Win The Day is a great motto and makes sense, Right? Why is it so hard to do? Why is it that our mind keeps drifting toward the goal, causing procrastination to set in? Why do we not do the daily activities that will get us to our desired result? I don't know, but what I do know that talking a lot about our goal tricks us into feeling like we already accomplished something. And then, procrastination or perfectionism starts to set in. The solution: Focus on Winning The Day.  Instead of thinking of your 25lb weight loss, think of the next exercise you will do today or tomorrow. Instead of thinking about your end of the year sales bonus, think about the next client you need to call on. Instead of worrying about how your children will turn out, think about the next time you can spend carefree time with them. What is the next step you want to do? When you focus on winning the day, some of the self-inflicted weight comes off your shoulders. When you start to apply "Next Step Thinking," it keeps you focused on Winning The Day. Next Step? Next ...

Thank you for your support and your continued commitment to self-improvement. This year was our most successful year and we welcomed the addition of our first child Elliana born on November 3, 2019. In our effort to serve you better we have updated our website with more programs and tools so you can have the best year in 2020. www.EricPapp.com Love, Live, Lead Eric Papp

The quest to increase effectiveness and efficiency is everywhere. It can be heard in meetings where the boss talks about "doing more with less" or seen on television commercials by "save time" and order a Peloton bike or treadmill. Before we begin our search for the latest productivity app or lifehack, we must first look at habits or beliefs that are holding us back. Why are most of us not as effective as we would like to be? Because we act on false beliefs. "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." - Mark Twain False Belief #1 - Stay Busy The clock is ticking, and you feel the pressure of time; therefore you must stay busy. And with this belief comes the thinking that everything is necessary and everything must get attention. So our day is spent trying to move 100 things an inch rather than three things a mile. The important things never get the time or attention they deserve. Remedy - Subtract and prioritize constantly. Ask yourself two questions: - If I just worked fours hours today, how would I s ...

"I need to talk to you about _______," my wife said. "Ok," I responded. And as she proceeds to tell me a problem, I have to catch myself multiple times wanting to interrupt her and give her the solution. Do you think she wants a solution or wants me to listen? Over 80% of the time, she wants me to listen. Why do I find myself so tempted to suggest possible solutions? Almost every time I have to remind myself to say nothing. Just sit and listen. How hard can it be? Showing someone that you understand them versus trying to give advice is a daily practice of self-discipline and will make us a better listener and leader. This critical distinction between always giving advice vs. letting the other person talk is a quality that makes a great manager stand out. Most of the time, our associates want to be heard. They want to express their frustrations, concerns, or ideas. And our job is to listen to them. Next conversation, attempt to go two minutes without interrupting or offering advice, if you frequently give information, you'll be amazed at how long two minutes can be. ...

"Yeah, you're gonna need to buy a new phone." The response I got from a Best Buy rep when I walked in the door and explained that my phone was having a hard time charging. "Really? A new phone just because it's not charging." I responded. "Well, why don't you talk to Mike; he's our mobile expert." Ten minutes after talking to Mike, my phone was fixed. Mike had the expertise and took the time to ask more questions rather than jump to an answer. It turns out the port (where the charge cord goes) had lint in it, and Mike was able to clean it out. What is impressive is how the first rep seemed to be so confident in their answer, and only when I pushed back did they refer me to the mobile expert. The key is to stay persistent. In sales and leadership don't stop after the first obstacle. Press on. And when you get an answer you don't want, ask to speak to someone else. Or ask more questions that will provide you a better solution. Too many times, we fall victim to bad advice and feel as though that is our only option, and yet when we stay persistent opportunities appear. ...

Most times when we hear the word "conflict", we associate it with negativity. And most people in organizations try to avoid conflict at all costs. But there are two types of conflict. Healthy Conflict vs. Unhealthy Conflict And if you don't have healthy conflict you most assuredly have unhealthy conflict, and this can lead to lack of trust, collaboration, and ultimately it will affect productivity. Two common components of Healthy Conflict 1. Focus on the outcome, not on "being right." When lively discussions take place in a meeting, and people are debating on what project to do or how to solve a problem, everyone is focused on the "big picture" what is the best result. Opinions and suggestions are given freely. And you as the leader have created a safe space to share ideas and talk them through. Your team is more committed to the success of whatever you are deciding, rather than their success. Instead of jockeying for a position or making sure you come up with the right solution, the atmosphere is one where people are building on each other's comments and doing the har ...