<p>WE’VE ALL GOT THE SAME DAMN’ 86,400 SECONDS PER DAY! A few hours of wasted time here and there seems like nothing, but trust me, IT ADDS UP! MISSED opportunity, untapped potential, inhibited growth and development. Time doesn’t stop for ANYONE, time doesn’t discriminate, time doesn’t care about your feelings. The time is ALWAYS right now. Get ready to be inspired, it’s time for your daily dose of MOTIVATION, LET’S GO!</p>
<p>Listening to this podcast daily should only take up about 5 of the 1,440 minutes that we’re ALL fortunate enough to be given EACH AND EVERY SINGLE DAY. What you do with the remaining 99.6527% of the day is COMPLETELY up to you. Hold yourself accountable. Take ownership of your situation. Live life UNFILTERED. Join The Motivation Movement.</p>

Raw and uncut motivation coming to you in kick-ass mini bursts.

The Motivation Movement | Inspirational Quotes, Daily Advice, Lifestyle Design, Personal Development

Leadership is more than a position. Being a leader requires taking action and setting an example. There comes a time in everyone's life where you’re intentionally or randomly thrusted into a position of leadership. Whether you’re leading a team, a project, an entire organization, or a meeting, you consciously or unconsciously are implementing one or a mix of a few different styles of leadership. 

There are many factors that help to mold one’s leadership style: life experience, personality, organizational culture, environmental influences and beyond. 

It’s very common to think about leadership, and leaders, as simply GOOD or BAD. Leadership goes beyond GOOD or BAD though. It’s not always that straightforward. 

“One of the most important things for any leader is to never let anyone else define who you are. And you define who you are. I never think of myself as being a woman CEO of this company. I think of myself as a steward of a great institution.” – Virginia Marie "Ginni" Rometty
 
For leaders, or those aspiring to be leaders, understanding the numerous approaches to leadership is very important. Identifying the successes and shortcomings of your leadership methodology and analyzing why it does and doesn’t work in certain situations, is equally important. 

Through learning about the FIVE different styles we’re going to discuss today, you should be able to become more flexible in your management strategies and adapt to the different obstacles leaders often face. 

1) Autocratic
2) Authoritarian
3) Democratic
4) Laissez Faire
5) Transactional

Not everyone is a natural-born leader, but practice makes perfect. It may seem difficult to change leadership styles, or develop your signature style, but it’s WORTH it if the success of your organization, project, or team is truly important to you. Authenticity is contagious and inspiring; dishonesty and deception isn’t. Your followers can smell your BS from a mile away.

Lead by example. Lead with style. Lead as you'd like to be led. 

046: Leadership Styles of the Rich and Famous 

Imagine the leaders you have been inspired by in the past or are currently inspired by today. 

How did you respond to these various styles of leadership? Which style naturally spoke to you the best? 

The principle we are going to examine today, the different FORMS OF POWER, could be what influences you to respond to, and hopefully be motivated by, a particular person’s influence.

“Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It’s about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others’ success, and then standing back and letting them shine.” - Chris Hadfield

NUMBER ONE . . . Legitimate power is probably the most recognized form of power and style of leadership.
 
NUMBER TWO . . . Reward power comes from an authority figures ability to compensate another for being compliant and following orders. 

NUMBER THREE . . . Expert power is based on an individual’s level of skill and knowledge. In layman’s terms, think of karate, the experts all have black belts. 
NUMBER FOUR . . . Referent power is a bit superficial; it could be the results of one’s perceived worthiness and/or attractiveness. It’s seemingly power that is not a result of any special or particular reason. Referent power is sometimes though of as an “x-factor” of sorts. 

Finally, NUMBER 5 . . . Coercive power is sourced from the ability to punish others for being disobedient. A leader who uses coercive power strategically withholds rewards as a punishment; it is the opposite of reward power. 

With great power comes great responsibility. Some leaders leverage their power to make a positive impact, while others have more sinister and/or selfish intentions. If you find yourself in any type of leadership role, you need to understand the best strategy to keep your team, your family, your class, WHOEVER, motivated to be their best, to achieve great results, and to produce at the highest possible standard. Anyone is capable of holding power and influencing others. 

mRuddo.com #TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo

If you recognize the different forms of power, you can avoid being influenced by those who use the less positive ones.

045: The Five Forms of Power 

We traditionally view the act of forgiving as an acceptance or acknowledgement of someone’s wrongdoing against you, a symbolization of your readiness and willingness to move on and grow from the situation, but, SELF-forgiveness is a concept that is just as important.  

Whether it is forgiving yourself or someone else, I am sure we can all relate and recall an experience we had with forgiveness. What many of us do not know is that forgiveness is good for our health, as holding grudges ACTUALLY takes a serious physical toll on us. 

“They caused the first wound, but you are causing the rest; this is what not forgiving does. They got it started, but you keep it going. Forgive and let it go, or it will eat you alive. You think they made you feel this way, but when you won’t forgive, you are the one inflicting the pain on yourself.” - Bryant McGill

It may sound selfish, but you need to realize that forgiveness benefits YOU more than anyone or anything. Forgiveness is very much an internal process, it’s more than just exchanging apologies with your friend, ex, or whoever! The truth is, the other person, or people, may never know about your forgiveness. BUT, forgiveness as a mental health practice, as a tool, can lighten the load on your body and on your spirit. 
 
You’re going to regret not forgiving someone, or not forgiving YOURSELF, later in live. You’ll be upset with yourself because not forgiving prevented you from experience new possibilities, and from sharing more of your journey with the person you never reconciled your differences with.

FORGIVENESS requires action, it doesn’t just magically occur one day after a given amount of time. Forgiveness isn’t easy, that’s why there is actually a practice mental health professionals apply called “forgiveness training,” which is a combination of behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques. If I had to boil down the forgiveness process to a few sweet and simple principles, I’d say Step 1) is VALIDATION, Step 2) is RELEASE and Step 3) is EVOLVE.

Animosity + Regret = Poison

044: The Healing Power of Forgiveness 

Hindsight is 20/20 . . . We’ve all taken the time to contemplate on how different our lives would be IF we had taken a different path.

We, as humans, have a habit of looking back on missed opportunities, and fantasizing that, had we seized the moment, it could have set our lives off on an extraordinarily amazing alternative course . . . 

Nonsense, OF COURSE. If you don’t honestly examine the reasons and actions that led to your feeling of regret, you’ll never be able to come to grips with your current reality. 

Regret is a POWERFUL emotion and can be used as a source of inspiration.

“I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations - one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it - you will regret both.” - Kierkegaard

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Woulda, coulda, shoulda syndrome affects all of us differently. Regret totally drains some of us, it slows us down, while others thrive from regret, and are excited to become better from the emotion. 

When you’re inundated with regret, ask yourself the following questions: What emotions are you feeling right now? Why are you disturbed by this feeling? How could you have handled the situation better? What will you do to never let this happen again?

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

Do you have Coulda' Woulda' Shoulda' Syndrome?!?

043: Regret as a Motivational Tool 

Meditation is an amazing tool that be used anywhere, at any time, by anyone.  Meditation is not a one size fits all practice though. There is a HUGE variety in terms of different meditation techniques, that each offer their own unique path to inner peace and relaxation.

Like many of the concepts we explore on The Motivation Movement, meditation, when practiced consistently, has legitimate health advantages such as reduced anxiety and sensitivity to pain, boosted immune system and helps prevent stress. Meditation doesn’t have to just be deep breathing, while sitting down on a fluffy cushion with your legs crossed and eyes closed.

“There is no good or bad meditation — there is simply awareness or non-awareness. To begin with, we get distracted a lot. Over time, we get distracted less. Be gentle with your approach, be patient with the mind, and be kind to yourself along the way. Clarity dictates our perspective, and our perspective dictates our experience. Get more clarity in your life.” - Andy Puddicombe

The most important thing to remember is there is no right or wrong way to meditate. As you enter a meditation, just be yourself. Open your mind and your heart and receive the richness that may come from your meditation. 

Expectations often get in the way of one's experience. Don't attempt to control your meditation. Let go of all preconceived notions as to what is "suppose" to happen. These preconceived notions could get in the way of your experience. Your experience will be different from the experience of others. 

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

Meditation is not a practice reserved for hippy, carpe diem, want-to-be Zen masters, it’s for everyone. 

042: Uniquely Unusual Meditation Strategies 

We use animals to examine certain features of ourselves. We imagine ourselves being as strong as an ox, as fierce as a lion, as smart as a dolphin, or we have the memory of an elephant. 

"We patronize the animals for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they are more finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other Nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth." - Henry Beston

Determination, team-work and forgiveness are the TOP THREE lessons we can learn from animals. 

Thinking like an animal, suspending ourselves from all of the social constructs us humans have created, we realize what’s important in our lives. 

It becomes easier to focus on the basics like health, rest, caring for our families, eating, etc., and in general, to let go of attachments. The playful nature of some animals allows us to not take life so seriously, it reminds us to be vulnerable and have fun. 

mRuddo.com #TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo

Collaborate like a longhorn crazy ant. Hustle like a beaver.

041: Be a Better Human, Be an ANIMAL! 

I’m going to try and keep this one mostly motivational, and not too scientific, but the data is in, and it clearly shows that gratitude can improve general well-being, strengthen social relations, increase resilience and reduce stress.
 
Gratitude is just being appreciative of the non-monetary related aspects of life; you can be grateful about your health, family, friends, pets, celebrations, etc. 

“To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.” - Albert Schweitzer

If you take nothing for granted, if you seek the good in the unlikeliest of places, if you are actively expressing your gratitude, you will find or achieve happiness and peace much sooner.

In terms of the psychological benefits, gratitude encourages positive thoughts and emotions, more awareness and alertness, and increased self-satisfaction. 

For physical benefits, studies suggest you develop a stronger immune system, less body pains and aches, and optimum blood pressure and cardiac functioning. 

Finally, the social benefits include better communication, more likeability among peers, more interest and involvement as a team member and beyond. 

You need to actively CULTIVATE and foster gratitude. 

mRuddo.com #TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo

Expressing gratitude is something we are all capable of. 

040: Generating Gratitude for Brain Gains

Whether you would like to acknowledge it or not, everybody is a salesperson. 

You are selling yourself when asking for a raise, or for more responsibility at work. 

You are selling to your team members on a strategy when you propose a new idea or campaign. 

You are selling to your kid when you are bartering with them to do their chores. 

We are also constantly being sold to, so we in essence all engage in negotiations on a daily basis as well. 

When politicians are campaigning for our votes, when a new restaurant in town runs a great deal to drum up new customers, when the pastor at the congregation is preaching, when our significant other is trying to eat chicken for dinner when you want a burger . . . 

SALES IS EVERYWHERE, you can’t hide from it.

Now, you may not be the great salesperson to ever grace the earth, but I challenge you to develop your sales skills because there are few other skills as universally useful as sales. 

“The purpose of a pitch isn’t necessarily to move others immediately to adopt your idea. The purpose is to offer something so compelling that it begins a conversation, brings the other person in as a participant, and eventually arrives at an outcome that appeals to both of you.” - Daniel H. Pink

Have integrity, meet a need and solve a problem. Once your perspective shifts to “How can I serve?”, VS “How can I sell?”, you’ll feel much better about being labeled a salesperson.

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

Not all salespeople are like the used car salesmen from the TV shows and movies, manipulative and insincere. 

039: We’re ALL Natural-Born Salespeople 

This is one of those concepts that once explained, most people innately understand, but they would not know the meaning just by hearing the phrase, locus of control. I sure as hell did not know what the hell it meant until I started researching it more in-depth. 

When faced with obstacles in life, do you feel that you have power over the situation? 

Or, do you believe that you are at the mercy of external forces? 

As the world around you changes, you can either ascribe the positives and negatives to factors you have control over or pin them on happenings outside of your influence. 

"Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealously, and envy. Guard your fragile life carefully. Only God can shape a flower, but any foolish child can pull it to pieces." - Og Mandino
 
The fault-finding component of this quote struck me most: "No brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business."

It’s SO easy to blame your shortcomings on external forces. 

People with internal control orientation often display the following characteristics: 
(1) they take responsibility for their actions
(2) they’re less influenced by the opinion of others
(3) feel confident in the face of adversity
(4) usually have a strong sense of self 
 
On the other hand, people with external control orientation typically:
(1) feel hopeless or powerless in the face of adversity
(2) don’t believe they can change their situation or make a difference
(3) credit luck or chance for any successes. 

Do you believe that you, as opposed to external forces, have control over the outcome of events in your live?

038: Locus of Control

Positive affirmations are easily digestible, simple phrases, or statements that challenge negative internal dialogue. People utilize positive affirmations to motivate themselves, encourage growth, and boost self-esteem levels. You are creating a pattern in your subconscious thought when you continually and routinely repeat positive affirmations to yourself. 

"If we understood the power of our thoughts, we would guard them more closely. If we understood the awesome power of our words, we would prefer silence to almost anything negative. In our thoughts and words, we create our own weaknesses and our own strengths. Our limitations and joys begin in our hearts. We can always replace negative with positive." - Betty Eadie
 
Our thoughts have power, as do our words. As the old adage goes, we are what we think. That’s why the most effective positive affirmations are phrased in the present tense as if what you are declaring about yourself is already true. FAKE IT TIL’ YOU MAKE IT!

The most effective positive affirmations in my experience are short and SWEET:

- I was made with divine intention. 
- I can, I will, I do, END OF STORY. 
- I am adventurous, I overcome my fears by following my intuition. 
- I am in charge of how I feel today, I feel happy. I am enough. 
- I have the power to create change. I have the power to make a difference.

Behavioral scientists and psychologists explain that when engaging in self-affirmation, you’re building self-integrity, confidence, and a better understanding of self, which allows you to be more reasonable and rational. This leads to increased problem solving and critical thinking abilities, which play a major role in mental performance and decision making. 

My final thought for today is that any type of self-affirmation, positive, introspective, or negative, helps to build your internal and external self-identity. 
It’s clear that all affirmations have an effect on cognitive restructuring. Do you want your brain to be rewired with inspiring and uplifting thoughts in mind or the opposite? 

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

I think, therefore I am.

037: Positive Affirmations Are NOT BS!

Everyone always tells us to “stay in your damn lane,” “embrace yourself, embrace your talents,” and “focus on your strength and double down on it . . .” BLAH, BLAH, BLAH . . .

Why are we so obsessed with this idea of having a super sharp focus and tunnel vision? You MISS out on a lot of opportunity when you don’t pay attention to what’s in the peripherals!

People take even greater umbrage when they hear themselves labeled with a common noun. The reason is that a noun predicate appears to pigeonhole the with a stereotype of a category rather than referring to them as an individual who happens to possess a trait. - Steven Arthur Pinker

Just because you’re a great salesperson, doesn’t mean you can’t be a great graphic designer.
Just because you’re a great photographer doesn’t mean you can’t be a great personal trainer.

Don’t deny yourself from embarking on new endeavors. Don’t define yourself strictly by the one thing you’ve always been so focused on. Don’t limit yourself to what you’ve done in the past.

There’s no need to self-impose a label that restricts you from becoming who you potentially might be.
Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, but be excited about what’s to come, about what’s around the corner. This could be your chance to make a bigger impact, make a new name for yourself, make more money, whatever your ambition is.

mRuddo.com #TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket!

036: Don’t Be Afraid to Fly Out of YOUR Pigeonhole

Where does one begin on the journey of trying to feel better about themselves, be more decisive, more confident, have higher levels of self-esteem? POSITIVE INTERNAL DIALOGUE.

ASK YOURSELF: What are the triggers that have you feeling down? Do you keep finding yourself in stressful situations at work, school and/or at home? What are your thoughts like when you find yourself in one of these predicaments? Is your self-talk generally positive or negative?

“Wouldn’t it be powerful if you fell in love with yourself so deeply that you would do just about anything if you knew it would make you happy? This is precisely how much life loves you and wants you to nurture yourself. The deeper you love yourself, the more the universe will affirm your worth. Then you can enjoy a lifelong love affair that brings you the richest fulfillment from inside out.” - Alan Cohen

I challenge you to flip the script on your life story. Maybe you’ve had doubts about your potential in the past, but today is the day you can begin to love yourself, then let the ripple effect re-build your confidence and self-esteem.

If you recite a particular idea to yourself frequently enough, you’ll eventually convince yourself. It’s like positive version of when someone says, “this guy lies so much, he’s starting to believe his own bullshit,” except in this case, you’re not lying to yourself . . .

Be very careful when negative thoughts do infiltrate your internal dialogue, do not mistake them for FACTS. Just because you feel like a loser, does not mean you actually are a loser. We tend to be very critical of ourselves, very harsh, it’s only constructive to a certain degree though.

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

The days of being called CRAZY for talking to yourself are LONG GONE.

035: Talk to YOURSELF to Build Confidence & Self-Esteem

To become great, you must give up the good. To become extraordinary, you have to sacrifice the ordinary. To live a life you love, you temporarily have to let go of the interests you like. To realize the dream you are pursuing, you ironically may have to forego a few hours of beauty sleep. 
 
“As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation -- either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

What’s on the flip side of suffering and sacrifice? Creativity. Success. Freedom. Empowerment. 
Owning your struggles, taking responsibility for your situation, is the product of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. You can let suffering overcome you, or you can overcome your suffering.

There are countless stories of extraordinary individuals who’ve invested their last pennies into an idea, spent time away from their families for work, had to pick up an extra side job, skipped meals to feed their children . . . 

People make sacrifices and endure struggles every day in all different facets of life. Everyone’s sacrifice and struggle is unique and relative to their situation. 
Giving up what feels comfortable, what feels secure, to ultimately be even more comfortable and more secure, is what sacrifice is, at its core. 

mRuddo.com | #TheMotivationMovement | @mRuddo

Your level of sacrifice directly determines your level of success.

034: The Flip Side of Suffering & Sacrifice

We're all busy. We're all HUSTLIN’, we're all grinding. Honestly, what the fuck does self care even mean? 

When the hell do I have the time to think about a self care strategy, let alone actually physically take care of myself?

The constant roller coaster grind seems like a normal state. The cycle of ups and downs becomes your typical expected lifestyle. A break of vacation seems like a foreign concept. And when you do attempt to rest and relax, it just seems impossible. 

You can't take your mind off the grind... 
You can't take your mind off the hustle…
You can't take your eyes off the prize…
Not even for a SECOND.

“A healthy self love means we have no compulsion to justify ourselves or others why we take a vacation, why we sleep late, why we buy new shoes, why do we spoil ourselves from time to time. We feel comfortable doing the things which add quality and beauty to life.” - Andrew Matthews

Self care is ANY purposeful intention, act or decision that places yourself, your needs, at the forefront of your mind!

Stress, lack of self care - it's contagious. Observe the people around you. If your co-workers, your friends, family, even your pets, if they're anxious and tense and walking on the edge around you all the time, the truth is, it's probably you!

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

033: Self-Care - I'm Treating Me!

I’ve felt the heat from BURNOUT, from too much HUSTLE, TRUST ME, but I’ve always managed to avoid falling into the FLAMES! 

We have to be cognizant of what sacrifices we make in the name of the HUSTLE, as neglecting certain aspects of life can have dangerous consequences to your mental and physical health. 
 
“That's the great irony of allowing passionate people to work from home. A manager's natural instinct is to worry that her workers aren't getting enough work done. But the real threat is that they will wind up working too hard. And because the manager isn't sitting across from her worker anymore, she can't look in the person's eyes and see burnout.” - Jason Fried

Utilizing small blocks of free-time, momentarily investing in your well-being, is one easy way to avoid BURNOUT! It’s all about taking control of your schedule as best as possible. Optimize the time in your day that you do have control over. 

To avoid BURNOUT, you need to work SMARTER, not harder. Being a workaholic isn’t cool, unless you’re really out there saving the world and able to somehow still take care of yourself! 

Being stressed, being super busy all the time, doesn’t equate to being productive. It’s possible to be highly effective and efficient without sacrificing your sanity. 

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

Hustle Culture is DYING, Self-Care is LIVING!

032:  Full Blown Burnout BEWARE

You may be thinking what in the hell does pita bread have to do with any of this, but PITA is also code for pain in the ass. 

You need to be extremely persistent in the pursuit of your goals. The art of the follow up, better yet, the art of the follow through is an art form worth studying. 

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not. Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” - Calvin Coolidge

Being persistent isn't just about constantly and strategically working on your project, working on your craft. It's also super important to be persistent in your thinking, in your vision, in your mind state. 

Motivation comes and goes really quickly. Sometimes, when you lose that sense of drive mentally, that's when you need to push through and stick to the plan. Don't take your eyes off of the prize. 

You need to tackle your goals in time blocks in bits and pieces, but attack them consistently and persistently leverage inspiration when it strikes. 

Do not forget to take care of yourself. Be persistent about your health and wellness. As persistent as you are towards your dreams and ambitions. 

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

Be relentlessly persistent and consistent in the pursuit of your ambitions!

031: Professionally Persistent (PITA)

In my experience, how often you say yes or how often you say no depends on where you're at on your journey in life. 

“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1000 things." - Steve Jobs. 

In life, tons of shiny objects are flashed in front of us. They're usually very enticing, but typically end up being smoke and mirror like distractions that don't actually help guide you towards your ultimate goal and deter you off of your path. 

So, what are a few activities that we should start saying no to right off the bat? All of the uninspiring shit! Say no to wasting time with negative people, say no to working excessively long hours, but don't be lazy and entirely unproductive. Say no to wasting time endlessly scrolling through Tik Tok videos and bingeing on Netflix shows.

Saying no can be a bit uncomfortable. No one enjoys being rejected or rejecting someone. You don't have to apologize for or feel bad about saying no either. Saying no to protect your time to protect your dream is your right as an individual. It's the ultimate, ultimate form of self respect in my opinion. 

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement #mRuddo

Productivity ProTip: STOP making to-do lists. START making DON'T DO lists.

030: The Art of Saying No 

How do you define success in your own life? Have you ever wondered what makes a person successful? What are the common personality traits amongst the most successful individuals throughout history?

Successful people often have very clearly defined aspirations, strong drive, a whole lot of patience, a willingness to learn and very strict discipline. 

“I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that's how you grow. When there's that moment of, ‘Wow, I'm not really sure I can do this’ and you push through those moments - that's when you have a breakthrough.” - Marissa Mayer

Successful people always go the extra mile, even when they feel like there's absolutely no gas left in the tank. 

Luck is a result of dedicated hustling. It's not a force that's generated when you stumble upon a four leaf clover or see a rainbow in the sky. Luck is the product of calculated risk.

How much time did you spend creating content on social media last week versus consuming it? For real? I'm asking you to keep track of how much time you're spending, audit yourself every week. Keep track of your actions. 

@mRuddo #TheMotivationMovement mRuddo.com

Luck is a result of dedicated hustling. Luck is the product of calculated risk.

029: Become a Student of Success

Why do we always try so hard to strive for perfection? Perfection is the ultimate killer of productivity and an absolute destroyer of results. 

It's very problematic in my eyes because it leads to extreme obsessiveness and inefficiency. The perfectionists that I know are often the greatest procrastinators because they're so, so sharply focused on the minor details that they never actually get to a finished product. 

What comes out of failure is the opportunity to become better; the opportunity to become the best you.

I quite frankly don't think perfection exists. And if it does exist, it exists as a collection of your mistakes. It exists as an actualization of the learning experience that you've had over time. 

#TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo mRuddo.com

Productivity, Focus, Mistakes, Growth

028: Perfection is Poison

On a Friday, you want to be able to look back on the week and think, “Damn, I crushed it! I did everything or mostly everything I said I would do.” There's no better feeling than truly believing you gave it all you could, and you left your mark on the week.

If you've ever felt alone on your path, realize that you're in very good company, because almost all of the greatest people throughout the course of history chose to break the mold and they chose to walk on their own path. 

Starting right now, I challenge you, everyone listening, to walk your own path, and don't compromise your beliefs for anyone else. Take the first step and never ever turn back. 

#TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo mRuddo.com

Lifestyle Design, Disruption, Conviction

027: Disrupt - Break the Mold

“I do not choose to be a common man, it is my right to be uncommon. If I can I seek opportunity, not security. I want to take the calculated risk - to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed, to refuse to barter incentive for the dole. I prefer the challenges of life to guaranteed existence, the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopians.” - Peter O'Toole

You can minimize the downside of taking a risk by calculating all of the risk factors involved. And I'm not talking about deep analytics and artificial intelligence with complex equations because ain't nobody got time for that. 

What's essential to success in any of these facets of life is taking a calculated approach in your decision making process. And in your risk tolerance assessment, minimize the negatives, maximize the positives.

It's important to note that not all risks are created equal. At the end of the day, you've got to put the hard work in to determine that the chances of success in this opportunity are higher than the chances of failure. 
Fear actually causes you to overestimate risk, which is not helpful at all. 

#TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo mRuddo.com

Decision Making, Due Dilligence, Adaptability 

026: Taking a Calculated Risk

“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing”. - Denis Waitley

We learn from failure; we don't cease to exist after a failure. Avoiding failure actually signifies that you're not taking action, that you're not taking risks, and that you're not taking those critical, defining moments style leaps of faith that we always hear about . . . 

Procrastination isn't the fear of failure. It's actually the exact opposite. It's the fear of success. 

Anything worth doing should make you nervous. You should always consider the risk and reward. But if you keep turning down opportunity after opportunity, I'd say now's your time to jump in the frying pan and just start scrambling. 

#TheMotivationMovement @mRuddo mRuddo.com