The Authored Life

11/03/2016

While flipping through a magazine we came across an article about the importance of mentorship from the perspective of a self-made business woman.

She discussed that yes, mentorship is important but DIVERSE mentorship is even more important.

Just like you have a board of directors with diverse capabilities overseeing your business, it's important to have a diverse board of directors assisting you with the unique needs of your life because after all, you're life is your masterpiece and you only get one.

11/02/2016

Can I get an amen?

This goes for life in general...
- Eating healthier
- Saying no to things (or yes)
- Making better financial decisions

Committing yourself to doing those things that will give you the life that you deserve (because you do deserve it) does not come naturally...our innate default is to shy away from the things that are going to create significant changes in our lives (which is why it's so easy to say no!) but there is also an innate desire within each of us for more...more impact, more time, and the finances to do so.

What's easy to do is also easy not to do but doing it anyway is SO WORTH IT!

11/01/2016

"Peace, it does not mean to be in a place where there is not noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart."

You are bombarded EVERYDAY with noise, trouble, and hard work so how do you rise above it rather than letting it derail you? Meditation is an easy yet effective way to calm your mind, body, and spirit to allow you to face whatever your day might throw at you.

Meditation not a part of your daily routine? That's ok! Start small with just 10 minutes each day...you'll be amazed at the impact!

10/31/2016

The majority of people dread Mondays because it signifies the end of their two days of freedom and the start of yet another five days of work that does not fulfill them.

What if Mondays represented something different? What if this day could light a passion within you that made you jump out of bed?

It's possible...

10/28/2016

Today is entirely dedicated to working on our legacy business to we've set up our office in a cozy little corner of a local café and we are ready to GET SH*T DONE!

It's almost the weekend which means that for those entrepreneurs who are building their empire part-time while still working a 9-5, these next 2 days are your opportunity to MASSIVELY impact your business. You might be missing out on some weekend fun but as they say "Do what others won't so that you can have what they can't."

We're still hustling but the freedom we've achieved makes the missed weekends, the long days, and the late nights TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Don't stop hustling.

10/27/2016

One of the biggest regrets people on their deathbed have is that they settled for what other people expected of them because they were too fearful to pursue their dreams.

If I could impart to you one thing it would be this...your dreams are not random, they are your calling and the world deserves to experience them.

10/26/2016

Who you become is not an accident. Rather, who you become is cultivated by your own purposeful intention (or lack thereof) to author the story of your life.

Every moment, day, month, and year play a vital role in authoring your story so never underestimate the importance of how you spend them.

10/25/2016

Happy Tuesday!

Darren Hardy teaches on the concept of the pendulum- our life (the pendulum) can either remain stationary in a life of mediocrity or it can swing between failure and success and though failure can be painful, the pendulum inevitably swings into a success.

10/24/2016

"People are waking up to the fact that they want MORE control over their lives. They want to be more connected to their family, be in charge of their own time, work from home, determine their own destiny." - Robert Kiyosaki

The book, Business of the 21st Century will make you think twice about how you're working to secure your financial future. I know that I don't want to have to worry about other people dictating how much freedom I have with my time and finances. What about you? What are you doing to take control of your time and finances?

10/06/2016

Guess what? We had a makeover!

If you haven't already, head on over to our website and check out everything that's new! Our look has changed a little bit but the mission is the same- to empower and equip individuals to create control in their time and finances.

What does control like this allow you? We're glad you asked! It varies from person to person but some of our favorites are...
- Firing your boss and staying home with your children
- Traveling the globe and making your weekday feel like a weekend
- Pursuing your passion career instead of your paycheck career

We absolutely love connecting with driven people so if you would love to learn even more about us, send us a private message and we will schedule a time to chat about you, your goals, and how The Authored Life can help you achieve those goals.

Have a wonderful day!

Matt and Megan

10/06/2016

Three Traits Of Top-Notch Leaders

Being a leader is often times a misused term. The media distorts leadership as being domineering and uncaring. Sure, there are the people in “leadership positions” that are like that, but those actions do not make someone a leader. There many traits of a leader, their title and position is not one of them. Forbes cites 3 main traits of a leader:

1. Respect
They gain respect by truly respecting others. They work with others not as an inferior-to-superior relationship, but as a partner and team player. They help others develop the awareness, skills and habits that will amplify their ability to be more effective.

2. Self-awareness
They monitor their thoughts and actions more than they focus on others’. They study themselves constantly in order to learn to be more effective in leadership.

3. Clarity
They are clear about their purpose, priorities and next steps. They collect information, weigh risks and make decisions quickly. They understand their people’s capabilities and assign and align responsibilities remarkably well.

Leadership is a gift, not a privilege. Advance others further than you advance yourself and your team will go far!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/annlatham/2016/03/06/3-traits-of-top-notch-leaders/?linkId=21986315

Top-notch leaders share three essential traits. Two of these traits are well understood, common targets of conscious improvement, and the topic of numerous articles published daily. The third is another matter entirely. It is not well understood and is rarely discussed in helpful, instructive ways.…

08/01/2016

Getting some work done with Megan at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago! Being an takes work, there is no getting around it. BUT...... it's much better to work for YOUR goals and on YOUR schedule. Have a great day everyone and DREAM BIG!

06/13/2016

Why Are You Here?

The Millennials and Gen-Y’s like us have taken this to a new level of importance. Who we are and does it leaving us fulfilled is like a Disney movie is our guiding light.

Here are 5 things to reflect on to discover your own meaning of life:
1. What makes me feel happy and alive?
2. What am I good at?
3. If income didn’t matter, what would I be doing?
4. How can I add greater value to the world?
5. What will be my legacy?

When you begin to consider your purpose, you are on your way to the happiness and enthusiasm that will enrich your life, and the lives of others. Your natural focus will drive you to reach your goals—and you will become successful, on your own terms.

http://www.success.com/article/why-are-you-here?utm_content=socialchampEk0exT5TWW&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=socialchamp.io

“Having a purpose is the difference between making a living and making a life.” —Tom Thiss Have you discovered your purpose—why you’re here, what you’re meant to do? How do you know when you have? And why do you need to find it?

06/09/2016

The Pursuit: Tony Robbins’ 5 Steps to Break Through Your Limits

I am going to let Tony Robbins use his own words today….. lol

1. Plot your patterns.
Today’s drug, Robbins says, is an addiction to problems. Finding, identifying and solving your roadblocks are the first step to happiness.

2. Find your purpose.
My whole focus is really helping people have an extraordinary quality of life—that means life on your terms, not mine.

3. Feed your mind.
Robbins loves to quote his late mentor Jim Rohn, who said, “Every day stand guard at the door of your mind.”

4. Push yourself.
Tony’s Mantra: How do I do more for others than anyone else on earth?” he says. “How do I give them experiences that are lasting? How do I create change where change wasn’t possible?”

5. Nourish your spirit.
The reason he goes to gratitude? “I know that fear and anger are the things that mess people up. You cannot be grateful and be fearful simultaneously. You can’t be angry and grateful simultaneously.”

Can you imagine applying 1 or 2 of these things to our daily life? Where would you, as a , take your influence and success??

http://www.success.com/videos/youtube/the-pursuit-tony-robbins-5-steps-to-break-through-your-limits

Tony Robbins is in the business of breakthroughs. It’s his mission to change lives—and so far, he’s empowered more than 50 million people through his life training programs.

06/06/2016

Rohn: 7 Personality Traits of a Great Leader

1. Learn to be strong but not impolite.
It is an interesting balance between strong but not impolite. Finding that balance in leadership is one of the most difficult things when guiding someone. It is definitely an extra effort, but it separates you from a drill sergeant.

2. Learn to be kind but not weak.
We must not mistake weakness for kindness. Kindness isn't weak. Kindness is a certain type of strength.

3. Learn to be bold but not a bully.
We must be the ones leading the charge, but not over the dreams of the ones who follow us.

4. Learn to be humble but not timid.

Humility is almost a God-like word—a sense of awe, a sense of wonder, an awareness of the human soul and spirit, an understanding that there is something unique about the human drama versus the rest of life.

5. Learn to be proud but not arrogant.
It takes pride to build your ambitions. It takes pride in your community. It takes pride in a cause, in accomplishment. But the key to becoming a good leader is to be proud without being arrogant.

6. Learn to develop humor without folly.
Having a sense of humor is important in leadership, but nobody follows a goofball.

7. Learn to deal in realities.
Facts are facts. Use them instead of emotion with your leadership.

http://www.success.com/article/rohn-7-personality-traits-of-a-great-leader

If you want to be a leader who attracts quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself. Leadership is the ability to attract someone to the gifts, skills and opportunities you offer as an owner, as a manager, as a parent. Jim Rohn calls leadership the great challenge of life. Rela...

06/02/2016

John C. Maxwell: The Daily Routine of Successful Leaders

Routines are the engine that carry us to success. One thing that I see from successful people routinely is… well… they are routine. They are consistent. These routines, habits, and characteristics are perfect for you as a fitness professional looking to get ahead!

Prepare the Night Before

To be honest, I overlooked this one for the longest time. I thought a good morning routine would be to plan out the day. Successful people, prep the night before.

Ask the Right Question in the Morning

While you may have your plan from the night before, get the mind right by asking the right questions in the morning about the direction you are looking to go today, the values you are pursuing, etc.

Give Your Best

Successful people know that to be the best, you have to pay the price. The cost for that toll- give you best.

Learn

Always be striving to LEARN. If you knew what you needed to know, you would have what you want to have. You are passionate to learn about fitness, which is why you are an expert in it. Now it is time to be passionate about finances, so you can be an expert in that.

Renew Your Preparation

Start your routine all over again. Things do not become habit by doing them in 1 day, gotta do it again!
Lets apply these SIMPLE strategies to your daily life and truly live


www.success.com/article/john-c-maxwell-the-daily-routine-of-successful-leaders?utm_content=socialchampEJyg2xErgfb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=socialchamp.io

Whenever I speak, I like to chat with people, shaking hands and signing books afterward. Often during those times, someone will say something like, “I wish I could spend a day with you.” It makes me chuckle because, well, my days are pretty dull.

05/31/2016

7 Steps for Earning Your First Million Dollars

Whatever happened to DREAMING? “The sky was the limit” mentality is stifled by the “play it safe” mentality. Oh don’t dream too big, you don’t want to be let down has been the battle cry of the average for too long. Dream small, live small.

1- Make Promises: The best way to be accountable is not keep it to yourself. Make promises to those around you. They will come to fruition when other’s get involved.

2- Self-acceptance: When you are accepting of yourself, you are more confident. Overcoming fear and rejection is much easier when you are self-assured.

3- Own your wealth: Do you check your bank account several times/day? Do you REALLY consider that balance sheet YOUR responsibility?

4- Dominate Debt: ‘nuff said there.

5- Overcome adversity: This is the road to GREATNESS… not mediocrity. You do not make champions on a featherbed.

6- Find Your Place- You are already in the fitness industry, now learn what wealthy people in that space do!

7- Get Personal Coaching: Which NEW person to working out will get better results- the one gets PERSONAL TRAINING or does it on their own? Of course the one who gets TRAINING will get the best results. Why would success in business be any different?

If you truly have this desire deep down to become a millionaire, learn what you can about them and have the shift in mindset to help you become the best!

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/272014

Most people want to become millionaires, but they are put down because their goal is too "unrealistic.''

05/28/2016

12 Characteristics of People Who Are the Best at What They Do

One of the most beautiful phrases in almost anyone’s vocabulary- The Best. It is fun to say, read, and think about. However… what does it mean to actually go accomplish it? That is where we separate the ones who DREAM it from the ones who LIVE it.

Want to be the best? Here are 12 Questions:

1. Are you an optimist?
You can't get to the top if you don't think there is a top, or if you think you can't make it.
2. Do you have a vision?
Visionaries can see ahead of the pack.
3. Do you relentlessly pursue excellence?
The status quo is not for the best.
4. Do you have a lifelong habit of personal growth?
They don’t want to stay at the level they are at.
5. Do you welcome competition?
Like the lead runners in the race with someone on their heels, the best know that the competition is right behind them.
6. Do you strive to be a leader?
Someone has to lead—it may as well be the best.
7. Do you leave a legacy?
Leaders aren't in it just for themselves, though they will surely reap the rewards of being the best.
8. Do you know how to prioritize and execute your goals?
Just like weight loss boils down to eating right and exercising, personal management boils down to prioritizing and executing.
9. Do you focus on building relationships?
Success does not come alone. Everyone who achieves greatness does it with the help of countless others.
10. Do you make excuses?
When they fail, they admit it and move on. They get back up and do it right next time.
11. Do you strive for “good” or “best?”
Yes, they could say, “This is good." But that would mean they have settled for less than the best.
12. Do you dare to dream?
While others live the mundane and settle into a life they never bargained for, a rut, the best dream of a better life.
You up for the challenge? Lets get it together!
http://www.success.com/article/12-characteristics-of-people-who-are-the-best-at-what-they-do?utm_content=socialchampEkeW-6RfzZ&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=socialchamp.io

Do you have what it takes to be the best?

05/09/2016

12 Qualities of Self-Made Millionaires

When people say “successful people are willing to do what others will not,” they are speaking the truth. Have you ever wondered what that means? What are the qualities?

Before we can answer that, we should focus on the PROCESS before hand:


1. Personal Development
2. Gain Professional Skills
3. Master Skills
4. Create Systems to Leverage Yourself

Here are 12 Qualities of Self-Made Millionaires:
1. Be confident.
2. Be curious.
3. Be excellent.
4. Be consistent.
5. Be forceful.
6. Be fearless.
7. Be unpredictable.
8. Be unreasonable.
9. Be unduplicatable.
10. Be dominant.
11. Be controversial.
12. Be universal.

These are things you are not born with (trust me on this). It took YEARS and YEARS for us to develop (and are still developing) these qualities. It is INTENTIONAL. You must be pursue these mindsets with a passion. Become more to have more!



https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/273520

To become a millionaire, you must ceaselessly pursue your goal to serve people on the highest level.

05/07/2016

It’s only when we TRULY accept responsibility can we make progress forward. You will never see someone who plays the blame game moving their or forward. You and you alone are responsible for your happiness. I am so proud of you for knowing it is not society’s responsibility for you to live an amazing and fulfilled life. Lets make it happen!

05/05/2016

Failure Is the Seed of Growth and Success

Is failure actually beneficial to our success? It sure is not fun, but does it serve a purpose?

Here are my 5 favorites:
1. Failure creates extraordinary change- Which path you choose is entirely up to you. It will shake things up, but it is up to YOU to make it for the better.

2. Failure builds tough skin- It is like resistance training… you need to breakdown to grow and be stronger.

3. Failure keeps the ego in check- a better way to phrase this: “It keeps you from getting comfortable and sloppy.”

4. Failure creates “aha” moments- If aint broke, don’t fix it mentality can cause us to complacent.

5. Failure propels growth as an entrepreneur- It shows us what need to learn to get better for future success.

Show me someone who has never failed, and you will see the person who never tried.

Get tough, fail, suck it up, and lets do this!!



https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/239360?hootPostID=6dcf985432c6a3b0800497f4a1334632

We've all encountered bad outcomes in our lives. Here are five reasons why it may be a good thing.

05/01/2016

The 5 Best Money Books For Entrepreneurs

Teaching the way money flows is something MOST entrepreneurs do not seem to seek out. Why is this? Most entrepreneurs want to know “how-to” do something. What’s the strategy? What’s the secret? What’s the quickest way to get something done? Typically, this is how people approach entrepreneurship.

However, if they learned it the way they learned the PROCESS, perhaps more of them would be more successful.
In fitness, trainers learn about the way muscles, ligaments, and movement function together. THAT is why you are so knowledgeable- you understand WHY things are happening in the body. Why should MONEY (more importantly- wealth) be treated any differently?

Here are the 5 best books:
#5 The Richest Man In Babylon by George S. Clason
#4 Keys To The Vault by Keith J. Cunningham
#3 Economics In One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt
#2 Killing Sacred Cows by Garrett Gunderson and Stephen Palmer
#1 Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Where to start? DEFINITELY start with #1 (if you have read it, re-read it). The cashflow quadrant (and TRULY understanding it) was the catalyst for our success.

Have a great day!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/garrettgunderson/2016/04/23/the-5-best-money-books-for-entrepreneurs/

When it comes to books on business, marketing and management, entrepreneurs are overrun with choices.

04/08/2016

5 Wrongheaded Attitudes Stunting Your Growth as an Entrepreneur

The strategy, marketing, demographic, price point, etc. are just a handful of the things that go into developing a business. However, so often we overlook the most critical component of growth- OURSELVES! Our habits and attitudes greatly impact the how high our businesses’ can grow.

Here re 5 Attitudes that can lead your business in the wrong direction:

1. Constantly reacting with emotion.
2. Unwillingness to admit when you’re wrong.
3. Dismissing sensible advice.
4. Letting envy sidetrack you.
5. Losing your momentum at the first sign of resistance.

The journey can be a hard one at times… but adjusting these 5 attitudes will be critical to getting that venture soaring high!

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/271414

Entrepreneurship is as much about growing as a person as it is about building your business.

04/03/2016

7 Reasons You Need Mental Strength to Be Successful

Lets face it… the journey to success is a hard one. The tougher you are, the higher you can climb.

Here is why:
1. Mental strength conquers self-doubt.
2. Mental strength keeps you motivated.
3. Mental strength helps you tune out unhelpful advice.
4. Mental strength ensures you’ll learn from your mistakes.
5. Mental strength provides courage to face your fears.
6. Mental strength assists you in bouncing back from failure.
7. Mental strength helps you regulate your emotions.

http://www.success.com/article/7-reasons-you-need-mental-strength-to-be-successful

Becoming mentally strong will separate you from the pack and help you achieve higher levels of success.

03/29/2016

Life's Greatest Lessons Are Disguised in Our Most Trying Times, But You Must Keep Perspective

Problems will knock us down from time to time. No getting around that. It is so easy to focus on the problem instead of the size of the opportunity in front of you. PERSPECTIVE is such an amazing word. Struggles can either grind you down, or polish you to shine.

No matter where you are now, in failure or success, adversity or glory, to embrace the lessons, and value having the opportunity to grow. Next time you get knocked down, keep perspective and remember it is all part of the journey.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/272971

How we react during these times will determine if we miss the next opportunity -- or come back swinging with a vengeance.

03/28/2016

5 Primary Stages of Business Every Entrepreneur Goes Through

Having worked with many entrepreneurs, a pattern has begun to appear in the different stages one goes through on the journey.

1- I am trying to get “there”- followers, more clients, more sales, more recognition. It is fueled by optimistic desperation. Instead, have some fun with it and realize you already are on the journey. Trust that momentum WILL happen and have joy in the process.

2- Got “there” and now I am worried it will go away- The best thing to do is prepare yourself for this stage by owning your worth and valuing yourself sooner. When you believe in your work and what you have to offer, this stage is minimal.

3- I got “there,” but it's not what I expected: This is what you've worked so hard for, but you can't help but wonder why living your dreams feels so different than what you expected.

4- I am proud of how far I've come: No matter what phase you are in, be proud of yourself each day you show up and do the best you can. That in itself is enough.

5- Relax and enjoy: This is the time you can relax and truly enjoy what you’ve created.

Remember, the journey is the REAL reward. Keeping that perspective makes it so much more enjoyable!

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/270092

Know the stages so you can navigate them with ease.

03/25/2016

3 Signs You Are Becoming Successful

1: Haters- Success breeds contempt. People are more comfortable letting their FEARS of success cause them to pull you down than build themselves up.

2: Offers: As you grow, opportunities are given to YOU instead of you seeking them out. You are seen as an authority and expert as you progress down the journey.

3: Partners: Similar to offers, PEOPLE begin following the same trends.



http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/254565

Offers, new partners and -- yes -- haters will be coming your way in droves once you begin to meet your goals.

03/23/2016

5 Ways you are wasting your time without realizing it

I will be the first to admit I am FAR from perfect with time management. Nobody is perfect. However, there are ways that our VALUABLE time slips away without us even realizing it.

1- Your Routines: Take a week to be conscious of your daily habits. You will be shocked with the things that are part of your “routine” that suck time away from success.

2- Distractions- What things like social media, etc. catch your eye when they should not be? Detaching from the world is healthy… just not when you need to be productive!

3- Communication- Schedule your time for replying to emails, texts, etc.

4- Refusing to Adapt- Refusing to adapt your working style or focus when the situation shifts will cost you dearly in terms of time spent.

5- Wrong Priorities- Often times we want to get the easy things done first… then move onto the hard things. Flip it. Do the hardest things first because they often times make you the most income.



http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/272379

Becoming more productive starts with accepting the harsh truth that you likely waste just as much time as everyone else.