INTRODUCTION

 

PART TIME

VISIONARIES

DO NOT EXIST

 

What happens when hard work and invested effort do not produce your expectations of success fast enough? Do you press reset, make the necessary adjustments, and fight until you win? Or, do you throw your hands up, hang your head low, and surrender to defeat? Whatever the case, one thing is sure; there are times in life when under the most trying circumstances everyone must face obstacles that will challenge the very core of who we are. But, as trials come our way, we should understand that with each hurdle we encounter a revealing truth about ourselves is–told. How–bad we want it, whatever it may be, is made known through the level of commitment that is put into seeing vision come to fruition and dreams into reality. Where our talents, hunger, and drive will take us may all depend on how well we handle our pursuits through setbacks, comebacks, adversities, and achievements while experiencing them in real time.

 

For some, failure a way out that gives them an excuse to quit. For others, failure is the lesson that summons the will to grind it until they crush–it. In this book, “The Fulltime Visionary,” the differences between those who quit and those who crush–it will be distinguished by observing the habit patterns of tried and tested people who set out to win and let nothing stand in the way of success..

 

To become the kind of person who can reach heights where giants roam, one must fully embrace the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of life—sleeping, eating, and immersing themselves in the idea of winning. A refusal to accept failure should be a fundamental trait of anyone aspiring to greatness. As each heartbeat synchronizes with the rhythm of success, diligence and hard work become essential elements in achieving goals. In the face of challenges, valuable lessons can be learned, contributing to personal growth. Each experience—whether it involves setbacks, recoveries, adjustments, or moments of pressure—plays a crucial role in shaping character and enhancing abilities over time. By adhering to the principles that lead to success, the sparks that ignite potential transform hope from mere possibility into tangible reality. 

 

As momentum builds, the effort invested lays the groundwork for progress, one step at a time. The motivation to grow, mature, and succeed becomes more evident as life moves through various stages of character-building paradigm shifts. Now the journey advances from possibility—where one believed success could be achieved—to probability, where success is likely to be found, to actualization, where success is tangibley in hand because the necessary work was done. 

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CHAPTER ONE

 

THE MANDATE

TO MAKE IT

 

Behind the scenes of every hard-fought success is a person drenched in sweat equity. Someone who by experience knows what it means to cast a vision, and doggedly pursue it while rebounding from adversity time and time again. A common thread found in those who fit this description is the stubborn need to succeed by any legitimate means necessary. Through commitment, faith, drive, and skill, extremely determined people matriculate through life; accelerating from average to extraordinary with a work ethic that operates at the highest levels of ability. With a firm belief in the goals and aspirations, visionaries remain focused on the mission of creating and perfecting the masterpiece that is born in the mind long before it sees the light of day.

 

As a boy growing up with my siblings and cousins, we played together everyday. Roaming our way into mischif in the name of fun. One day bird eggs

Similar to an incubator built-in the core of our souls designed to grow and cultivate ideas born for the purpose of blessing the world with relevance––the significant and meaningful purpose for the very reason we exist. Anyone seeking answers to the question of their purpose is trying to gain an understanding of their value to the world by what makes them relevant.

 

Fueled by an unwavering hunger for success and an insatiable drive to create, we must confront the reality that even after achieving our goals, the masterpieces in our minds always demand more. We reach higher, aim tighter, and relentlessly work harder to perfect our skills. Those who reach the pinnacle of achievement are not just dreamers; they are builders who embody a relentless pursuit of excellence.

 

When a visionary’s principles starkly contrast with the habits of average performing people, their character shines through a steadfast work ethic that is evident every single day. How we manage our time powerfully reveals our true intentions. Time is an unwavering judge, and it never lies about how we capitalize on the opportunities we are given. In our daily grind, we hold the power to choose success or failure. This is where grit and courage will be manifested in stamina and perseverance. With metaphorical calluses on the souls of driven individuals, serving as proof that we do not take time or opportunity for granted, we endure the pain that leads to the gain.

 

Determined to live by a finisher’s code of conduct, when we reach what appears to be the benchmark of achievement, instead of quickly planting a flag at the proverbial summit of success, we reinforce the foundation on which we stand and prepare ourselves to climb even higher. To thrive in this place without succumbing to the distrctions of what’s attempting to knock us off our climb means that we must continually build, maintain, and strengthen what our labor, faith, and vision is in the process of producing. The thoughts of a full-time visionary are often focused on the idea that those who seek perfection are acutely aware of their own imperfections, which drives their desire to improve continuously. This is why we continue to climb.

 

From the outside looking in, someone else’s accomplishments may seem like the perfect example of success. You might say, “If I could achieve just a fraction of your success, I would be satisfied.” However, to truly embrace the lifestyle of a full-time visionary, one must understand that complacency is never an option. Comfort is not a justifiable reason to quit. Full-time visionaries are on missions that are always bigger than the tasks at hand. 

 

Being mission-driven means resisting the temptation to relax and feel that we have finally “made it.” True success lies in building a legacy that paves the way for future generations. If the foundation we build is only strong enough to support our immediate wants and needs, it will crumble for those who come after us. This means our descendants will have less hope because we left them with insufficient support.  A true legacy pays power forward. The goal of every great patriarchal system should be that the ones who come after will be greater and stronger than those who preceded them.

 

BEYOND THE TUNNEL

While visionaries press towards the mark of a high calling, there are times when our journeys will enter into dark places. But, in spite of encountering these loathsome tunnels where blindspots test the strength of our resolve, we see the light at the end before we get there. Being well aware that setbacks in the forms of unforeseen circumstances are par for the course, we make our way through by overcoming the thing that is trying to dim our hope. By refusing to give up, with determination pushing us closer to achieving our goals, we lean into the legacy that is being paved along the way. When arriving at the coveted place that once only existed in our minds, we stand in the light that was–pursued in the dark. Now, in the brightness of victory, with the scars of many battles being evident on body and form, radiance reveals what perseverance produced in the times of valleys and shadows. 

 

On January 21, 2009, over 1.5 million people convened in Washington, D.C. to witness history in the making. It was the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America, and the first African-American to hold that office. While people from all walks of life pressed towards the National Mall, the swelling crowd became too large for the limited terrain to accommodate. This enormous influx of bodies–pressing–bodies forced law enforcement to stop them in their tracks. Caught in a tunnel that was on route to the Mall was a group of ticket holders that included an elderly African-American woman. Instead of complaining about her misfortune, the silver-haired lady began to sing the old Negro spiritual, “We Shall Overcome.” As she closed her eyes and lifted her voice, the surrounding crowd joined in with her singing. Witnessing this amazing–display of resiliency in an unfortunate situation was a roving reporter who saw a story in what was happening. After her singing, he approached the woman and asked her the question, “Are you disappointed that you will never use your tickets to see this historic event?” Being old enough to remember the days of Jim Crow and the civil rights movement, the dear old lady reflected on her long wait for a day like this. In a subdued and seasoned regal voice, she replied, “When I closed my eyes to sing, I saw myself standing at the podium and witnessing my President take the oath of office. My heart took me where my body could not be.” The reporter then asked, “what do you mean by that?” With a sense of satisfaction, seasoned by the winds of change, the gracious silver-haired lady glared into the reporter’s eyes and said, “Son, just because I’m in a tunnel does not mean I have tunnel vision.” At that moment the reporter was taught a valuable lesson. Your circumstances do not have to dictate your outcome. It starts with your state of mind. The grind is not about faking it until you make it. It’s persevering until you do. It’s overcoming obstacles, breaking down barriers, and coming back from setbacks.    

 

 

 

A SOUND RESOLVE

Another critical factor in distinguishing the differences between real visionaries and part-time novice is recognizing that the light which burns in the eyes of the visionary is–lit by a sound resolve that remains illuminated at all times. It is not an ordinary light, nor is it a mere flicker that can be snuffed out by winds that come to blow dreams, goals, and aspirations away. When problems appear on the horizon and hope is threatened by severe adversity, not even the fiercest winds of contention can separate the visionary from what he or she set out to accomplish. Determination anchored in a profound presence of faith and a keen sense of self-awareness only intensifies the light in our eyes because it burns from the fire in our hearts. 

 

In every situation, the apparent distinction between true visionaries and people who put half-hearted efforts into half-baked ideas is the pragmatic grinding lifestyle of one and the inconsistent on again off again work ethic of the other. Out of these two categories of people, the one who avoids becoming the casualty is the one who lives by the code of the grind. Our narrative in life begins with rising in the morning committed to leaving everything on the floor day after day. Knowing that a full-time grind produces more than a part-time hustle, our eyes are laser-focused on the task at hand because we know that real–vision outlasts a bright idea. While sleeping at night, we dream dreams, but when working during the day, we pursue a vision. In the heat of the battle, with the sweat of relentless effort running from our brow, we stand out in the crowd of contenders that want to make their mark in the world because our grind pushes us upward; proving that we can be the cream that rises to the top.

 

Shining from the persona of such a person is an aura that draws attention to the physical, mental, and spiritual ethos noticeably present because we are at one with the–mission at hand and with the One who handed us the–mission. In short order, it becomes apparently clear that discipline is our guide; always training, always getting better as we move upward. In the way, we speak, our conversation is confident because our mindset is positive. In our view on life, our outlook is optimistic because pessimism is forbidden thinking. Our body language is energetic because we despise lethargy, complacency, and laziness. We strategize because we’re wise, and synergize because we know that there is strength in numbers. As we establish ourselves in the world, we gravitate to like-minded people who are going places and distance ourselves from the ones who are broke down on the road to nowhere because they choose to roam where negativity rules. While on the grind, the visionary understands and accepts the simple equation, if one person is standing still and the other is moving forward than the distance between the two is inevitable. In our reality, the impossibility of stagnancy and movement occupying the same space is what determines the type of energy that is allowed into our social, spiritual, and business circles. As cold as it sounds, we are never afraid to free ourselves from the weight that attempts to hold us down even in the form of people whose habit patterns can hold us back.  

 

 

THE FORCE OF A MADE UP MIND

For those who ask, how do I get there, I’ll begin by saying, it starts with a made up mind. While some people choose to operate in mediocrity, being followers rather than leaders, or just pleased with the status quo, visionaries make demands on ourselves and hold ourselves accountable for coming through on the dreams we set out to bring to fruition. We don’t look for handouts or complain when we don’t get a hand up. We don’t expect our accomplished friends to become partners in our dreams while they’re busy sustaining their–own. Although, it’s good to have an advocate that will sow into your vision, at the end of the day, the only one responsible for you is you. In fact, an essential quality advocates, mentors, or backers like to see in a person, is the determination to own–your–own destiny. Almost to a fault, visionaries stay on lock-down; held captive by the need to grind our ideas into existence with or without the immediate help of others. And though the journey can have many frustrating moments along the way, we revel in the battle and challenge the challenges that oppose our efforts to make–good on our commitment to succeed. Don’t get me wrong, no one is an island, and every successful person stands on the shoulders of someone else. If you don’t have to, do not go it alone. But, if circumstances put you in a situation where it’s only you who believes in you, grind with God if it’s what He called you to do. Remember, visionaries do more than hope for success; we plan–to–succeed. If we have failed in previous ventures, the setbacks only make us more determined to win, as the lessons learned from past defeats become assets and not liabilities. 

 

While in the heat of the battle, the value of gaining knowledge and wisdom from the experience of failure is worth the pain it takes to learn from what the situation is trying to teach. Before you can frame your mind to make it, you have to prepare yourself to take it. And when troubles turn dreams into nightmares, and silver linings into black holes, how you–do, what you–do will show you who you are before anyone else can see. So being truthfully transparent can be the saving grace that ignites your passion for resisting a weak resolve. If you fall off your horse, climb back on and hold the reins tighter. If you stumble in a race, get back up and run harder. If you get knocked out cold in the middle of the ring; wake up, train harder, and be thankful you lived to fight another day.

 

On an episode of the television show, Shark Tank, Kevin O’Leary said, “Great entrepreneurs understand that failure is a part of the success path.” Although book knowledge is essential, the lessons that can be–learned in real-life experiences are vital. They can never be–substituted, and they are invaluable ingredients in the formulas of success that cannot be–taught in a classroom. Those who are truly hungry will consume every morsel of knowledge that conflict places on our plates, and drink the bitter waters of adversity as though they were ice–cold lemonade on a hot summer day. Because we refuse to spend the rest of our lives being professional journeymen always on the way but never arriving, the lessons we learn from the falls we take become sooner rather than later. And harder than adversity can hit; the force of a made up mind will drive a little hammer through a big wall.

KEEPING

RESET

IN PLAY

THE OPTION TO FAIL

 

Have you ever heard the saying,“failure is not an option?” In some cases that is true. However, in the context of this section in the book, that cannot be any further from the truth. Though no one plans to fail, failure may not only an option; it can become an essential catalyst for excelling to the highest places your dreams want to take you. While working towards a goal, especially one with big–intentions, at some juncture along the way failing in something is likely to happen. But, here is the caveat to understanding the difference between failing at a thing and being a failure. When comparing the two, one does not necessarily equate to the other. In fact, for many of history’s highest achievers, failing was the lynchpin to their success.

 

More times than not, the worlds most successful people all had to venture into the valley of failure to get to the mountaintop of success. Whether in a large or small way, something had to be adjusted, which meant the initial idea failed at being the best option, in turn forcing them to dig deeper. Sometimes failure can be caused by accident, or unfortunate event that is out of one’s control.

 

Take the case of Gwen Rosemary Jorgensen, the first American to win Olympic Gold in the Women’s Triathlon. It is an accomplishment that no one can take from her. With her name permanently etched in the books of history, this well-earned achievement did not come without a price. Like many great athletes, Gwen’s story has its share of ups and downs, which tested her resiliency, and unrelenting will win. 

 

To her credits, Gwen was named USA Triathlon 2013 and Olympic/ITU 2014 Female Athlete of the Year; as well as having won the 2014/2015 ITU World Triathlon Series. But before these wins would happen, an athlete’s worst nightmare happened to her. 

 

In the 2012 London Olympic Games, Qwen’s bike caught a flat tire, which dropped her to 38th place among 55 opponents. It was out of this disastrous setback that a page turned in Gwen’s life, and a new chapter started, which pointed her towards Olympic Gold.

 

After the London disappointment, for the next four years, Gwen Rosemary Jorgensen disciplined herself to endure the most rigorous training to prepare her for what came next. Her plan was as simple as elementary school mathematics. That which was going to help her win, she did, and that which would not help her win, she avoided. By applying the simple formulas of addition and subtraction to a grinding lifestyle of training and discipline, Gwen became the athletic phenom she is today.

 

While in this growth paradigm, Gwen developed habits that might seem odd to those who don’t understand that inspiration from within is a required character trait for developing a winning mentality. Day in and day out, this athlete who was on the road to greatness inspired herself by talking to herself. Without fail, she logged a daily journal that recorded three things she did well and three things, which could be improved to become the champion that was always in her. If Any honest person who has achieved a decent level of success will tell you; to win you must learn, and to–learn you must fail. Successful people know that failing is not necessarily losing. It is the combination of the three (failing, learning, and winning) where success finds its mark for those who do not allow failure to beat them.

 

One favorite quote put it this way, “the reason erasers are put on pencils is because people make mistakes.” No matter how good you are at whatever it is you do, the road to success will always encounter intersections, which are the learning curves where problems must be solved and conflict resolved. 

 

The way we view failure and how to use it can either work to our advantage or become a disadvantage. Either way, it is a determining factor for how we are defined by ourselves and seen by the others.  For everyone, with no exceptions to the rules, there is no easy route when on the road to success. Once you step foot on the track where this race will be running, setbacks are par for the course. When chasing your dreams for vision, either you’re a purist or a hobbyist. The purist, being the one who is fully–committed to the obstacle course of success; mentally prepared to patch up the scarred knees that come with the falls of failing and getting up again to run even harder. The difference is, people with hobbies entertain their ideas some of the time. People with vision pursue their ideas all of the time. Part-time visionaries do not exist. Or that loud, demanding voice that summons the will to make it by any means necessary.

 

For the next four years, she framed her mind with a discipline that became a crown in her character. Her plan was simple, if it were going to help her win, she would do it, and if it were not going to help her win, she wouldn’t. As a source of inspiration, she talked to herself and without fail logged a daily journal that recorded three things she did well, and three things she could improve to become champ.

 

While writing this book, I have had to make many changes, sometimes deleting entire chapters and starting over. And though my first thoughts were not my best, they laid the groundwork that set the premise, which led to the conclusion. Not getting it right the first time allowed me to hit the reset button and challenge my mind until it adequately expressed what I wanted the book to say. On many occasions, I thought I nailed it until I went back and reread what I had written only to realize it wasn’t worth the ink it would take to print it. A person who never has to reset is one who has not begun working on anything. The way to become wiser, stronger and more efficient at something is being put in the position where you have to stretch the mental, spiritual, and physical muscles until they grow.

 

Some years ago, I met a mentally challenged woman who heard that I was an artist. She became excited and wanted to show me some of her artwork. Not taking her for granted because of her apparent condition, I agreed to look at her work. Later she presented an art pad with all blank pages. She began to explain, the reason I could not see her beautiful art was because what was on the paper was a secret. In her mind, the art was there, but only for her to see. 

 

Simply put, you can’t reset what does not exist. By being willing to fail, I was able to succeed, and after much hard work, the book was finally complete. Although some ideas did not make–the–cut, the right ones did, which means I became a successful writer because I finished my book. On occasion, I’ve seen smart people give up on good ideas too soon, because. 

 

Having failed does not make me a failure, but the failure of expressing my thoughts appropriately only helped me reset my mind and think of a better way of saying things. So it is with all of us the act of failing doesn’t make one a failure, it’s choosing the option to give up that does.  There are several ways to define failure, but for the sake of context, let’s use the Merriam-Webster definition, “a falling short.” 

 

But being stuck in having failed should never be–accepted. When a person sets out to win, they are at the beginning of a process that must be worked through before it is worked out. Unless they are God, failing in some part while growing is inevitable at some point along the way. Babies fall while learning how to walk, but the valuable lesson they learn is how to get back up. After several failed attempts, a child knows that falling is what facilitates lifting, and lifting is where they build strength. For many adults, this can be problematic when it applies to the rules of success. Accepting what babies readily–embrace can be hard on–the–ego when failure interrupts the momentum of birthing a vision. But to succeed, at some point, we must all experience the setbacks of trial and era if we’re going to perfect the disciplines that will make and manage our careers.

 

At the surface, failure is an incredibly strong word; heavy on the ears and tainted by the perception of none recovery. The strength of it alone can cause a mental setback that can pave the way for defeat because its sound has such a discouraging tone of completeness. But, nowhere in its definition does failure have to equate to finality. In fact, when used as a tool for growth, it forces people with sound resolve to dig deeper and find the edge that gives them an advantage on winning. To this point, the Scriptures say, “a just man falls seven times, and rises again” (Proverbs 24:16a).

 

An essential part of having the resiliency to rise again is having a passion for the occasion and the cause for which getting up is worthy of the effort. For those who go into any worthwhile venture with eyes wide open, the sting of a setback is often minimized by their love for what they do. For love’s sake, commitment to a thing reinforces their determination to do it wiser, and better when failure creates a keener understanding of what not to do. While in the heat of the battle for success this kind of thinking helps to know which ineffective weapons to remove from the–arsonal to increase chances of winning the next time around.

 

To believe that the process of winning, is worth whatever it takes, even when failure comes into play is a strength of mind that is built through the exercise of getting up from falls. For anyone who is determined to make it, being genuinely in love with their craft means to love the process of bringing a vision to fruition with an accepting knowledge that failure lives in the educational wing of the process. It is often in this place, where greatness grows out of the pain of conflict. It’s not a place where winners go to stay, nor a place that should repeatedly be visited. The educational wing where failure lives is meant to be passed through and put in the rearview mirror after it serves its purpose. When the lesson has been thoroughly taught, and the test is given, it should be passed, and graduation from that grade level means that the student is ready to matriculate.

 

Without diluting its importance, every individual with an entrepreneurial spirit should walk confidently, yet not recklessly when having to go there, knowing that the probability of treading the fine–line of failure is real. While doing this, never should anyone be afraid to risk the possibility of failing in some part at some point. To borrow a phrase from the late former United States President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, “the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Tucked in the sentiments of these words is a significant charge for everyone who is chasing a dream. Do not allow the likelihood of failing at something be the reason you lose at everything. In moments of disparity seize the opportunity to let your grit shine through. If you find yourself at failure’s door, take note of how you got there, and begin the process of elimination; quickly discarding the things you did that put you in that place. Take a retrospective look at your life and mission while scoping out the terrain of your situation. As you do this, incorporate practices that the lessons your circumstances are trying to teach you. Put your nose to the grind like never before, and with every ounce of energy, turn your disappointment into the fuel that motivates your will to win. 

 

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CHAPTER TWO

 

 

HOW GOLD GETS,

ITS SHINE

 

 

ON THE CRUCIBLE OF CHANGE

 

When mixed with rocks and dirt in its rawest form, gold–ore doesn’t leave much for eyes to admire. Though its glistening flakes can be seen shining through, at this stage what it can become is still up to the work that has yet to be–put into it. Hidden in what gold miners call pay dirt is the potential for greatness, but as long as the flakes of gold remain mingled in the–dirt, having potential is as close to being great as it will ever come.

 

Experienced in bringing out the value of gold; a miner’s job is to find it in the earth, dig it up, and do what is necessary to take it from average to extraordinary; in turn, bring out its greatness. In a fire-resistant container called a crucible, the gold–ore is–placed. It is–then put in a furnace that will reach temperatures up to 1,100 degrees Celcius where change happens, under the pressure of fire and heat. In the agitated oven hot environment, greatness is born as the smoldering heat separate the pure gold from the worthless–material that surrounds it. At the end of the process, when the burning has finished, what once only had potential now expose the untainted riches that was always–hidden beneath the dirt.  

 

In a world where only–finishing counts, merely having potential is not enough. Everyone is born with ability, but what we do with it is what counts. The reason this world never exceeds its cap on innovative breakthroughs is that not enough people push themselves to the place where–potential becomes the so much more God intended it to be. Imagine what would happen if a higher fraction of society tapped into that creative space in our brains where inventiveness is–exercised until it produces the next great thing that revolutionizes the world. Now imagine if in that group of creative–revolutionaries are you. So ask yourself the question, what would it take for me to reach down in the deepest–part of myself and bring to bear the greatness that was on God’s mind when He created me?  

 

 

ENDURE THE HEAT

 

Somewhere between the birth of an idea, and the product it develops into, is a mind being seasoned–in–sacrifice, only to be forged–in–fire. To stand any chance at going from average to extraordinary, a person must be–separated from the flaws that will hinder their ability to grow and thrive in success. In the refining of character,   similar to purifying gold, this necessary transformation will only take place in fervent heat where weaknesses are burned up, and the strength of mettle is–tested. Although the method of purification is sometimes painful, the beauty of what is born in the fire makes this critical season of character building worth going–through. How gold gets its shine, is how high achievers groom for the success we work hard for, opposed to succumbing to the harrowing experiences that purge us into who we are today. Leading motivational speaker and self-development author, Brian Tracy once said, “Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.” 

 

In the many conversations I’ve had with successful people, I’ve often heard it said, “I don’t look like my story.” At times in my own–personal experience, I have been taken back by the comments of others who see the good fortune in my life from the outside looking in. It’s easy to assume that someone who is reaping the benefits of paying their dues has always had the shine of success on them; especially when you don’t know their story. But, what people fail to realize is that the light, which illuminates from the persona of an accomplished person is a testimony of progress made through grueling seasons on the crucible of change.

 

Seeing an accomplished individual from the disadvantage point of a product after it’s–been made as opposed to a product that is in the making can be deceiving. A light bulb cannot shine in a lamp until the lamp has gone through the rigors of manufacturing. A bar of gold cannot sit in the beauty of luster until it sits on the crucible of change. When the brilliance that shines in the light of change beams from a person who has conquered the crucible, it is a natural glow because real success does not have to put on fronts to bask in the glory of having overcome. Victory shines–light on the victor, not the other way around. Whether getting it from the glistening sweat of an honest day’s work or the gleaming brilliance on a crown of glory, a worthy winner endures the heat until the fires of change light the torch of victory.

 

 

THE FIRE WITHIN

 

We’ve examined what can happen in the crucible of change by the flames that burn from exterior–forces that come to try us. But, when there’s a lot of burning going on, is the Inferno from the furnace the only thing that should–be–lit? With the answer being no, then how do we connect our adverse experiences to the flint of our souls, which is the fire that should never go out? Unless we are burning on the inside, all the stuff that’s heating up on the outside is just superficial drama, which makes a good story to tell at the dinner table in some not too distant future. So as the flames rise, make them the wind beneath the wings of your ascension in life. While going through the hard times, let the blaze of affliction to keep the flint of our souls burning with inspiration. The times–compared to a fiery furnace are where we are forced to change or be consumed by the heat. And how do we control the fire so that it works to our advantage? Challenges that constructively force us to make changes in our behavior that will affect how we approach life, how we do business, and how we climb the ladder of success are blessings, not curses when we allow them to make us, and not break us. So what do we do with those great ideas that we’re trying to get off of ground zero?

 

Since the innovations of men began to shape the cultures of the world; time has proven that just having a good idea does not make one a visionary. There are many casualties strewn along the road of broken dreams with the corpses of failed idealists added every day. But, this doesn’t have to be the case for anyone who throws their hat into the ring where the fight for success takes place. When observing the patterns of winners, distinctive character traits stand out that show how they chart their course to victory. One such observation is, those who tend to avoid becoming statistics are the ones who allow the process of cultivation to develop them as they grow while learning how to win. They know that acquiring business savvy is a grind within itself. It takes firm commitment, a level mind, and a steady hand, that must be strengthened continuously during the process of maturing. But even before fully–developing as legitimate business people, a real advantage visionaries have, is pursuing their craft with profound respect for the rules of engagement that govern the habits of successful people.

 

One particular rule that is no respecter of persons and puts all prospects on notice is the humbling reality check that meets everyone at the door. Legends in their own–minds seldom become legends in their own time. The critical point made here reminds all who dare to call themselves visionaries, entrepreneurs, or leaders of any stripe is that humility is one of the greatest strengths a person can possess. Violating this critical rule can be a deal breaker when approaching business with unrealistic expectations and delusions of grandeur based on under-preparedness due to an overestimation of talents, gifts, and abilities, as well as an over-inflated ego. A likely outcome for someone who thinks too highly of self without knowing who they are as a business person is to pour water on the fires of momentum, which in different circumstances would have otherwise blazed the world.

 

With visionaries, the ones who win know that intelligent preparation, strategic groundwork, and stubborn discipline are among the necessary tools for success. Within itself, each one of these is an asset that reveals the mindset and character of the one who puts it into practice on a daily basis. If you are not a realist, fantasy and conjecture will lead you down the path of disappointment; always chasing, and never gaining. If you are not intelligent; assumption will unmask how unprepared you are to manage the responsibilities of birthing and sustaining a vision. If you are not strategic, many wasteful hours will be spent throwing ideas against the wall, hoping they will stick. If you are not stubbornly–disciplined, operating out of impulse rather than structure will expose what you thought to be an entrepreneurial vision as nothing more than a short-lived dream. 

 

To be considered a real visionary, a person must possess certain character traits that are–woven into every fiber of their being. From the innermost part of the soul, they must eat, drink, and sleep the vision. From the time of its conception, until the day of its birth, the visionary nurtures their idea like a pregnant woman; not putting anything in her body that will threaten the health of the baby that is about to be–born. In every day of every week, they will race with the stamina of a marathon runner who pushes their body to the limit because winning is the only outcome they will accept. They will train like a boxing champ whose title is on the line, and study like a student whose graduation depends on passing every test. Frankly speaking, giving birth to a vision is not for the faint of heart, the easily discouraged, the scatterbrained thinker, nor the part-time novice. When entering into the world of business, entrepreneurship, or leadership, “you only get out what you put in.”

 

 

FIRE MUST BE–FED

 

To keep flames ignited; fire must be–fed, or it will burn itself out. The more it is–fed, the brighter the blaze, the higher the smoke will rise. As it is said in the old–adage, “Like Moths to a flame,” the goal of a visionary is to draw people in by bringing-to-life ideas that exist inside their head. To turn dreams and aspirations into tangible realities, that can be felt, appreciated, and consumed by an intended target audience. Hungry for success, the visionary’s grind is–predicated on ushering in new paradigm shifts that offer great possibilities packaged in original concepts and cutting-edge creations. In the overload of their working minds, they often think outside the conventional box of norms to make their visions real. It is hard to quench the thirst or satisfy the hunger of such relentless warriors because visionaries are always in pursuit of what the average person cannot see. In their minds, not visible does not mean impossible. And because something has never been–done does not say it can never be–done. 

 

Throughout history, visionaries are the ones who have dared to push the envelope of ideas and invention beyond the boundaries of what is safe into–places where risks do exist. Those who succeed are the change–agents that work with common sense but not necessarily with what some would consider conventional–norms. The idea that the popular way of doing something is the only way of doing it is–shunned when their instincts lead them in another direction. Although statistics do not lie, and some paths are foolishly traveled, “safe is always better” is not always right. Cut from a different cloth, and operating outside of traditional boxes, they come from every walk of life. To look for a visionary is to find them traveling on roads in Silicone Valleys, inventing Books with Faces; Next-Level-Living with Hip-Hop Preaching creating new sounds in Motown. Whatever the culture, gender, or genre, this distinct group of standouts unapologetically write their own–stories on the pages of history. What makes them so exceptional is that the visionary in them sees what most people seem to miss. Always searching for ways to raise the bar of success to a higher level, like some of the greatest–artists the world has ever seen, they understand that coloring inside the lines is not what made Picasso, Dali, or Basquiat the artistic geniuses of their times.

 

Quote: “I can’t cry about having a lot on my plate when my goal was to eat.” Biggs Burke

 

CHAPTER FOUR

 

BUILD

 

To draw an analogy from a building construction project; finding one’s purpose can be–looked–at through four key components. Each component, a necessary element in completing a robust finished structure, which represents the fulfillment of purpose when it is fully–realized. They are as follows.

 

1.) Laying A Foundation = Character Development

2.) Designing A Blueprint = Define Your Vision

3.) Laying A Foundation = Develop Your Vision

3.) Constructing A Framework = Compositional Structure

4.) Building A Vision = Having A Strong Work Ethic

 

It is true when said, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” So your–purpose must have structure. First in the sense of organizational structure, which is your compass to success, and your personal–tour–guide, which helps you maintain cohesiveness while on the journey to your inevitable outcome. Second in the image of a compositional structure, which is what your vision shapes into after putting in the proper work. While one is guiding the other is molding. We will deliberate more on the latter when we approach component number (3), Constructing A Framework. For now, let’s spend some time digging through the roots of–organizational structure.

 

For starters, it must be understood and agreed that no building can begin without laying a solid foundation, which starts with learning yourself and in the interim finding your purpose. From the time we are born, everyone enters this world on the road to self-discovery; the path on which purpose–is–found. Through the sum of our personal experiences, spiritual, intimate, social, and academic we become who we are. The late American psychologist, Carl Rogers once said, “What you are to be you are now becoming.” Meaning, everything we go through in life contributes to the shaping of our personalities and characters. Moreover, how we handle life experiences, the good and the bad, actively shapes the persons we finally become. 

 

Being a person who has an extensive amount of dysfunction in his past from a very early age, I have been forced to face the ugly truth about the cracks that have threatened the stability of my success foundation. Coming from a broken home that ended with me and my siblings hearing and witnessing verbal, emotional, and physical, hostilities between our parents, I know why some people are–gripped by crippling feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, and worthless. This glimpse into my family history is just a small part of the story that contributed to shaping the man I have become. Over the years owning my truth has not been easy, but finally accepting it pains and all have helped me mend the cracks in a foundation that I can finally feel safe standing on. 

 

While watching an episode of Iynla Fix my Life…

It is crucial that we face all of who we are. With the most transparent lenses, we must see ourselves to be instrumental in fixing what’s broken in our lives. If not, our foundations will never be strong enough to make us whole and a partially healed person can never entirely fulfill their dreams. 

 

As all four components are essential to the success and sustainability of a vision born from purpose, they do not necessarily fall into the chronological order in which they are–listed. There will be times when they run simultaneously one with another. For example, number (4) Building A Vision is necessary all the way through, and number (1) Character Development is a never-ending part of human growth. What’s important is that within the code of the grind not one of these components will ever be missing. 

 

Laying A Foundation = Character Development (Code of Ethics)

After being poured, when concrete hardens, it must be reliable, and stable if the structure, which it is expected to support will stand. Every drop of substance that is mixed to undergird your vision will become an essential part of the foundation where the weight of your ideas, investments, and hard work will rest. Every fault and crack in the mix will pose a threat to the safety of what is being–built. The faults and cracks represent bad habits and illicit practices that can be easy to form and hard to break. It must also be well–balanced and leveled with precision. Operate within a strictly enforced code of behaviors. Zoning Codes keeps builders inside the parameters of their restricted territory. Stay within the zone of your skill factors. Do not try to build a skyscraper, when you’re still learning how to build a tree house. Work your way up to bigger.   

 

What many people miss when trying to understand organizational structure is how deep the roots of being an organized person are–buried in the history of an individual’s life. There are many people who birth phenomenal ideas while battling with fragmented.     

 

 

Designing A Blueprint = Birthing A Vision (Code Writing)

 

Purpose must be a real discovery of who God designed you to be. Though unique to every individual’s personal life experience, a person’s purpose may be discovered at different points in life. For many people, this happens at a very young age. For others, it can be in adulthood before they find their purpose.

 

 

Constructing A Framework: (Zoning Codes)

 

When divinely inspired, clear, concise, and well ordered, the sky is the limit for where ideas can go. Because we are created to create, there is always going to be an organic component to building a vision, which naturally feeds the endless directions a–vision, can take when the mind is inspired. However, it takes discipline to stay on point so not to overreach one’s goals. Shooting too far can have you chasing your tail in a scatterbrained frenzy. For the visionary who is always thinking, at any given moment something can trigger a thought that sends the mind into a burst of creative wandering. Ideas begin to flow, and the temptation to add to what is already there becomes easy to succumb too. When another brainstorm comes, that can revolutionize the world. But without a blueprint to follow organic becomes unorganized. The structural foundation is vital to success. This is where homework comes in. Whatever your brand is, you have to know it like you know your name. Become an expert on the subject of what you are aspiring to become. Read, research, and review. Study the habits of those who have already achieved at what you are trying to accomplish. Do not allow pride or ego get in the way. Do not consider yourself such a natural talent that you flatter yourself out of success. Study your subject like your life depends on it. By the planning, and work that is put into it. Organic in the sense of expanding, as the ideas that are–birthed in the maturing mind create more avenues They do not live to impress, and never does another person’s opinion become their reality when an alternate view of their journey is–seen from the side of someone else’s mountain. The position of their mind is to own your–own journey. To think that you’re where others want or expect you to be, can hinder you from getting where God designed you to be. Be real with who you are, and you’ll have a good compass on where you need to go in the course that was exclusively–made for–you. To live with a purpose is to operate with a plan.

 

 

Building A Vision = Having A Strong Work Ethic

 

Have A Passion For Perfection

 

Michael Jackson, November 6, 1979, “MJ will be my new name, no more Michael Jackson. I want a whole new character, a whole new look; I should be a totally–different–person. People should never think of me as the kid who sang ABC; I Want You Back. I should be a new incredible, actor, singer, dancer that will shock the world. I will do no interviews. I will be magic. I will be a perfectionist, a researcher, a trainer, a master. I will be better than every great actor roped in one. I must have the most incredible training system to dig and dig and dig until I find. I will study and look back on the whole world of entertainment and perfect it. Take is steps further from where the greats left it off.

CHAPTER FOUR

 

 

TAKE

THE FIELD

 

 

OUT OF THE STANDS, INTO THE GAME

 

On September 3, 2016, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium was buzzing with excitement as the Navy Midshipmen took on the Fordham Rams in a season-opening game that will be–talked about for a very long time. While the Midshipmen dominated the field, fourth-string freshman Quarter Back (QB) Malcolm Perry was sitting in his creased Navy whites supporting his team from the stands. With the contest well underway, early in the second quarter, starting QB Tago Smith suffered a right knee injury that put him out of the game.

 

Forced to turn to their bench, the coaches called in backup QB Will Worth. As Worth took charge of the Navy offense, the team continued to dominate their opponent with superior performance that kept them comfortably in the lead. After completing three successful passes for 78 yards, and running 22-yards, Worth’s contribution added another touchdown to Navy’s cushion. But, there was one question that needed to be answered to assure the team’s ability to stay on top. If Worth became injured at any point during the game, where was the backup QB to replace him? The man who should have been his replacement, third-string QB Zach Abey was not able to play due to suspension. Realizing their dilemma, the coaches made an unprecedented move that put the focal point of this story into play.

 

Before the end of the first half, Malcolm Perry was–summoned from the bleachers with instructions to be in uniform and ready to play by the start of the second half. Perry, who was out after missing three days of practices for being sick earlier that week had no expectation to play football that day. In fact, when he figured out what was going on, an equipment handler had to drive from the stadium to the Naval Academy Athletic Building, Ricketts Hall, to retrieve his uniform.

 

When Perry entered the game late in the third quarter, Navy had a commanding lead with the score 49-13. But the score was not the only exciting thing that made this game so rememberable. After a solid performance, Will Worth was–called out, and onto the field came the plucked from the bleacher’s freshman plebe, Malcolm Perry. Assuming the leading role in Navy’s triple-option offense, which confuses the opponent’s defense, as it gives the QB several options to drive the ball, Perry decided to run it himself. With each carry, the athleticism and heart of the No. 4 QB resulted in Perry running a total of 30-yards on seven carries; setting up a 23-yard field goal, which closed out the Midshipmen’s dominating win over Fordham with the final score 52-16.

 

On that day a story was told with the power to inspire those who are waiting on the sidelines for their chance to enter, play, and win at the thing they were born to do. Though what happened in the game was enough to capture the imagination, what happened before the game is why Perry’s unexpected entrance is newsworthy.

 

First, of all, his preparation made him the player who could be–called on in the crunch. Keep in mind; he had been sick for most of the week. Being put in what might be perceived by some as an unfairly intimidating situation could have been Perry’s reason to make an excuse for why he wasn’t ready to play. But when it was time for him to suit up, and show up, even at the least opportune moment, he showed up and showed out. When summoned from the bleachers, his imagination met his expectations to be a contributor to the team and the game he loved. The cleats that walked him into the game of his childhood dreams carried him to where his imagination had already been. The legs that ran his number 5 Jersey to driving 30 yards pushed him to produce the winner in himself. The lesson here is, when you’re ready to show yourself a winner, confidence is not arrogance, because preparation breeds expectation. Readiness gives visionaries the edge that can go to work and produce at the drop of a dime.

 

In the example of the young freshman QB, at any given moment, the door of chance may swing open to offer anyone a shot at stepping into greatness. But, making it across the threshold where success abides is something that must be–earned; because it will not be–given.

 

What people need to know is that although Perry missed three practices due to illness (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), he made the fourth team practice on Thursday, played with the JV team Thursday night, and performed the mentally and physically exhausting drills demanded on him as a freshman Navy Plebe. For all incoming freshmen, six weeks of intensive training, which is called Plebe Summer is designed to “turn civilians into midshipmen.” It’s grueling, it’s grinding, and it’s rigorous. For a freshman to have anything left after a day of Plebe Summer is something to be admired. As for Malcolm Perry, being allowed in the game was all a part of earning his right to be called a midshipman in the first place.

 

How many times is the success of people with high potential derailed because they miss the point of what it means to earn their way up? Not realizing that when it’s their time to be called off the bench, having excuses just won’t do. By dodging the demands that come with the grind of training to be ready, people who could have been, stand in line with those who would have been. Their reluctance to be clutch–time players is how they fail the character test; not realizing that chances to shine the brightest can be far and in–between. But, the one who knows that preparation must take place when the legs are running or when the nose is running is the one who is prone to make it. To inject preparation into the most inconvenient moments of life means that being called off the bench will never catch that person unprepared. Why, because preparation cuts away the rough edges and rids winners of the characters flaws that don’t belong on the field with those who came to play to win.

 

​

CHAPTER FIVE

 

THE GRIND WILL

SIZE YOU UP

 

 

BEING FORCED TO DIG REVEALS EITHER SHALLOWNESS OR DEPTH

 

The measure of a person’s life can be summed up in the narrative of how they treat themselves. Not in the sense of how self-serving they are, but how they care for the individual who has a chance to dig deep down inside, find the greatness within, and leave an indelible mark on the world. For all who are trying to achieve their personal best, it would be unfair to say that this is always easy; truth–be–told it is not. And though it is never easy for anyone who is grinding their way to success, it is always harder for some than it is for others. If we are the sum of our life experiences, the hope of becoming high achievers depends on how we respond to the unforeseen circumstances that serve to shape us. As structured as a person may be there is still an organic side to life that will present itself at the most inopportune times. Mastering discipline and resiliency are attributes that should be on the must-have list of everyone who dedicates themselves to live by the code of the grind. Many gifted people will never live to see their greatest potential because they fail to be discipline in any situation and resilient when circumstances demand them to bounce back from unexpected adversity. Necessary isn’t alway easy, but strong people always do what is necessary. “When you go through a lot of adversity, you can see the guys who have heart, and you–can–see the guys whose gonna give up, those guys you don’t want on your team,” (Reggie Kelly former Cincinnati Bengals Tight End).

 

On April 23, 1910, former United States President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. He called it “Citizenship In A Republic.” In a passage from the speech titled “The Man In The Arena,” Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

 

A consistent character trait of those who live by “The Code of The Grind,” the body temple. It takes treating self a certain way; this is where many fall off. To grind is to go hard every day. It’s pouring everything into your goals and aspirations without making excuses. People who grind for real put maximum effort into what they are working towards do until they crush it. By putting in the work, they accomplish their goals because failure is not an option. But, it is next to impossible for those who do not take care of themselves to be so successful. If you want to feel like you’re swimming against the tide, and going nowhere fast, try chasing your dreams with a weak, malnourished mind, operating in a un–kept, run down physique. It’s like mixing oil and water in a car’s engine and expecting it to run. However, every step you take towards a better you erases something negative and replaces it with something positive.

 

Anything that lives and grows starts out as a seed blooms into a sprout and grows into what it will eventually become. So it is for that thing called greatness. There is a place we must frequently visit called the no excuse zone. Although it is true that circumstances in life play a part in the shaping of a person’s character, it doesn’t mean disadvantage is a disqualifier for success. How we became who we are is either an affirming testimony or stern warning to others who are watching. Renowned twentieth-century American psychologist, Carl Ransom Rogers is known for the quote, “What you are now, you are now becoming.” If mountains weren’t meant to be–climbed, God would have put elevators in them. Stop complaining and start climbing. You’ve already seen life from the bottom, experience the view from the top by getting there one step at a time. 

 

The appearance a person presents to those who are on the outside looking in creates a perception that forms an opinion which affects how one is received. Although it is not always–based on facts, perception is real; whether intended or not, people see what others show them. That is why we always work to present our best. Things that may be slight to some are big to others, and being careless with the investment of self is a red flag in any business. But more than that, it is the key to strength and sustainability. There is nothing more miserable than trying to live the high-octane lifestyle of the grind in a worn out, beat down body. Make Caring for your physical body, educating your mind, and refining your diction a constant in your growth as a person while you grind master your craft. 

 

While on your way to doing great things for yourself and others, nurture your talents and gifts when no one is looking. Do not try to be everyone’s savior, but patiently understand that when you come into the fullness of your season, you will be able to save. That doesn’t mean you should become a messiah to all the open hands that will suddenly appear in your life. It only means you’ve entered into the season when you can fulfill the reason God placed you in the position in the first place. Intelligent wisdom, practical common sense, and godly discernment will handle the question of how to share the gift of who you are with the world.

 

Even though some will not appreciate, nor understand what they perceive to be your closed handed approach to bettering yourself while building yourself, just keep on grinding. Releasing what is in your hand too soon can be the beginning of your end; and when you have nothing else to give, you will find yourself alone. Always remember, while you’re in building mode, to some, it may appear that you do not care about those who expect you to hold everyone up. But, if you try to carry everyone on your wings while your wings are still growing, broken or wounded, you will prematurely crash, and everyone riding on your strength will crash with you. Do not invite the world into your dream space until it is strong enough to weather many storms. Unforeseen circumstances, mistakes, mishaps, setbacks, setups, and haters whose purpose is to destroy your reputation by scandalizing your name, and minimizing your worth will take advantage of your premature anxiousness. Grow in grace, keep your head up, your eyes open, and your mind focussed. Let the results of the time you spend grinding while others are sleeping in their beds, and sleeping-on-you, argue the case for your well-deserved success. Do not try to defend the questions of your integrity, presented by those who fume at the thought of you pursuing your vision without their permission. Remember, they do not care to know your heart and are too bitter to cheer for you on your race to the finish line, so don’t allow them to throw you off your game. In due season, you’ll be able to “show them better than you can tell them.”

 

Those who change the narratives of their lives do so by being conscientious about how they treat their bodies and their minds. They fight their way into a well balanced disciplined lifestyle, which is not always easy, but is always necessary. For anyone with the desire to put it all on the line, there is no better time to begin fighting than now. 

 

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present.” To change your current situation, open up your present circumstance and allow the gift of resiliency be the catalyst of change in your life. The longer you wait, the further you delay tapping into the greatness that is deep inside of you. In the words of the ancient Chinese Philosopher, Lao Tzu “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Do not underestimate the power or perception; your appearance must reflect discipline.

 

 

Active Waiting: Be faithful with what you have while waiting for what you want.

 

​

CHAPTER SIX

 

LEGACIES BEGIN 

WITH LEARNING

 

An old African proverb, “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.”

 

If some people can’t appreciate your sacrifices, and willingness to share your gifts with the world, maybe it’s because your light is too bright for their darkness. Have you ever opened the window blinds after a night of sleeping in darkness? Letting the sunshine in can hurt your eyes. That is what happens when people who love darkness come into your light. Your light hurt their eyes. But, keep letting your light shine anyway. Only one of two things can happen. Either their eyes will adjust to your light, or they will intentionally close the blinds and remain in darkness. The thing that could have been their gain becomes their loss. Your light that shines from the outside of their window can only be appreciated if they let it in.

 

Before you can turn change into dollars, you must first make–change.

Destiny is receiving the reward of fulfilling God’s design for your life;

Fate is suffering the consequence of failing to live your purpose.

Fruition is the fruit of vision. Entrepreneurs go through far more valleys than peaks, and it is the hustle inside them that pushes them never to give up and never give in. That does not mean entrepreneurs don’t stop to re-gather, re-assess, and re-strategize. Any entrepreneur worth his or her salt will tell you the importance of securing the mask tightly around you before securing the mask around other people. The reason is simple; you can’t help anyone if you can’t help yourself. (MJ Gottlieb online editorial from Hustle Branding)

 

If you make today better than yesterday, you can start tomorrow on the winning side.

 

In the pursuit of success, the only thing we can take into our future is what we have gained, and the potential of what we can gain. We cannot take that which we lose any further than the point of its demise. Choose to Lose the losers mentality and will yourself to win!

Visionaries defeat the beasts that sleepers only conquer in their dreams.

 

Ascension is a vertically constructed obstacle course, assembled on a ladder built like a maze set on an incline with steep, jagged edges, frequented by mudslides, falling rocks, earthquakes, and tsunamis. There are few danger signs posted, and many snakes, and haters lurking in the shadows. Beware of destructive improvised explosive devices buried in the terrain. The only way up is to climb, the only way down is to fall. The good news is it leads to success. Training includes faith in God, belief in self, preparation through perspiration, backbone, and determination one calculated step at a time. The more you climb, the stronger you get. The stronger you get, the higher you climb. The higher you climb, the closer you get to planting your flag at the summit of your dream. CAUTION: ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE!!!

 

IF MOUNTAINS WEREN’T MEANT TO BE–CLIMBED; GOD WOULD HAVE PUT ELEVATORS IN THEM. STOP COMPLAINING AND START CLIMBING. YOU’VE ALREADY SEEN LIFE FROM THE BOTTOM, EXPERIENCE THE VIEW FROM THE TOP.

 

There are times in our lives when heavy tests are placed on our shoulders to make us strong enough to carry hefty blessings. When God exchanges heavy for hefty, it is because He knows that the one who did not buckle under the weight of adversity will not buckle under the weight of prosperity. These are the moments of actualization, whe hope receives help as trial and tribulation gives way to tangible abundant blessings. When the enemy of our... is forced to stand on the side and watch us eat from the fruit of a tree that was planted in the garden of our lives to produce itself not a moment too soon or a moment too late.

 

LEAN INTO

YOUR LEGACY

 

Something payed forward from the past to positively impact, or influence the future. Strive to be relevant, not famous.