Category Archives: Life Lessons

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60 Life Lessons in 60 Years: A Guide to Winning in Business and Thriving in Life

Winding asphalt road through low country countryside at sunrise, symbolizing the journey of life and business with 60 years of wisdom lighting the way

As someone who recently celebrated their 60th birthday, with over 40 years of business experience, 30 years as a life mentor, and a decade as an ICF certified and accredited business and life coach, I’ve learned that success in business and fulfillment in life are deeply intertwined.

Today, I’m sharing 60 invaluable lessons I’ve gathered over the years to help you win in business and thrive in life. These insights cover everything from faith and family to finances and fun, providing a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

60 Life Lessons for Business Success and Personal Fulfillment

Faith and Spirituality in Business and Life

  1. The best decisions I’ve made in life and business have occurred after spending time on my knees in prayer.
  2. Trusting God is a lot easier when you are out of options. Spiritual maturity is learning to trust God in all things.
  3. Starting the morning in prayer with an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving sets the stage for a great day.

Building Strong Relationships

  1. You were not created to do life on your own; building and nurturing relationships is a wise investment that pays huge dividends.
  2. Never stop dating your spouse and doing the things that won their heart.
  3. Presents are nice, but time with family and friends are the best gifts.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

  1. It’s ok to not yet know what your purpose in life is. It’s never ok to not be pursuing what it is.
  2. We never drift toward positive or healthy things in life.
  3. Your twenties is a time for exploration and discovery. Don’t be in a hurry to know what you’re supposed to do in life.

Leadership and Professional Development

  1. The best mentors are those who have been mentored themselves.
  2. Being five minutes early communicates you respect someone else’s time more than your own.
  3. Ego and pride provide confidence and bravado in some circumstances but they can also be barriers that prevent people from getting to know you who you truly are.

Cultivating Gratitude and Kindness

  1. A handwritten thank you note communicates far more than just your appreciation.
  2. Kindness is contagious, be known for spreading it wherever you go.
  3. A random text or call to just let someone know you’re thinking about them and have prayed for them makes them feel special and reveals you are a good friend.

Embracing Life’s Simple Pleasures

  1. Don’t be so busy that you miss God’s handiwork on display… sunrises and sunsets occur daily, not just things to take in while on vacation.
  2. A casual dinner with friends at someone’s home is far better evening out at some busy restaurant.
  3. Impromptu slow dances in the kitchen and kisses say I love you in a language of its own.

Nurturing Relationships

  1. Never let a week go by without checking in with your spouse. A great question to ask is: “Have I done or said something which left you feeling unappreciated or didn’t convey to you how much I love you?”
  2. We were not meant to do life on our own… Hebrews 10:24-25 declares this, and I profess it’s true. Find your community… and then help each other thrive.
  3. There will be a time when you just don’t have the words to share with a friend who is experiencing heartache. But in the silence your presence will speak volumes about how much you care.

Personal Development and Self-Care

  1. It’s really true, on those days when you don’t feel like exercising, if you give it five minutes, 90% of the time you will accomplish your objective for the day.
  2. Not liking what you see in the mirror just means there is some work to do. Embrace it, create a plan to change what you see, and be willing to set aside your pride if you need some assistance.
  3. When you’re trying to determine if something should be part of your life ask, “is this ‘thing‘ hindering me or helping me become the person I want to be?” Once you have the answer… act accordingly.

Financial Wisdom and Material Possessions

  1. Many of the material things you think ‘you have to have’ will one day end up being sold at a garage sale or donated to a charity.
  2. Pursuing shortcuts and attempting to fast-track results rarely work in your favor. Put forth the effort, trust the process, and embrace the journey.

Time Management and Prioritization

  1. God’s Word teaches us to number our days. Focus on the people and things that matter most in your life and don’t dwell on naysayers or sweat the small stuff.
  2. Always have something on your calendar that you are looking forward to. And it doesn’t have to be a vacation, it can be time with a good friend.
  3. Make it a priority to spend your time doing things you enjoy, with people you enjoy, and figuring out how to do very little of what you don’t like.

Pursuing Passions and Purpose

  1. The best hobbies are ones that can be shared with others. This can be giving away what you create or doing things with people you enjoy spending time with.
  2. Cody Johnson’s lyric is spot on… if you have a dream chase it, because a dream won’t chase you back. 
  3. There will come a time when making a difference in life matters more than achieving success… the sooner this occurs the happier you will be.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

  1. Setbacks are inevitable, so when one occurs apply the five ‘R’s’ – Rest, Regroup, Recalibrate, Refocus, and then Relaunch.
  2. Losing or failing at something you try is inevitable… no one succeeds 100% of the time. But failure occurs when you don’t try or don’t apply the lessons learned.
  3. Don’t say, “One day you’ll do something’ for too long, because there will come a day when you won’t physically be able to do it.”

Fostering Trust and Integrity

  1. People will come to know who you truly are not by what you say, but by what they see you do.
  2. Honor all your commitments big and small, they build a foundation of trust and confidence that is appealing to friends and business colleagues alike.
  3. Always be kind and remember to say thank you to those serving you, they deserve it and it just might make their day.

Embracing Growth and Change

  1. Fight the urge to rush becoming who you think you are supposed to be… it takes time to discover the real you and the passion that lives within.
  2. Don’t be afraid to try new things, different experiences, and explore hobbies that interest you. Life gets pretty monotonous doing the same things year after year.
  3. Spiritual growth is a journey that never ends this side of Heaven.

Cultivating Empathy and Understanding

  1. I’ve rarely regretted giving someone the benefit of doubt, but I usually regret jumping to conclusions.
  2. A high percentage of people you meet in life have a burden they’re carrying. It may be something they’re carrying themselves or something they are helping a loved one carry. Be kind and empathetic.
  3. Giving someone the benefit of the doubt before they have earned it says a lot about you and your approach to life.

Balancing Independence and Interdependence

  1. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it signifies self-awareness.
  2. When you are in the midst of challenges, fight the urge to go it alone. God has placed people in your life to guide and encourage you, seek their counsel.
  3. A mentor won’t find you; you must find your mentors. Don’t know where to look… start with someone who has already accomplished what you want to do. And see if they will share their story of how they did.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

  1. You will rarely have a bad day when you make it a priority to make other people smile and feel good about themselves.
  2. For many people it is harder to forgive yourself than it is to forgive someone else. But freedom is found when we cultivate a forgiving heart.
  3. Make sure the people you love also know how much you believe in them.

Maintaining Perspective

  1. Life is short. The days go slow and years go fast, prioritize building relationships over building wealth.
  2. Every marriage is comprised of two imperfect people. And the sooner those imperfect people learn the value of grace and forgiveness the happier they’ll be.
  3. A house will never feel like a home without people to share it with.

Embracing Authenticity and Transparency

  1. If left to ourselves we can rationalize everything and justify almost anything. This is why we need people in our life who will tell us what we need to hear and not just what we want to hear.
  2. Transparency leads to transparency, but someone has to go first… be bold, share your story and watch what happens next.
  3. Collect pictures and create photo albums, especially the ones handed down to you. They are filled with stories that should be preserved and shared.

Living with Intention

  1. The more clearly defined your core values are, the easier it is to make decisions you won’t regret.
  2. Fight the urge to keep a scorecard in your marriage with regard to household tasks. Things will rarely be equal. So, do what you can do when you have the margin and then work together to tackle the rest.
  3. No one is guaranteed tomorrow; so, never leave an ‘I love you’ left unsaid!
  4. “Divine Appointments” and “God Winks” await us each day, we must make sure we are not so busy or self-absorbed that we miss them.

Applying These Lessons to Your Life and Business

These 60 life lessons offer a wealth of wisdom for both personal growth and professional success. As a business owner or corporate executive, integrating these insights into your daily life can lead to more meaningful relationships, better decision-making, improved work-life balance, and a deeper sense of purpose.

At Tom Martin Coaching and Consulting, I can help you apply these life lessons to achieve your goals and find fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, enhance your leadership skills, or find more balance in your life, I’m here to guide you on your journey.

Remember, success is not just about achieving goals, but about becoming the best version of yourself in the process. By embracing these lessons, you’re taking a significant step towards winning in business and thriving in life.

Ready to transform your business and life?

Contact Tom Martin today for a personalized consultation: . And learn more how these timeless lessons can help you achieve the success and fulfillment you deserve.

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Embrace the Power of One Word 365: A Transformative Approach to Goal Setting for 2024

Thirteen years ago, I was introduced to One Word 365 when I read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life. And to say that the book lived up to its title would be an understatement.

It wasn’t just the intriguing title that captured my curiosity, but the compelling promise within the introduction that convinced me to make the purchase:

“If we could give you one thing that would improve your life in incredible ways, would you receive it? And if this one thing was so intuitive and easy to use that you would be crazy not to try it… would you give it a shot?”

As December of 2010 rolled in, I found myself in a challenging period. The year had thrown various obstacles my way, both personally and professionally. While the dealership was thriving, my battle with Merkel Cell cancer, which had metastasized, required three surgeries and over sixty radiation treatments. The toll it took on me was undeniable.

My instinct was always to power through challenges, but cancer brought a different kind of exhaustion. That’s when “One Word” entered my life, and, reflecting on my state, I chose the theme for the upcoming year – “Pause.” Little did I know that 45 days later, I would learn of my cancer’s return for the third time, now with a stage 4 diagnosis.

For me, the word “Pause” under those circumstances became synonymous with transformation.

Since that pivotal year, I’ve introduced the concept of One Word to family, friends, and interested business and life coaching clients.

The consensus?

Adopting a One Word 365 mindset brought clarity, purpose, power, and passion. All of which served as driving forces that kept their vision alive for the next 365 days.

But how can something so seemingly simple be so effective?

The answer lies in the power of words.

Words, when used thoughtfully and intentionally, possess transformative power. They inspire, motivate, and energize. Words can heal, encourage, and turn the seemingly impossible into the possible.

The magic of the One Word 365 mindset extends its impact to the core components of life, what I like to call the Six F’s:

Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, Fitness, and Fun!

And trust me… there is a word out there waiting for you.

Are you ready to embark on the transformative journey of One Word 365 for 2024? If so, download a FREE COPY of my One Word 365 Workbook which walks you through the process of selecting a word for 2024!

one-word-365-workbook-tom-martin-coaching

Want to learn more… check out this video and discover the potential that lies within a single, powerful word.

You see, when a compelling vision is combined with a single word that describes a desired outcome with laser-like focus… transformation occurs!

Here is a link to order your own copy of One Word That Will Change Your Life book! 

 

As you can see from the image above, I’m still contemplating what my One Word 365 for 2024 will be. That’s ok, sometimes it takes time! Check back next week, and I will post my word along with why it is important to me for 2024. 

And if you need some assistance getting started with One Word 365 for 2024… let’s chat!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024! 

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Don’t Waste Another Day – Discover How to Get Out of a Rut Once and for All

silhouette of man lost in thought, stuck and in a rut, looking out over downtown Atlanta skyline at night, tom martin life coach and business coaching Roswell Georgia

I’ll admit it… I was in a rut.

I had just returned from a great two-week vacation in Hilton Head Island where we were able to spend time with both sides of our families.

But when I returned, it was as if I left my mojo at the beach.  

Everything seemed to be a struggle…

  • Two new coaching clients that I was excited to start working with put things on hold until 4th quarter.
  • An exciting opportunity for a non-profit I’m a board member of fell through in the final stages of the due diligence period.
  • I was behind my timeline for having materials ready for the launch of my Leveraging Life Now mastermind group.

I could go on, but you get the picture, everything was a chore, and little was working as I had envisioned.

  • Have you ever been there?
  • Have you ever felt that way?  

The one thing I knew was that something had to change… me and my mindset!  

Fortunately, this wasn’t the first time, and I had a bit of experience on how to break free of a rut. Here is my strategy, what I call the A,B,C’s + a “D” on how to get out of a rut! 

Acknowledge your feelings…

The first step to getting out of a rut is to acknowledge that you’re in one. This can be difficult, but it’s important to be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling.

Be curious about yourself and what’s missing…

Once you’ve acknowledged that you’re in a rut, start to ask yourself some questions about why you’re there. What are the factors that are contributing to your situation? What are you afraid of? What are you holding yourself back from?

Create a plan…

Once you have a better understanding of the reasons for your rut, you can start to create a plan for getting out of it. Start with small, take baby steps at first that provide traction and create momentum. And make sure your plan features specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-sensitive steps.

Don’t go it alone…

Getting out of a rut isn’t always easy. The human brain gets stuck in its ways. It can be difficult to hold ourselves accountable. Friends and family are often supportive, but they don’t always provide the push we need when we’re stuck in a rut. 

Interested in Drilling Down a Bit Deeper?

Here are some specific actions you can take to get unstuck and break free of a rut:

  • Set small, achievable goals. When you’re feeling stuck, it can be helpful to start with small, achievable goals. This will help you build momentum and make it less daunting to start making changes.
  • Break down big goals into smaller steps. If you have a big goal that you want to achieve, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it seem less overwhelming and more achievable.
  • Reward yourself for your accomplishments. When you reach a goal, no matter how small, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
  • Find a support system. Having a support system of friends, family, or colleagues can be helpful when you’re trying to get out of a rut. They can offer encouragement and support when you need it.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to get out of a rut on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a therapist, life coach, or other professional.

Getting out of a rut takes time and effort, but it is definitely possible. By following these tips, you can start to break the cycle of stagnation and create a life that you love.

Here are some final thoughts to help you avoid any future ruts: 

  • Take care of your physical health. When you’re feeling healthy and well-rested, you’re better able to cope with stress and make positive changes in your life.
  • Spend time with loved ones. Social connection is important for our mental and emotional well-being. Make time for the people who matter most to you.
  • Do things that you enjoy. Make time for activities that make you happy and fulfilled. This could be anything from spending time in nature to reading a good book.
  • Challenge yourself. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can help you grow and learn. Try something new, even if it scares you a little bit.
  • Be patient with yourself. Change takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep moving forward and you will eventually reach your goals.

And don’t forget to Count Your Blessings!

Reflecting on the good things in your life, big or small each day is a powerful activity which helps us avoid ruts. And when you do this daily (I prefer in the morning before getting up) it will shift your perspective and you’ll feel more grateful and positive throughout the day. 

I hope these suggestions and practical tips help you get out of any rut you might be experiencing and put you on the path of creating a life where you both prosper and thrive!

Tom

Looking for additional resources…

Check out the Secrets to a New Life where Ed Mylett talks about how burnout, fatigued, and feeling overwhelmed are all symptoms of a much bigger problem that needs to be addressed. 

Secrets to a New Life Podcast on How to Get Out of a Rut from the Ed Mylett Show

Click the Image to Listen

Spend 20 minutes with Peak Performance Expert Ed Mylett and listen as he reveals the “disease” that is causing these symptoms and shares practical steps on how to get back on track! 

Or perhaps you are moving out of your rut but unsure what to do next… here are 3 Things To Do When You’re Unsure What To Do Next. 

Picture of a person unsure what to do with two arrows pointing the opposite directions

 

 

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Living Full Out

Radio Show Guest Appearance

I had a great time appearing with Nancy Solari on her nationally syndicated radio show, Living Full Out!tom-martin-coaching-living-full-out-radio

 

My Living Full Out episode, When You Believe You Can Overcome Limitations as You Live Full Out, originally aired on February 10th. Nancy and I discussed overcoming adversity and finding hope in the most challenging of circumstances. Plus we talked about the life lessons I’ve learned from battling merkel cell cancer three times and how this was a catalyst for me to leave the automotive industry and become a certified executive coach.

You can listen to the Living Full Out show using the Spreaker Audio player below. And you will find my two segments with Nancy starting at the 15-minute mark of the show. 

            

I share my story to share the life lessons I’ve learned along the way and even offer hope. You are not alone, and feel free to reach out with questions. You can learn more about my cancer journey on my blog and also in the Huffington Post feature, Voices of Strength – Stories of Survival.   

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Thanksgiving Prayer

thanksgiving-prayer-tommartincoaching

Thanksgiving Prayer

O God, when I have food…help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work…help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home…help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain…help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering;
…help me to destroy my complacency;
…bestir my compassion,
…and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed, those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Happy Thanksgiving

from Tom Martin Coaching!

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day is circled on most everyone’s calendar as a time for travel, a time for rest, and even a time to celebrate the begin of the Summer. Memorial Day weekend itineraries typically include family time, baseball games, tennis matches, picnics, barbecues, and maybe even a little time on the lake.

flags-headstones-cemetery

©iStockphoto/Rick Hyman

While there is no way to adequately say thank you to the families who have lost so much, there is something we all can do…

We can pray this Memorial Day.

  • We can pray a prayer of thanksgiving this Memorial Day for the men and women who lost their lives while to protect our country and our freedom.
  • We can pray a prayer of gratitude this Memorial Day for the families who sacrificed so much while they were away only to learn they were not coming home.
  • We can pray also say a prayer for protection this Memorial Day for all those who currently serve so they may stay out of harm’s way.

Psalm 23

 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

May God’s comfort and love be abundantly felt by all the families who have lost a loved one while serving in the Armed Forces this Memorial Day! 

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You Have Power Over Cancer

You Really Do

It’s “stage-four cancer“, were the words my oncologist shared with me on February 16, 2011. 

Learning you have cancer is a life-altering experience. Hearing your cancer has returned is unimaginably disheartening. But when you find out your cancer has returned for a third time with a stage-four diagnosis, it is devastating….especially if you’re going to propose the next week.

Power Over Cancer

Ironically cancer brought us together in the first place. Shari and I knew each other casually, but when my Merkel cell cancer returned for a second time she was one of the first people to reach out to me.

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Christmas Reflections

christmas-reflections

This is the time of year where our thoughts tend drift and we think of times gone by. For some Christmas reflections stir up the best of memories and for others those Christmas reflections conjure up pain and sorrow. It is especially important this time of year to be aware of those around us who may be burdened while most of us embrace a season of Christmas joy and cheer.

Who in your life do you know who is enduring a “first” Christmas experience this year?

  • Someone who lost a loved during the year.
  • Someone who is no longer married.
  • Someone who is experiencing a role-reversal and now is caring for a parent.
  • Someone who is looking for a job and is worried how they can navigate Christmas this year.
  • Someone whose child can not be home with them this year.
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Giving to People Who Give

BigDawsTv-Giving-To-People-Who-Give-Leveraging-Life

 What would you do if the person you were trying to help chose not to accept your gift and instead gave something back to you?

BigDawsTV is a major player in the social media arena, and his videos have garnered millions of views thanks to his creative thinking and sense of humor filming pranks and parody’s. Rather than trying to paraphrase the motivation for the filming of this video I thought I would share YouTube description which accompanies the video and then let you watch the video to see what happens when the camera rolls.

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Why Me cancer, Why Me?

why-me-cancer-leveraging-life

Photo Credit: donnareidland.com/

Recently a friend of mine shared with me an article written by former White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow, prior to his untimely death from cancer. In his article Tony shared his thoughts concerning his diagnosis with a potential fatal disease and the obvious question…why me cancer, why me?

Sadly our “why me” questions most likely will not not be answered to our satisfaction until we find ourselves in Heaven. Theses unanswered questions usually lead us to a fork in the road where we either blame God or learn to trust God in the midst of our “why me” circumstances.

I know in my three bouts with cancer I initially wallowed in the “why me” for quite some time, but eventually I was able to look past the diagnosis and place everything in God’s hands learning to trust God period in all things…even cancer.

Your journey, my journey may be unique, yet we share one thing in common…how do we answer the question:

What do you do when this is nothing you can do?

Well there is one thing we can do…we can journey together in community, supporting, caring, and praying for each other.

Leave a comment with your contact information at the bottom of the post to join the Leveraging Life community so we can journey together. This will offer all of us the opportunity to support one another and encourage each other to trust God period when we find ourselves in situations where questions are unanswered and anxiety is high.

unexpected-packages-leveraging-life

Cancer’s Unexpected Blessings

By: Tony Snow (1955 – 2008)

“Blessings arrive in unexpected packages, in my case – cancer.”

Those of us with potentially fatal diseases – and there are millions in America today – find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God’s will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence ‘What It All Means,’ scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.

The first is that we shouldn’t spend too much time trying to answer the ‘why’ questions: Why me?