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.