Month: October 2016

I’m Sorry

On By seancovellIn Health and Wellness, Politics1 Comment

What are you truly sorry for? What do you regret? Sometimes the words “I’m sorry” can start a person, or two people out on a whole new path. Being that life is all about seeking out what paths to take to better the living standards of you and your loved ones, I believe that it’s good to be honest about where you are and the mistakes you have made. Once the truth is established, lessons can be learned from mistakes that were made. The list that follows is me being honest with my own shortcomings. I present them not to relive the past or dwell upon my defeats. Rather, I’m writing this list so that I may start a journey of radical transparency with myself. My hope is that through this honesty and disclosure that I will identify patterns within myself and embark on a whole new path- one that leads me in a direction when my regrets are few and my successes are great.

I’m sorry that sickness and death has befallen my family. Though it’s not my fault, I haven’t done everything in my power to prevent it.

I’m sorry that I have so often lost my temper when it would have been just as easy to remain calm.

I’m sorry for speaking things that were clearly intended to be offensive rather than remaining quiet.

I’m sorry for not speaking up for ideas and people when I could and should have.

I’m sorry that I have failed to lead certain people in a way that would benefit them.

I’m sorry that I have been defeated in hitting certain goals (although I still have time.)

I’m sorry that certain relationships I have been a part of have soured.

I’m sorry that I have so often failed to reach my potential in certain areas.

I’m sorry that I have not always poured it on or played 100% while doing something.

I’m sorry that I have let certain people down in their expectations of me.

I’m sorry that I have often failed to see the good in people before identifying their negative traits.

I’m sorry that I have failed to convince people to take action that would have benefited them.

I’m sorry that I have not been as successful as I know I can be.

I’m sorry that I have let fear pervade my thinking in the past.

I’m sorry that I have focused on scarcity instead of abundance.

I’m sorry that I have failed to convince more being about taking up the cause of liberty and self-reliance.

I’m sorry that I didn’t have a philosophy for life earlier on.

I’m sorry that I have yelled at my children and wife.

I’m sorry that I have neglected to take action when it was demanded of me.

I’m sorry that I have had such low standards for myself in the past.

I’m sorry for all the times I wasn’t joyful even though it was in my power to feel joy.

I’m sorry for the bad investments I have made.

I’m sorry for not following the “Golden Rule” 100% of the time.

I’m sorry that I have not expanded my network nor my thinking as quickly as I should have.

I’m sorry that I have not stood up against tyranny and the ideology of aggression as steadfastly as I could have.

I’m sorry that I have not done more to expose others to philosophies that could help them.

I’m sorry that I haven’t read as much as I could have in my lifetime.

I’m sorry that I didn’t focus as much as I could have in school.

I’m sorry that I have acted in ways that, in hindsight I believe are shameful.

I’m sorry that I have fed the beast of fear, anxiety and defeat rather than courage, success and joy.

May I never fall into the same patterns that led me to these regrets. May I also live in accordance with the philosophies that I know will lead to fulfillment and growth. I wish the same upon you also.
In health,

Who Will Make It This Year?

On By seancovellIn business, Health and Wellness, PoliticsLeave a comment

The globalized marketplace has changed so much that millions of workers and business owners are struggling to keep up with the changing times. The marketplace now consists of billions of workers, many of whom are able to telecommute, and work in multiple countries from anywhere in the world. Employers seek out skills from not only their local community, but from around the globe. Millions of workers still struggle with this fact and have been slow to adapt. Worse, with rising debt across the globe, nations are forced to extract more wealth from producers, making it even more difficult to prosper. Inflation of the money supply only amplifies the problems. The U.S. dollar is worth only 3% of what it was back in 1913. So what needs to happen? Who will make it in the coming years and decades? Here are my predictions about who will thrive in the new economy.

-Business owners who are intent on taking their customers to the next level. Also, employees who will take their companies to the next level will thrive. As the competition for great labor increases, employers will look to hire only those that can further their businesses. They will not spend time training average employees.

-Those who do not have to be told (or reminded) to perform tasks required of their job. Those who perform at a high level are those who do not need to be told what to do after they have been trained. They instinctively know what is right for them and the marketplace.

-Those who would wake up early, work late and grind out hard work rather than party with friends. So many people believe their job is not part of their “real life,” so they don’t play full out and make excuses for why they don’t succeed. I’m here to tell you that as long as you’re working, your job is part of your “real life,” so show up early, stay late and outperform those around you.

-People dedicated to self-improvement. The marketplace is not welcoming of stagnation. Only people who want to go to the next level will make it.

-People who get obsessed with delivering value to others. Those who love their clients, coworkers and purpose will thrive.

-Individuals who work harder than they get paid for. If your boss says work starts at 9am, those who show up at 8:45 will find they still have a place in the business when and if cuts to labor are necessary. Those who show up late will be cut without hesitation.

-People who seek out opportunities—to invest, to grow, to have more responsibilities. Those who are okay with the status quo will be left choking on dust of self-pity and regret.

-Those who read daily to improve their skill set, enhance creativity and build the discipline of study will do well.

-Those who sleep when they are done, not when they are tired. I find that many people today would rather sleep, drink and party than go out and take action. Rest is fine, when you are done. Rest is not the reason you were put here on Earth. Although it feels good to stay in bed, what does it say about you if that is your favorite thing to do? Not much.

-Those who hold self-reliance in high regard. The highest form of success is truly self-reliance. It’s a lost art today, but it must be instilled into everyone that they must produce in the world so that others and themselves may benefit. The real way to love your fellow man is to work hard to enhance their life by performing in the marketplace.

-Those who play full out, with massive energy and positive attitude. These are things that all employers, lovers and partners are looking for.

-People who pride themselves on doing better and adapting themselves every single day. Our globalized marketplace changes so often and sometimes without notice, only those who seek to do better every single day will be able to adapt quickly enough to succeed.

-Those who do not complain about what is happening in their life, but instead work daily to improve upon the things they can change.

-People who smile and show up well dressed and ready to work. Rolling out of bed, looking like a slob will not have a place in the new economy. Unless you are a genius hacker or coder, I suggest you shower, put on decent clothes and make it a point to smile. I’ve never seen someone not get the job for dressing too nice.

-Those who surround themselves with people who are better than they are at something. I believe firmly that you become the sum of the five people you most associate with. Could it be that it’s time to be a bit more discerning about who you spend time with?

-Lastly, those who are obsessed and have a purpose. Only those with some form of obsession towards improving themselves and hitting goals will make it in the new economy. Those who are indifferent, would rather hang out with friends, be distracted and watch TV will be left behind. They will always wonder why others are doing well while they struggle.

That’s my list. Maybe it’s time to evaluate where you are. As a business owner, I know that I do. I never stop thinking about how I can evolve. I suggest you do the same.

In liberty and health,
Sean

Be Future-Focused

On By seancovellIn business, Health and WellnessLeave a comment

Some scholars and philosophers suggest that paying too much attention to the future is what causes most of the stress and anxiety in humans. There are entire schools of thought that preach we must be “present”-focused to have a high quality of life. While I do agree that anxiety is giving too much importance on future events and that we should all be grateful for what we have and can enjoy in the present, I strongly disagree with these schools that say we must be focused solely on the present. I believe the lack of a compelling future is what causes most people anxiety and stress. In other words, worry comes from a lack of hope and not paying enough attention to the future. From my experience and the experience of many of my successful, happy friends and mentors, the biggest commonality between them is that they are constantly focused on the future. They are designing their life and taking massive action so that their future is brighter and more compelling than today.

This is not to say these fulfilled people are not grateful for what they currently have, they are. These people enjoy every moment of life. I know some people so enthusiastic and so animated that you can feel their energy permeating the space around them. These people are able to suck the marrow out of life because they are enjoying the present, but are always mindful and preparing for the future. This type of preparation takes an incredible amount of discipline. However, that discipline allows them to use the stress of the future to design and build an incredible life. Throughout history, those who have been incredible successful in any area of life—marriage, business, health, money—they all have understood the power of anticipation. If you are pulled towards future, mindful of what may be in store, you can prepare yourself and your loved ones.

Being future focused is like laying the concrete foundation for a building. Preparations must be made for the future building so that it can last. The engineers and builders are taking massive actions so that their creation will last throughout the years. Let me suggest to you this is like your life. You are the engineer and the builder. Prepare for the future; design a future life that is so compelling, you can’t help but smile. Then, take MORE action than necessary to ensure that what you design will come to fruition. Yes, be mindful and grateful towards the present, but be future-focused. After all, the present will be the past in a moment. Being focused on the future will give you the ultimate fulfillment.

Give Me Problems

On By seancovellIn business, Health and WellnessLeave a comment

One thing that I’ve learned in life is to not ask for fewer problems. Life is too dynamic, the universe too unstable for us as humans not to experience problems. No, problems will come. Everyday. I will no doubt encounter some obstacle that I have to overcome to reach an outcome. So, I’ve learned to not ask for fewer problems—to do so is pointless. I do, however, ask that I experience newer problems. You see, I hate old problems. They frustrate me to no end. They show me that I haven’t grown as a person, or that I just have not cared enough or put enough effort in to getting the old problem solved. Old problems stop me from fulfilling my potential, my greatest fear.

New problems, on the other hand, show me that I am in fact growing. I love new challenges, new obstacles waiting for me to overcome. I want new problems every single day and I believe you should as well. You may be thinking that you want a life free from problems. One doesn’t exist. In fact, as you grow and as you take on more responsibilities in your life, you will encounter even more problems. That’s the formula: the more you grow, the more problems you will face. Just ask that they be NEW problems, not the same old ones. That’s the true measure of growth. As an exercise (and just for fun) I’ve listed many old problems below and then what a new problem would be instead. You see, they are both problems, but which ones would you rather face?

Old Problem: sales or income are flat. New Problem: the cash register is overflowing.

Old Problem: My car won’t start and it’s filthy. New Problem: I can’t decide which car to buy.

Old Problem: I can’t keep a relationship. New Problem: Everyone wants to date me.

Old Problem: My strength is lacking. New Problem: It takes too long to re-rack all the weight plates after my sets.

Old Problem: There’s dirt all over my room. New Problem: It smells so clean I can’t stand it.

Old Problem: I don’t communicate well. New Problem: People won’t stop talking to me.

Old Problem: I can’t lose fat. New Problem: I have to spend hundreds for new, smaller clothes.

Don’t ask for fewer problems into your life. Ask for newer ones.

In health,

Sean

On Virtue

On By seancovellIn business, Health and Wellness, PoliticsLeave a comment

I’m going to talk about virtue in this essay… stick with me.

When’s the last time you heard the word virtue? Maybe you remember the term from philosophy class in high school or college? What do you think of when you hear the word? I bring up virtue, or moral excellence (high moral standards), because it’s something I think about often. It’s such an important ingredient to living a fulfilling life. Virtue is also needed when building a great family or relationship. I think virtue is even more important in building a lasting business that serves the marketplace. Something I ponder, the same question the ancient Greeks raised: “Can you live a successful life without being a virtuous person?” Our society’s current standard for what success is has virtue so far removed from it. I think we must move in a direction as a people that declares the only successful life is one lived with virtue. Ironically, if there is one value lacking in society today, it would be virtue.

I believe that businesses especially must return to the philosophy that virtue—incredibly high moral standards are the cornerstone of a successful, lasting business. Sure, anyone can make money off of other people by scamming them or selling them inferior products or services, but that kind of business will never last in a marketplace that values integrity and quality. The truth is that we all demand integrity and quality from others, and that is where most people truly fail. You must demand integrity from yourself. If you value morality in people, in the marketplace and in society, you must first demand it from yourself. You can never ask someone to have certain ideals that you yourself do not exhibit.

Likewise, as a business owner, I can never ask my employees to have virtue unless I first demand it from myself, and I do. I make it a discipline to reflect every night on whether I exhibited virtue throughout the day. Was I someone that other people could learn from and look up to? Did I lead my staff in a way that I would want them to lead others? Did I act in accordance with who I really am and who I want to be? Or, did I allow myself to slip? Being mindful of my successes and my shortcomings regarding virtue is something that allows me to grow as a person of character.

There can be no success without virtue. No relationship or business will last, business or otherwise if both parties do not have a high regard for integrity and moral standards. Every good person interested in the well being of themselves and others seeks to live in a world of harmony and goodness. So, a good place to start is by asking every day: “Who am I?” “What type of person was I today?” “Did I act in a way that others would see as virtuous?” “Am I proud of my actions as a leader, an employee, as a lover or a parent?” These questions, if reflected upon daily, can guide you to leading to a life of incredible integrity and fulfillment—a life of virtue.

Sean