Jason R. Price

“Leadership is the capacity to develop and communicate a vision that inspires others to act.” -James Kouzes Entreleadership

A great reminder to develop a vision that people can see themselves being a part of. I think the key word here is “inspire.” You can only do that by talking about what things could look like and how the outcome could also help them. Then, run together!

“The journey to achieve your dream isn’t easy. It takes hard work to get to where you want to go, but never forget that the greatest reward is who you become as a result!” - John C. Maxwell

Sometimes we get too focused or even impatient on achieving the outcome and forget about who we are becoming and how much we’re growing.

“The poor and the middle class work for money. The rich have money work for them.” -Robert Kiyosaki

I wonder if this quote from the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” is even more relevant today given the advancement of AI and tech? If the future of ‘workers’, including the knowledge workers, are perhaps at some level of risk, then ‘investing’ may well be the answer to mitigating against limited ways for people to produce income. Of course, AI can also be used as an enabler for people to expand their capabilities and improve productivity, but I think both perspectives will play out to some degree. Important to have a plan. Any thoughts?

“For entrepreneurs, failure is just a misstep towards success.” -Eric Worre

Agreed and not what school teaches. Failures help us learn what we need to change. Fail until successful!

“Your network is your net worth; cultivate it wisely.” - Eric Worre

As I’ve grown in my professional career and personal endeavors, I see this to be true more and more. As it’s often said, it’s who you know versus what that makes the most difference. I think it’s important to build and cultivate networks of like-minded people. It’s really about helping each other to become successful in achieving our goals.

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” - Jim Rohn

Good wisdom here and 100% agree if you desire to grow and rise to new levels. Reading provides a great way to be mentored by the top people in personal growth and different fields.

In the journey of personal and professional growth, few tools are as powerful and transformative as having a mentor. Reflecting on my own experience, I’ve come to appreciate the immense value that a mentor can bring to one’s life in numerous ways.

Firstly, having a mentor provides invaluable perspective. This is someone who embodies the principles and outcomes we aspire to achieve. They have walked the path we wish to tread and can offer insights into the mindset, decisions, and strategies that led them to success. By tapping into their wisdom and experience, we gain clarity on our own journey and are better equipped to navigate the challenges along the way.

Secondly, a mentor serves as a mirror, offering an objective view of our communication, actions, and blind spots. Their outside perspective enables us to identify areas for growth and improvement that we may have overlooked on our own. Constructive feedback from a mentor becomes a catalyst for personal development, propelling us towards our goals with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Moreover, mentorship provides tailored guidance and coaching in specific areas of interest, be it business, entrepreneurship, or life in general. While conventional wisdom may discourage copying, seeking guidance from those who have achieved success aligns with the principle of learning from the best. A mentor can offer practical strategies, actionable advice, and proven methodologies honed through their own experiences, accelerating our progress towards excellence.

It’s worth noting that mentorship is not reserved for the elite few. While high-level executives and professional athletes often attribute their success to mentorship, its benefits are accessible to anyone committed to personal growth. Yet, despite its proven efficacy, many still lack a personal relationship with a mentor who can unlock their full potential.

In conclusion, mentorship is a potent catalyst for personal and professional growth. By harnessing the wisdom, perspective, and guidance of a mentor, we empower ourselves to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and live our best lives. Let us not underestimate the transformative power of mentorship, for it has the potential to shape our destinies and propel us towards greatness.

“A transformed you creates a transformed world. A better and transformed you is an unstoppable change agent!” -John C. Maxwell

I believe this quote provides great motivation to continue on the journey of personal growth and development. As we grow, we impact the people around us because we are able to add more value to their lives and set a positive example of what it looks like to become the best version of ourselves.

“Have goals so important that you’ll do the work even when you don’t feel like it.” -Ray Higdon

This underscores the necessity of having a strong ‘why’—a compelling reason that propels you forward each day. Whether it’s striving for a healthier lifestyle for the sake of your children, creating additional streams of income to broaden opportunities for your family, or dedicating yourself to a cause you’re passionate about, the journey is never effortless. Our emotions often tempt us toward the comfort zone, yet it’s the commitment to work that is the great separator.

In my journey of making an impact, I’ve found fulfillment in guiding individuals towards their best selves through financial stewardship ministry, business coaching, and empowering personal development. However, the avenues for making a difference are vast and diverse. Here are a few to consider:

1. Volunteer Work

Dedicate your time and skills to organizations or causes that resonate with your values. Whether it’s feeding the homeless, mentoring youth, or cleaning up the environment, volunteering offers countless opportunities to serve.

2. Generosity and Giving

Embrace the power of generosity by donating to church, charities, supporting fundraisers, or simply offering a helping hand to those in need. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create ripple effects of positivity.

3. Parenting

One of the most profound ways to make an impact is through parenting. This includes nurturing and guiding children, instilling values and shaping them into strong individuals who contribute positively to society.

4. Leading a Teen Small Group

Invest in the lives of youth by leading a small group. Providing a safe space for teens to express themselves, learn valuable life skills, and cultivate healthy relationships can have a lasting impact on their growth and development.

5. Youth Coaching

Whether it’s in sports, academics, or personal development, coaching youth fosters discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence. By mentoring young minds, you help shape future leaders and influencers.

6. Being a Neighbor and Friend

Sometimes, the most impactful acts occur within our immediate circles. Being a supportive neighbor or friend—offering a listening ear, lending a helping hand, or simply being present—can make a world of difference in someone’s life.

We all possess the capacity to make an impact, regardless of our circumstances or resources. By embracing opportunities to serve others with our time, talents, resources and relationships, we contribute to creating a better world. As I strive to live by the principles of 1 Peter 4:10 and steward the blessings God has provided me, I’m reminded of the joy found in helping others along their journey.

We all face distractions—social media, food, TV—that derail progress toward our goals and a better life. These distractions, while not inherently bad, often overshadow what truly matters. Every decision carries an opportunity cost. Check out this article for tips on eliminating distractions, like deleting apps and planning ahead.

It’s Time to Declare War on Your Distractions (Here’s How) - Craig Groeschel

So often, our most important choices in life aren’t between good and bad but between good and best.

A major example of this is social media. The average person spends about 17 hours a week scrolling and tapping. That will amount to more than seven years of your life.

“Success is… knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.” ― John C. Maxwell

I love Maxwell’s definition of success. For me, life is about continual growth and serving others. My aim is to sow seeds of positivity and empowerment in financial stewardship, business, and personal development, hoping to cultivate a lasting harvest of people who have become their best selves.

In a world where average seems to be the norm, separating yourself from the masses can be a daunting task. However, the secret lies not in making drastic changes overnight, but rather in the commitment to consistent improvement every single day.

Imagine this: Could you read just one more chapter than the average person? Could you squeeze in an extra day at the gym each week? Or perhaps, could you make wiser choices when it comes to your diet and nutrition? These seemingly small steps, when taken consistently, can lead to profound differences in your life.

The philosophy of going the extra mile is not about monumental leaps; it’s about the incremental progress that adds up over time. It’s about looking at the standard or average and deciding to level up just a little bit more each day.

Why should you strive to separate yourself from the crowd? Because growth, excellence, and impact are the fruits of such dedication. By setting yourself apart, you become a beacon of inspiration and possibility for others to follow.

One powerful way to distinguish yourself is by adopting the habit of going to bed early and rising early. Take, for example, individuals like Jocko Willink, author of ‘Extreme Ownership’, who starts his day with a workout at 4:30 AM and posts a picture to ‘X’ everyday. While you don’t necessarily have to emulate such extremes, consider what it would look like to join the 5 AM club or establish a consistent sleep schedule.

Crafting a morning routine that includes hydration, exercise, and mindset cultivation can be a game-changer. By prioritizing self-care and personal development in the early hours, you set the tone for a productive and fulfilling day ahead.

Embracing the journey of self-improvement is not always easy, but it is undeniably rewarding. Each step you take towards becoming the best version of yourself contributes to your growth and development.

So, let’s dare to go the extra mile. Challenge ourselves to push beyond the limits of mediocrity and embrace the path of continuous improvement. Remember, it’s the small, consistent actions that pave the way for extraordinary results.

Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen. - Michael Jordan

To me, this says success is not a matter of chance, but the willingness to do the work. It’s about harnessing the grit to overcome obstacles and relentlessly pursuing your goals, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. - Pelé

I recall being a college soccer player. The only way to win was through hard work. Talent would only take us so far, but the hard working teams always emerged when it was time for playoffs. It think the same is true in any area of life and business.

I’ve often fixated on goals rather than personal growth and learning from my journey. Ultimately, I believe achieving goals is a byproduct of prioritizing self-improvement and serving others. This article serves as a great reminder to focus on growth.

Avoiding a Personal Growth Plateau | Maxwell Leadership

We all need goals to grow, right? But what we see is that goal-conscious people plateau more often (and longer) than growth-conscious people.

Growth-conscious people are more concerned with growing themselves and the people around them, and they place more priority on progress and learning opportunities.

Servant Leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win. In that situation, they don’t work for you, you work for them. -Ken Blanchard

I resonate with Servant Leadership which is all about helping other people succeed. It’s supporting them to be successful and empowering them for success in whatever they are working towards achieving. Blanchard puts it well in that you work for those you lead.

In school we learn that mistakes are bad, and we are punished for making them. Yet, if you look at the way humans are designed to learn, we learn by making mistakes. We learn to walk by falling down. If we never fell down, we would never walk. -Robert T. Kiyosaki, Rich Dad, Poor Dad

I’ve discovered that my most invaluable life lessons come from the mistakes I’ve made. It’s crucial to persist in striving for a successful outcome even in the face of failure. Each setback serves as a guiding light, showing us areas in need of improvement.

There are many valuable insights in this article. I printed it out to refer back to it frequently as I strive to excel in both my personal and business pursuits this year. I’ve highlighted a few key points below (too many others to mention) and appreciate the emphasis on execution, seeking mentorship, cultivating grit, and surrounding oneself with supportive and inspirational people. Hope you find some value here like I did!

Propel Yourself to the Top 1%: 20 Rules for Uncommon Success in 2024 | Entrepreneur

It’s not about ideas; it’s about execution. Those in the 1% don’t just dream; they act.

Find a mentor. You can receive guidance and support from a mentor. By having a mentor, you can stay on track and prevent mistakes from happening.

The road to success will be littered with setbacks, failures, and moments of doubt. Yet the 1% are unwavering in their grit, refusing to back down when faced with adversity.

Be surrounded by people who motivate, inspire, and challenge you. It takes a village to make it in the 1%.

I like this Forbes piece as it draws parallels between athletes and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of discipline in both arenas. Athletes, in particular, grasp the necessity of self-discipline and consistent dedication to achieve their goals.

Why Athletes Can Make Successful Entrepreneurs

Athletes possess a unique set of skills, qualities and experiences that often translate well into the world of entrepreneurship.