Can Video Games Elevate Your Life?

Unless you’ve been under a rock or completely unconscious, you know how popular games and the gaming industry has become over the last 10 years. A multi-billion dollar industry, gaming, has impacted everything from foreign policy to the sports world. The impact on games and training in the military has even changed the way we fight wars. And if you have children, you know what it does to kids whenever they are sent to their rooms to clean. The reality is, even if you don’t like them, video games have come and aren’t going anywhere.

To be honest, I haven’t regularly played video games since the days of Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers. Considered high tech for its time, games have moved into more futuristic formats. We are talking about movement simulators, sensors that detect body gestures and with the introduction of Wii, you don’t even need wires or connectors. I was one of those adults who swore that games were a waste of time and I had more important life missions than sitting on a couch wasting my time. What I found the other day was another perspective from a true ‘gamer’ on what I could learn if I took the time. Here’s how my obsessed gaming friend schooled me:

• Games teach us about rules:  Everything in our life has a set of standards, rules if you will. These rules govern the basic platform of performance. The cool thing about games is that after you successfully conquer the beginner’s rules, you are than ready to take on the larger challenge of figuring out how to bypass them. Everyone wants to conquer something. The problem is we start from square one seeking to change the game before we have mastered the rules. Whether you are in advertisement, management or government, you can re-write the game, but first you must master the rules.
• Games teach us about the ladder of success:  Everyone in the gaming world talks about the levels they are able to attain. If you are on FaceBook you hear people brag about where they currently are on Candy Crush. The moral of the story is you are not successful until you climb the proverbial ladder to the next level. Sound familiar? Sales are about getting to the next level. Relationships are about getting to the next level. Everything you want out of life is outside of your current comfort zone, or level. Gaming teaches that being satisfied with where you are is a self delusion when there is so much more to available.
• Games teach us that keeping score is still important:  Somewhere along the way we stopped valuing the score. I am not saying it is the only thing that matters, but let’s be real…it is important. I grew up in a time where everyone didn’t get a trophy for ‘participating’. Nowadays kids get stickers and such just for showing up. Then when they leave school and join the work force, they have a rude awakening. I think score keeping shows us our potential, leads to our motivation and celebrates those who put forth the effort to train. What would Sundays be like if football scores were not given? Who won? What is the team’s record? Exactly! We need scores to govern our efforts.

With a house full of kids, my mornings usually started off with me confiscating all electronic devices so that we could get out, off to school and work before noon. I would find them hiding in closets or the bathroom just to sneak five more minutes with their precious games. I thought they were addicted, but turns out they may have been learning some valuable life skills too. Either way, my buddy who is an avid gamer has shed some light on the subject for me. 

See ya at the top!

Early Jackson

Life Lessons From The Wiz

This past weekend marked the end of another summer and the introduction back to a busier, more full schedule. So I did what many others did, I took full advantage of the last quiet days to lie around and relax. With no major family commitments on hand, I was looking forward to a well deserved couch and complete with television time. As I scanned the stations, I caught the beginning of one of my childhood favorites, The Wiz.  I decided that Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor along with other icons would be a great way to spend my afternoon. As I got into the storyline, out of nowhere light bulbs began going off. For the first time I saw some valuable life lessons that can be applied immediately. 

Introduced by Motown Productions and Universal Pictures in 1978, The Wiz received critical acclaim across all ethnicities and audiences. In fact, it was nominated for four Academy Awards the following year. We have all seen it, sang to it and even got up and 'eased on down the road' with it. What's not to love about a film depicting redemption, networking and personal development?  Each character seemed to have their own story and set of challenges; one by one they connected together and formed an allegiance to see each other get better. I noticed some really cool things about life through watching for the 100th time.

·         Despite what others say, you CAN win: One of the standout numbers of the whole film has Michael Jackson center stage. But oddly enough, it wasn't his smooth moves getting the attention, but his impeccable vocals. The Scarecrow scene has the old 'crows' yapping and constantly reminding him that no matter what happens, he could never win. That is a powerful statement because it is all encompassing. You can't win in your finances, your life or even relationships. You are dammed in a sense. But what Dorothy proved was that anyone can in fact win with the right support system in place. Whoever said words don't hurt lied. They not only hurt but can leave scars. Real friends are those who pick you up and never use the old scars from words to hurt you again.

·         Don't nobody bring me no bad news: One scene that always got me as a kid was captured at Evillene's Sweat Shop with her belting out she preferred no one to bring her 'no bad news'! Mabel King coined her southern vernacular long before internet sensation Sweet Brown with her saying "Ain't nobody got time for that." Now I am fully aware that Evillene is a bad character, but you've got to admit that her message is pretty good. She says she wants to be surrounded by people who have learned the rules, she demands positivity in her ear twenty four seven! This is not an option. Think about it, if you put a demand on your circle of influence to keep gossip, bad opinions and other such trash out of your conversations, imagine how free you will become.

·         Ease on down the road: Probably the hallmark number from the movie, 'Ease on Down The Road' has worked its way onto thousands of productions from Broadway to Hollywood and countless school plays. Easily one of my family's favorites; it gets you in a good old churchy mood. I can picture Dorothy and Scarecrow freeing themselves through vibrant dance as they hurry to Emerald City. What's amazing is this song is counted four times throughout the movie, once each time a new partner was added. This speaks volumes because expanding your circle and vision should be welcomed with encouragement. Only add people who are going to fall into the vision of the group and be willing to speak encouraging words to everyone. No room for haters here! We refuse to carry anything that might be a load, let's ease on down the road.

You would most likely fry your brain trying to count the number of times you've caught The Wiz as you scanned the channels and found yourself watching it until the end. To this day, I have awesome memories of sitting next to my mom and watching the whole movie without once getting up for a bathroom break. I would dare say if you are anything like my wife, you actually own a couple of copies on both video cassette, DVD and the Soundtrack on CD. It just represents good wholesome fun. But what I found out over the weekend was it actually held a little bit more. There are lessons all around us, but that day I am glad it came in the form of a musical.

See you at the TOP!

Early Jackson

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Thought Leader?

On December the 16th, 1903 Orville Wright was quoted by a close friend of the family who assisted with the assembling of their ‘Flying Machine’ as saying, “If we worked on the assumption that what is accepted as true really is true, then there would be little hope for advance.” Not even twenty four hours later the pair of ambitious brothers would walk up a hill in Kitty Hawk North Carolina and set history. From their pet project the world of aeronautics was forged. December 17th, 1903 will stand as the birth date of modern flight.

What’s interesting is not that they succeeded, but that no one from the press or government was there to see it firsthand. Why? Because the Wright brothers were thought leaders in their generation. They had no publicity, no financial backing and no allies. The world had its eyes fixed on Dr. Samuel Langley of the Smithsonian Institute. This just further proves that you don’t always need a crowd to cheer you on when you are operating in your purpose. Orville and Wilbur were fully convinced that their lives would leave a legacy of greatness. And they were right beyond their wildest dreams.

So the question remains; What do you feel you’re here to do? Before you answer, let me remind you of the cost that is associated with emerging as a thought leader. First, you will have to become comfortable with doing things alone. The Wright brothers had tons of people excited about their ideas but they did not choose to stick it out until the end. Next, you had better develop some tough skin. People are going to ridicule and attempt to deflate your dreams. In fact, it is this very thing that confirms you are heading in the right direction.

Here are some keys signs that you are a thought leader:

• You always seem to be thinking on the cutting edge: I’ve heard it said that “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room!” I absolutely love that! Life requires us to be fearless and sometimes jump and grow wings on the way down. Where ever you feel you belong in life, I am willing to bet it is on the outside of your little comfort zone. Thought leaders are willing to push the boundaries and limits life tries to put on them.

• You have a gift to solve a specific problem: Here is life in a nutshell; you will either be remembered for the problems you solved or the ones you created. That’s it! What drives our economy and even perceived value is the elimination of a problem. We get a haircut because we have a ‘hair’ problem, we buy food because we have a ‘hunger’ problem. Thought leaders are slowly discovering the fact that they are gifted for certain issues.

• You empower others to greatness: When you say you are going to help someone that is much different than empowering them. Help always gives the implication of deficiency. Empowerment says a person already has greatness, you are simply making them aware of the ‘ON’ switch. Empowerment is about activating what is available in every human being. Thought leaders don’t create followers, they launch leaders.

It’s been about 110 years since the Wright brothers launched a flying machine risking life and limb for the sake of science. The crazy thing was they weren’t even inventors. They were working in their families bicycle shop. But when there is innovation in your heart, you find a way to manifest it. Being a thought leader takes plenty of courage. I believe there is thought leadership in us all and we have waited long enough. The world should not be deprived another second from the brilliance you and I possess. This is a call for all thought leaders to ARISE.

See ya at the top!

Early Jackson

Four Ways Entrepreneurs Are Just Like Toddlers

When you have a house of rambunctious kids running all over, it doesn’t leave room for you to get any peace. If you can ask a stay at home mom what her biggest wish was, she would no doubt say having a moment to rest. The fact is, kids are a handful. I’m speaking as one who has gotten three kids ready for countless daycare visits, school drop offs and church. So I know all too well the responsibility. I even got so bold as to take a position as an enrollment director for a start up day care. There I was exposed to an army of toddlers every single day. Sometimes I loved it and other days I feared for my life.

Toddlers are such interesting creatures. They have a perception, language and outlook all their own. No two are identical, not even twins. You haven’t heard the truth until you’ve heard it through the lens of a three year old. To say their honesty is brutal is an understatement. They have unbelievable resilience and ability to live in the moment. But what I have noticed as a person recently transitioned into full time entrepreneurship, I am beginning to see some striking similarities.

I want to share four funny ways entrepreneurs are just like toddlers:

1. Just like toddlers we are having the most fun when all of our toys are on the floor: Have you ever seen a toddler in their room playing? They are masterful at taking different pieces and making them a part of the same adventure. They are somewhat connectors. They are having the best time when they can ‘see’ all of what they have. When they are playing, they are creating.
2. Just like toddlers we never meet strangers: There’s a reason we tell our children not to talk to strangers. That reason is first, strangers can potentially be dangerous. And next because they will literally talk to any and every stranger they meet! Kids don’t have inhibitors like adults. They haven’t been taught to fear everything. So they exist in a sort of free-ness that true entrepreneurs experience every day.
3. Just like toddlers we are eager to learn new things: Kids are like sponges. Whatever you pour into them will be retained and accessible later. They are hungry to sink their minds into new and exciting projects. Books, kits, models or puzzles not only occupy their hands but their minds as well. Entrepreneurs, like toddlers are always reaching, climbing and exploring for new ‘toys’ to play with.
4. Just like toddlers we don’t like sitting around in crap: There’s only a few real reasons why babies cry. First, of course, is hunger. Next on their list is what I call comfort issues. If a baby is too cold or too hot, everyone in the house is going to hear it. But let them have a messy diaper and its going to another level! A stinky bottom drives every toddler crazy, not to mention weighs them down. If you were to see an unhappy entrepreneur stuck sitting in a crappy job or at a meeting; the same look you get from a toddler is plastered onto their face.

My days of changing diapers and wiping runny noses are long gone. I made a few other career stops along my journey. Presently I look at every stage of my journey as a valuable lesson used to make me a better business person today. The daycare sticks out because of the little lives I became connected to. But more than that, I have come away with some great principles to help me coach the super creative mind of the entrepreneur.


© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

How Unrealistic Expectations Can Undermine Your Vision

We’ve all done it. We have been right on the verge of something great, about to cross the threshold of a brand new opportunity or embarking on a promising relationship and BOOM! We blow it. Some call this personal phenomenon the act of self-sabotage; others simply chalk it up to approach avoidance. But however you label it, it is costing us more and more of our vision. I am a firm believer that it takes a vision for the future in order to get there. In fact, if you lack vision, chances are you won’t get much further than where you are now.

Years ago I heard my mentor say, “The one thing that will kill your dream faster than failure is the lack of a plan.” I wish I could tell you that I learned this lesson with minimum damage to myself but that would be a flat out lie. I banged my head upon this principle more than a few times. I think the issue was I always thought my sheer talent was enough to get me by. But that state of mind usually left me right around ‘average’. Before you get excited about my average existence, I also learned a long time ago that average was just a fancy way of say ‘best of the bottom;’ slightly better than the worse in your category. Who in their right mind celebrates mediocrity?

We all know that vision is simply the plan or outlook you possess that is governing your current actions and decisions. But once I became a student of successful people, I found a much deeper principle at work in my life. I was literally undermining my progress.

To ‘undermine’, according to the original Latin is ‘Labefactare’ and means to subvert by weakening insidiously or unknowingly; to cause decay from within. The key for me was it is done most often unknowingly. How much are we hurting ourselves by doing things we do not even know we are doing? We all have these blind spots that are responsible for where we are in life. The truly successful people hire coaches or have a circle of influence they are accountable to and also help identify where they are missing it. Without these ‘spotters’ we are left alone to our own devices.

There are (3) unrealistic expectations that can undermine your vision:

1.  Unrealistic timeframes: Wherever you are right now did not unfold overnight. In fact, it took many of us years to amass the debt, weight or bad habits that currently rule our lives. It is unrealistic to believe a weekend conference or one coaching session is going to wipe your slate clean. There is no magic pill or special offer! You are going to have to work your butt off and create a new and improved version of yourself through discipline if you want to see change.

2.  Unrealistic skillsets: It always amazes me when I am in a session with someone and they yell out in frustration “Early I am doing all I know to do!” I hear them loud and clear. I feel their pain. But that is exactly the problem. They are doing all they KNOW to do. Which means the solution is they need to learn more. Think of it this way, your current skillset was useful in getting you from point A to point B. If you want to go to another point, you must acquire newer and better skills.

3.  Unrealistic support teams: You are the sum total of the people you surround yourself with. There are only a few reasons why things aren’t working for us. Right at the top of this list is our friends. Our social circles dominate our destiny. The longer you spend with people, the more your behaviors co-mingle and assimilate. It is not an issue of trying to be better than someone else, but rather becoming strategic. We must seek out and surround ourselves with people who possess the skills, relationships and resources that match the areas we want to accomplish.

Dr. John Maxwell says, “People aren’t winning simply because they do not know why they are losing.” It’s really that simple. Your vision is a living breathing part of you. If you are not nourishing it by stimulation and exposure to quality people, it is slowly withering away. Those who we admire for their successes are those who wake up every day totally aware to the endless possibilities their vision will unfold for them.

© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Unproductive Belief Systems That Hold You Back

It’s funny how our beliefs, no matter how far-fetched, are really what shape both our behavior and our future. In fact, the word ‘belief’ is defined as: Something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction. Every day we are bombarded with information, real and false, but what makes this information so powerful is when it slips into our beliefs. Instantly we attach our lives to this wagon and begin to drag it around in life.

In our early years it’s not as bad. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and so forth are easy tactics our parents used to keep us in line until those holidays passed. If you ever doubt the power of a belief system, try convincing a child that there are no monsters under the bed. Even though logic is present and facts are given, the imagination has already been loosed and until there is something new to believe, that child is going to be sleeping with you.

Such is the case when I was eight years old sitting at the lunch table. My good buddy Reggie sat next to me and was begging to trade his ham sandwich for my delicious peanut butter and jelly. Of course it was a hard sell from the start. That was until Reggie took advantage of a moment of weakness. I had bitten into the sandwich and spit out a small pit that came from one of the grapes used. He asked me if I knew what that was. I didn’t but he was more than willing to share with me it was a deadly ‘jelly-bug’. I had heard of jelly fish, but not jelly-bugs.

My friend went on to share that a jelly-bug was a poisonous bug that somehow gets into kids jelly and if eaten, can continue to grow inside your stomach. He claimed his mother warned him. After that, there was no hesitation to make the trade. For nearly a year, I was too afraid to eat jelly with my peanut butter. That means no jelly on toast, biscuits or anything! It took a lot of convincing from my mother that jelly-bugs were made up by Reggie and it was totally safe to eat. Talk about traumatic childhoods.

Unproductive Belief Systems That Hold You Back

Of course you are laughing at me, but chances are you have spent some time in your life wrapped in the bondage of an unproductive belief system; I like to call it our personal B.S. Here are some things I’ve learned in life about us and our beliefs:

• Almost all beliefs are inherited, not discovered on your own:  Go back in time and think of some things you’ve struggled with. Let me ask; where in the world did you get your information. It usually derives because someone mentions their own belief and you latch on or they have some type of authority over you and declare ‘this’ is what you will believe. Either way, you didn’t come up with it on your own. We live in a world governed by influence. From television to relationships, it’s all a play of influences. If you monitor ‘where’ your intel is coming from, you can then change ‘what’ the intel actually is.

• Most beliefs are simply someone’s ploy to control you:  Reggie did a great job getting me to trade my sandwich. This makes me wonder who else in my past has taken advantage of me in the same way. See the games change, but the motive is usually the same. Someone wants what you have or want you under their control so they go about tricking you by influencing your beliefs in some way. It sounds terrible, but everyone does not have innocent motives. Bosses do it, roommates do it, police officers do it and even your mates do it. The fact is, most beliefs are simply glorified hearsay. You alone can choose, by investigating the situation, what and whom you believe.

• Your beliefs actually dictate your level of success:  Limiting beliefs are the cause of failure far more than ability, skills or connections. How you believe directly affects how you will act. If you want to see some changes, you probably need a check-up from the neck up. We are taught what to think instead of how to think. Critical thinking skills are what drive corporate America and our military. Developing a staff filled with people who can sort out a problem and come to a plausible solution is like striking gold. To do this effectively we must address our faulty beliefs.

I am almost ashamed to admit that Reggie was not the last person to get over on me by affecting my beliefs. At least with him the only damage was eating a lot of peanut butter with no jelly. But think of how our beliefs have robbed us of so much more. Where could we be, what could we have accomplished if our beliefs weren’t contaminated? Now that you know what the issue is, my final question is simple; what belief will you let hold you back next?

Early Jackson

© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

10 Commandments of a Go-Getter

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome.  If you're tired of a life full of unlimited potential and you're ready to experience a destiny shift, Life Coach Early Jackson can make it plain in this workshop.  Pooling from statistics, direct coaching and personal experiences, Early lays out 10 commandments for anyone ready to innovate.

10 Commandments of a Go-Getter!

I'm Not Afraid of Jelly Bugs.....Anymore

It’s funny how our beliefs, no matter how far-fetched, are really what shape both our behavior and our future. In fact, the word ‘belief’ is defined as: Something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction. Every day we are bombarded with information, real and false, but what makes this information so powerful is when it slips into our beliefs. Instantly we attach our lives to this wagon and begin to drag it around in life.

In our early years it’s not as bad. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and so forth are easy tactics our parents used to keep us in line until those holidays passed. If you ever doubt the power of a belief system, try convincing a child that there are no monsters under the bed. Even though logic is present and facts are given, the imagination has already been loosed and until there is something new to believe, that child is going to be sleeping with you.

Such is the case when I was eight years old sitting at the lunch table. My good buddy Reggie sat next to me and was begging to trade his ham sandwich for my delicious peanut butter and jelly. Of course it was a hard sell from the start. That was until Reggie took advantage of a moment of weakness. I had bitten into the sandwich and spit out a small pit that came from one of the grapes used. He asked me if I knew what that was. I didn’t but he was more than willing to share with me it was a deadly ‘jelly-bug’. I had heard of jelly fish, but not jelly-bugs.

My friend went on to share that a jelly-bug was a poisonous bug that somehow gets into kids jelly and if eaten, can continue to grow inside your stomach. He claimed his mother warned him. After that, there was no hesitation to make the trade. For nearly a year, I was too afraid to eat jelly with my peanut butter. That means no jelly on toast, biscuits or anything! It took a lot of convincing from my mother that jelly-bugs were made up by Reggie and it was totally safe to eat. Talk about traumatic childhoods.

Unproductive Belief Systems That Hold You Back

Of course you are laughing at me, but chances are you have spent some time in your life wrapped in the bondage of an unproductive belief system; I like to call it our personal B.S. Here are some things I’ve learned in life about us and our beliefs:

• Almost all beliefs are inherited, not discovered on your own:  Go back in time and think of some things you’ve struggled with. Let me ask; where in the world did you get your information. It usually derives because someone mentions their own belief and you latch on or they have some type of authority over you and declare ‘this’ is what you will believe. Either way, you didn’t come up with it on your own. We live in a world governed by influence. From television to relationships, it’s all a play of influences. If you monitor ‘where’ your intel is coming from, you can then change ‘what’ the intel actually is.

• Most beliefs are simply someone’s ploy to control you:  Reggie did a great job getting me to trade my sandwich. This makes me wonder who else in my past has taken advantage of me in the same way. See the games change, but the motive is usually the same. Someone wants what you have or want you under their control so they go about tricking you by influencing your beliefs in some way. It sounds terrible, but everyone does not have innocent motives. Bosses do it, roommates do it, police officers do it and even your mates do it. The fact is, most beliefs are simply glorified hearsay. You alone can choose, by investigating the situation, what and whom you believe.

• Your beliefs actually dictate your level of success:  Limiting beliefs are the cause of failure far more than ability, skills or connections. How you believe directly affects how you will act. If you want to see some changes, you probably need a check-up from the neck up. We are taught what to think instead of how to think. Critical thinking skills are what drive corporate America and our military. Developing a staff filled with people who can sort out a problem and come to a plausible solution is like striking gold. To do this effectively we must address our faulty beliefs.

I am almost ashamed to admit that Reggie was not the last person to get over on me by affecting my beliefs. At least with him the only damage was eating a lot of peanut butter with no jelly. But think of how our beliefs have robbed us of so much more. Where could we be, what could we have accomplished if our beliefs weren’t contaminated? Now that you know what the issue is, my final question is simple; what belief will you let hold you back next?

© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Early Jackson | Unproductive Belief Systems That Hold You Back | BlackLifeCoaches.net

5 things I learned about business from Jay Z - Norfolk Business | Examiner.com

As an entrepreneur I find inspiration in every interaction of life. I find myself watching documentaries on subjects I know little about just to absorb new information. Such is the case with Jay Z. He’s had a flourishing career for nearly 20 years in an industry with a very short shelf life. Not only has he done that, but he’s managed other artists, led Def Jam and branched out into multiple streams of business. I’d say gaining insight from him isn’t such a bad idea.



5 things I learned about business from Jay Z - Norfolk Business | Examiner.com

Early Jackson | 3 Tips On How To Accept Blame When You Blow It | LifeCoaches.net

When you blow it, you usually know it. You don’t need any big revelation for that. Coach Early Jackson wants you to start seeing those times as a golden opportunity to expand your personal development. You can use the following tips to help with the transition:


Early Jackson | 3 Tips On How To Accept Blame When You Blow It | BlackLifeCoaches.net

Started From the Bottom Now we're Here!

Life Coach Early Jackson shares with the graduates and others from the subject: Vision & Process (We started from the bottom now we're here)

Started From the Bottom Now We're Here - 2

Life Coach Early Jackson shares with the graduates and others from the subject: Vision & Process (We started from the bottom now we're here)

Started From the Bottom Now We're Here - 3

Life Coach Early Jackson shares with the graduates and others from the subject: Vision & Process (We started from the bottom now we're here)

Developing Organic Relationships | Motivation and Success Strategies | GetMotivation

Organic products seem to be the in thing right now. Take a stroll through any of your local markets or grocery stores and you will see an army of products that include the healthiest ingredients and of course, they are organically grown.

In this post I want to focus not on your physical health in regards to organic items, but the importance of allowing networking relationships to blossom into an organic thing so you can really reap a benefit from all the people you know.

First, understand that the definition of organic is very simple. Webster defines organic as “of, relating to, or derived from living organisms; without the use of chemicals or pesticides”. This speaks volumes considering the bulk of all our communications today consist of texts and emails.

Don’t get me wrong, I literally live with a BlackBerry attached to me, but at the same time I recognize the importance of real, one-on-one communication with people outside of cyber world. This can be a significant challenge today with the hours that we work the commute back and forth and our many commitments to other things.

But I want to challenge us to step outside the box and make a conscious effort to cultivate REAL relationships with REAL people face to face. This becomes compounded when we hit a patch where we need encouragement or some form of support. If all you have are cyber relationships it is that much harder to stay afloat.

We all, according to Maslow’s laws of human need, require both safety and social support. We all have stories where we had our heads hung down and then a friend or colleague came through with real physical contact and it changed our perspective. Never under-estimate the force of your network system.

It can be the difference between success and failure. In fact, those interviewed who would be considered top performers in major corporations acknowledge the majority of their success is directly related to the support/encouragement they received from managers and peers.

I want us to understand the following four points that show the value in an Organic Relationship.

(1) Organic Relationships cause unlikely and profitable connections. Have you noticed how valuable Taco Bell, KFC & Pizza Hut have become since the merging of their efforts years ago? Alone, neither of them saw major increase, but together they are cutting costs and reaping rewards. Search for those who you could link up with for a greater return.

(2) Organic Relationships begin to expand frontiers that were not seen before. Much like the early settlers expanding west, you and I together can collaborate and not only double our efforts but cut the success time in half.

(3) Organic Relationships create combustible breakthroughs in areas conceived to be impossible.When Bill Proctor and James Gamble met after marrying sisters they had a vision to create a soap that could float. With a majority of military contracts acquired they were able to launch into the other industries and cause breakthrough research that has amassed millions.

(4) Organic Relationships foster and nurture a culture of understanding and tolerance. Everyone needs to be heard and acknowledged. Ralph Sockman said “The test of courage comes when we are the minority but the test of tolerance comes when we are majority”. I believe he was saying it takes the right environment to foster growth and innovation. This environment is only achieved through organic relationships.

So there you have it. The question now becomes, how are we to maximize the wealth of contacts, leads and networks we are exposed to everyday. I encourage you to set aside a little time each week to speak face to face with those you consider valuable and let the organic growth bloom! Put the devices away and interface with a friend.

See you at the TOP!

Early Jackson

Success Lesson: Developing Organic Relationships | Motivation and Success Strategies | GetMotivation

7 Dumb Things We Do To Sabotage Our Relationships

We all do dumb things in relationships.  We break up, move on and do more dumb stuff with a brand new person.  Then we wonder why all the people we meet suck!  The truth is, we can un-learn those things and have better results.  Clink on the link below to listen as Coach Early Jackson shares valuable principles to help you experience better, more fulfilling relationships.

7 Dumb Things We Do To Sabotage Our Relationships

The Art Of Making The Deal

Few things strike fear in a person more than the thought of sitting across the table from someone negotiating. Whether it’s at the car dealership, convincing a toddler to take a nap or navigating through an argument with your spouse; life is all about negotiations. From birth we learn how to go back and forth in an effort to get what we want. In fact, we perfect this skill by early adolescence and use it to manipulate others. I often share with clients how we listen to the same radio station,WIIFM or What’s In It For Me?

The reality is, it does not get easier. As we grow, the stakes become higher which means if we are to be successful; it’s going to mean getting better at the art of deal making. As the infamous Dr. Phil says, “I don’t care if you know it or even like to play, you’re in this game of life!” Since you cannot escape this truth, I wanted to share a few pointers I have gathered through years of marketing, sales and corporate America on how to get positioned for the best deals in life.

• It’s important to establish credibility in the beginning: People do business with people they instinctively like. Now this isn’t some deep rooted personal connection. This is simply a ‘gut’ feeling we get about someone new we meet. Your body language, facial expressions and mannerism speak volumes about who we are. Get in the habit of putting people at ease, then let them know you are there to assist.

• Poke the bear, uncover their need/pain level: We all do what we do for two reasons; stopping pain or creating pleasure. That’s it! If you are ever going to be successful in your dealing with people, you must answer those two issues. When you ‘poke the bear’ you are purposefully bringing to the surface issues so you can demonstrate how you can help. Have confidence that everyone you meet really does want the pain to stop.

• Don’t focus on how, focus on why: I love talking to clients and letting them know if they create a big enough ‘WHY’ they won’t have to stress about ‘HOW’. When something is important, humans always find a way to make it happen. It’s just in our DNA. When you know ‘why’ a person wants a thing, you can better serve their life.

• Don’t stop asking until ‘you’ are convince and understand: It will get uncomfortable. It may even get testy. But on the other side of this awkwardness is a tremendous breakthrough. We are usually right on the verge of something good with people and we just fall short. Maybe our patience runs out or we think it isn’t worth it. Remember, we are like onions in that we have layers. Keep peeling until you both understand where you are coming from.

You may never sit across from Donald Trump trying to work out a billion dollar real estate deal. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn the subtle art of getting deals done. Life is connective. We are a part of each other now more than ever. So the skills needed to get through tough negotiations are vital to accomplish what you want out of life. It’s an art so get ready to pain your masterpiece.

 See ya at the top!

Early

© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Myths About The Man of Steel

The summer of 2013 is gearing up to be an action movie junkies’ dream come true. With releases set from Hollywood heavy hitters like DeNiro, Smith, Hanks and Cruise, I have already prepared to beat the heat of summer in the movie theaters. As usual, I look forward to a couple of films that were adapted from the comics. Last year was the Dark Knight’s run, this year it’s none other than the man from Krypton, Kal-El. Most recognize him from his earth name, Clark Kent.

I can’t tell you the times I wrapped a towel from my mother’s linen closet around my neck and ran off to simulate flying. Every boy has once dreamed of being faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive. But somewhere between adolescence and high school our once lofty dreams approach life from a safer perspective.

There are unspoken rules of conduct that men abide by. See, the worst insult you could give a man is that he’s somehow acting less than what a ‘real’ man should. So we go through great lengths to ensure our manhood is not questioned. In this we often lose sight of transparency or being authentic. Instead we are working overtime to keep up a facade. This behavior is passed down time and time again. But as men, we can never grow pass what we refuse to confront. Here are a few ‘myths’ we carry as men of steel:

• Men don’t have feelings, therefore they cannot be hurt: This is a flat out lie. As I often say, we have the same feelings as women with a much different expression. Any guy who says a woman has never broken his heart or let him down needs to get his head examined. As men, we are occupational while women tend to be relational. So we find our identity in what we do, not who we know.

• Men just don’t like to talk: The truth is, we don’t like to talk at the exact moment women do, but we do talk. We speak about things that affect us or inspire us. If you ever want to see a guy really get chatty, tap into what he’s passionate about. That’s what matters most to men.

• Men avoid commitment at all costs: What connects us to our manhood is how well our families are taken care of. I don’t believe I have been more ashamed or disappointed in myself than when my finances fell too short to take care of my family. I felt less than a man. Often if we have a doubt about our ability to provide, we tend to shy away from that commitment.

• Men never get depressed: Absolutely we do! The difference is, early in boyhood we were told, big boys don’t cry. We took that mantra to heart. In fact, we added on that big boys don’t share their emotions. We took it as a sign of weakness. But anything without a pressure valve to give release will likely explode.

I have always been fascinated with the story of Superman. Not just because of his incredible acts of heroics, but because the people closest to him never made the connection. Somehow he could come up missing, he could save their lives and spend time with them, and no one ever thought Clark was really Superman. I guess that’s appropriate. As men, we have lived the truth that it’s the other way around. Superman, was really Clark Kent all along.

© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved. http://www.blacklifecoaches.net/2013/05/21/4-myths-women-still-believe-about-men/

The Power of Your Clique'

In 2012, rapper and mega producer Kanye West released a compilation album with label mates from his Good Music roster. Along with legend Jay Z and new comer Big Sean the song ‘Clique’ began taking over the airwaves. Youth from California to New York were raving about the status of their own individual cliques. What’s ironic is more than we often realize, the people we associate with have a huge impact on our lives.

Clique by definition is a small, select association or group of people who are considered exclusive. What makes this so interesting is we are usually defined not by who we connect with, but also who we don’t. In Latin, the word ‘friend’ means ‘another me’. Armed with this information it becomes apparent we need to guard our circles and make sure the people around us are a good representation of who we are. Sure we feel connected to those online via Facebook and Twitter, but do we really know them well enough to invite them into our circle?

Dr. Myles Monroe says “When the purpose for a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.” So the word ‘abuse’ is made up of two words; ‘abnormal usage’. Look around. Have you ever felt abused in some way by a person you called friend? Most likely, that person had no idea of the true purpose of your friendship so the outcome could not be avoided.

Solid relationships are made from the inside out. It is our own mirrored reflections that determine how we choose a friend and how others learn to treat us. If this image is perceived as flawed, we radiate that throughout our lives. It’s a vibe or air that others can pick up on when they come into our presence. Nothing makes for a good foundation like self worth, self assurance and self confidence.

Here are (3) tops reasons our relationships fail:

1. The nature of the relationship is not understood: Did you know that ‘why’ we connect is just as important as to whom we connect with? Every clique, friendship or even business venture starts with a ‘why’. If this ‘why’ is not expressed and understood, you will usually end in a wreck. The guy you buy your coffee from, the bus driver and the person who rented you a car all have something in common. They serve a purpose and that purpose is defined clearly. When the lines of ‘why’ get blurred, expectations aren’t met and feelings get hurt.

2. There’s a lack of maturity: It’s always funny when I am in a corporate setting and someone says, “We should be able to get this done, we are all adults here!” I have learned that being mature has nothing to do with being an adult. For some reason we hit a stage in life where we are regressing instead of progressing. When relationships are handled from a place of maturity, needs can be met. It goes beyond the old ‘what’s in it for me’ and seeks mutual benefits.

3. There are unrealistic expectations: Some people are like a pair of pants with holes in the pockets, they never get filled. It seems that no matter how much you give, some will never be content. In fact, the more you give them, the more they demand. It’s like they have a sense of entitlement and you’re their ‘genie in a bottle’. That is not fair to you or them. Boundaries are a healthy part of all relationships. Without them someone ends up being taken advantage of.

Whether you’re a fan of Kanye’s song ‘Clique’ or not; it will resonate with you. Why? Because in one form or another we all have a connection with someone. I believe we can benefit from learning the power of our clique and use it for positive growth.

See ya at the top!

Early Jackson

© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Success Lesson: The Power of Transparency

Success Lesson: The Power of Transparency

What I learned about success from break dancing

The year was 1984. The top movie in my life that year was Beat Street starring Rae Dawn Chong and Guy Davis. This movie represented a cultural shift of urban influence onto mainstream America. It pulled to the forefront as a relatively new style of music called rap or hip hop. Normally relegated to the ghetto, this form of culture expression was gaining momentum and this movie was more than that, it was a movement. With performances from pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa, Soul Sonic Force and Kool Moe Dee, Beat Street was seen as an opportunity for those without a voice, to finally have their say.

Right in the middle of this movie was a new form of dance taking shape called ‘Breaking’. Break dancing seemed to be just as vital of an expression as rap. And from 1983 to 1986 I was swept away with the fad. I was a regular ‘breaker’ with my track suits, baseball caps and sneakers with the big fat laces. In my room was a stash of cardboard from the local grocery store. Every chance we found, we were practicing. This was perfect timing because our favorite radio station announced a break dance contest at the mall. We were all in! We practiced and decided to enter the individual portion. Well, my turn came and I totally choked. In fact, I never stepped foot on the stage. I just stood there in the background paralyzed.

I had forgotten all about this until the other day as I shared with a client the importance of stepping up and stepping into your ‘time’. As I spoke I remembered how difficult it was for me. I instantly shared the story and it seemed to give a refreshing to their situation as well. I want to share a few principles from this experience I am embracing now:

■No matter how much you practice, nothing takes the place of execution: I had practiced and performed for my friends for days. I knew my little routine and was sure I could deliver. There was just one thing I never factored in, the people in the audience. When we reach a certain ‘stage’ in our lives, what we know and what we do becomes vital. Legends are made not from what they say they will do, but what they actually do. You were made to perform on the greatest of stages and all that stands in your way is the will to just do it!

■A team is great, but you are still accountable for ‘you’: Here’s where it got sticky. We practiced together, we hung out together and even dreamed together. But we were going to be judged individually. A team is not the place to hide from responsibility. In the end, your life is your business and you’d better get busy thinking for yourself. I have seen dozens of people left in the dust because of their efforts to hide in a crowd. Animals live in herds but graze for themselves.

■Your dream has to speak louder than your fears: As I look back from the perspective of a forty year old, of course I realize that break dancing wasn’t my life’s passion. In fact, shortly after the contest I gave it up for skateboarding. Fads come and go, but you will learn to pay close attention to those things that seem to latch onto your heart. You can’t shake it no matter what else you do. It almost becomes your obsession. The key is to spend more time pursuing those than the fads that come to distract you.

That cloudy day in 1984 taught me a valuable lesson. It taught me that you can get hyped, get dressed and show up looking like you belong. But until something becomes a passion you cannot live without doing, you will easily walk away from it. There are some of us in this life that will find our cause, our passion and refuse to die without living it. Here’s to us all!


Early Jackson, Norfolk Business Examiner

http://www.examiner.com/article/what-i-learned-about-success-from-break-dancing?fb_action_ids=4694968172078&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

What Stephen Covey Taught Us About Staying Sharp!

Some lessons in life just seemed to stick with you long after you learned them. They become an undercurrent to the way you think, live and do business. It’s beyond knowing, it’s an understanding. Two plus two will always be four. No matter the day, the climate or your mood. It just is. That’s how I felt after a two day business seminar sponsored by the organization I worked for in Philadelphia.

 

The seminar was the budding philosophy of Stephen Covey who recently passed away. His best seller book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” was sweeping the business and self help community. Everyone wanted to make the shift from quantity to quality. And it all seemed to rest upon the character of their staff.

Tucked away in an airport hotel conference room, I gathered with staff members from a diverse background of organizations. That first morning was the toughest. We were uncomfortable, and of course we were all sizing each other up and comparing. By mid day we were split into teams and began breaking the ice. When we got to the seventh principal, “Sharpen The Saw” it finally began to sink in. Our lives are a direct reflection of the preparation we make to live; we have to sharpen our saw!

Sun Tzu, author of the famed “Art of War” said, “Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust.” We all are born with an innate ability, quality or gift. But what separates the average and ordinary from those who make history and leave legacies is the time invested to hone those skills. If you’ve ever worked with a dull tool you know exactly what I am talking about. Try carving meat with a blunt knife or cutting down a tree branch with a dull axe. The duller the tool, the more strength is wasted. By staying sharp, we keep an edge that makes us better individuals. We perform tasks with a certain pride that speaks from the place of our noble purpose.
Here are a few ways to make sure you are staying sharp:

• Staying sharp starts with a mindset that is active: In a society encumbered with 24 hour access to everything in the world via the internet, it is very easy to get home and simply want to ‘veg’ out on the couch. But a mind in motion tends to stay in motion. What increases our success is when we active mentally. Reading, family interaction and listening to audio books are a great way to stay mentally limber.

• Staying sharp gets easier with the right company: Essentially we are who we connect with. Whether for good or bad, our environment plays a major role in our daily behavior. If you want to get sloppy and dull, hang with people who have no drive or goals. They will influence you to slow down and smell life’s roses. At their pace, you soon find you are behind in pursuit of your dreams. That’s why we must be around those that challenge us, provoke us to excellence to do and be our very best.

• Staying sharp won’t always be comfortable: If you think about it, sharpening a kitchen knife involved a clashing. It is the friction that does the sharpening. So we need to understand that sometimes to grow, a mentor, a friend or co worker may need to brush against us to create the friction. This friction is what causes our growth. We are better because others held us to a higher standard and expectation. We can’t conceive development without it.

It’s been a few years and jobs ago since that eye opening session. But through the years of working with customers ranging from patients at a hospital, brides needing wedding consultations to clients needing interior design suggestions I have held onto Mr. Covey’s principles. In particular sharpen the saw. It’s helped me embrace some tough situations because I knew the friction was only making me better. With this truth, I hope your perspective get’s a good sharpening.

© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

When to Quit Your Job

Last year’s politics, like many Americans, has left me on overload.

Of course I made an effort during the election season to be fully aware of both sides of the agenda, Democratic and Republican.

But it amazes me just how many hours of political banter is aired on multiple networks daily.

It’s enough to leave even the most informed person overwhelmed.

One subject seems to be a recurring theme and is still echoing throughout our country - jobs.

People are concerned not only with stabilizing the employment rate, but also creating more jobs.

With this concern looming over most of the working class, it is more important than ever to address the debate on when to quit your job and pursue your dreams.

Many think you would have to be crazy to leave a position with benefits to take a risk on a new startup venture. Others feel the economic climate couldn't be riper to launch out into the deep unknown. After all, our great country was built on the innovative spirit.

Regardless of your way of thinking, I want to share the basic principles that will help in the transition.
In 1981, an English punk band named The Clash penned a catchy tune called, "Should I Stay or Should I Go" that quickly caught fire.

To this day it is galvanized on VH1's Top 100 rock songs list. What made it so popular was the hook which says, "Should I stay or should I go now? Should I stay or should I go now? If I go there will be trouble. And if I stay it will be double. So come on and let me know."

I see the dilemma facing so many people today. How do I decide to walk away from a job? If I go I may be unhappy, but the fact remains that I am not happy here anyway. Decisions, decisions. Here are some tips to help:

• Be honest about your motives: I once told a client that being unhappy at a job is not enough reason to launch your own business. The truth is, everywhere you go there is the potential to be unhappy. And not liking the people you work for isn't enough reason. When you start your business you will be working for customers too. The motive for leaving is to release your own potential, not escape management.
• Include your family and close friends in the process: Many spouses have become bitter because the other did not confer before walking away from the job. They feel betrayed when decisions are made that affect the entire family structure and their opinion wasn't valued. These are giant steps and we all need the balance of our family's feedback to help us.
• Develop a strategy and timeline: Since you have decided leaving is what you should do, next ask yourself: how? Allow yourself a minimum of eight months to a year to transition out of employment. Be as upfront with your job as possible so you won't burn bridges. Meet with professionals to evaluate your business plan and prep your family for any adjustments that will be made to the finances. This should be a gradual blend, not a sudden rip.
• Keep your head and heart in sync: Be careful of the daydreamer's illness. That's when you are sitting on your job so overwhelmed with ideas you forget you still have current responsibilities. This can be a time that will test your integrity and ability to multi-task. The object is to keep both sides from slipping as you maneuver through this transition. You don't have to compromise to be successful.

Deciding what to do with your future can be intimidating. Questions surround the safety of staying at a job only to be laid off in a year. Maybe you'll step out to launch your business only to go broke.

Either way there are risks involved. One thing is for sure, both decisions require a plan.

No one can answer this for you, but the tips I shared can at least make the transition a little smoother.

Written on 4/5/2012 by Early Jackson. Early Jackson, happily married to his wife Cherese, is a heavily sought after teacher and conference speaker. He is the author of “Groomed For Greatness: 31 Days To An Empowered Life”, "50 Affirmations For Next Level Living", "Tweet Your Way To Greatness" and “10 Mistakes I Made Before 30 & How To Avoid Them” as well as a variety of Coaching CD series.

What I learned about hustle from a Girl Scout

Posted: March 29, 2013

It's Girl Scout cookie time. This is a wondrous time of the year where we cast off restraints and indulge a bit more than we should. Since 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low came up with the idea with her cousin in Savannah, Ga., the Girl Scouts of America have been working to empower and inspire young girls. As with any organization, economics began to play a major role in its effectiveness. So by 1917 the Girl Scouts found it necessary to utilize unique methods of fundraising. What began as a one kitchen operation to supplement the costs of business, has grown into a multimillion dollar expansion and the bulk of all funding for the Girl Scouts. With a track record like that, I believe we can learn a few things about growing our businesses and ourselves.

 

Every year someone "gets" me boxes of these cookies. Just when I think I have escaped their clutches, time and time again, it ends the same. Two boxes of thin mints and a box of Do-Si-Does. What can I say; I'm a sucker for a good cause. But if you pay attention to the obvious sustainability of the Girl Scout's cookie hustle, it remains as a pillar for successful business.

 

How beneficial would it be for your family, business or even personal life to experience nearly 97 years of success? We are talking about navigating world wars, great depressions and the constant fluctuations of the economy, all while raising money to provide positive reinforcement for millions of girls. So I gleaned a few things I think we all can apply:

 

• Meet your customers where they are: It's difficult to find an unoccupied store entrance this time of the year. They are everywhere. These "cookie ninjas" pop up near your car just as you've exited the market, the exact time they know you will have change in your pockets or purses. The lesson here is to make it easier for your customer base to access your products. Piggy-back from another similar service, or better yet connect with someone who could benefit from a diversified partnership. 

• Fearless marketing is successful marketing: Armed with nothing but their cuteness and smiles, Girl Scouts all over America approach us without fear. Why? Because they understand that very few can resist their brand. This is no accident. Through years of developing a culture of fearless sales, these girls will walk up to any and every person. And more times than not, they walk away with a sale. I wonder what could be accomplished through you today if you adopted a fearless mindset to sharing your vision? While standing in line at the store, or at a restaurant, take time to boldly share what you're passionate about. 

• Good customer service is what creates loyal customers: Some of us have been addicted to these yearly treats for a long time. We eagerly await the announcement from co-workers that it's cookie time. The reason we are so committed is because they have taken the hassle out of cookie shopping. Think about it. They bring us the order form, we choose our cookies, pay later and they even deliver. What a bargain. The moral is if you take great care of the people who support your vision, they will be connected for a long time.

 

Chances are your business isn't cookies. You may be in retail, run a small business or a stay-at-home parent. Whatever you do, you're a leader and more importantly, you are touching lives. The more successful you are, the more people you can affect. Take these principles from one of America's success stories. The Girl Scouts have been a beacon of guidance and source of development. With the proper application, we can hope for such longevity.

 

Early L. Jackson Jr. of Virginia Beach is a life coach at New Direction Coaching Associates. He can be reached by emailing info@earlyjacksoncoaching.com

The Power of Playing Make Believe

Albert Einstein once wrote, "Imagination is more important than knowledge."
For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand."

As I watch the incredible development of my little ones and reminisce about all the mischief I got into as a youngster, it causes me to wonder where our imaginations went.

Somewhere between 4 and 14 we are talked out of a land filled with endless possibilities and talked into a land of restraint, compliance and normality.

Not that being orderly is wrong, but a life sentenced to "ordinary" can be mind-numbing. Mankind was created for something much greater than carving out a meager existence.

What happened to the days before technology? The days when we could entertain ourselves by going outside with one of our mother's towels wrapped around our necks and for hours we engaged in the battle of the Super Friends.

Where a stick was King Arthur's sword or a water pistol made us the Lone Ranger. We didn't need a Facebook or a Twitter account because our day was filled with playing tag.

We felt carefree when we allowed our minds to run free with the moment. But something happened. Life became complicated. We matured and decided with the assistance of society that "playing around" was simply kid's stuff.

The truth is, we still have that desire to put on our cape or grab a cowboy hat and flee outside to meet with our friends.

But between bills, pressures, status quo and deadlines, we shrug off the notion and bury our heads back in our laptops until we fall asleep. But what if this was never the way it was meant to be?

Have you noticed the people we celebrate as innovative or successful seem to almost do it in a playful way? They tapped into a part of themselves that found passion and joy in their so-called work. While others dread another day, they bounce out of bed with vibrancy that makes us jealous.

These are the adults who found the secret to it all - their imagination. They aren't working as much as they are playing make-believe. And the world is their playground.

Here are some benefits of playing make-believe as an adult:

1. There is an element of fun in all they do. When you see someone who is engaged in their imagination, they are able to flow through a task with a smile on their face. Unlike others, they even see challenges as an opportunity to learn something new.
2. It seems very little gets you upset or off-center when you play. When we were kids, hardly anything could spoil our fun. If something broke, we would make something else. If we didn't have all the pieces to the game, we would make up new rules. Today, get back in touch with the part of you that just felt happy to have this moment, and enjoy it.
3. With imagination, everyone is a potential playmate. Have you ever watched kids play? Things like stereotypes, judgments and biases are not in their makeup. These entire hangups are taught to us as we grow. But those who are in touch with their imagination see everything and everyone in a different light. As kids we just wanted to play, no matter who it was.

I know we can't abandon our jobs and family responsibilities to hang out all day in a club house. There are things we must take care of as we work to support and provide the best for our loved ones.

But what we can do is take moments out of every day to engage in proactive imagination where we give ourselves permission to dream big, fly high and reach mountain tops.

What could happen if we launch our minds higher than the dull noise level we currently operate in? Imagination will give our hopes new meaning and release us to conquer the world.

Written on 3/29/2013 by Early Jackson. Early Jackson, happily married to his wife Cherese, is a heavily sought after teacher and conference speaker. He is the author of “Groomed For Greatness: 31 Days To An Empowered Life”, "50 Affirmations For Next Level Living", "Tweet Your Way To Greatness" and “10 Mistakes I Made Before 30 & How To Avoid Them” as well as a variety of Coaching CD series.