Author Chris Brady's Blog

Time

This passage was taken directly from the book, PAiLS, by Chris Brady.

When it came to emperors, Rome didn’t have very many good ones. Although his statue in the Piazza del Campidoglio shows him to have a huge head and buggy eyes, Marcus Aurelius was considered to be one of Rome’s better leaders. Also a philosopher, Aurelius famously wrote, “Do not live as though you have a thousand years.”

How many clichés are there about the fleetingness of time? How often have we heard not to waste it? Apparently, such admonitions go back at least as far as the Roman Empire. Also, I’m sure we could dig out some Proverbs from the previous millennium, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the ancient Egyptians even had something to say about it centuries before that.

Time may be our least replenishable resource. We all know this innately, but our awareness of its passing doesn’t seem to have much of an effect on how economically we use it. We let the minutes flow into hours, hours into days, days into weeks, and on and on until we can’t believe how much of it has passed and how little we have to show for it.

Have you ever known someone who seems entirely oblivious to the passing of time? They move slowly, have no schedule to keep, and seem to feel no pressure to make use of the sands running relentlessly through the hourglass. A friend of mine marvels at this by saying, “Have you ever noticed how people with nothing to do always seem to want to do it with you?”

Contrast those people with their opposites: the frenzied, hurried people. Have you known some of them as well? They seem to never be at ease, are always in a hurry, and never have time for anyone else. They are at the constant mercy of a tight schedule. I am reminded of the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland who was always “late for a very important date!”

If we are going to accomplish anything worthwhile in life, we need to make good use of our time. This means that we can’t behave like those who are oblivious to its passing, but it also means that we shouldn’t obsess about it to the point of being frantic. This, indeed, is a difficult balance to strike.

In her book The Writing Life, author Annie Dillard made a profound statement: “Who would call a day spent reading a good day? But a life spent reading—that is a good life.” I had to think about this sentence quite a bit after reading it. At first, I wasn’t sure I understood what she meant. Then, once I thought I’d gotten it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it off and on for weeks afterward. Here is what I took from it: No one can read all day every day; that would be way too taxing and tedious. But the accumulated benefit from a habit of reading at least some each day can add up to a lifetime of learning and the enjoyment it brings.

This principle can be extrapolated into a broader application. We can’t go to extremes in chasing after every little second of every minute of every hour of every day. That would drive any of us insane and be a terrible way to live. However, we must be ever mindful of the aggregate of time we are given and shepherd it constantly in the right direction. If we spend enough time on enough days doing enough activities consistently in the direction of our highest purposes and calling, the accumulation of this will produce astounding results when lived out over the course of our entire life. This is the key to making the best use of one’s time without becoming frenzied and rushed.

Maybe I can make this concept clearer with an illustration from my days of motorcycle racing. At one point in those crazy long-haired teenage years, I was taught that the best racers look the furthest down the track. Amateurs focus right in front of the motorcycle, taking each obstacle one by one in turn, in a first-come-first-served manner. But true professionals look way down the track, not worrying about the next few obstacles but instead keeping their mind fixed on the distant sections of their path.

I tried it for a while and found the results astounding. When I did it correctly, I was much faster. But it was difficult to master, and I continued slipping into the old habit of focusing too closely on just the next obstacle to come along. Eventually though, I learned to look farther and farther down the track, realizing that I could more easily handle all the short-term bumps and ruts if I maintained a longer field of vision.

We all know that we are not supposed to waste our time, but we cannot (and will not) make better use of it by managing every little second and fixating on efficiency. To do so would be like looking no further than the edge of our front fender. Instead, we need to keep a long-term view in mind for what we really, truly want to accomplish overall, trusting that by doing so, we will make the correct maneuvers in the short term.

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

I Will Until

The following excerpt was taken directly from Chris Brady's book, Rascal:

If any worthwhile dream requires a long term vision and delayed gratification, it stands to reason that perseverance will be necessary, and in droves. Somehow, Rascals are able to hang on long after others are shaken off. And sometimes, after they themselves have experienced significant setbacks.

In 1835, Thomas Carlyle had finally completed his book French Revolution. It was to be first in a series of three volumes, a massive and ambitious work of scholarship. When tackling an immense project, as many a writer is familiar, the first part is often the most difficult. Overcoming inertia can be intimidating and exhausting. This was certainly true for Carlyle in this case. That first volume had been a struggle. For over two years Carlyle had researched, organized, collected, studied, and finally written it. He had lost sleep, his nerves were frazzled, and his finances were in dismal shape. The book had been a wrestling match, but would surely soon pay off.

Carlyle was good friends with John Stuart Mill, the famous philosopher and fellow writer. When Mill offered to read the manuscript and provide his thoughts, Carlyle consented with pleasure. One can only imagine the scene when, days later, Mill inquired as to whether Carlyle had retained a back-up copy. When Carlyle answered that he had not, Mill explained that his housekeeper had inadvertently thrown the book into the fire with some old newspapers. It was entirely destroyed. Even the research Carlyle had done was gone, as he had thrown it all away upon completion of the manuscript.

The next morning he wrote in his journal: “I will not quit the game while the faculty is given me to try playing. Oh, that I had faith! Oh, that I had! Then were there nothing too hard or heavy for me. Cry silently, to thy inmost heart to God for it. Surely He will give it thee. At all events, it is as if my invisible schoolmaster had torn my copybook when I showed it, and said, ‘No, boy! Thou must write it better.’ What can I, sorrowing, do but obey - obey and think it the best?”

With this determination, Carlyle sat at his desk and began to write once again. He was tired, stressed, and in financial straights, but he wrote, and wrote, and wrote. For two years he valiantly forced his way up that same old hill of inertia he had already once climbed. And there, atop that hill, Carlyle planted the flag of perseverance for all writers and strivers to see forevermore. He not only re-wrote his initial volume, but finished volumes II and III as well. And to this day, French Revolution is considered one of the master works on the period. Finding the strength to build something of magnificence is incredible enough the first time. But to summon the character to do it again is nearly beyond belief.

The ability to persevere through challenges and obstacles is a matter of strength, will, and focus. A Rascal keeps his or her eye upon the prize, hangs on tight, and refuses to let go. No matter what turbulence hits, Rascals are tough enough to stay the course.

One trick I have used throughout the years is to encourage myself by stating repeatedly in the face of some challenge, “Doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter, I’m still hitting my goal!” Remember, the pain of regret is usually larger than the pain of hanging in there, so avoid regret by growing your mental toughness. Realize that no great thing was ever accomplished without overcoming struggle. In fact, every success story has the same progression: “Dream, struggle, victory.” It is important to notice the order of those words. First a dream. Then a struggle. It must be a natural law that struggle always follows the advent of a real dream. This is because it is in the striving after worthwhile goals and dreams that we become better, and who we become is at least as important as what we achieve. Therefore, in the very nature of success lies a secret to greatness. But finally, notice that victory always follows struggle. Without a test we don’t get a testimony. No pain, no gain. No guts, no glory. And, a popular one with Rascals everywhere: no guts, no story.

When Rascals feel as if they can’t hang on any longer, they remember the reason they hung on so long in the first place.

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

Caption Contest 2017.7 and a Winner Announced!

Congratulations to the winner of the recent Caption Contest 2017.6! Here is the winning entry:

Troy Woods said...

"For the last time, I don't see a trim tab!"

Troy: Simply comment on this blog with your mailing address (which will remain confidential) and you'll receive a free, autographed copy of Chris Brady's book, PAiLS. Congratulations!

And now, without further delay, let's get to the new caption contest. The winner will receive a signed copy of Leadership and Liberty, by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward. Good luck!

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

The Disposition of Attitude

The following excerpt was taken directly from Chris Brady's critically acclaimed book, Rascal:

It has often been said, “Attitude is everything.” Author John Maxwell, however, offers a great distinction: “Attitude is not everything; rather, attitude is the difference maker.”

Having a positive mental attitude could be summed up with the statement, “It’s not what happens, it’s how you respond.” To respond is to react with maturity, with an attitude focused upon the silver lining among the storm clouds, with a belief that “this too shall pass,” and an overriding optimism that says “as long as this doesn’t kill me, I will be just fine!”

Filmmaker Tyler Perry is no stranger to managing his response to challenges. The son of a verbally and physically abusive father, Perry changed his name to disassociate himself with the man who had inflicted so much pain. As a troubled kid, Tyler dropped out of school at age 16. He eventually returned and obtained his G.E.D., and then struggled to make films relevant to an audience he felt was largely missed by mainstream Hollywood: middle-class African Americans. His first movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, received harsh criticism on the Internet. The viewing public felt differently, however, and the project turned out to be a smash hit, grossing over $50 million. Perry has since written, directed, produced, and starred in many more successful films, has been featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes, and has received a smattering of other awards and recognition. Perry’s attitude of overcoming was critical to his success.

Martha Washington said, “I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.” Notice that Mrs. Washington used the word determined. She was cheerful and happy because she was determined to be. Having a positive attitude is a decision. The second truth embedded in her statement is that circumstances should not determine attitude. Anyone can be positive when things are going well. It takes a winner to find the bright side of a dismal situation.

Having a positive attitude also comes from preparedness, hard work, and dedication. Once someone has committed fully to a project or undertaking, it is easier to have a positive attitude because of the confidence that comes from effort and preparation. In this light, a positive attitude is seen not only as a decision in spite of circumstances, but a perspective earned through the correct efforts. Reinforcing attitude with strivings in the right direction completes a powerful circle of positive.

Having a positive, unquenchable attitude, however, is different than being a blind optimist. Ignoring the facts or sticking one’s head in the sand with a cheerful heart is like smiling while going bankrupt. Nothing is accomplished by such buffoonery. Having a positive attitude doesn’t preclude seeing things realistically, confronting brutal reality, or any other number of assessments required by a Rascal. It merely means that efforts won’t suffer self-sabotage from an immature attitude, and mighty obstacles will be no match for a truly ambitious will.

Lou Holtz, one of the most successful college football coaches in history, said, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

Caption Contest 2017.6 and a Winner Announced!

Congratulations to the winner of the recent Caption Contest 2017.5! Here is the winning entry:

Jose Paradis said...

Airlines announce overbooking solution and option to make flying more affordable. "Super Cheap Basic Frugal Saver fares". The most basic fare with incredible and affordable options that add value to the passenger experience. Premium add-ons include option to purchase "More Breathing Room" and have the privilege of not having an overbooked passenger sitting on you for the duration of the flight.

*Upgrade starts at just $400+ per leg of your trip. Book now!

Jose: Simply comment on this blog with your mailing address (which will remain confidential) and you'll receive a free, autographed copy of Chris Brady's book, A Month of Italy. Congratulations!

And now, without further delay, let's get to the new caption contest. The winner will receive a signed copy of PAiLS, by Chris Brady. Good luck!

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

The Three Categories of Personal Effectiveness

In Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward's New York Times best-selling book, Launching a Leadership Revolution, they introduce a concept called the Trilateral Leadership Ledger as a way to help leaders self-assess their effectiveness and track their progress. This excerpt below is taken directly from the book. 

The Three Categories of Personal Effectiveness

On the left vertical scale of the chart below is the ranking of the effectiveness of the leader, with 10 being perfect and 0 being dismal. Across the bottom horizontal scale are the categories of leadership effectiveness. It should be the goal of a leader to grow in the mastery of each of these three areas. 

Character

We can’t emphasize this too much: nobody lacking character will succeed in a meaningful way.

One of the first things a person on the leadership development journey should understand is that there is intrinsic value in developing character even if one never obtains external results from one’s endeavors. This is because who one becomes is much more important than what one accomplishes.

For the purpose of using the Trilateral Leadership Ledger and gauging personal growth, character in this case is considered to include:

1. Honesty
2. Integrity
3. Courage
4. Proper values based on absolute truths
5. Faith
6. A humble spirit
7. Patience with others
8. Discipline
9. Self-mastery    

In What to Say When You Talk to Your Self, Shad Helmstetter writes, “Mastering one’s future must surely start with managing one’s self.” John MacArthur observes, “Self-control is absolutely vital to lasting success in any endeavor of life. Many people do attain a degree of prominence on the strength of sheer natural talent alone. But the real, influential leaders are the ones who devote themselves to personal discipline and make the most of their gifts.” That is what this category of personal effectiveness is all about.

Tasks

The Tasks category simply represents the ability to get things done. It comprehends all the concepts of “Work”. No leader can succeed without the ability to execute tasks. For assessing a leader’s effectiveness and monitoring growth, the Tasks category includes:

1. Acceptance of responsibility
2. Work ethic
3. Availability
4. Willingness to invest time
5. Tenacity
6. Perseverance
7. Execution

Yitzhak Rabin, two-time prime minister of Israel and tireless worker for world peace, said of his boyhood, “Our home was permeated with a sense of mission. Work was considered a value in itself.” The Tasks category is the very embodiment of that statement.

Relationships

The Relationships category measures the ability to get along with and form lasting bonds with people. No leader can experience success alone. Such a situation precludes the very concept of leadership. Leaders must accomplish things through, with, and for people, and that can happen only with the ability to build
relationships. The Relationships category includes:

1. Accepting people
2. Approving of people
3. Appreciating people
4. Seeing the good in people
5. Encouraging people
6. Caring for and about people
7. Putting others first
8. Seeking win-win arrangements
9. Helping people accomplish tasks
10. Living the “Golden Rule”

Henry J. Kaiser said, “You seldom accomplish very much by yourself. You must get the assistance of others.” That is the focus of the Relationships category.

Personal growth is not an option for a leader. The Bible says that we will never be given more than we can handle. Therefore, if we want more, we must develop the capacity to handle more. The Trilateral Leadership Ledger is both a tool for instruction on the great principles of self-improvement and a tracking device for actual application. As leaders understand that their conduct is up to them and the amplification of their natural gifts is their responsibility, they will have set out on the path of personal growth and increased effectiveness. As they take charge of improving personally, leaders can next begin embracing the idea of increasing their influence with others.

For more information on the Trilateral Leadership Ledger, be sure to pick up a copy of Launching a Leadership Revolution, by Brady and Woodward, and review Chapter 4 in its entirety. 

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

Caption Contest 2017.4 and a Winner Announced!

Congratulations to the winner of the recent Caption Contest 2017.3! Here is the winning entry:

Todd Moser said...

"Not widely known, the comeback of the Patriots is even more amazing considering Tom Brady had three toes of his left foot broken when a referee inadvertantly stepped on them about halfway through the 3rd quarter. One photographer was able to catch the moment on film."

Todd: Simply comment on this blog with your mailing address (which will remain confidential) and you'll receive a free, autographed copy of Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward's book, Launching a Leadership Revolution. Congratulations!

And now, without further delay, let's get to the new caption contest. The winner will receive a copy of Financial Fitness, by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady. Good luck!

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

Your Legacy in One Sentence

How will you outlive your life? What will you be known for? The question of legacy stirs people’s hearts every single day. In Chris Brady’s critically acclaimed book, PAiLS, he defines and illustrates the meaning of legacy at its core in the final four chapters. In fact, one of his key commentaries can be found near the end, where he explains the formula for leaving a legacy in one sentence. Here is that section, lifted in its entirety:

One Sentence - by Chris Brady

George Washington won the Revolutionary War. Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. Billy Graham preached the gospel. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights. Roger Staubach played quarterback. Evel Knievel jumped motorcycles. Bill Cosby does family comedy. Pat Sajak hosts game shows. Henry Ford launched the auto industry. Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. Gandhi peacefully freed India. Nelson Mandela peacefully overcame apartheid. Lech Wałęsa founded Solidarity in Poland. Mother Teresa served the orphans and the dying in Calcutta. Phyllis Diller did comedy. Aretha Franklin is the Queen of Soul. Louis Armstrong brought in the Jazz Age. Lewis and Clark explored the West. Custer got massacred at his “last stand.”

This entirely random list of noteworthy people, both dead and contemporary, illustrates a profound insight. Clare Boothe Luce, the first American woman to become a major overseas ambassador for the United States, was also an accomplished author. She once told John F. Kennedy one of the most insightful statements anyone determined to live a meaningful life could hear: “A great man is one sentence.”

What she meant was that the accomplishments, example, or legacy of the greatest people can be summed up in one sentence. Each of the people listed in the paragraph above can have their entire life’s work summarized with just one phrase. I didn’t come up with those sentences myself. I played a little game with many different people and told them to respond with one sentence to describe each of the people on the list. What resulted was a strikingly similar list of answers. In some cases, you may note, the answers aren’t even exactly accurate. Nonetheless, that is how history has come to categorize what each person did, stood for, contributed, or accomplished.

When it comes to leaving a legacy, it might do you wonders to think through this idea of a single sentence to summarize your life.

If you died today, what do you think that sentence would be? What would you like it to be? Are they one and the same? Or is it too soon to tell? Perhaps you’ve got a single sentence you’d like to have said about you and your life’s contribution. If so, does that align with your current path and actions? If not, what changes do you need to make to get things heading in that direction?

By the way, nearly everyone desires to have a sentence such as “was a good mother,” “was a good dad,” “was a good husband,” etc. These are monumentally (excuse the pun) important. But having a sentence beyond that, something bigger, something more, is not a bad thing. Accomplishing something else significant does not have to come at the expense of being a wonderful family member. I say this because many people come up with nothing more than familial summarizations, and this is fine, as long as it doesn’t become an excuse to go no further with one’s life. For who’s to say what you were built to do except for you and your Creator? It’s up to you to discover and determine, and it might just surprise you!

What will be your legacy, in one sentence?

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

Caption Contest 2017.1 and a Winner Announced!

Chris Brady said, "It was HARD picking a winner for this caption contest, as several were very good!" But, we want to congratulate the winner of the recent Caption Contest 2016.12! Here is the winning entry:

Tiffany Day said...

"Whiskey Sour laboratories- patent pending."

With the runner up being, Anthony Darkangelo, who said...

"Seems weird now that yur sister did not show up."

Tiffany: Simply comment on this blog with your mailing address (which will remain confidential) and you'll receive a free, autographed copy of Beyond Financial Fitness, by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady. Congratulations!

And now, without further delay, the first Caption Contest of 2017! The winning entry will receive an autographed copy of Leadership Lessons from the Age of Fighting Sail, by Chris Brady.

(Click to enlarge)

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

Beyond Financial Fitness - Summary and Reviews

Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward went above and beyond the call of duty when they created the Beyond Financial Fitness Program. With decades of experience building businesses, investing, managing personal finances, developing security and prosperity for their families, and mentoring others to do the same, it’s safe to say that Brady and Woodward have the credibility and experience to teach people about the complex subject of money and wealth creation.

Excerpt and Overview of Beyond Financial Fitness:

The original Financial Fitness book and program introduced the three-part concept of the Offense, Defense, and Playing Field of personal finance, with an emphasis on eliminating consumer debt and taking basic steps toward saving. Now, the long-anticipated Beyond Financial Fitness builds on that platform by teaching how to maximize the potential of your various streams of income by properly accumulating an ever-growing portfolio of cash-flow-producing assets. Learn what money is truly for, how your greatest investment will always be yourself, how to organize your money flow into a hierarchy of assets, and how to get the power of compounding to work in your favor. Understand the Risk Factors working against you and how the “money game” is rigged in ways that are not in your favor. Finally, learn how to protect your gains while growing your financial security for the long term. 

Drawn from many of the greatest minds in the history of personal finance, Beyond Financial Fitness teaches you to gain mastery over your money once and for all through:

A Comprehensive Financial Plan:

• How you will earn
• How you will save
• How you will spend
• How you will borrow
• How you will invest your money

An Investment Policy:

• How to spell out your approach to investing
• How to turn your efforts into assets
• How to recognize risk factors working against you

An Asset Allocation Plan:

• How much money to keep in different investment categories
• How to understand the risks of assets relative to each other
• How to diversify and allocate your assets

The program is available in both physical and digital formats and includes the Beyond Financial Fitness book and comprehensive workbook, an audio version of the book and several single audios, two DVD's, and a bookmark and decal.

Here are some comments from satisfied customers of Beyond Financial Fitness:

“Beyond Financial Fitness is an excellent and balanced view of investing and markets and where they should fit in your overall financial life. It cleared up several misunderstandings I had of markets and certain instruments. I have made several course corrections based on the book, and have plans for future changes once certain milestones are reached.” – Marc Page

"Beyond Financial Fitness is a resource that has provided me with a sense of relief, clarity, and empowerment. As I dove into the pack, I found unbiased information that has helped me answer questions that I've had for years about what to do with our money. I find myself returning to the information again and again. Beyond Financial Fitness contains simple steps that have helped me make better financial decisions almost immediately. In contrast to an appointment with my financial adviser, I now feel more in control of my financial decisions.  Plus, I have confidence that learning from authors with uncommon financial results will help catapult me toward my own financial success." - Matt Mielke

"We have used and are still using and applying what we have learned in the Beyond Financial Fitness Program. The tools cover such a wide spectrum of financial education and are designed to help the average person comprehend complex topics so much easier. I have enjoyed sharing this with family and friends. I love how it even incorporates education on the inside of the book sleeve and I have it in my office as a constant reminder." - Steve Duba

"I love how the Beyond Financial Fitness Program is designed for anyone of any financial level or status. The information applies to anyone - from basic insurances one should have to protect themselves, their family, and property, to in depth and easy to understand explanations of various investment opportunities. I also love how Beyond Financial Fitness provides the risk and reward levels and tax advantages of investments." - Scott Coons

"We appreciate how Beyond Financial Fitness is so much less about following markets, trends, and timing, and more about taking a methodic dollar-cost-averaging approach to building assets over time. Thanks for taking seemingly complex financial concepts and various instruments, and siphoning them down in a way we can understand, as well as the level of risk involved to help us better determine whether to invest in a given area. We would be well advised to make our 'Beyond Financial Fitness' pack our 'best friend forever'! in other words; make our BFF our BFF!" - John and Penny Graff

"The Beyond Financial Fitness Program is the perfect next step in gaining financial wisdom. It makes simple to understand what the financial world makes complex and confusing, for their benefit, and to our detriment. By really understanding asset classes along with applying the risk meter, we can make intelligent financial decisions that will have a huge, life changing impact on our future. If this is studied, absorbed, and learned, it will be truly a life altering investment in ones future. I can't say enough good about what Life is doing in the area of encouraging a thirst for knowledge to gain financial freedom. I believe the Financial Fitness products are the best out there. They are the only ones that seem complete with all of the correct principles and values, in a simple to understand format." - Rick Amdahl 

You’ve worked enough for money – now it’s time to get it working for you!

For more information on Beyond Financial Fitness, click here. 

(Posted by Kristen Seidl, on behalf of Chris Brady)

The information presented on this blog and in any of its videos is for general educational purposes only, and provides information the authors believe to be accurate on the subject matter covered.  It is presented here with the understanding that neither the authors nor the publisher are providing advice for any particular portfolio or for any individual's particular situation, or rendering investment advice or other professional services such as legal or accounting advice.  If expert advice in areas that include investment, legal, and accounting are needed, please seek a competent professional's services.

This publication may make reference to performance data collected over various periods of time.  Remember that past results do not guarantee future performance.  Performance data, as well as laws and regulations, change over time, which could affect the applicability of the information presented on this blog and its videos.  Any data presented herein is used merely to illustrate the underlying principles.

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