So there I was, wide-eyed and full of anticipation, bedroom door shut so it was just me and the screen. Little did I know, the double feature of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "The Wild One" was about to kickstart a transformation that would shape my entire existence.

Alright folks…let’s get SERIOUS! Today, I want to talk about a topic that is near and dear to my heart: not subscribing to your fears.

Hey! Bet that got your attention didn’t it? But wait….”Travis, aren’t you in the motivational space?” I am but that got it’s name before I got here. So don’t blame me!

Now that the total “cluster” that was Tuesday is over and the sun rises on Wednesday, all your shabooya has been zapped! You can barely muster the strength to post you #humpdayvibes selfie on social media!

YOU get to decide how you’re going to live! It’s so easy to get stuck and be a victim of our circumstances.

This week I want to focus on the concept of talent versus skill. The QB example is just one of many but one we have all encountered. Think about it, when you read that title you immediately thought of someone you know. That person in your life who’s crowning achievement was from 10-20 years ago. Even though a decade or more has passed, they act as though that old accomplishment should still qualify them as an expert.

The one thing that she loves to point out is “they haven’t even played the game”. Let me be clear, this is a kindergartner that can recognize when someone isn’t taking opportunities to move forward. That’s exactly what I’m talking about here.

Guess what! Not everyone likes you, and that’s OK! Cheery title right? I know, I know, please save your applause until the end of the blog! But this is serious and something that, if I am being honest, drives me absolutely crazy! People’s necessity to be “liked” is so strange and can have serious negative effects on their mental well being and productivity, if they let it. Check it out, there are 7.8 BILLION people on the planet right now. There’s even more than that by the time you read this. By 2050 the projection is 9.9 billion people. You’ll never guess what. Not all of them are going to like you!

This seems to have come up over and over again in my world recently. Everyone from clients, to colleagues, even long time friends. People are stressing out over if someone likes them or not. Let me be clear here, I am not talking about their friends, co-workers, family, boss, literally no one directly connected to their lives. These fine folks are all keyed up over STRANGERS not liking them! Huh? Wait…seriously?

You know what, typically I try and target a particular audience with these blogs. I key into an issue that I’ve heard throughout the week with a chunk of my clients and other business interactions, then try and address it based off that demographics needs. Guess what! Not this time! This one is for legit EVERYONE! Since you dear reader happen to fall into that

Alright, I don’t want this one to come off preachy. Can I get an amen? Ha!

Seriously though we’ve all fallen victim to this and it’s understandable. What I’m talking about is spinning your wheels on anything that in a lot of cases isn’t getting you anywhere.

I have intentionally waited to talk about this topic. The reality is no one likes having to let anything or anyone go. Particularly if they’ve invested any amount of time or energy into the situation. But why does it SUCK so much? Well, let’s break it down a little.

The first step to making this successful for the candidate was that acknowledgment. That first, real pragmatic acceptance. Knowing and owning the simple truth that they are going to get hit, it is going to hurt, and there is no other way. That pragmatic acceptance is massive in taking that next step.

It’s time to talk about my old friend actionable intelligence. This is one of my favorite things on the planet and in my experience is often what makes it all worth it. What am I talking about? Well, let me give it a little context.

Ok, I’ll be up front about something. This one may come off a little more “tough love” that most. So, you’ve been at least somewhat warned.

Here’s the deal the universe is not out to get you! It’s really not! Think about it. How many times have you said, or heard someone say “why is this happening to me?” Probably more than you can remember. But, guess what. Nothing is happening TO you! Things are just happening.

Look, I get it. Some dreams are BIG, even a little scary. All the how am I going to’s and what if’s start swirling. We’ve all been there and that can lead to convincing ourselves that we should’t even try. People tell themselves that it’s too big and too far away. Well, guess what. It might be far away but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to start moving towards it!

I hear this all the time. Seriously, far more often than I would like. People telling m e that they agree with a lot of what I say but don’t see how some of the principles apply to them because “I’m not a leader. I’m just a (fill in the blank)”.

I had to make sure I mentioned mindset in the title this time. I don’t need anyone getting the impression that humans need to eat Thanksgiving every day. In fact…please don’t! But that doesn’t mean we can’t be thankful everyday!

The reality is if you want to achieve the end state goal with the highest level of success, then as a leader you need to be involved. This step is so critical because let’s be honest, things are never going to go perfectly according to plan. So, let’s really break down this step a little.

Back planning! YES! This is one of my most favorite things on the planet. If you have read any of the other blogs, watched the YouTube videos, or listened to the podcast, I guarantee you have heard me talk about back planning. Seriously, I’m legitimately excited just typing this. I know, I’m a nerd!