Some of you may have wondered “where has JFsays gone?”  (OK, I know you really haven’t, but it does me well to think so, so just go with it)  At the time, JFsays was an added task, that I was not sure I needed to make time for, I was wrong.  I have in the last short while come to an understanding that JFsays is more than just random thoughts of insignificant things.  JFsays is a storehouse of wisdom, skills, and feelings of those who have gone before me.  So, since I am back, you will just have to put up with me.

As my first order of business, I think I should give you an understanding of why JFsays, says so much.  I learned a long time ago, and I am not sure specifically where, but I did, so go with it.  That in order to be the best in your field, you need to know more, read more, and dream more than anyone else you are going up against.  I have seen over and over in my life, that these things have proven true.  I have been beaten by those who did these things, and I have jumped ahead of the industry with these tools.  In one previous job, I made habit of keeping up with the industry I was in more than anyone else that I worked with, I also read more than them, and I definitely dreamed more.  What happened?  I became the go to person, not just in that company, but in that industry.

I am going to leave it at that, just know that in the future we will be discussing this more, these three concepts are what I live by.  I would never say that I am an example of who to follow, but I will say, that I have ideas that have been passed down from the most successful people ever to walk the Earth.  You should listen to them, they know what they are talking about.

Until next time, Learn, Read and Dream?

In this end of year season, it is important to reflect. Reflect on where you have been, what you have done, and how you have grown. In doing this you are able to evaluate how you have spent the last 365 days, and orchestrate a way to move on into the next 365 days. This is not a time to beat yourself up if you have not lived up to your perceived potential. This is a time to say, that is where I was, now, how can I make this year better. I will leave you with this encouragement, daily do something. Here is what I am putting into this next year that will continue to give me strength to grow. I will relive the following affirmation everyday.

Today I will live. I am no longer satisfied with being, I must live.

Today I begin a new life. My old ways will pass away and life will be fresh.

Today I greet this day with love in my heart. Love never fails.

Today I will persist until I succeed. Failure will be my stepping stone to success.

Today I will remember I am nature’s greatest miracle. I am created with a purpose.

Today I will live this day as if it were my last. I have no time for regrets.

Today I will be the master of my emotions. I am responsible and in control of myself.

Today I will laugh at the world. Humor will be my catalyst.

Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold. My productivity will have no limits.

Today I will act. I am no longer satisfied with sitting, I must run.

Today I will Pray. My strength will be only as strong as who I pray to.

Today I will begin my life, not with resolutions that fade away. I will make goals that will drive me to success. I will seek friends to encourage me and to chastise me. I will share my goals with those closest to me.

These are some of my Goals:

1. Learn more- read at least 2 books a month.

2. Love more- spend more quality time with my boys.

3. Listen more- build quality relationships with people smarter than myself.

4. Live more- Improve my health, by adding a consistent workout routine.

5. Spend more- Not on junk, but wisely invest in my future. (and yes, I ran out of L words)

So there it is, Live! Don’t just sit there, get your hind end into action and live that life.