Category: Time - Coach to Expect Success

Reminder for me...

5/4/2019

"Don't compete with others; make them compete with you."

This was a quote I mentioned awhile back in one of my podcasts and it took a friend of mine - Coach Ruekert, to remind me of that. Of course you can take a look at sports for this connection as I am sure that I used this during last season with our girls basketball team. But looking at it again, I need to use it for my everyday life too. In fact, probably more important that I do that. I know there are plenty of things that I just have to start doing instead of watching others do what they are doing.

The competing with others in one area is time. My time is being spent on things & people, where it's probably not the best place to be spending it on. When I'm talking about people, this morning in fact I spent a little bit of time watching Sports Center. Nothing wrong with that of course but after getting caught up with the world of sports (which I enjoy), instead of watching more, I knew I had to get caught up on my blog. I knew I had to follow up with a couple of important people and reach out to them online. I knew I wanted to get my day started running some errands that need to be done. All of this instead of competing with watching others (tv) go after their dreams and goals.

It takes a little reminder like I got from Coach R, to get my head focused on where it needs to be and to start taking action in the areas that I need to. So, as I head off to start my day - I want you to take a look at the quote above and see where you are competing at - or who are you competing with. The TV? Friends? Your job? What could you do right now to where you are doing something you know you need to do and to have others wonder about the great things you are doing. :-)

Things More Important Than Money

1/7/2019

Found a great article that I read over break and it was so great, that I wanted to have my students blog about it too! Having some time off over the recent Christmas Holiday Season always gives me time to slow down and do a few things that I normally can't do - read more, sleep in, relax, etc., and I am really blessed to be able to do that. You can check out the article HERE.

One of the nine factors the article talked about was actually #1 on the list - and that is TIME! Not sure why it's #1 from this author, but I would also put it at the most important spot too. It's the one thing that we all need to manage better. In other words how we spend our time. It's the one resource that once it's gone, we can't get it back. Contrary to some peoples thoughts - I do think we can manage time. We manage money - how we spend it, what we do with it. The same goes with time. I am constantly looking to improve how I manage the use of my time.

Determination is another big one for me. One of which I need to work on a lot more. I've been looking to improve this one for a long time and to me Courage fits right with this one. The whole confidence factor is one that is closely connected. I need to keep investing to improve all of these with myself. I can see that since I've been focused on these, my life has improved in many ways. Now the key is to ramp up the efforts needed to grow in these areas even more. Articles like this along with reading my students' blog posts are key!!

Final of the 3 points for me??? It has to be Heart and Soul. There are so many things that come into play here with this one. The passion and heart that we need in life for things that mean something to us - those are the things that we need to put more focus into. I just read one of my student's blog post about this same article. She mentioned that if she has passion and heart for something in her life - she will find a way to make it work and to ultimately make some $$ from doing it. Having heart and soul for life, for people, for things that we spend our time with, etc., it's one thing that as I get older I have found to be even more and more important. Important enough for me to keep working on them. :-)

Lessons On Vacation About Time Flying By

7/23/2018

More lessons from our recent little get-away to Traverse City, Michigan. These lessons came from eating out and visiting a place that our family stayed at for years. Eating a great breakfast at a classic place called Sparky's Diner -    Great music and great breakfasts - along with a valuable lesson just watching people when the song by Bob Dylan -" Knock, knock, knocking on Heaven's Door" came on. This older lady was leaving the diner with her daughter I think. Listen to the story as I describe it in my podcast - find it HERE. Amazing clarity came to me about how fast time is going by - for me, you, all of us.

Then our visit to the North Shore Inn - A place that we stayed at for about 18 years with our family and my in-laws too - fantastic visit there to watch another sunset and both my wife and I were treated to some emotional and fantastic memories of just being there again. It was like watching ourselves with the families that were staying there in the same units we used - and all of them sitting outside just like we did for all of those summers.

I hope you enjoyed this episode on some things that mean a lot to me.   Thanks for listening.

Please take a few moments to subscribe & share this with someone, also leave a 5 Star rating on ITunes or other services where you find this show. Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachtoexpectsuccess/   on Twitter: @coachtosuccess   and on Instagram at: @coachjohndaly

It's All About FOCUS!

6/12/2017

“Our eyes only see and our ears only hear what our brain is looking for.” —Dan Sullivan

This past basketball season I shared a thought that I read about with our team. In a conversation with Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, I read that the one word that was most important for success of any kind was FOCUS.

It has always been a problem area for me (heck, as I write this I was doing 3 other things as this came to my head that I had to get it done.) LOL… I figured I would focus on getting these thoughts out there and then go back to finish up the other things. I’ve jumped to other things in the middle of these thoughts – it’s obvious that I need to work on this for sure.

Our coaching staff would constantly bring this fact up about our team – most teams – tends to lose their focus during a game. This article, this idea I brought up to our team part way during the season. It helped a little it, but I know that I need to develop some things that our girls can start working on this and other “mind drills” during the off-season for us to be using them all year long.   The great thing about this is that I get to use it too and I know I need it probably more than my team does. ;-)

I went to Cincinnati this past couple of days for an event put on by Sam Crowley. It was FANTASTIC! I heard this thought from the presenters – the importance of our mindset being a main piece of whatever success we want to have in our lives. I listened to a podcast – twice and I’ll listen again a couple of times too – all from Brian Buffini on the importance of a made-up mind!   It’s obvious that this is something that not only I need to work on but we all do. The examples and evidence are out there – with so many of them available for us to learn from.

What we focus on, what we spend our time thinking about, what we put into our minds – all of it affects every single thing we do in our lives.   One of the many problems is that there is so much information out there coming at us through our eyes and into our ears, that our brains are overloaded for sure. That’s where when we realize that we have a say as to what information goes into our heads – we can start choosing what we let into our brains.

Since we don’t have all the time in the world – or at least as much as we think we do, working on this skill of focusing on what we let into our heads is something we all need to work on as soon as we can. For me, that time is now.    I’ve said that so many times during my life, now it’s again time for me to do something about it.    I have figured out a long time ago that things like this that I share with my students and basketball players – I need to follow them too. What about you?

Big-Time Growth Awaits Outside Of The Zone!

5/30/2017

"All progress takes place outside the comfort zone." — Michael John Bobak

This is something that has taken me awhile to latch onto. I’ve made tremendous progress throughout my life when getting out of my comfort zone. It’s just that most of the times; I’ve not gotten out of my comfort zone enough to really do the things that I know I want to do.

Since 2014 when I had both of my surgeries (knee replacement & back surgery), that was the first recent instance that has gotten me out of my comfort zone. I’ve had to make adjustments, to think differently, and start to realize the changes that I need to make in my life in many different areas. My physical and mental health has to improve along with my relationship health too; starting with my wife, kids, and family. There are many other relationships that I need to work on as well and I need to stop putting it off. These things are helping me to get out of my comfort zone in a big way.

I also got some help in 2016 by interviewing for two positions that I did not end up getting. The high school that I work at had an Assistant Principal job opening along with bringing back our Dean of Students position too. The entire process helped to give me so much confidence in that it made thing become very clear as to the direction I want to take my career and my life. I can honestly say without reservation that I’m at so much peace with the fact I didn’t get either of those 2 positions. First, the right candidates got them over me. They are the BETTER candidates that will help our school more than I could.

Second and more important, this process has given me the kick in my butt that I’ve tried to give myself over the years that I need to see my future and the direction I NEED to take it. As Les Brown has said – it’s hard to see outside the picture when I’m inside the frame. The time aspect has been a big part for me to connect with and understand; both from the parts that the new positions would have taken up more and different amounts of time along with that for me personally, time is running out as to things I want to (and need to) get done in my life.

So, as I begin to take these lessons and apply them to the things I need to work on, it gives me great energy and excitement for what’s to come. It pays big dividends to get out of our comfort zones, get a little scared and uncomfortable and then realize that you are not only okay for doing it, but that you are actually coming out better for going through it. I’m not sure if you have found the same results for getting out of your comfort zone and if you have not, you need to try it. There really is no sense to go through our lives living timid and being scared to work on things that are connected to our hearts. Life is supposed to be a learning & growing adventure. I’ve found that really only happens outside of the picture frame. Outside our comfort zone is the place to be for me, how about you?

Our Last Day

5/19/2017

“On your last day on earth, the person you became will meet the person you could have become.” — Anonymous

This quote really jumped out to me last week as I was thinking about Les Brown’s message that we watched in my Leadership classes awhile back. He talked about a story of a guy’s last day and he had his family and some friends around his bed side, something we all hope to have on our last day for sure. Les also described that there were other figures around this guy’s bedside and he noticed that they all had angry and disappointed looks on their faces – especially in their eyes. He asked the one closest to him who are you?   The figure answered that we are all the dreams and ideas that you never acted upon. You never even tried to do anything with us and now we are going to die with you. You were the only one that could have given us life and now that will never happen.

Now I’ve heard Les tell this story many times watching his videos and to be honest, it always makes me tear up thinking about how I don’t want to be that guy. This year, same thing but it was different. The tears were still there and I’m not exactly sure why, but it is different than before.   I guess I’m more in touch with the fact that many things are changing in my life. I’m older (51 when I write this), my parents & in-laws are older too of course and there are the health issues with them that are on my mind too. Now I know these things are natural in life.
They do happen, heck they are supposed to happen. I look at my 2 kids and how they too (of course) are getting older. We are approaching another graduation here at Lake Shore High School, my 24th. So maybe that might be part of it too?

Thinking about this a little bit more – I think back to those people that have been an important part of my life and I am really zeroing in on the fact that they have had a direct affect on me getting to where I am today. Some of them are no longer alive, some have moved away and I’ve lost touch with others still. One of my missions is to continue to try and make a difference with as many people as possible as a way to payback all the people throughout my lifetime that invested in me and helped me get to where I am today.

But the fact remains that I have another strong force starting to push me. I DO NOT want to be like that guy that Les Brown is talking about. There are many things I’d like to do, many ideas, many goals and dreams that I’ve had for awhile – and I don’t want to not act on trying to make them happen. I’ve said this before in my life that it’s time to start getting into action. I’ve done it a little here and there of course. Now, it’s time to raise my standards BIG TIME!   Wanting the person I know I can become be the same person when I finish my race that is something that will be great to make happen.

What about you? How are you doing in going after your dreams and goals? Have you ever thought what it might be like to meet that person you could have become on your last day? The younger you are the more of a say you have in how your last day can be. It’s the same with me of course, but I just have less time than others.   I tell you what though, it’s going to be something that I’m working on more and more. Raising your standards is not easy. Getting better is not easy. It’s all worth it though.

We Get A Chance To Do This Everyday!

4/27/2017

"Make each day your masterpiece." — John Wooden

Since we all get the same amount of time during a day, we need to take some time to look at how we are spending that day. I’ve been trying to follow Coach Wooden’s advice about making each of my days a masterpiece and on many of them, falling a little short. Maybe I should say I have small masterpieces instead of an entire day’s masterpiece. Still trying to grasp my ideas as to how to pull this off everyday.

One thing I know for sure is that I need to raise my standards every day. I’ve heard that message many times over the last few weeks. From guest speakers in my Principles of Leadership classes that I teach, from podcasts I’ve been listening to, and also from just casual conversation with people and watching the news. (which I’m really not doing too much of lately).

Getting back to my thought about having a bunch of little masterpieces throughout my day – that’s they thought I am connecting to more now that I’m thinking about this topic a little more. Having some toast with a little peanut butter along with my coffee this morning and of course some good tunes on in the background, I guess it’s making it a little easier to connect to this topic.

Right from the start of my day, I’ve tried to wake up with an attitude of gratitude in my heart. That really seems to help get my day started in a fabulous direction. The list goes on and on about what I have to be thankful for. Waking up first of all, my wife & kids, my parents, my sister and her family, my in-laws, friends, etc., so many people that I have close to me that I’m blessed to have in my life.

As I was leaving this morning I thought about the fact that I love going where I’m going at 5:57 a.m. I work in a school that I really am grateful for. After almost 24 years here and so many students that I’ve been lucky to be around and work with, the great staff members that are here working hard for our students – they have made a huge difference in my life. The list goes on and on as to what I’m grateful for. The key for me is to be mindful of those things as often as I can.

Living well, working hard and trying to do my best to help others is really what my masterpiece is all about. Making a difference with others and adding value to their lives, which is a big part of the canvas that I paint my masterpiece every day. That little thought to think about the ants… they are so busy running around outside (and inside at times too)… but what are they busy about? What are they spending their time doing? Humans are the same. What are we doing with our lives many days running around earning a life or are we building a life to be proud of? As I get older, I am really trying to go after building a life of significance, one with great meaning and to me that is making a difference with others. That will be the masterpiece that I’m chasing – my question for you, what is your masterpiece that you should be going after?

Procrastinators - It's Time!

4/16/2017

"Don't wait. The time will never be just right." — Napoleon Hill

As I sat down outside, with our dog on Easter morning, I had some great quiet time to do some thinking. This thought from Napoleon Hill has been echoed inside my head for a while along with being echoed from so many other people too.

The sun was coming up over the house behind us, there was a nice little breeze along with the birds chirping and wind chimes nearby making a very majestic sound for the morning. Great reflection time too on this special morning with a great cup of coffee.

I needed this and I have figured out I need to do it more. This overwhelming feeling came over me – moving me to tears – that not only do I need to do this more, but I need to put into action what I’m thinking about doing. This blog is part of it along with my podcasting, writing my first book, doing some interviews, creating videos and speaking too. All of these items connected to helping others, making a difference with them and adding value to their lives too. The time must be now – it’s all I got. Heck… it’s all any of us have when you think about it.

Of course, this has been on my mind more since I’m getting older. Sitting at 51 is a unique perspective I think on life – but it’s also a view that does not have to be saved for this age. One of the things I see that there are people that have these thoughts and ideas sooner in life and they act upon them sooner too. Sooner for me is now. For someone else, it’s the time they are at now in their life.

I am totally amazed at those people that for years have been sharing this idea along with others, about self-improvement. Napoleon Hill was one of many doing this a long time ago. He has helped to change so many lives in the past, present and even future too; as his teachings will live on forever. I listen to podcasts and read books that continue to mention what a profound difference that he and others have made on life for so many people. To me that’s what our lives should be all about – making a difference with others along with adding value to their lives too. Whatever you find yourself doing throughout your life – these ideas should be part of it. Starting now, don’t wait. I’m working on doing that. I hope you are too.

Today Is Slipping By - Who Is Noticing?

2/21/2017

“We are so involved in yesterday and tomorrow that we never even notice that today is slipping by.” – Jim Rohn

I’ve heard this over and over again lately from so many different people – time is just flying by. People can’t believe how fast time is going by. I have the same opinion too. I am totally amazed that I have turned 51 last week. In many ways I feel older (arthritis, recent surgeries I’ve had, my eyesight is changing on my big time, etc.) Then in other ways I am amazed that I am this old since I still love what I do, I have energy for teaching and coaching basketball, enjoy getting up every morning, and I feel energized with new ideas and new things I’d like to accomplish and go after in my life.

Brian Buffini, whose podcast I really enjoy listening to, has said that the days are long and the years are short. Meaning past years always are hard to remember the details of them, I think since they are full of 365 days in each one. While it sometimes seems that the day we are in the middle of, is really long at times while we are in the middle of it. I can’t tell you how often I have thought about this line along with sharing it with others and they totally agree with the fact that he is right on target with this statement.

This idea from Brian ties in to this thought from Jim Rohn too. We are scattered in our thoughts every day and we are not focused on the present; which is really the only thing we can actually do anything about. If you are like me it seems at times that we have so much going on to where it is difficult to focus on one thing at a time to put some good effort into it and accomplishing it and then moving onto something else.

I have recently found another article about Bill Gates and Warren Buffet agreeing that the most important word that contributed towards their success is FOCUS! It really does tie into this statement and it ties into me personally to zero in on this even more and implement it into my life more. My wife has often reminded me (nicely of course) that I have some areas to improve on with Focus. Being the smart guy that I am, I agree with her. (it’s taken many years to agree with her, but I do). Now I see myself actually doing things to try and improve this skill of mine as I do need to notice that today is all I have to do things, to be with the people I want to be with, etc. How about you? What do these thoughts mean to you? I tell my students all the time – the sooner you can connect to ideas like this, the better your life will be.

If We Need To Doubt Anything - Doubt Our Fears And Not Our Dreams!

8/11/2016

“If we doubted our fears instead of doubting our dreams, imagine how much in life we would accomplish.” – Joel Brown

This is one kind of sums up my last few months… heck.. probably almost the last 9 months. I’ve invested way too much time and worry into my fears and self-doubts instead of focusing on my dreams and goals. Of course I have some ready-made excuses that I’ve been playing over and over in my mind that I’ve justified all these delays. I need to reverse this – doubt my fears instead of doubting my dreams!

The biggest shift in my time has been the fact we got a new puppy! First dog ever for our family. 50 years old and this is my first dog, hard to believe but true. I’ve known that I have to re-focus and re-prioritize my time to the things that not only I have to do, but those things that I want to do. I’ve had too many reminders lately of things that I’ve seen around me, the people I’ve met, stories I’ve heard and read and things on TV and online. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it until I get going – it’s time for me to get off my butt and do things that I have to do.

Being 50 years old with my first dog also is a sign that time has flown by in my life and I don’t have all the time left that I think I might. It is very exciting to think about reversing this statement… to get my dreams and goals going in the right direction to where I know they can go. I am continuing to run into people that not only have a message to share, but that I am the one that needs to share my message in order to help them with theirs.

With the start of my 28th school year coming up quickly, it’s time for me to get re-energized, re-committed, and re-focused for the things that deep down in my heart I know I MUST do. It’s time for all of us to doubt our fears instead of doubting ourselves and our dreams. What do you think?