Have you ever watched America’s Funniest Home Videos? If so, you probably laugh the hardest when some middle-aged man wipes out trying to act cool. We have all been that guy who attempts something that seems doable but upon approach learns that we may have become overzealous. This is called collecting data.

Data collection can only come from failure. We try and then we fail and then we try something else. Orville and Wilbur Wright’s first attempt on December 17^th, 1903 lasted 12 seconds. The next 2 attempts improved dramatically before reaching a flight time of 59 seconds on the fourth attempt. Failure by falling out of the sky is involved, getting back in the plane 3 more times on the same day is a called commitment.

The truth is if we see failure as data we can’t lose. It’s easy for us to look back and criticize our failures. Don’t. The only failure would be not stepping back into the cockpit.

 

Wheels Up,

Matt Davenport

It is often said that the President of the United States is the most powerful person in the free world. While this may be true, the day-to-day actions of the President don’t affect you nearly as much as you think. The truth is, you have the power to control your mind, attitude, diet, exercise routine, habits, relationships, and work ethic.  In reality, you are the most powerful person in your world.

Men and women pursue power for all sorts of reasons. Many see power as a way to eliminate obstacles around them. If you have the power then you have the ability to enforce behavior that is to your liking. What if we saw power as an entirely good force? For instance, you have the power to make someone smile, laugh, and enjoy their day. You possess the power to change someone’s life! This underrated and misunderstood ability is what makes the difference in our neighbors, communities, and country. While you may not sit in a castle on Park Avenue you do possess the power to improve your station while making life better for those around you.

 

As your Chief Encouragement Officer, I’m asking you to use your power this week. Show others what kind of power you possess. When power is expressed through encouragement it only grows in strength.

 

You are a superhero,

Matt Davenport

C.E.O.

 

Worth is defined by Merriam-Webster to mean the value of something measured by its qualities or by the esteem in which it is held. Almost every time I drive to Newport Coast on the toll road, I see a Lamborghini. When that amazing car races past me I think to myself is that really worth $200,000. That comment in my head is usually followed by who would pay that much for a car?

The answer to the above stated question is the guy driving that beast would pay $200,000 for that car. The driver clearly has the resources but also sees the worth. Self-worth is no different. When we don’t see our self as having worth, we set a course for self-destruction.

Here are a few tips on valuing yourself appropriately:

1. Discount your own opinion. The voice you hear and judge yourself with is rarely encouraging.
2. Don’t shy away from a compliment. When someone compliments you, don’t relegate it to the sidelines. Embrace it.
3.  Stay positive. It cost the same to be optimistic about the future as it does to be a pessimist. It takes discipline but it is entirely possible to rewire your brain and turn negative thoughts into excitement towards the future.

Know your worth,

Today is the day! Today is the day you were made for! Go ahead, say it out loud… I was made for today! Recently, I spoke to a longtime friend who expressed a feeling of being lost and untethered. During the conversation, it dawned on me that disillusion is closely tied to need. The harsh reality is that when you have a need you have purpose.

So how do you stay needy? How do you maintain a level of humility that continues to push you down the track? It starts with your goals. Most people set goals that have temporal qualities. For instance, I want to make this much money, buy that house or retire at this age. These types of goals when accomplished feel like a sugar rush but ultimately lead to a flat feeling.

Your goals need to be bigger than your life! Our goals must require two key components:

– Our goals must require other people’s help to accomplish them. (Keeps you humble)

– Our goals must be about the next generation. (Keeps you hungry)

I recently heard someone say that you can’t be hungry when you have a full pantry. If your pantry is full today you are blessed. As your Chief Encouragement Officer, I ask that you empty your pantry by investing what you have stored up into the next generation. By doing this, you put yourself in a place of need and dependence that will surely give you purpose.

Stay hungry my friends,

Today is one of a kind. There will never be another day quite like today. Much like snowflakes and fingerprints you are unique. Before you get your day started, step back and consider that you are exceptional and that you are about to embark on a moment of time that has never been and will never be repeated.

Looking at life as a one-time uniquely curated opportunity will change your work, your preparation, and your relationships.

Enjoy,