Breakfast with Champions – 10 Nov 2022

What Is Your Foundation? –  Cherlene Wilson

What is your foundation? Your foundation will affect everything you do.   

Yes, you may feel a calling in your life. It is not just the title that will get people to follow, but you also need the skill to go with it. You may have the talent, but you must execute it in a way that people will benefit from it. You will do the work yourself. You need the combination of all your foundational pieces to succeed.

Ego leads you to a place where you only think in terms of “me, myself, and I.” Some leaders tend to have experience and the ego that accompanies it. They will say, “This is who I am, and I have earned these accomplishments.” Titles are what tend to define them. This can change depending on where they are. Your foundation can change. You can find yourself in places where you feel very self-aware. Being self-aware means that you know who you are. You can have blind spots. Use that information to improve yourself. We think we see and know everything, but we don’t. Ask friends and family questions about where you can find your blind spot. 

Leadership has evolved. People aren’t as interested in your title but more about your success. If your title determines your identity, then that is a problem. Leading people has become an issue because it should be more about function than identity. Is there a cultural influence when it comes to a title? It could be, but everyone does have a superpower within themselves to lead others to success. There needs to be a healthy outlook when it comes to titles. Your title should not just reflect your identity but also your function.

You may be a master, but you will always be a student. Keep yearning to improve your skills. Where do you find your foundation? Family and religion can be your foundation. We are beyond our title; it’s more about what resonates within us.

Key Points/Highlights: 

• Know your foundation.
• Be self-aware but know you have blind spots.
• Even as a master of your skill, always be a student
• Your title is not your identity. It should be your function.
• Your foundation can evolve with time.

Let Your Passion Drive You to Being Unstoppable –  Glenn Lundy

When you love what you do and find the passion that drives you, you can follow your dreams and take action. Are you going to be the person who dreams or the person who takes action toward realizing those dreams? Take action even when it’s hard. It is important to give back to the community. Help others realize their dreams. You don’t have to wait for the perfect time to do amazing things; you can do amazing things now. Great leaders often exhibit an infectious passion that gets them up to do amazing things every day. 

Live by your highest values, and follow up with consistent action. If you have a dream, you can wait for it to become easier for you to act upon, or take action on the dream that seems the hardest in order to create an enormous impact.

Asking a child what they want to be when they grow up can be a limiting question. Instead, ask them what they want to do now, and decide what you are going to do now to make that happen. Kids today can achieve tremendous success while doing what they love, be it creating content or playing video games. 

Close your eyes and think about that one moment when you felt empowered in your life. How does it feel? Go back to that feeling of being on top of the world and scream, “I CAN.” Be unstoppable.

Key Points/Highlights:

• When you love what you do the passion will ignite you.
• Dreams remain just that if you don’t take action.
• Helping and giving back has a domino effect.
• Your dreams can be a reality.
• Be unstoppable.

 5 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset – Kate Volman

Champions are growth-minded; we are in a constant state of learning because we know that we can always learn, grow, and get better. Kate gives us 5 ways to develop (or continue to develop) a growth mindset:

1. Improve self-awareness: Self-awareness is one of the most important skills for us to hone in on because only by truly knowing ourselves can we push forward to become the best version of ourselves. We need to know our strengths, weaknesses, and how we navigate the world. The more we know ourselves and how we navigate the world, the more we can put processes and systems in place to help us take action.
2. Active vs. passive reading, learning, and listening: We have to be intentional about what it is we are trying to do. You can become an active reader by taking notes or highlighting in the margins. If we are writing things down, we can remember them better. Always be open to new ways of thinking. 
3. Explore what fascinates you: What do you find interesting that isn’t in your world already? Make time to explore other areas of life. So much of creativity is finding the connection between totally opposite ideas. We need to get ourselves out of the bubble of all the books, learning, and music that we already know. What are the things you’d like to dig into and learn more about?
4. Journaling: Asking great questions changes our lives. If you’re constantly asking yourself “why,” you need to ask a better or deeper question to really move forward. Here are  77 Journaling Prompts To Gain Focus and Inspire Action.
5. Keep creating: Create before you consume. We have to actually create for ourselves. We can only become the people we are meant to be by taking action. Be in constant pursuit of learning what fascinates you.

Key Points/Highlights: 

Here are some effective journal prompts:

• What did I learn or relearn today? How can I use what I learned today to be better tomorrow?
• What do you know to be true today that you didn’t believe a year ago? We’re so focused on growing and learning that we forget all of the things we’ve accomplished and how much we’ve done over the last week, month, or year.
• What have you learned from your biggest challenge? The only way out is through.
• What skills do you want to learn next year? What do you want to be better at? Only when we are intentional about the person we want to become are we going to put ourselves in situations that allow us to gain these skills and knowledge.

Looking For M.O.R.E – Lean Into Your Strengths – Lolita E. Walker

Looking for MORE means standing up and showing up, and when you are always looking to show up, it makes a difference in how you walk, talk, and behave. 

Lolita shares her four strategies in the acronym “M.O.R.E.”:

M: Maintaining a spiritual relationship and a connection with God. You know that when you stand on a foundation of faith, it’s magical. Where is it that you want to be? Walk, talk and behave as if you are already in the position that you desire. Trust and know that God already has a plan for your life, and He will sometimes make a way out of the answer “no.” Sometimes when the answer is no, it’s because there are bigger, better, and brighter things on the other side. What is it that you are intentionally asking God for? Are you willing to do that? 

O: Opening up your yes while still respecting your no. When you say yes to one thing, that usually means you have to say no to anything that does not support that yes. The world needs you. You’re already doing the work; why not do it on a broader scale? Win or lose, you’re still going to be doing the work. 

R: Remembering your resources. Sometimes we forget all the people on our team. Show up and do the work even if only one person watches your video or likes your post. Remember why you are doing the work you are doing because there is always someone watching. The impact that you make is the reason you are doing the work. People will show up for you, don’t sit stagnant. 

E: Experiencing fully. Live life to the fullest; experience the journey to the fullest.

Key Points/Highlights:

• What are your strengths? What is it that you bring to the table? Lean into that; sit in the power of your strengths.
• God is not a place where doubt resides.
• Know that you come with your strengths, your faith, and your toolkit when you walk through the door.
• Your race is where the finish line is.

It’s An Inside Job: Looking Within to Get The Knowledge We Are Searching For  –  Gina Skelton

Quotes and cliches are just that for a reason: because they hold truth. “Your vibe attracts your tribe,” “be the energy you want to attract,” “what you think you become.” All of these center around a common theme: energy.

Energy is something we cannot deny. Whether we want to accept it or not, it’s the driving force behind so much in our lives. There’s a reason why the dog whisperer Cesar Millan says that if you want a better-behaved dog, be a better human. Animals, just like humans, pick up on energy and, in turn, behave accordingly.

Learning is about being present enough and going within to understand the type of energy that you put out into the world. We get so wrapped up in thinking that all of our knowledge and growth come from external sources that we forget the wealth of knowledge that we hold inside. We need to understand what it is that we are seeking and why we are looking outside of ourselves for it.

Everything that we need is within us. It’s all an inside job. No one is going to motivate you to do a workout or to get up an hour early to have some quiet time before you get into the daily grind. Sure, you can read books about habits, but gaining that knowledge isn’t going to magically make you implement them. You have to make the choice because you are in control. 

We have so much knowledge that we never apply. We’re not supposed to keep our knowledge to ourselves. Instead, we should grow it and use our experiences to put it to use in the real world. This way, we can become who we’re meant to be and help others do the same.

 Key Points/Highlights:

• If you want to become more of anything, you have to be the person who puts the energy out first.
• You have to be intentional about how you show up and what you put out into the world; otherwise, you will keep floating around in a reactionary state.
• Lived experience is what gives people the skillset to change the world and make a difference.
• Don’t go around looking for an expert who is going to change your life or your business.
• Every person you meet in your life has something you can learn from.

5 Reasons Why You Can’t Get Ahead Financially – Kareen Mills

The happiest people on the planet are the ones who are always learning and growing. Once they obtain or master a certain level of knowledge, they set their sights on the next level because they always want more. For some, money can be their driving force. But for most, it’s not the money part; it’s the growth that’s the most exciting part of the journey.

Money-making mentor Kareen Mills breaks down the 5 reasons you can’t seem to get ahead financially:

1. You really enjoy the nice things in life and love buying them without any intention, also known as impulse buying. We need to implement a plan in our business in order to follow some sort of direction, and it’s the same way with the money game. You can’t just impulse buy and expect your money game to improve. You have to have intentionality behind it.
2. You’re denying that you have a money problem rather than accepting that you have a money problem. It’s easy to deny or ignore it, but then we struggle when the money runs out. 
3. It’s not your mortgage or rent that’s the problem; it’s the little things that are causing you problems. It’s the trip every day to Starbucks that you don’t really think about because it’s just $5 or $10, but it’s the little bad habits that we have created that get us into big trouble. 
4. You’re not reviewing your monthly bank or CC statements. It’s our behavior around these things and the excuses we make to avoid them. Excuses like “I’m too busy” to review these things. Instead, be intentionally busy and schedule them into your calendar: ”Every Saturday, I’m going to log my expenses.” 
5. You’re not keeping track of your cash outflow. Cash outflow, especially when money is tight, is one of the most important things you have to keep track of. It’s just as important as your cash inflow. You need to have “matrix-like” awareness around your money game. If you continue winging your money game, you will continue to chase your money.

Key Points/Highlights:

• The foundation of money-making is money-keeping.
• Sometimes it’s not an income problem; it’s a behavior problem.
• You are the problem, but you are also the solution.
• The devil is in the details – pay attention to the details and build awareness around your behavior.

The Act Of Mastering Financial Literacy – David Spisak

“There is one quality one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it.” Napoleon Hill.

Financial literacy is one of the most essential life lessons to master. The secret to becoming a better version of yourself is to be relentless. When you are relentless, you are unstoppable, and when you are unstoppable, you are one step closer to achieving your goals.

There are sacrifices to be made in the journey to mastering financial literacy, and it’s only right that you ask yourself these questions. 

1. What am I investing my time in? 
2. What approach am I taking to achieve success? 
3. Am I intentional and determined about winning?

Spending too much time on things that don’t add value to your life will only make it much worse than it ever was.

If you want to be introduced to the best version of yourself in order to be successful, invest in knowledge. Learn one thing today that you didn’t know yesterday and pursue it to mastery. Make yourself 1% better every waking day, and after 365 days, you will be 365% better. No matter what you do for a living, keep improving, keep reading books, and keep investing your time wisely.

The secret to becoming financially literate is hidden in great books. There are so many books that can change the trajectory of your life and have a big impact on it. Start with Rich Dad, Poor Dad written by Robert T. Kiyosaki; it will change your mindset towards your finances. Getting together with people who share your interests is also critical to mastering financial literacy. 

There are 3 things you can do to upgrade yourself and learn more:

1. Physical and Mental Workout: How you start your day matters. Exercise and eating healthy will improve your productivity. Reading daily is also very necessary because it builds your mind and adds to your knowledge.
2. Meditation: Before leaving your house every morning, it is very important to meditate. Meditation helps equip your mind for the day ahead.
3. What you are going to achieve by the end of the day: planning your day will help you stick to the most important tasks and achieve your goals.

When you gather knowledge and wisely channel it into actionable tasks, you attract financial abundance.

Key Points/Highlights:

• A change in mindset sets you up for an improved pace.
• Go to bed an hour early; wake up an hour earlier.
• Read books, take courses, browse the internet, and research a topic. Learn something new today.
• Assimilate knowledge.

Capitalize on The Power of People to Combat Recession – Dr. Shawn Shapiro

It’s essential to learn to team up with people. Working with people will push you forward. The right support system can propel you to a whole new level. It is important that you understand that you need people. 

During the recession, there will be three types of people: billionaires, millionaires, and witnesses. You need to decide that you don’t want to just witness what will happen. You have to make the most of the situation. 

Here are some helpful tips to help you combat the recession:

• Create a product that is a necessity.
• Save a portion of your profit.
• Provide more value.
• Attach yourself to someone who is winning and growing. Serve that person.
• Find ways to serve more people. 

Collaboration is key. Examine other businesses and see what you can do to step up. You can examine businesses in your industry and in other industries. Motivate those around you and those who work for you to work harder. 

You can create your own positivity. This will be your armor against any turbulence you might go through. Don’t buy into the idea that you need to be afraid. You need to put your seatbelt on and fly through the turbulence. Smoother skies are on the other side of it.

You have the ability to change your own destiny if you make the decision to fly through the turbulence. You’re the captain of your own ship, so you are responsible for navigating through any turbulence.

Key Points/Highlights: 

• The right support system can propel you to a whole new level.
• Collaboration is key.
• You have the power to alter your own fate.
• You are in charge of your own ship.

Resting is A Game Changer – Dr. Tanjie Brewer

Rest is extremely important. It helps you give more to yourself and those around you. 

R: Regaining 

E: Energy

S: Serve 

T: Totally           

R.E.S.T. stands for Regaining Energy to Serve Totally. 

If you don’t rest, then you won’t be able to show up fully prepared. Resting will allow you to give your best.

Resting helps you preserve and protect your body. You need to listen to all the warning signs that your body gives you. You need to let go of the guilt you feel around rest. Rest is important for the health of your body.

We are here to champion one another, and we are champions for ourselves. 

You need to be in control of what goes into your body. You don’t always need to be doing something. Make time to relax and engage in relaxing activities such as going for a walk or reading a book. Intentionally schedule rest. Make time each day to relax.

Speak to your nourishment (food and water) before you absorb it. It will change your vibration. Speak to your body and remind yourself what is good for you.

Practice mindful eating. Be mindful of what goes into your body, and be present in the moment. 

Key Points/Highlights: 

• Rest is extremely important.
• Resting helps you preserve and protect your body.
• We are here to champion one another, and we are champions for ourselves. 
• Practice mindful eating. 
• Be mindful of what goes into your body, and be present in the moment.