I'm Attempting my Third Par in October in Mortgage Reduction Game

The first seven bogeys for my first seven months playing my Par for the Course game made me feel inept.  Here I am in the middle of hyperspace looking like some kind of idiot.  I already knew the secret to turning my performance around was to keep swinging.  It happened in August.  It was the first sign of potential.  I made par by reducing expenses and avoiding costly mistakes.  September turned out to be par for a second straight month.  Now I'm hoping to repeat par in October and I'm feeling more confident.

Debt reduction is serious business.  My future self is relying on me to go the full 36 months and burn the mortgage papers on the 36th hole so that others may be inspired to do the same.  I'm learning that every decision, no matter how insignificant it may seem, makes a difference between a par or a bogey.  With hard work, I may see an eagle or two in the later rounds.  Stay tuned and feel free to join me anytime if you would like to give this debt reduction game a try.  Have a great day.

Can You Visualize the Finish Line?

If you're looking for something to prod you to complete a goal or project that appears stalled, this may be of interest to you.  I've shared ideas about this before but today I want to add a little nugget that may enhance your opportunity for improved results.

Never underestimate the power of postive thinking.  Your brain is always listening.  I like to feed pictures of what the finish line looks like and I do my best to make sure all five of my senses are in play.  I also like to surround myself with people I love in these visualizations.  The more vivid the picture, the more real the experience.  Pay careful attention to your positive emotions you feel in these pictures.

Remember that each finish line is only a chapter in your life.  Repeat this exercise every time you complete a project and keep moving forward.  Have a great day.

What I'm Learning From My No TV Experiment

The no tv experiment is already yielding positive results.  It reminds me of the time Jesus spent 40 days in the desert.  He really went over the top...no tv, no electricity, no food, no human contact.  Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, needed down time.  That tells me I'm on the right course with my experiment, albeit a watered-down version of what Jesus did.

My time away from tv has freed up time to read and meditate.  I'm working hard to keep my attention elsewhere when I'm in public places where a tv is on.  My brain seems to appreciate reduced negative influences.  So far so good.  I feel more calm and relaxed.  It's worth exploring if you like experiments.  Have a great day.

Why You Should Feed Your Brain Positive Thoughts

Imagine what your life could be like if you only fed your brain positive daily thoughts.  It's like turning on a light switch in a dark room.  I don't know about you but living in darkness can be scary.  I want the flashlight.  I want my brain to believe there are infinite possibilities ahead.  When I do feed my brain positive thoughts, not only is my vision more clear, but my desire to take action also increases.

You have a choice today to continue consuming the same negative thoughts that are holding you back or change your diet to items on the daily positive menu.  Remember, you are what you eat.  Have a great day.

What Does Victory Look Like to You?

I'm curious.  What does victory look like to you?  Take a look at every area of your life and think about victory.  It's not a competition with others.  It's not about past performance.  It's about today.  Are you victorious?  In my opinion, victory is a mindset.  I'm either winning or I'm learning.  Learning sets up future victories.

While you're pondering this question, make sure you review the tiniest choices you're making.  Pay careful attention to those choices that are so far under the radar that you put them on autopilot.  It's those seemingly insignificant choices that make the difference between victory and defeat.  Have a great day.

Avoid Close Encounters of the Negative Kind

Today's story is an update on my no TV experiment.  This is the best time to try it since I'm away from my familiar environment and my normal routine.  So far, the results have been rather enlightening.  I'm careful to sit facing away from the TV while eating my morning breakfast in the hotel dining area.  I'm keeping my cell phone activity to a bare minimum.  I find myself more relaxed and more aware of the energy around me.

Negative energy comes in many forms. Such as TV, uptight people, and rush hour traffic.  Pay attention to your surroundings today and do your best to navigate around the negative energy zones.  Have a great day.

Do You Appreciate the Unknown?

Life is about learning lessons.  The more similar your experiences, the less you learn and grow.  I'm discovering this while on assignment at my day job away from the familiar.  It's the unknown that challenges me to grow.

Ask yourself what you can do today that is out of the ordinary.  Explore a new experience.  You may uncover something really special, like a hidden gem.  Have a great day.

A New Week Unfolds

Week number two for my temporary assignment begins today.  I'm learning how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.  It resembles a chess game.  There are goals for the end game but the in between moves are infinite.  I'm searching for the best way to develop my players as the game progresses within my allotted time.

What kind of week are you hoping to have?  Do you have specific goals you would like to accomplish?  I'm going into this week with an open mind.  My hope is that all my teammates recognize the value of teamwork.  Have a great day.

First Tennis Workout in New Surroundings

I was hoping to catch a plane last night but there wasn't any room.  Meanwhile, I found a whole new set of tennis players to help me with my game.  It felt really good to be back on the tennis courts. I'm officially on the sub list for the doubles league that is underway.

Today completes my first full week of my latest adventure.  I'm training new people, learning from experienced people and trying new experiments to improve my skills.  I'm thankful for all the blessings in my life.  Thank you for visiting today.  Have a great day.

Be Intentional

How do you feel about experiments?  In my life, experiments are a way to consider options and see what happens without judgment.  Experiments are like taking steps into the unknown.  Add the idea of being intentional and you may or may not end up with a special surprise.  The only thing I know for sure is that your failure to try new things means every day will be pretty much the same until you die.

Today I'm resolving to be intentional.  I'm going to let go of anything that's restricting me from a life filled with infinite possibilities.  In fact, I won't even be surprised if I end up in another state by the end of the day.  Is this possible?  I'm willing to experiment with this idea about being intentional and then tomorrow I'll report back to you.  Be intentional with your life and toss in a new experiment to change your routine.  Have a great day.

With Gratitude it's Impossible to Lose

Do you have something to be thankful for today?  Think about it.  That's pretty much part of my morning routine.  I always shoot for a minimum of ten and I like to record them in a blank book I labeled as my gratitude journal.  If I should ever wake up not feeling grateful, I can read my journal entries for inspiration.

In my opinion, gratitude and joy fit together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.  They are inseparable.  They help you attract the other missing pieces that show you what your optimal life looks like.  As long as you have gratitude you can build a life that is filled with abundance.

My prayer for you today is that you find a way to win.  I hope you discover that piece of your life's puzzle labeled gratitude.  Find that puzzle piece and there is absolutely no way you will ever lose.  Have a great day.

My No TV Caveman Experiment

My caveman food experiment turned into a lifestyle that yields countless fruitful benefits.  No longer am I at risk for high blood pressure issues, high cholesterol challenges, unnecessary blubber around my waste and other health issues prevalent in our modern society.  Now I'm adding another caveman experiment while I'm away on a day job assignment.  It's no TV for 60 days.

This may seem harsh to some of you.  The sad truth is what you are watching may be contributing to suboptimal health.  Here's what I mean.  The next time you watch your favorite show, take out a pad of paper and make a list of all the items you are being sold during the commercials.  Pay special attention to all the ailments being forecasted unless you buy the remedies.  In my opinion, you are being hypnotized into believing you are going to get sick simply because these marketers are leaving negative images your brain believes must come true.

My TV in my hotel room will remain off for the duration of my time at my temporary location.  Just like the first caveman experiment, I'll note my progress here.  Have a great day.

Sunset in New Setting

When my family and I relocated to the Midwest over seven years ago, we pledged to visit our surroundings as much as possible including other states nearby.  Last night I got an opportunity to witness a Minnesota sunset. That's the picture you see in the post.  There's something special that happens when you pause to take in the beauty of nature.  It somehow changes your heart, brain, body and soul.  Maybe it's all the gratitude I feel for this kind of opportunity.  If you feel like you're too busy to spend time outdoors, please find a way to make the time.  It's worth it.  Have a great day.

Breaking Habits

I'm learning how challenging it is to break habits.  If you're like me, you may find you are your own worst enemy.  The longer a habit has been engrained, the more challenging it is to change.

How do you fight against yourself?  I'm working on increased self awareness.  As crazy as this sounds, it's possible you may have bad habits you aren't even aware of.  Find them.  Hunt them down.  And when you discover you have a habit you want to break, use every ounce of your willpower to create a better life.  Have a great day.

Wilson Travels in Style

I'm trying out my new travel back pack today my day job friends gave me to keep Wilson safe on our adventures together.  It has a plastic bubble so Wilson can see the world while we travel.  We're headed to Eagan, Minnesota this morning to begin a fresh chapter.  Our expansion efforts are going well and the next new store opening is set for November.  We will be in Eagan for the next couple of months in support of the opening.  Have a great day.

Heading Home

The family vacation has come to a conclusion.  We are refreshed, energized and invigorated.  The people of Montana were very good to us.  Mother Nature was a joy.  Have a great day.

There's Something About Wilson

My first full day on our family vacation in Big Sky I realized something beyond my own understanding was happening.  It got my family's attention when I told them about the Wilson hotel I found after an early morning church service.  These odd coincidences that keep showing up in my life seem unbelievable, yet they keep happening.

"That's Wilson Peak over there," our tour guide, Michael, said pointing to the highest summit you see in our family photo above.  I had no clue about the history of this famous guy named Wilson who, in his later years, helped start up a bank that merged with what is now Bank of America.  He is best known for the work he did as a topographer in early surveys of the surrounding area where we're visiting.

Perhaps all these coincidences are the reason my family is becoming so fond of Wilson.  They love seeing how his presence draws strangers in.  They even agreed to pose in a family picture and share it on social media.  If you've been following my stories, you understand how rare it is to see my family here.  Yes, there's something about Wilson.

I have this crazy idea in my head that Wilson will one day be reunited with Tom Hanks.  That is how his story will end.  As for me, I'm along for the ride and I'm enjoying every minute of it.  Yes, I believe in miracles.  Thank you for visiting and allowing me the opportunity to share my life with you.  I would also like to thank my family for tolerating my unconventional ways.  Remember this...I didn't choose Wilson, he chose me.  We're a match made in Heaven.  Have a great day.

This May Be My Luckiest Day Ever

I'm feeling lucky today.  Sure, it's a full moon, it's Friday the 13th, and I might step on a crack, but I really don't care because I know who's in charge and I trust that this day will be one I never forget.  My wife and I are spending this day with two of our adult children and we're going to create some awesome memories together.  Yes, I found my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  It happens to be at over 7,000 ft.  I shot the photo you see above on the first snow day of the season but today I have a feeling the sun will be shining upon us as we survey the kingdom.  Have a great day.

Back on the Grid

I went as far off the grid as one can go yesterday and it was the best time ever.  No internet.  No electricity.  No batteries for flashlights.  We were almost outside the United States.  Another five miles and we would have needed to show passports.  We're back in civilization now.  The time away was refreshing.  More updates later.  Have a great day.

Family Adventure Day

We're on a road trip today.  It's time for the family to explore a new place in the mountains.  More news later.  Have a great day.

The Road Taken

Robert Frost wrote an interesting poem sbout choices more than one hundred years ago.  I pondered it while reading it on a wall plaque yesterday.  "The Road Not Taken" appears to be filled with emotion.  Many wonder, is the poet happy about his decision?

I found a simple way to make important choices.  Rather than use my eyes to see as far as I can see down both paths, I ask God to nudge me along the path He thinks is best.  Is it scary?  No. Will I get hurt?  Maybe.  Will I be misunderstood?  Probably.  Will I ever have regrets?  Never.  The road taken is my destiny.  It lies in the midst of the unknown where most dare not tread.  I'm thankful to be here.  Have a great day.

Happy Birthday to my Cousin

If you're gonna dream about something that can't happen until 31 years into the future and it involves participating in a national doubles tournament, my recommendation is you pick someone who you believe can go the distance.  That person is my cousin, Dr. John Mulligan.  Please join me and wish him a happy birthday.

Our family is thinking of you today.  Thank you for being a positive influence on my life.  I especially appreciate the caveman food experiment you created for me.  It's  working well.  Mrs. Caveman was astonished when I shared my most current blood pressure reading...118/78.  The best birthday gift I can give you today is to share your experiment with others and persuade them to eliminate foods with labels and go heavy on the fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, and seeds.  My go to liquids are water and wine, just like you suggested when my health was in the danger zone.  Enjoy your special day.

Nature Calls

Nature called.  I answered.  It's possible my life may never be the same.  That's okay.  New experiences change lives.  I'm spending time with my family in a new environment.  It's one of those adventures I've been dreaming about for a while.  Now it's time to live the dream.  Have a great day. 

Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude

Got gratitude?  It's the key that unlocks the door to happiness.  No gratitude = No happiness.  Find one thing to be thankful for today, even if you think this is impossible.  That burden you're carrying can be reframed as a lesson you're thankful for.  That injury you have can be the reason you have more time to be with your family.  Your job loss can be your ticket to a new opportunity.  Be thankful for everything.  When you start looking at your challenges as reasons to be grateful, your life will change.  I promise.  Have a great day.

Scorecard Looks Promising on Par for the Course

The first seven months playing Par for the Course resulted in seven bogeys.  The sand traps were overwhelming.  I didn't quit playing this new game I created to help motivate me to retire my mortgage seven years earlier than planned.  Instead, I analyzed what was wrong with my approach and made changes.  I finally got it right on the 8th hole of the 36 month virtual course and made my first par, meaning I paid enough extra on my mortgage to say good-bye to my debt for good and become debt free at the end of the game as long as I stay on par every month.  Sure, there are plenty of months ahead and I still need to make up the shortfall from the first seven months of bogeys, but this month I made my second par just 6 days into the 9th month playing the game.

For those of you interested in applying this game to your life, you can use it for any area that you would like to improve, like losing weight, improving sleep habits, or paying off a credit card.  The reason it works for me is because the game is fun.  Afterall, changing habits is really a mind game and that's what Par for the Course is all about.  I visualize sand traps and other obstacles and then figure out how to get past them and win the game.  I also spend a lot of time dreaming about what my life will look like when I no longer owe the banks big bucks.  My wife also enjoys being on the virtual golf course with me and we're playing together.  I see some eagles in my future and look forward to a successful outcome on schedule.  Have a great day.

Are Your Emotions Getting the Best of You?

How are you feeling today?  If you could pause your normal routine for a few moments, take a look at your emotions.  What are the top three?  On a one to ten scale, one representing anger and/or hate, and love representing a ten, what number would you assign to your top three.  Here's something interesting to consider:  no matter where you rank your emotions, they are probably running the show.  I have a strange feeling you are stuck.  And if your number is at a five or below for your top three emotions, you may be living in the past.

I'm doing my best to hit a ten on my top emotions.  The key is to turn off all the negative triggers in your life that keep you stuck.  Let go of anything causing you grief, like guilt, unforgiveness, hate, etc.  Failure to let go spells doom.  Living in the past means you have no hope for a future that is any different from the life you have now.

Would you like some hope today?  Why not take a trip somewhere where you can be with nature and let your mind wander a little bit.  Concentrate on the emotions that bring you joy.  Let go of the ones that bring you pain.  Your brain will thank you and reward you by giving you the best life you could ever imagine.  Have a great day.

Big League Call Up is Answered Prayer

Our trip home from our Aruba vacation ended with dinner at the Mustard Seed at the Atlanta airport.  A sweet lady from Evansville, Indiana was eating dinner in a back corner table next to us and we struck up a conversation.  Jackie shared stories about her vacation on the east coast with her son, Aaron, a professional baseball pitcher, who has been out of the majors since a couple of injuries and surgeries.  We promised Jackie we would pray for Aaron to get a September callup to the majors. That prayer was answered yesterday.  Click here for the link and watch the moment Jackie's son found out he is returning to the majors.

Before we parted, I told Jackie about a book I'm writing, The Adventures of Wilson, and she agreed to be photographed while posing with Wilson.  Like her son, I'm waiting for the call up from the people who own the rights to Wilson.  The one thing I know for sure is that prayers make a difference.  For those of you in my network who prayed for Aaron, I want to thank you.  If you're praying for doors to open for my next book projects, I also want to thank you.  Have a great day.

Why You Should Make the Unknown Your Best Friend

Are you afraid of the unknown?  What is it that scares you?  It's quite possible you are so afraid of the unknown that you have become a prisoner.  Here's what I mean.  People who repeat their same mistakes every day are living in certainty.  There's no room for the unknown because everything is pre-programmed.  Same job.  Same meetings.  Same mistakes.  Same regrets.  Certainty.  They do this because change frightens them.  The unknown is some kind of boogie man.

For me, the unknown is where all my new opportunities are waiting for me.  Sure, there are mistakes to be made in the unknown, but they are not the same mistakes.  They are the lesson mistakes that help me grow.  I would rather make a new mistake in a new situation and learn something than be stuck in a rut where everything is the same every day.

It's time to make a new friend today.  Welcome the unknown into your life.  Visit new places.  Try new things.  Have a great day.

Happy Labor Day

Happy Labor Day to all my friends and family.  I'm using this day off from my day job to help my wife with more downsizing efforts around the house.  Cutting clutter brings us both joy.  Morning temperatures are right at 70º which means the weather should be ideal for an end-of-summer barbecue later today.  Have a great day.

Where is Your Peace?

Got peace?  Take it from Lao Tzu if you don't have it.  He doesn't need it.  He's dead.  Many of his quotes are still around because they work in any place, any time, and in any situation.  Today's story is inspired by someone close to me who happens to be living in another time zone.  He sent me a late-night message from Lao that's meant to be thought-provoking.

Speaking of thought-provoking, I have a question for anyone who is interested in a little philosophy today – How can you become peaceful if you're living in the present but your life is not peaceful?  Take your time with your answer.  This is one of those stories meant to take you out of your regular routine and help you consider other possibilities.

Yesterday I wrote about the choices your brain makes and I offered two choices, the past and the future.  The third choice is the present and Lao tells us if we're at peace, we're living in the present.  I wanted to elaborate on my message because it may seem to be in conflict with Lao's quote.  My message is for those who are stuck in a life that appears like a broken record.  Every day is the same.  There is no peace because everything is the same and there's no hope it will ever change.  The brain accepts this reality because that ugly past keeps repeating itself every day.  It's Hell.  For those people who feel that way, I'm suggesting something different.  Let your brain think ahead to a brighter future and meditate on that happy thought.  The idea is to reprogram your brain and trick it into thinking that your future is already happening now.  Trick your brain into thinking your present is amazing, even if you feel like you're in a rut you can't break free from.  My prayer for you is that you find your peace.  My prayer is that your present is all you want it to be.  My prayer is that your past no longer haunts you.  Peace be with you.  Have a great day.