successful, trustworthy and dependable. The moral of the story is having the discipline to delay gratification is a valuable tool that will help shape all phases of your life.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Have you ever been at a crossroads professionally where you had to make a decision to take a minute to reassess the situation or just push through and hope for the best result? What did you do and how did it work out for you? Sometimes, taking that step back and determining what's going to be the ultimate best course for the long term may take you an unexpected direction in the short term. Ultimately however, that could be better than just pressing on and then having to make changes and adjustments in the short term to achieve your long term goals.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
One of the most difficult things consumers deal with in their monthly budget and spending habits is delayed gratification. I want that car NOW! I want that house NOW! I want that vacation NOW! But the major problem is, most of us don't have the assets to just make those impulsive purchases without sacrificing something else significant in our financial lives. We often fool ourselves into believing that a want is a need. We all have the same basic needs-food, clothing and shelter. We also have societal needs-transportation, entertainment and education. But anything beyond those are really optional. Being able to fill your needs at the level you can afford them will allow you to at a later point fill those same needs at a level closer to what you desire. Doing it the opposite way is a recipe for disappointment and often times failure.

GAME PLAN-
Have the belief that your time is coming. Know in your heart of hearts that the clouds of today are just the precursor to tomorrow's sunshine and you will soon bask in the glory of the rewards of your patience. When you delay gratification, it doesn't dilute the feelings of joy, jubilation and excitement of your victory, just the opposite. You will enjoy them more because you will know all that you have done to accomplish your goals and fully enjoy your victory!

TICK TICK TICK TICK - BOOM!

SPORTS HEADLINE-NFL PRE-SEASON FAVORITES DALLAS COWBOYS FACING CRISIS
Media outlets across the nation had crowned the Dallas Cowboys the best team in football before the season began. Coming off of a 13-3 season in 2007, returning 13 Pro Bowlers and having a collection of stars, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that they would run away with the NFC title and waltz into the Super Bowl.

A funny thing happened on the way to destiny. After a quick 3-0 start, the Cowboys have lost 3 of their last 4 games, had their often outspoken WR Terrell Owens complain about not getting the ball enough following a game where he was targeted 19 times, lost their Pro Bowl safety for the season and lost their starting QB for at least 3 weeks. They are now at a crossroads for their season with a difficult month ahead of them and on the verge of implosion.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
I remember my mother often repeating a chorus of a 1967 Temptations hit, 'Beauty's Only Skin Deep'. Just as great as things look on the surface, they may be just masking the turmoil that brews beneath. Being cautious amidst boundless optimism is a good trait to exhibit. It's often the things that look and seem too perfect and too polished that have the most tumult and tarnish. Look beyond the superficial and truly examine character in order to position yourself in the best company.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
One of the major issues facing the Cowboys is the lack of 'one voice'. The owner/general manager is the highly visible Jerry Jones. The head coach is the ultimate nice guy Wade Phillips (pictured). The presumed head coach in waiting is offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, recipient of a new $3 million a year contract, making him the NFL's highest paid assistant coach. In business, during times of struggle, employees are looking for that one voice to galvanize the troops, be a shining beacon of hope and direction. When the message is muddled or diluted by too many voices, chaos ensues.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Can you count up the number of your friends who got rich buying "A new system where you can make millions from your own home"? Where's your yacht, your 3 new sports cars, your 18 bedroom house? While there are some people who have gotten legitimately rich from systems on investing, real estate, day trading and other fads that have come and gone, for the most part when the product or system reaches the masses-the real money has already been made! It's very rare that a new process, product or system is simple and effective enough that just anyone can master it's techniques and strike it rich. Rather than chasing the gold every time it glimmers, use a systematic approach of diversified saving and investing wisely to build your fortune.

GAME PLAN-
All that glitters is not gold. It's a cliche but rings very true. For every time a team came from out of nowhere to become the Cinderella story, there are just as many teams that were billed as invincible and unstoppable but were fatally flawed. Get past the shiny exterior and really examine the nuts and bolts of anything you spend your valuable time or money on to be sure that it is worthy of you.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

SPORTS HEADLINE-RAYS & PHILLIES SET TO FACE OFF IN 2008 WORLD SERIES
With the elimination of the defending champion Boston Red Sox in Game 7 of the ALCS, the Tampa Rays clinched their first ever World Series appearance where they will face the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are making their first World Series appearance since 1993 and seeking their first win since 1980. Regardless of which team wins, a large segment of their fan base will be experiencing championship glory for the first time.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
There is just something refreshing about experiencing new things. New places to travel, new foods to experiment with, new sights and sounds to tantalize the senses. We tend to fall into and languish in comfortable routines, expecting the expected and not challenging ourselves to seek adventures outside our comfort zone. But that's where life truly is exciting, when you do things that are beyond what you'd normally do or what you're customarily comfortable doing. By expanding your horizons and putting yourself in positions to experience all that is out there, your life will be enriched in ways that are unimaginable.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Do you remember dos based computers? How about mobile phones the size of a house phone? Maybe you recall facsimile machines (before they were called just 'fax') with the roll of shiny paper? These were all inventions that were hailed as revolutionary at the time they burst onto the scene. Businesses that were early to adopt these new technologies stayed ahead of their competitors and were on the cutting edge of their industries. But the times quickly caught up and now all of those technologies have been replaced with faster, more efficient and more effective models. Staying current is a good way to get behind in the business world. You have to anticipate, stay ahead of the trends and be a leader in your industry to remain victorious in your field.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
If you have paid ANY attention to the news the past 3 weeks you're aware of what's been going on with Wall Street and the banking industry. What that tells me is that we all should be thinking of new places to save and invest. One of the best areas to have a savings account is an online savings bank. These banks usually have higher interest yields on savings, money markets and Cd's (certificates of deposit) than traditional brick and mortar banks. Having an open mind to new ideas is a good way to ensure you are able to stay ahead of the game.

GAME PLAN-
There's nothing wrong with something being 'old reliable'. The reason it's called that is because you know what to expect, you know what it will be and won't be and you can count on it. While not taking anything away from reliability, it's also vital for you to keep your spirit open to experiencing new things. There are wonderful sights, sounds, smells, tastes and adventures that we all bypass every day without giving them another thought or consideration. Embrace things that before you would shy away from or not even give a second thought. The rewards are bountiful.

A COMEBACK FOR THE AGES

SPORTS HEADLINE-RED SOX RALLY FROM THE BRINK OF ELIMINATION
On the field of historic Fenway Park, the home of the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays were 7 outs away from clinching their first World Series berth. Down 7-0 in the bottom of the 7th inning and down 3-1 in the best of seven series, it seemed bleak for the home team. Amazingly a rally started and by the end of the evening, the Red Sox had pulled off the 2nd largest comeback in MLB playoff history by posting a 8-7 win extending the series to a Game 6.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
We all face difficult circumstances in life from time to time, when it seems like nothing can swing our way. Believing that no obstacle is too great to overcome with a positive spirit, strong faith and the willingness to persevere can go a long way towards getting past your challenge and closer to your victory. Keep doing the right things, don't give up and keep in mind that when you face tough times, you are just around the corner from greatness.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
There's an often repeated mantra you'll hear from successful teams and coaches that are struggling, 'We've got to stay the course.' Why would you want to keep doing something if it's not working right now? It's because you know that over time, the process or program you have in place will work. It's worked in the past and will work again. Business owners sometimes will face struggles and despite knowing that what they've done before has worked and will work again, will stray off course to try to capture lightning in a bottle. Believe in your business plan, believe in your employees and 'stay the course' to emerge victoriously.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
It's rare to encounter someone who isn't facing some level of financial challenges in today's economic environment. If it's not their direct income, it's their stock portfolio or their 401K that is feeling the brunt of our tough times. It has to feel like it's almost over for some people. But just like the Red Sox had to start somewhere on their comeback so do you. It starts with making one positive move, whether it be committing to save a little more dillengently in a savings account or making an investment in a low priced stock with upside or simply reassessing and reshaping your financial goals, make that initial positive move that will start your financial rally.

GAME PLAN-
The old cliche says, 'It ain't over 'til it's over,' and we've seen that shown time and time again. Don't give up before the game is over. You never know what's going to spark your rally and lead you down a victorious path!

ROOT ROOT ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM

SPORTS HEADLINE-THE JOY OF BEING A FAN
I'm taking a different angle with this post, today's blog is inspired by none other than my mother. She is a Cleveland sports fan thru and thru. She grew up rooting for the Indians and the Browns, graduated from Ohio State and roots for the Buckeyes relentlessly. I received a celebratory e-mail from her after the Browns pulled the upset over the defending Super Bowl Champion NY Giants on Monday Night Football. Congrats on the team's win Mom!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Finding something that you are passionate about can make a huge difference in your levels of personal happiness and satisfaction. While fans of certain teams (Cubs, Mets, Clippers) seem to have almost a tortured existence of unfulfilled potential and promising seasons somehow lost, those fans share an identity and an unshakable faith of 'wait til next year.' As a true fan you experience the highs of winning and lows of losing along with the team you follow. Having that passion and being able to share it with like minded fans and enjoying friendly competition with your rivals is what being a fan is all about!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Having a sense of pride and ownership of your business or place of work is proven to be a strong motivating factor for increased workplace satisfaction and productivity. Studies have repeatedly shown that workers that feel that they are not only working for a company, but are valued members of the "team" are often more loyal, more driven to succeed for that company and more willing to make sacrifices neccessary for the company to be successful. By fostering a sense of ownership among your employees or by being able to effectively draw a correlation between your role in the business and it's ultimate viability, you can lead your business towards victory.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
One of the more difficult things with people who are new to investing or managing their finances is they don't really know where to start. It's easy to say, save and invest wisely, but that's so vague it can almost be discouraging to the uneducated investor. Aa suggestion is to pick an investment vehicle like you would a sports team and follow it accordingly. If it's a company stock or a specific industry, follow it as you follow your favorite team. Get to know the key players, research it's history, get a sense of where you think it's going and decide if this is who you want to hitch your wagon to. Part of the excitement of being a fan is riding the ups and downs of a team. When you have some 'skin in the game' it will be that much more exciting!

GAME PLAN-
Fan is short for fanatic. Finding something that you have an undying passion and dedication to is a wholly fulfilling experience. All of us fans, at one point have said-'That's it! I can't do it anymore with this team!' but of course, come next season we are right back where we were before. That's true dedication, true passion and true love.

LOOKS LIKE A DUCK, WALKS LIKE A DUCK, MUST BE A DUCK

SPORTS HEADLINE-ADAM 'PAC-MAN' JONES INVOLVED IN HOTEL FIGHT
Oft troubled Dallas Cowboys defensive back Adam 'Pac Man' Jones was involved in a fight with a team employed bodyguard on Tuesday night at a hotel outside of Dallas. The police were called but no injuries were reported and no charges will be filed.

Jones was recently reinstated to the NFL after serving a one year suspension for conduct unbecoming an NFL player by commissioner Roger Goodell. Goodell suspended Jones after a series of arrest involving alcohol, firearms and disorderly conduct spanning 2004-2007.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Author and motivational speaker Dennis Kimbro has been known to say, 'You are an average of the people you surround yourself with.' This is just a more eloquent way of what you mother always said, 'be careful who you hang around with!' There are just some people who cannot seem to stay out of their own way and trouble finds them. It's vital to your success and your reputation to thoroughly screen the people who you have in your inner circle. Surround yourself with people who share your same goals or better goals, have the same energy and drive for success or more than yours.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
How many times have you seen talent trump character? We've all experienced people in the professional arena that are just amazing at what they do, but their benefit to the business or organization is offset by the baggage they carry. Sometimes it's a correctable problem but sometimes it's just not. Some people are who they are and will be who they will be. As a business owner or team leader, you have to keep in mind the overall best interest of the organization and sometimes let someone's talent be another teams' headache.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
You've heard the phrase 'throwing good money after bad'. A way to apply that is if you continue to soak money into an investment that has shown you historically that it is not paying off. There is far less shame in walking away from a poor investment than spending untold amounts of time and more money trying to rescue it. There are times when you can salvage a poor decision or investment by allocating more resources to it, but there's also a time to realize that it's not working and let it go.

GAME PLAN-
While we are conditioned to give people the benefit of the doubt and we are unquestionably in a society of giving second and third chances, we also must have the wisdom to realize that some things and people are exactly what they seem to be. Maya Angelou said, 'when someone shows themselves to you, believe them' meaning when someone or something reveals their true character, despite us at times wishing and believing it to be something else, trust what they are showing. You will be stronger, better and more fulfilled by letting those go by the wayside and moving on to more positive influences in your life.

DELAYED PROMISE

SPORTS HEADLINE-2007 #1 OVERALL PICK MAKES LONG AWAITED NBA DEBUT
Greg Oden was supposed to be 'next'. He was called the best true center to enter the NBA from the college ranks since Shaq. He had the footwork of Bill Russell, the shooting touch of Patrick Ewing and the athleticism of Alonzo Mourning. But before even his first preseason practice he experienced soreness in his right knee and went season ending micro-fracture surgery.

Oden finally made his debut Tuesday night in a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings. In less than 20 minutes on the court, Oden scored 13 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and blocked 2 shots.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Life is full of setbacks, unexpecteded pitfalls and unfortunate obstacles. Things will rarely go as you always plan or hope that they will go, so the question is-how will you respond? Physical injuries have a pretty set course, get treatment, get the injury repaired, get rehab and work your way back. Recovering from emotional or other personal setbacks seems to have a less clear path but in reality the road back is very similar. Take the necessary time to work through the stages of whatever you have to overcome but always have the knowledge that at the end of the road your victory awaits you.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
One of the hardest things to deal with when starting a business is the time that you often have to incur as you slowly grow your clientele. While you can clearly see the merits of your product or service and it's so clear to you why this is the best thing since sliced bread, it may take some time for the rest of the world to come around. Having the focus, determination and unshakeable belief that what you have to offer is the best option out there and you can perform it better than anyone else may be the difference between a great idea and an amazing, fulfilling career.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
Our finances have such an impact on every area of our lives. When times are good, it seems like nothing can get us down. When times are tough, it seems that the hits just keep on coming. Recovery from financial setbacks can seem and feel like a never ending road. It's so easy to focus on what you don't have, can't afford or are missing out on. But take the opposite view instead. Look at all of the lessons you've learned, the amazing opportunities ahead and how much you will be able to appreciate the sacrafices you've had to make.

GAME PLAN-
This one is really simple. Whenever you are faced with a setback or a significant unexpected challenge, rather than just focusing on the problem, look past just the solution to the ultimate outcome. Believe that you will emerge stronger, smarter and better after all is said and done.

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE

SPORTS HEADLINE-MMA STAR KIMBO SLICE SUFFERS KO AT HANDS OF UNKNOWN
Internet legend turned MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Kimbo Slice was knocked out 14 seconds into his nationally televised Elite XC fight Saturday vs. Seth Petruzelli. Slice was orignially scheduled to fight Ken Shamrock in a headline bout featuring 2 of the sports biggest names, but when Shamrock was injured in a sparring session, Petruzelli substituted in his place for the bout.

Slice, who grew a large fanbase and viral icon status in 2006 & 2007 for his videotaped 'Backyard Brawls', shown on You Tube, had been undefeated in MMA action and was expected to make quick work of Shamrock's replacement.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Have you ever had that feeling of invincibility? We can all remember those times when everything is going right in our world, the sun seems to be shining every day, we catch every green light on the way to work, everyone we encounter is smiling and happy, life is just great! Unfortunately we also remember the days when the rain seems just a little bit harder when we walk out the door, it seems that your car has a license plate that says 'CUTMEOFF' and you are wearing a huge 'Kick Me!' sign on your back. That's why it's good to maintain an even keel about you, regardless of what's going on in life. Enjoy the highs and navigate the lows but don't get too caught up in either one.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Every once in a while a revolutionary idea or a sales/marketing/management superstar comes along. For every Bill Gates, there are hundreds of dot com 'geniuses' that fizzled just as soon as their fatal flaws were exposed. Good business owners and investors are able to see through all of the hype of what looks to be grand on the surface, but they take the time to really dig deeper into the product or person to really uncover it's substance. While it is great to be riding the wave of what seems to be a great idea or addition to your team, be sure that wave has sustaining power and doesn't come crashing down on top of you.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
It's a common saying in sales to 'sell the sizzle, not the steak' meaning if you are able to sell the benefits of something, then your job is much easier to complete the sale. So when you are looking for areas for investment or starting a home based business to generate supplemental or to be your primary source of income, how quickly do you get caught up in all of the hype and promises of fast money with little effort? It all seems so easy, until you've spent unknown amounts of money just to realize you don't have the time, knowledge or passion to follow through with what's needed to be done in order to be succesful. That's what most of these companies bank on, that you are going to plop down your money and leave the product sitting in a corner somewhere. They've made their money to keep paying for advertising for the next person whose interest they can peak. Take a few extra steps to really research and think about what you are getting into and make sure you are ready to fully committ the time, energy and passion to developing and growing your business.

GAME PLAN-
Coaches commonly say that you are never as good as you think you are and never as bad as they say you are. Life is filled with highs, lows, unfulfilled promises and unexpected disappointments. Buying in to the hype is a sure fire way to set your self up for disappointment, just as believing that nothing good will ever happen for you because you are in a lull is a virtual guarantee to manifest that because your thoughts and actions lead down a negative path. Remaining medium, while still enjoying the highs and learning from the lows will lead you to a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

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!