Category: Success Strategies

If Even Kobe Can Die Young, What’s the Point?

~ Jonathan Clark ~ Leave a comment

Beyond being stunned, a sudden tragedy like this can trigger many confusing thoughts.  Kobe had smoothly transitioned into his post-basketball career and seemed to be on the verge of matching or surpassing his on-the-court success off the court.  He appeared to be much more at peace after basketball, and the radiant joy on his face when he was with his daughters was evidence of a man who loved being a father.  Such an abrupt end to an incredibly successful and happy life brings to mind the question: Why?  Why them?  Why so soon? Why now, when life was going so well and Kobe was doing so many good things?  If Kobe can have so many accomplishments and do so many positive things and then have them all cut short by sudden death, what hope is there for every-day people like us? 

Anxiety Sobriety: Freedom from Being Overwhelmed

~ Jonathan Clark ~ Leave a comment

Full of adrenaline, I paced the room with a nervous energy that wouldn’t go away. I tried sitting down, but then instead of pacing I began wringing my hands and rubbing my arms and legs. My body seemed confused… searching for a movement, any type of movement, that would release the energy I was carrying. My mind was spinning, and I’m sure at some point my lips actually moved, mumbling in an attempt to process the flood of thoughts swirling through my brain. It started with one thing I was worried about, then snowballed forward into a torrent of unpleasant thoughts that consumed me with fear and worry. The restlessness extended into the night and I could hardly sleep. For some reason I just couldn’t relax. This might sound quite familiar to anyone who has battled anxiety.

What to Do When Stuff Keeps Interrupting Your Goals

~ Jonathan Clark ~ Leave a comment

I had everything planned out.  Creating a schedule was a regular part of my routine, and I planned my day down to the minute to make sure I achieved all my goals.  I even built in some cushion between tasks to allow time for any delays or hiccups that might come up.  What could go wrong? I was about halfway through my day, and suddenly I got a call from my wife.

The Price of a Dream

~ Jonathan Clark ~ Leave a comment

Big dreams require big sacrifices.  The strength to make those sacrifices requires focus, clarity of purpose, and the willingness to swim upstream. The road to success can often be a lonely one.  There will be times when you are up late or up early working alone while your friends or family hang out laughing and having a good time or sleep in late.  There will be precious moments that conflict...

Hero Complex: Do You Obsess Over Saving Others and Neglect Yourself?

~ Jonathan Clark ~ Leave a comment

Do you have a lot of people depending on you?  Do you feel pulled in so many different directions that you might explode?  Are your own needs typically an afterthought, and do you often find yourself addressing your needs later than you should, or not at all? I realize the world isn’t going to save itself, and that everyone in your life needs you desperately (and RIGHT NOW), but hear me out on this one because I speak from experience...

How To Avoid Losing Interest In Your Day Job While Pursuing Your Dream on the Side

~ Jonathan Clark ~ Leave a comment

On-the-job ADD (Active Dreaming Disorder) Have you ever had difficulty concentrating or staying emotionally invested in your day job after you’ve ignited that fire inside to pursue your dream?  The flames start to rage inside, and you can hardly contain your energy and desire to make it happen.  The mental dam that once withheld your creativity breaks, and a gushing torrent of ideas starts to flood your brain with no regard for timing or convenience.  Whether you’re in the middle of a project that’s approaching deadline, or in a monthly team meeting, thoughts of how you can bring your dream to reality continue to occupy your brain at all hours of the day.  They sometimes even keep you up at night to the point...

Workaholics Anonymous: Vacation Guilt

~ Jonathan Clark ~ 1 Comment

Do you ever feel guilty for taking time off?  I could be the only one, but I doubt it .  Vacation guilt is only one of many symptoms of being a workaholic.  Other signs you need to chill out include: Not taking time off in the first place Thinking something will go wrong with the business/team if you are not working Constantly checking work emails on your days off