He committed 56 errors in his third season during single-A with the Greensboro Hornets. He booted, bobbled, and bumbled just about every ball that was hit his way, setting an inauspicious South Atlantic League record. Scouts considered him a long shot to ever be a big leaguer – or even find success in the minors. After all, he struggled with just about every aspect of his game, including at the plate. In his second full year of the minors – and first with the Yankees’ affiliate – he hit only .203. By all metrics, Derek just couldn’t find it. But […]

Consider this… Is the correct order: goal, then consistency, then clarity? Or… Is it clarity of goal that brings consistency of behavior? I would argue the latter; clarity of goal produces consistent behavior. Once one has a clear vision of the goal and the road ahead, clearly defining the why behind the goal, then the consistency around the behavior follows. When you’re in the gym, what is the focus? Is it “I just want to maintain?” Or “I need to lose some weight and get stronger and leaner?” Or “I am focused on looking and feeling “X,” therefore I will […]

When innovation meets observation, you have a winning combination. I recently started using a device called Plaud.ai for note transcription. Now, we have seen so many different types of AI options out there today. Almost daily, we’re seeing new options to help us become more efficient, save time, and deliver a better product or experience. However, there are also some legitimate concerns about whether they will make suggestions to our thought process, corrupting their efficacy. What I can say is that if used correctly, these AI tools do allow us to connect with people on a deeper and higher level. During […]

I’ve been thinking a lot about relationships recently. Specifically, I’ve been reflecting on friendships and business acquiantances from my past that I no longer have today. Some of them ended for good reason. Others just because they seemingly ran their course. But I was reminded that things do end. Not everything is forever – nor should it be. While it is important to reflect and mourn the past, I also believe that it is extremely important to acknowledge the mistakes one makes along the way. We (and I) need to own those mistakes – and expect the same in return. After all, […]

I recently read an article about an Irish billionaire whose goal in life was to give all of his wealth away. Charles F Feeney wanted to give away his billions to good causes while he was still living and die bouncing his last check – and he actually did it. Born in 1931 in New Jersey to Irish immigrant parents, Feeney’s views of money were greatly shaped by the lessons of the Great Depression. During his life, he built a fortune selling duty-free luxury goods, amassing a multi-billion-dollar fortune. Despite his immense wealth, Feeney lived a simple, humble life with […]

“S&P Could jump another 5% this year, Goldman says. Expect volatility first.” “S&P, Dow, Nasdaq end lower, oil jumps 5% as Middle East conflict stokes supply concerns.” “The Dow drops 200 points as inflation fears are back.” “U.S. port strike ends but clearing long ship queues will take time.”  “Stocks rally after monster jobs report beat, Dow up 200 points.”  “U.S. hiring accelerated in September, blowing past expectations.” These are ALL headlines I saw online within just the last 24 hours. And they are all from “reputable” news sources, all reporting “facts” about the economy. So, what is the takeaway? […]

It’s amazing how human connection can cure and satisfy so many of our needs. We’re hardwired to be with others, to search out our tribe. We need that feeling that we are all here together, working towards a common goal, trying to make a difference. In fact, research from Harvard found that strong relationships are the key to living longer and happier lives, with huge physical and mental benefits that magnify as we age. I hosted another episode of our new podcast, One Path to Wealth yesterday. We were on-location in Paso Robles with two of my dear friends and clients, […]

“Daddy, I’m scared and can’t sleep,” my son said at my bedside as he came into my room and woke me. “What’s going on, buddy?” I said. “Do you need me to take you back to your room?” “Yes, please,” he replied timidly. As I walked him to his room and then me back to my room and got back into my bed, I couldn’t sleep. His waking and coming into my room to get me triggered a memory. I was about his age and my parents had been divorced for six years or so. On one of my father’s evenings with us, […]