Paul Epstein’s Post

How often do you find yourself caught up in the idea of leaving a legacy? We often believe that to live a meaningful life, we must leave behind something grand or monumental. But what if we set aside the pressure of legacy and instead turned inward? What if we listened to that quiet voice within—the flicker that urges us to follow our passions and pursue our ideas? Where might that lead us? --- Victoria Labalme Could it be just as meaningful, if not more, than the legacy we leave behind?

One of the unsung heroes of a football team is the defensive cornerback. This player has the crucial task of guarding the receiver, often in high-pressure situations. The mentality of a cornerback is something I believe can help us cultivate grit and master resilience. When I talk about the "cornerback mentality," here's how it can enable us to not just win on Monday but every day beyond... 👇

Consider this: When your actions are a mirror image of your values, every setback is less of a roadblock and more of a detour on the path to success. Why? Because you're not just working towards something; you're working towards something that matters deeply to you. The Harvard Business Review highlights that individuals who align their professional lives with their personal values are significantly more productive and content. They don't just bounce back; they leap forward because their foundation is unshakeable. So ask yourself, do your goals reflect what you stand for? Do your actions resonate with your inner compass? If not, it's time for a recalibration. It's time to ensure that the resilience you build isn't just about enduring but about thriving in a way that's true to you. As we navigate the complexities of our careers and lives, let's not just be resilient in the face of adversity. Let's be resilient because our actions and goals are rooted in our core values. That's not just resilience; that's unstoppable momentum.

It's hard to serve people you don't care about. The prerequisite to leadership, then? Care about your people. 👇 --- Anton J. Gunn

During the pandemic, one word echoed across all sides of the news—unprecedented. It was used to promote fear, stress, and anxiety, making us feel less gritty, less resilient, less scrappy. Now, when you hear the word "unprecedented," it suggests you haven’t been here before. And I still see people using it in their day-to-day lives when facing challenging situations. But ask yourself—have you felt fear, anxiety, or stress before? Of course you have. If you're in the middle of your own "unprecedented time," full of fear or stress of the unknown, unsure of how to tackle tomorrow, this mindset hack is for you. 👇

If money were no object, what path would you take? Would you stay on your current career trajectory, remain in the same industry, and stick with your organization? It's a question that goes beyond financial security to the heart of what truly motivates us. The concept of purpose and meaning in our work is often seen as a luxury, but the reality is that its impact on business success is becoming increasingly evident. The connection between purpose and profit is not just anecdotal; it's backed by solid data. Consider this: purpose-driven companies have been shown to outperform the S&P by a staggering 400 percent. Employees who are driven by purpose are 225 percent more productive than their counterparts. And when it comes to consumer preferences, nine out of ten times, people choose to spend their money with companies that align with their values. These statistics paint a clear picture: purpose is not just a "nice to have," it's a crucial driver of business success. So, when you think about what you would do if money were no object, consider the power of purpose in guiding your decision. It's not just about personal fulfillment; it's about contributing to a thriving, purpose-driven ecosystem in the business world.

Is there a difference between being bold and brave in business? At first glance, these two words might not seem particularly relevant to the business world. But after chatting with BRIAN LAFEMINA on the Win Monday podcast, I’m convinced that boldness and bravery are essential in the workplace. Here’s why it’s crucial:

You might have seen endless advice online about what makes high achievers successful, like: 💤 Waking up at 5 a.m. ❄ Taking cold showers 🧘♂️ Meditating for an hour daily 👕 Wearing the same outfit every day (yes, Steve Jobs, we’re looking at you) I’m here to tell you that there are no silver bullets in that list. While I appreciate an early start and a simplified wardrobe, these habits alone don’t make someone a top performer. The true key to success is mastery of your INNER game. I call it a compass...a compass that can AND WILL change your life. To unlock your compass, dive into my new newsletter 👇

Love both planes. It's the measurement of a truly fulfilling life. That's exactly what this past week was for me. It started as a trip to Denver for National Speakers Association annual conference. Within minutes of hotel lobby bear hugs I knew it was something different. You pour your heart into an industry (and people), it comes back to you in ways you never imagined. What followed? Lot of coffee meets, dinner meets, hallway strategy sessions, adult beverages, mentoring conversations, year overdue catch ups, and more.  The ballroom is great. It's the cake. But the icing (side stuff above) is pretty awesome too. It's often what you remember more years later. 🤔 Insight I think about: is the icing REALLY the cake? What was next? I missed my fam (more than words can describe) and decided to make a better decision faster to bolt home. THOSE bear hugs were priceless. School pickup is heaven (sounds crazy to type that but it's real). Playing monster trucks with little man right after a trip is something I think about the entire flight home. ❤️ ✈ Love both planes. Love WHY you go to work. Love WHY you go home.  🥂 to us all loving both planes. And for those (pictured and not) it was AWESOME seeing you in Denver Naren Aryal Aaron Knipp Jennifer Lier Meta Jane Nelson Tim Mathy Shawn Hanks Jenny Michaels DeRosse Sterling Hawkins Alan Stein, Jr. Rachel Sheerin, CPBA Rachel DeAlto, CSP, JD Michelle Joyce Martin Perelmuter Gail Davis John Chen, CSP® Rory Vaden, MBA CSP CPAE Anton J. Gunn Elle Petrillo Katrina Mitchell

Ready to transform your tomorrows? It all starts tonight. Statistics show that a staggering 92% of people fail to achieve their goals, not for lack of effort, but for lack of preparation. Your morning success begins with your nighttime routine. End your day with intention, and you'll start the next one with momentum. Lay out your priorities for the next day, visualize your goals, and you're already stepping into the winner's circle while the world sleeps. Think about it – while most are winding down, you're setting up. While they're unplugging, you're charging up for the next day's victories. This isn't just about to-do lists; it's about setting a mindset that says, 'I'm ready, I'm set, I will conquer.' So tonight, take ten minutes. Plan your attack. Know your targets. Sleep on your strategy. Wake up not just with the sun, but with a plan that's ready to fire. Tomorrow's wins are earned today. Let's get prepped. Let's get ahead. Let's win the day before it even starts.