Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve never lost a game, I just ran out of time.” I couldn’t agree more. Read that quote again if you need to. Take it in. You never lose – you just run out of time or in many cases, we give up. Choosing to stop reaching, striving, and fighting is the only way we can lose. At the end of last year and through the first four weeks of this year, it felt like I couldn’t get a deal done. Not one. It wasn’t necessarily that people were saying no; I think I was just telling […]

One of my mentors once told me, “Manage your weaknesses but develop your strengths.” Many of us struggle with this equation, especially early on in our professional careers. We feel we need to work tirelessly on our weaknesses, ensuring our skillset is at least adequate across the board. Instead, the ticket to success is developing your strengths. If you’re 5’10”, the fact is you will never be 6’5. Manage and accept that. Sure, I encourage you to be who you’re meant to be, and I’ll never discourage someone from following their passion or goal, no matter where they’re starting. But be […]

The banker called him into his office on a Wednesday and informed the man that his business was no longer welcome at the bank. The banker said that the man “simply did not have enough equity.” Even though the business had more than doubled every year in each of the last five, the bank simply did not want to lend any more money (never mind that the lines of credit had been paid on time and kept at zero until needed). Feeling defeated, the man went down the street to visit another bank. Upon arrival and further discussion with the bank’s […]

Is it too late for you? Do you feel like you’re too far behind? Does the mountain you need to climb to reach your goals look too high to climb? Or, maybe there still is time, and you’re just one decision away. Consider these iconic business innovators and the age at which they started: Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company: 40. Christian Dior, Dior: 41 Sam Walton, Walmart: 44 Bob Parsons, GoDaddy: 47 Bernie Marcus, Home Depot: 49 Ray Kroc, McDonald’s: 52 Chaleo Yoovidhya, Red Bull: 53 Harland Sanders, KFC: 62 Bill Porter, e-Trade: 63 The year started fast, and now, […]

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. […]