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Category Archives: The Corner Store

Win Win Win No Matter What

Win-Win-Win No Matter What

All I do is win win win no matter what…

Every time I step up in the building everybody hands go up

And they stay there, and they stay there.

-DJ Khaled-“All I Do Is Win” (2010)

As I sat there watching a former Summer League B-Ball teammate (Sonny Hill League-West Philly to be exact) of mine claim his 5th NBA title all I could do was smile… and take it all in. I sat there and watched him and his teammates celebrate like they were on top of the world. I sat there smiling because I know how hard he worked for it and how focused he was on getting it. And he got it…Again. And as I sat there taking it all in I couldn’t help but get excited thinking about the next time I was going to do it…Again.

Yeah Mike got 6, Magic got 5, Kobe got 5 too. Shaq has 4, Bird has 3, and Olajuwan two. Me…I’ve been blessed with so many that I’ve lost count.  You see, in my world, NBA Ballers are not the only ones who win.

You win, I win, we all win. We all experience wins in this game called life. Sure, there may not be millions of people watching and cheering for us but our victories count no less.

Having a strong mother…Win! Graduating High school…Win! Having a father who was there…Win! Graduating College…Win! Surviving the streets of Philly…Win! Surviving the ignorance of my youth….Win! Getting married…Win! Fathering a child…Win! Loving family…Win! Cool friends…Win!

So now I’m ready for my next win. Yeah, there have been some defeats but that is what makes winning so sweet.

Are you ready to go after your next win? If so, work hard for it. Focus on getting it! And celebrate every one of them like you were on top of the world!

Serving up Food For Thought at The Corner Store,

Scott Speed,

www.TheNeigborhoodSpeaks.com

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The Keys To Achieving Your Goals in 2010

The Keys To Achieving Your Goals in 2010

Happy New Year!!

You will find below some words of wisdom from personal finance guru Mr. Dave Ramsey. Enjoy!

Another year and another set of resolutions. If you’re like most Americans, you’ll probably forget your goals by mid-February. So how do you make your resolutions actually happen this year?

First, keep in mind that goals are dreams; but don’t stop at just dreaming. Turn your dreams into bite-sized pieces that will gradually create a big event in your life. If you’re waiting on an outside variable to change your life, you have a long wait. You have to do something. It’s your responsibility to fix your life, not someone else’s. It’s time to sit down, make some goals, and take control.

Goal setting is how you win. Once you’ve made your resolutions, they will drive you forward. The goals will motivate you to seek activities that will help you succeed. It’s not always fun, but those exercises bring you closer to your goal and make you a winner.

If you want to actually achieve your goals this year, then consider the following:

Be specific.

When setting goals, be specific in what you want to achieve. Vagueness will only cause you to feel overwhelmed, and you will just give up.

Make your goals measureable.

In order to know if you achieved the goal, it must be measurable. For example, if you want to lose weight, don’t simply write down “lose weight” as a goal. How much weight do you want to lose? Or don’t just write “spend more time with family.” How much time do you want to spend with your family every night

Are they your goals?

Only you can set your own goals. If your spouse, co-worker or friend sets a goal for you, you’re not going to achieve it. Taking ownership will give you more incentive to meet your goal.

Set a time limit.

Setting a time frame will help you set realistic goals. For example, if you want to save more money, list how much money a month you want to put into your savings account.

Put them in writing.

Putting your goals in writing will make you much more likely to achieve them. Write down your goals and review them often. This will give you motivation to make them a reality.

This is the process to succeed. Successful people reassess their lives and then start living intentionally, in writing, on paper, on purpose. Make your resolutions a reality in 2010.

This is a repost from Dave Ramsey at www.DaveRamsey.com

Serving Food for Thought at The Corner Store,

Scott Speed

www.TheNeighborhoodSpeaks.com

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“Tell Me…Can You Stand The Rain?”

Tell Me…Can You Stand The Rain?

Today was one of the many rainy days that we have experienced here in Atlanta Ga. this year.  Judging from the Facebook comments of my friends back north they have been experiencing their fair share of rain this year as well. Most of the people were upset because the rain put a damper on their day. Today my wife was upset with the rain because she had planned to grill out back for dinner.

Rain in the forecast has a way of rearranging people’s plans and causing inconveniences. The weather anchor tries to predict when the rain will come but the rain is usually unpredictable. It comes many times when you least expect it and sometimes we even get caught out there…stuck in the rain.

There has been a lot of rain in the lives of many people this year as well. People are losing their homes to foreclosure in record numbers. Everyone knows at least a couple of people who have experienced a job loss in the last year as well.  Some of us have had to take a pay cut in the form of furloughs due to state budget restraints. And that’s not even mentioning the regular setbacks that naturally occur in everyone’s lives on a week-to-week basis. Car issues, childcare issues, health issues, home repair issues, relationship issues, etc. It’s been pouring down rain in the lives of some of us lately.

Rain-Rain Go Away

I remember learning a song as a child that started out “rain-rain go away” that my cousins and I would sing every time it was raining outside. We learned at an early age that rain was an unwelcomed visitor. All we knew is that we couldn’t go outside and play when it was raining and we weren’t too happy about that. Little did we know, the grass that we enjoyed playing on so much needed the rain to grow and serve as a cushion to our romping.  The trees that gave us shade needed the rain to awaken from their winter slumber and grow those green leaves that provided us much needed shade. And the beautiful flowers that we grew accustomed to seeing each spring needed the rain to blossom and add beauty and balance to our landscape. And the rainbows…

Nature often parallels life.

Rain rain go away! If you are like me you find yourself thinking this when it rains in your life as well. Just like the weather forecast the rain that shows up in our lives often shows up unexpectedly and we get caught out there…stuck in the rain. Let down, upset, sad, disappointed, heart broken, hopeless, and confused.

But, like I said… Nature often parallels life.

When it rains outside you have faith that the sun will shine again because that is nature’s reputation. Shoot, it rains heavily every year at some point. No matter how many days we experience rain we know that the sun will surely shine again. Rain in our lives is necessary as well. We need the obstacles and setbacks in order to have experiences to learn and grow from.

It is important that you understand something in order for you to truly experience all that life has to offer you.  Successful happy content people do not go through life avoiding the rain. They continue to win in life because they expect the rain, because they mentally prepare for the rain, and because they are willing to include those feelings of disappointment as a necessary part of their journey through life.

With no rain there is drought. Things get dry and stagnant. There is no growth. With no growth there is no progress.  Who really wants to live a dry and stagnant life with no growth and progress?

I truly hope that you can stand the rain!

Serving food for thought at The Corner Store,

Scott Speed

www.TheNeighborhoodSpeaks.com

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You Are What You…Think

You Are What You…Think

Go to church, just confess, and tell the preacher you committed sin

You battled Special Ed when you couldn’t win

Tried, you cried, you shouted, you pouted

But I told ya- You shoulda thought about it

Think about it

(Special Ed “Think About It”)

I start many of my blog posts with a verse from a hip-hop song for several reasons. I guess the main reason is that I grew up with hip-hop music and it was the soundtrack to my youth. Another reason is that, in its truest form, hip-hop music speaks to the truths of my everyday life experiences. And I’m not talking about some of the garbage you hear on the radio.

When I need an energy boost there are songs for that. When I want to have fun, there are songs for that. When I want to be analytical, there are songs for that. When I just want to appreciate a hot beat, there are songs for that. And if I need to hear something to compliment my swagger, there are songs for that too. Like “So fresh and so clean clean.” The music compliments my thoughts.

I was having a conversation with a family member recently and he said that he’s never been down on his luck or had a bad break in life. This gentleman I’m speaking of is one of the most successful people I have ever met but I thought to myself surely he has experienced some down turns on this roller coaster ride that is life. So I started to mention some things that he may have experienced that others would perceive as bad breaks. I asked if he had ever lost business deals, made a bad investment, or had a setback in a relationship. He reluctantly acknowledged that yes he had experienced some of those things but he just blew them off like they weren’t a big deal.

I told him that it was his mindset that allowed him to feel that way. I made him aware of the fact that he wasn’t any different than most people in his experiences but just in the way he thinks.

Thoughts Are Things

Author of the classic book “Think And Grow Rich” Napolean Hill explained that thoughts are things. That is a simple yet powerful statement. Every material thing that you see in our world began with a thought. Think of all of the amazing creations that exist in our world like skyscrapers that touch the sky, the Internet, the pyramids, airplanes, and MP 3 players. The human mind has the capacity to create almost anything.

Including a lifestyle.

Are you in a rut? You are where you are in life because of the way you think. Want to change where you are? Change the way you think. Are you doing well and want to take things to the next level? Elevate your thinking. You want to create more positive outcomes in your life? Have more positive thoughts.

Wondering how you just up and change your thinking after all these years? Well, there is a book at the local bookstore with your name on it. You’d be surprised at what a different perspective on things can do for you.

Don’t think you have time to read? Don’t like to read?

Change your thinking!

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

Serving up food for thought at The Corner Store,

Scott Speed

TheNeighborhoodSpeaks.com

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Are You In The Zone?

Are You In The Zone?

You’ve probably been in the zone at one time or another in your life. It’s that place in time when everything is going right for you. You may be closing every deal you pitch. You may be writing and your creativity is just flowing. You may be saying all the right things to that person of your affection. You are in the zone! You may be acing that test. You may be knocking off all your opponents. You may be calling all the right shots on the job or business. You are in the zone!

Back in my basketball playing days I recall being in the zone a time or two. I would hit 1, hit 2, hit 3, deep 3-point shots in a row. Then 4, 5, I can’t be stopped! Man, that was a good feeling. There is no greater rush in life than when you are in the zone and you are producing positive outcomes.

However…

That is not the zone that I was speaking of when I posed the question “Are you in the zone?” The zone that I am speaking of is called the Comfort Zone.

Are you in a comfort zone?

Most people would think that a comfort zone is a good place to be. I mean, comfort is such a warm word right. Unfortunately, for those of us who are up to something in life being comfortable is not an option. Being up to something in life means that you are still growing. Growing spiritually, professionally, physically, and/or mentally. Being up to something means that you are a go-getter who is looking to make a difference and stand out from the masses.

You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

A few years ago someone told me that I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable if I wanted to reach my goals. For example, if you want to build muscle you must be willing to go through pain, soreness, and no visual results before you get the results that you desire. If you want to build stamina you must push yourself to the point of exhaustion to increase it. Wow! That made so much sense to me and helped me to put things in perspective.

Uncomfortable is where the Champions live – George Zalucki

We all admired Michael Jordan’s brilliance while winning 6 championships. What set him apart from the other great athletes in the NBA was what he did in the offseason to prepare. He got uncomfortable and worked out hard when everyone else was resting. Jerry Rice had the same reputation for grueling offseason workouts. He holds every NFL receiving record and was a 3-time champion. Championship boxers will tell you that they win their fights at 5 am while running and training in the months leading up to the big fight. You think they did these things because they were comfortable?

Many people will never achieve their true desires in life due to a fear of getting uncomfortable. So keep in mind that when you are a little out of sorts while actively chasing your dreams that it is ok.

Be bold and get after it! Try new things! Change your routine!

Get Uncomfortable!

Be a Champion!

Serving up food for thought at The Corner Store,

Scott Speed

TheNeighborhoodSpeaks.com

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Man In The Mirror

Man In The Mirror

Gotta make a change

For once in my life

It’s gonna feel real good

Gonna make a difference

Gonna make it right…

I’m starting with the man in the mirror

I’m asking him to change his ways

And no message could have been any clearer

If you wanna make the world a better place

Take a look at yourself and make a change

(Michael Jackson “Man In The Mirror” 1987)

Watching yesterday’s memorial services in honor of Michael Jackson caused me to reflect on my favorite inspirational song and performance of his. In 1988 at the Grammy Awards he performed “Man In The Mirror” live. I was 9 years old and I remember crying because I was so moved by the message behind the song and the passion in which Michael performed it. I’m sure I was too young to really understand the depth of the message at that time but that just goes to show you how powerful a performer he was. You can see that powerful performance by clicking here.

As I listen to that song today, through the filter of my life’s’ experiences, I realize how truly powerful and relevant that song is; Especially for a blog like The Neighborhood Enrichment Project where principles of success are often discussed.

I’ve had plenty “Man In The Mirror” moments in my life. When I was growing up the idea of change was percieved as a negative thing amongst my peers and I. To change was to sell out. The words “I’ll never change” were often spoken with pride.  Many of the rap songs we listened to spoke the same message giving validity to our feelings on the matter. Growing up in inner city Philly meant you had to have a tough exterior if you wanted to survive.  I walked around with a cold unapproachable demeanor. In middle school I got into fights, received poor conduct grades, and was told by teachers that I had a terrible attitude. I was an angry child for several reasons and my mother was very concerned with where my life was going.

Gotta make a change, For once in my life, It’s gonna feel real good, Gonna make a difference, Gonna make it right…

I remember making a conscious decision going into high school that I wanted to just be cool. I decided that I would be kind to others and respectful and polite to adults. I decided that I would say please, thank you, and hold the door for people. I wanted to just be known as a cool guy who got along with everyone. I found out that the nicer I was to others the nicer people were to me. I learned that the more I smiled, the more smiles I received. I learned that the more handshakes and hugs I gave the more I got in return. Life has been much more rewarding ever since I made that decision to change a long time ago.

If you wanna make the world a better place, Take a look at yourself and make a change.

I often hear adults complaining about life’s circumstances. Well, I’ve learned that it’s not life’s circumstances that determine your success and happiness because life’s circumstances happen to us all. The circumstances of lay offs, death, illness, debt, bad relationships, inconveniences, and failure happen to us all. It’s your attitude and the changes that you are willing to make within yourself that ultimately determine your level of success and happiness.

So as Michael would say, if you want to make YOUR world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.

Are you willing to look into that mirror?

Serving up food for thought at The Corner Store,

Scott Speed

TheNeighborhoodSpeaks.com

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Live Your Life

Live Your Life

So keep on gettin your paper and keep on climbin

Look in the mirror and keep on shinin

Till the game ends, till the clock stop

We gon post up on the top spot

Livin the life, the life…

(T.I & Rihanna “Live Your Life” 2008)

This track by T.I and Rihanna is an example of feel good music at it’s best. We don’t get too many songs played on the radio nowadays that have anything that resembles a positive message so I really appreciated when this track dropped. There is a really strong message that can be taken from this song.

Just Live Your Life…

That phrase is repeated numerous times throughout the track so it really stands out to me. It is so easy to lose focus in life and look up and an entire year or two has past and you have not gotten any closer to achieving your goals. There are several reasons why this happens but one of the primary causes is that we underestimate the power of TODAY. What can I do today to better my work situation, to get in better shape, to make more money, to spend more time with my family, to have better relationships, to get closer to God.

Let go of the past…

Some people never get over their past successes and failures. I always make fun of my wife when she speaks of her track and field accolades from high school as if they still apply today. I always have to add the “ You were” to her statements. Some people still define themselves by their high school prom queen and B-ball star glory day’s decades later. It’s like they have the Al Bundy “I scored 4 touchdowns in one game” syndrome. These people get left behind in life because they’d rather spend their time thinking about what they used to be, rather than what they are going to do to reach higher levels of success.

Others never recover from setbacks and disappointments in their lives, careers, or business. They relive every mistake and feeling of rejection in their minds and are fearful of it happening again. You have to get over it. I know that it is easier said than done but it is necessary if one wants to reach their full potential in life.

Tomorrow is not promised…

Many people get by day to day because of thoughts of a better tomorrow. They hope to make more money, have more opportunities, have better relationships, have better health, and have stronger faith. The thought is that tomorrow just has to be better than today. But how? How are you living your life today to make tomorrow better? Your future can become your past quick if you are not mindful. Hoping for a good future without investing in today is like waiting for a plant to grow without ever planting any seed.

Live Your Life…Today

Maximize your today’s. It’s today that matters most. Yesterday ended last night. Tomorrow hasn’t come. So how can you demonstrate your best Today? How can you demonstrate your character, gifts, and abilities Today? How can you make a positive impact in the lives of others Today? What can you do to strengthen your relationships, make more money, find the career you love, and start getting in shape Today?

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily– John Maxwell

Serving up food for thought at The Corner Store,

Scott Speed

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Life’s Home Court Advantage

Life’s Home Court Advantage

If life is a game… 

Kobe Bryant and the Lakers earned home court advantage in this years NBA finals vs. Dwight Howard and the Magic. Under the current format the team with the home court advantage in the NBA finals has won 75% of the time.  The Lakers added to that percentage by winning the series 3-1 last night with Kobe taking home the MVP.

Year after year our favorite teams scratch and claw for wins throughout the season so that they can be in that coveted position of having home court advantage in the playoffs. But why is it such a determining factor, the court is still 90 feet long and the rims are still 10 feet high. What’s the big deal?

The reality is that gaining home court advantage means everything for basketball teams and its players. It means they don’t have to travel across the country before a game. It means they have the comfort and familiarity of sleeping at home. Most importantly it means they gain the psychological and emotional boost from the home fans cheering them on. The positive energy and enthusiasm of the crowd with out question has an effect on the psyche of the players. It motivates them to perform at a higher level, gives them the energy to push through mistakes, and it increases their will to win. The proof is in the percentages.

If life is a game…wouldn’t it make sense to work at creating your own personal “Home court advantage”? Wouldn’t that increase your chances of winning in all that you wish to achieve in life?

Look, whether you know it or not everyday is like playing game 7 on the road in a hostile environment. The news media pushes negativity daily. Your favorite radio shows report the latest beefs and break ups. People on the job complain all day and your boss is never satisfied.  Negativity is everywhere and that’s not even mentioning all the daily challenges life naturally throws at you and your family.

With all the negativity that surrounds us on the daily basis I think that it’s very important that we make a conscious decision to input positive things into our minds daily. It is critically important that you create your own personal “Home Court Advantage.”

Here are a few tips on how to make that happen.

  •  Read self-help books about positive thinking, success, leadership, winning relationships, and managing money. You may think “What can a book tell me about living my life that I don’t already know?” The answer is a lot.
  • Read books about the lives of successful people. This will inspire you to take your game to a whole new level.
  • Get out the house and socialize with positive people. You can accomplish this by joining social groups, plugging in at your place of worship, or through your kids activities.
  • Attend motivational speeches and seminars. I hear people say all the time, “I don’t need to be motivated” or “I don’t want to hear any rah rah speeches.” That’s like your favorite team saying they don’t need home court advantage or that they don’t need fans cheering them on.
  • Create a dream board. Get a large poster board and hang it where you will see it daily. Place words and quotes that motivate you and of the things that you want to keep in the forefront of your mind like, Family First, or Trust in God.  Place pictures of the things you desire to own someday, of the people that motivate you, and of the places you’d like to go.
  • Encourage others. Be that person who creates that positive “Home Court Advantage” in the lives of the people around you. Be your co-workers, friends, and families’ biggest cheerleader by saying positive things and encouraging them daily. There is no better feeling than being a ray of sunshine in someone else’s life.

 

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing -
that’s why we recommend it daily” – Zig Ziglar

Agree or disagree with this post? Click the blue comments link to Enrich The Neighborhood with your thoughts. 

Serving food for thought at The Corner Store,

Scott Speed

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