Geese fly in tight v-formations. I read that the geese in the rear of the formation, cruising in the backdraft, only have to work 70-80 percent as hard as the leaders. The whole flock can travel much farther and achieve more by staying together and in formation, true teamwork. Racecar drivers, cyclists, and even runners know this well and use it to their advantage. Leaders always work the hardest – and risk the most. What we all choose to be in life, business, friendship, or even in our relationships is OUR choice. Do we lead from the front, work harder, […]

“Thanks for the talk, JD,” Gary, a longtime client, said. “We are so appreciative for everything you do for our family.” “I echo Gary. It’s reassuring to know we are in good hands,” Joy, Gary’s wife, added. And another one… “Hello, friends,” said Carol, a mutual friend. “Jeremy meet Tanya, and Tanya meet Jeremy. As discussed, Jeremy is the financial advisor that has changed my life and who has connected me with the best of the best. ‘Would love for you guys to connect too.” This is what it should be about – positively impacting the lives of those around us, always. ‘Recognizing the effort […]

Did you know that the average person is bombarded with up to 10,000 advertisements and media messages EVERY SINGLE DAY? I read recently that we’re exposed to more messaging and information in just one day than the average person 100 years ago was in their entire life. And as we’re inundated with more and more information, actual truth becomes fuzzier, and wisdom becomes downright rare. Many of us probably fall victim to becoming overwhelmed with it all from time to time. Consider the following: “…Dow falls for the third day as Treasury yields continue climbing.” “…Solid retail sales give economy […]

Sometimes, people just need to be pushed. Whether they know it or not, they need a good push. A good confrontation. A wake-up call. I was on vacation last week. I walked into the gym, as I do every day on vacation. As I jumped on the Peloton bike, I noticed I had the “One friend is working out” notification on the bottom right of the screen. I looked at the button, clicked it, and saw who it was…Ryan, that’s who! Adrenaline rising, I immediately joined the ride. He had been going for about five minutes before I started the ride. So, as […]

I am simply amazed at the news. One day, the sky is falling. The next day, everything is great. One day, a recession is imminent. The next day, we’re set for an epic run and the economy is thriving. One day, we are on the verge of complete and total financial meltdown, and the next…well, you know the story. I recently read Arnold Schwarzenegger’s book, “Be Useful.” ‘Incredible book in general; remarkable human being. The biggest thing I took away from the book, his podcast, and his online presence in general is the opening statement: “Welcome to the positive corner […]

I started writing these weekly messages on March 16, 2018. That makes 302 Friday Thoughts in the books. And with today’s message and the first one of 2024, that makes 303. What I have learned over these last five+ years is that all things will pass. Difficult times – and times of great success – pass us by, always changing. I’ve also come to the conclusion that focusing on the past is never a good idea. However, knowing where you come from and what it took to get you to where you are today are critical components for continued success. […]

‘A young man, 24 years old, successful, hard-working. He went to dinner with his grandparents one evening at their request. The three of them sat down at the table, ordered drinks, and started chatting. Soon, the waiter came by to check-in. But no one was ready to order just yet. As they continued their conversation, the Grandmother asked the young man what motivated him to work so hard. “You really want to know?” the young man responded. “Yes, of course,” she replied with a big smile on her face. “I want to make you and Grandpa proud of me,” the young […]

Product or Progress? When Steve Jobs came up with the idea for the iPhone, was he looking for the next phone? The next minicomputer? The next big Apple product to sell? Or was he trying to advance civilization? Was his fire stoked by trying to improve how we lived and worked? Or just profits and getting rich? Was Jobs focused on the product or on progress? When we head to the gym, the health food store, or, for that matter, to our therapists, nutritionists, or doctors, are we concerned with the products or services they offer? Or is our sole […]