Those are the words of an inspired writer from a script written long ago.
Becoming grateful is noble work.

Thanksgiving is a great day to take a personal inventory of sorts.
And give thanks no matter the short-term situation you may find yourself in.

If you just look up once in a while you'll see someone who'd love to be where you are,
have what you have, yes even including those petty things we sometimes worry about,
even with some of the tragic things that can happen to us.

Make a list, of all you're thankful for.
It's easy to do.
But like many things we take for granted, it's easier not to do.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Be Happy.
Be Thankful.

Michael

Winning is a Team Sport

Especially in this "NOW" Economy.
In light of the news of Sears and K-mart joining forces yesterday,
it got me thinking about the power of the TEAM.

Even individual performers need coaches and managers
and agents and publicists and accountants and consultants and...
the list is almost endless.

Who are you partnering with?
I have a group of clients and friends and students and "raving fans" who like me, trust me, believe in what I do and how I do it. We join one another to further the causes of each.
Whether it's learning or achieving or ideas or execution of those ideas.

I couldn't do what I do without them...
and even if I could I wouldn't want to, nor could I be nearly as effective.
Do you have a partner or a cause that challenges you?

If a coach or partner or ally or alliance has delivered big success for you, tell us about it with your comments here. I'm working on a new e book that will feature "The Uncommon Class."
Individuals and organizations that stand out in "how" they do it in this marketplace.

If that's you or someone you know...give us the uncommon details...
Partner.

Michael

Dateline: Columbia, South Carolina

The last leg of a road trip through 4 states, 3 speaking dates, and a reunion with my brothers in Knoxville for an afternoon of college football and all the trimmings
(If the Vols win, it would have been near perfect)...
Just reflecting a bit on how struck I was by the beautiful drive between
Wytheville, VA and Bristol, TN.

Especially in the fall, late in the afternoon, sun going down on the "springtime green" rolling hills, (With horses and cattle seemingly called in as extras just for my viewing pleasure) and dramatic elevation changes along the Blue Ridge.

The drive only lasted for an hour or so, but re-charged me for a couple more days.
Ahhh...simple pleasures.
The road still hides a masterpiece or two...waiting for an adventurer to discover them.

Get out and have a look around now and then.

On this trip I'm reminded why Napoleon Hill and so many others after him
have suggested so strongly for one's success, a MASTERMIND GROUP!

After a "COOL $chool" speaking event outside Birmingham, I was invited by a friend & CEO to spend the night at his home. Which is a bit ironic to me in that it was the second such invitation on this trip, and something I almost never do (spend the night in someone's home),
outside of maybe a close friend on occasion.

But I caved in to the pressure (OK, I resisted half-heartedly).

2 invitations...and both were refreshing, entertaining
(small dogs & small boys), good food/good conversation,
and easily more enjoyable than just another hotel night.

I also had the opportunity to join in on a CEO roundtable breakfast the following morning downtown on one of my favorite subjects...sales & marketing.

A lively discussion moved around the room from one captain of enterprise to the next,
as I worked to restrain myself from leaping to the head of the room and launching into my "Winning in Today's Economy" seminar. I was asked to join in on this spirited session of entrepreneurial swordplay as we engaged one another with the mettle of real business ideas.

It was too, a great lesson in listening in this room filled with sharp minds.

All too often in group discussion the common urge is to want to TALK...
(Hey, I've got something to tell/add/rebut/etc.), when the most valuable course of action is to let the Master Minds make deposits into your personal account with their intellectual capital.
And when it comes to intellectual capital, much like the spendable kind,
profits are better than wages.

Thanks to Mark, Mike, Max, Martin, Stewart, Allen, Kevin, Tom, Ralph, and Jeff
(go go on the Nike deal). My new CEO friends. COOL times in Birmingham.