When I flew in combat, the risk of failure was always present. I could have an aircraft malfunction, mess up a critical maneuver, or even get shot down. Success was never guaranteed. Success never is. The possibility of failing at something is a beautiful thing. It incites risk and even helps eliminate complacency. When something is at risk, fear, anxiety and doubt can result. But risk also forces you to stretch yourself and grow. It makes you train, focus, ...
Wingmen, If you're like me, there may be times when your IT systems are enough to drive you wingnuts! You may find your business struggling with costly computer networks that never seem to perform to your expectations, wondering what will happen if your systems break down, or you may even be experiencing losses in productivity, customer confidence, and even employee morale. To deal with these missiles, I leverage a reliable IT wingman (Randy Pelkey in Atlanta) who comes to my office every ...
I love Memorial Day. It’s a holiday to connect with friends and family while paying respect to the soldiers of our great country who have paid the ultimate price so that we can live free. From the young soldier in the War of Independence, to the fighter pilot over Nazi Germany, to the infantrymen in Iraq and Afghanistan, they were the ultimate wingmen for our country. They gave their wings away so that we could fly. In our busy, everyday lives, ...
If you want to examine your results for today, last week, or even this past year, take a look at how consistently you took action to make things happen. * How did you act in response to adversity? * What risks did you take? * When did you try something new in business? Something that may have gotten you nervous. * Did you get up early and stay focused, or did you slack off when the going got tough? You see, success isn't necessarily about attitude. ...
Love Lifts; Fear Drags. When you are feeling fearful, full of doubt, and paralyzed, re-focus on what you love. What is it that you are passionate about? Perhaps it is your kids, your faith, the commission check, or your dream retirement home. Hone in on what that is, meditate on it, and let the positive emotion that results shift your mood and lift you up. Then, you'll be ready for action. Remember, you can't take off with your breaks on! Find ...
Thanksgiving is always a special holiday as we reflect on what we are thankful for. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to take time to smell the flowers and appreciate what we have. I surely am guilty of this. When we really think about it, this holiday is really about being thankful for our relationships – the wingmen in our lives who give meaning to our missions. So, as we ponder what we’re ...
My wingman screamed over the radio “Break Right, Break Right! Missile launch your 3 O’clock!” I looked to my right and saw two SAM’s (surface to air missiles) skyrocketing towards my aircraft at twice the speed of sound. If I didn’t maneuver my aircraft immediately, I would get shot down. There was no time to think. I lowered the nose, went to full power, banked the aircraft aggressively to the right and performed my best missile defense maneuver. Then I heard my wingman ...
What is the meaning of the 4th of July? On June 5, 2009, a young rancher named Neal Wanless claimed one of the biggest undivided jackpots in U.S. lottery history -- $232 million. He bought the ticket in the small town Winner, SD, part of Todd County, which according to the Census Bureau, was the nation's seventh-poorest county in 2007. In this rural and impoverished area where cows outnumber the human population, people do whatever they can to help one another. They ...
