I grew up going to church. Every Sunday morning, every Sunday evening, and frequently on Wednesday night it seems my family was always there in the building. 

In that time, I heard more prayers that I can count. Some were simple and profound, but many were complex and over-the-top.  Prayer time was fidget time for me -- especially as a young boy.   But what’s interesting is that despite all my years of going to church and "being" in church, rarely did anyone talk about what prayer really is.  It was if they assumed we just knew.

Sure, we hear the Lord’s prayer, and we might be taught how to pray. And that is important, but what about what prayer really is? I've always wanted to know, “is there a bare bones basic definition that hits the what and the value of why prayer is important?”

So, after five decades of silently wondering, I'm going to throw one out there for you to chew...

If you had to pick a favorite month of the year, would November even be in your top 5?

Think about it. Most people would pick April, May, or June.  Then they’ll skip the hot months, and then pick September or October.  That’s their top 5. But November?  It often gets the short end of the stick. At least in the U.S. and Canada.

When you think November…

• You might think the coming cold.
• You might think fall time change and dark afternoons
• You might think about leaves to rake
• You might think about election flyers jamming your mailbox
• You might think about black Friday mayhem, or people not shaving.

But what if November was much more than those things?  What if November was YOUR favorite month?

Think of the magic that happens in November

There’s lots of reason to love it, like the color of the leaves, the beautiful mornings, the electric energy of football, the smell of hot chocolate, the breakout of sweaters, or the recognition of...

On the Breaking Average Podcast, we unpack a revolutionary book that has more impact now, then when it was first written.  It's Simon Sinek's book Leaders Eat Last. 

Join Paul and Rick as they share great insights from this book.  Also included below are some helpful resources to further unpack the book and podcast.   

We encourage to check out all the resources and online classes that Simon and his team offer by visiting their web site at SimonSinek.com.

We have a few resources inspired from the book that are highlighted below to help you unpack this even further.

This first view  reflects the goals of a good leader.   The desire is to create a circle a circle of safety with those in our care.  This is important component to breaking averaging.

This next view gives you a glimpse of the power of our neurotransmitters in creating this "circle of safety."   What we need to watch for our is the...

Hi friends,

I recently shared the story that I have been so hesitant to share. It's my story. A story of challenge and pursuit as it relates to an unexpected medical diagnosis a few years back. If nothing else, I hope my story encourages you in some small way. Here it is.

I want to encourage you, don't let the obstacles and the set backs keep you from living forward. Continue to imagine. create. explore and discover :-). Continue to break average no matter what life throws your way. 

Background

I was honored to share this story from the John Maxwell IMC event stage with other speech finalists on Sept 1, 2021 - who I now call friends. They inspired and motivated me with their amazing stories. From them, I was reminded that we all have challenges that come our way. Life is not easy. But it is so worth it, if we just keep moving. Inside each of us we have a story like that to share. It's often a story of perseverance, which is the center point of all leadership.

Paul and Rick crack open the top books on leadership and life on the Breaking Average Podcast.

For this week's episode the book in the spotlight is "The Charisma Myth" written by Olivia Fox Cabane.   You don't want to mis this podcast. 

If a picture tells a thousand words, what about a drone shot video? 

I wanted to share with you my office view this week using a drone just above my family's modest mountain home in Colorado.  While the internet keeps me connected on critical work items, I've taken a few breaks every now and then to connect with my mom who has been with me, or breath in the mountain air.   One of those, was capturing some drone footage to start the day. 

Here's the video I created, featuring a song  by indie artist Ben Porter with his piece called "Quiet". I hope this encourages you in some small way today. 

Be Well,

Paul and Rick crack open the top books on leadership and life on the Breaking Average Podcast. For this week's episode the book in the spotlight is a classic, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" written by the legendary Steven Covey

You're going to love this episode. 

A few years ago I watched a movie that left me speechless. And I just watched it again with the same results. The movie is about the true story that inspired the hit song I Can Only Imagine.

If you are not familiar with it, the song paints a picture about our next life. You know, the one we hope to experience one day, but few of us are in a rush to get there.

Surprisingly the movie is NOT about heaven. It’s about life in the here and now. It’s about the struggle, the perseverance it takes to endure, and the relationships that often times require our attention.

To be candid with you, I was expecting the movie to be predictable fiction faith with fake fears and tears an overly dramatic ending. Honestly, when I sat down to watch it, I just wanted to be distracted by something that would at least be entertaining. However, in the next 90 minutes, it captivated my attention, and by the end, it exposed for me an area in need of awakening, and an image of a new-found...

Alright!  I could hardly wait to share this one.  We are on to our next amazing book on our segment of "Books to Lead" on the Breaking Average Podcast. This past week Rick and I dive into a book that is fresh and relevant, and were' sure that you'll want to grab. It's the The Driven Vision Leader by Michael Hyatt. 

We share our favorite insights, and how it can be used to strategize, visualize, and help you and your team. The subtitle for the book says everything in what it offers, "10 Questions to Focus Your Efforts, Energize Your Team, and Scale Your Business." Once again, we know you're going to love this podcast and going to love Michael's book.  

Please let us know how much you enjoy this book our podcast by sharing a comment below. 

If you want even MORE on this book, check out my blog review a few months back that unpacks more bits.  This is info...

My colleague and friend Joe Caliri, who is the President for us at SimVentions, and has a passion for others, asked me about a year ago to write a guest blog post.  I came across it recently, and thought I'd share it with you. It offers a glimpse of what the company we get to work for is all about.  Enjoy! 

 How to be Extraordinary 

• Walt Disney 
• Jesse Owens 
• Wilbur and Orville Wright  
• Mother Teressa  
• Oprah Winfrey 
• Neil Armstrong 
• Michael Jordan 

When you see these list of names, you might think greatness. After all, their accomplishments and achievements are pretty significant, aren’t they? 

The truth is they had their doubts, their challenges, and their frustrations.  They were like anyone else.  Yet, despite the odds, they rose above the fray and left their mark on the world. 

Story after story – going back to...