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Husband. Father. Son. Friend. Live event + virtual speaker. Coach. Two-time bestselling author. Live Inspired Podcast host.
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4 days ago

There is a significant gap between living from a place where we feel obligated to perform and living with a mindset that views service as an opportunity. I was reminded of this several years ago through the simple action and words of my wife. And with last week being her birthday, I wanted to share her awesome example with you this week.It was early morning and I was exhausted after getting home at 2am from a delayed flight. As I groggily reached for a towel after a shower, I noticed a simple note that read “I love you” next to a mug of hot coffee on the bathroom sink.My wife, Beth, who doesn’t even drink coffee made a pot, poured a cup, ran up a flight of steps and placed it where I couldn’t miss it.Now, her morning was hectic, too. She had four little ones to get up, lunches to prepare, backpacks to check, kids to get out the door and a work meeting to attend. In other words, with a million things happening that morning, she didn’t need to put one more thing on her list.I dressed quickly, danced down the steps, and kissed my four little ones and their mom. Thanking Beth for her thoughtfulness, I asked why she made the coffee? Her answer was awesome in its simplicity:“Because I wanted to.”My friends, ‘wanting’ to do something is so much more liberating than ‘having’ to do anything.In marriage we commit with the simple words: “I do.” So often in life, though, the simple notion of “I want to” degrades into “I have to.” The former comes from the choice to love; the latter from an obligation of fear.Choosing to love positively impacts not only your family, but also your business, spirituality, relationships and life. You’ll discover yourself more present, active, engaged and effective.Fueled by love, you’ll discover yourself to be less timid making sales calls, less anxious dealing with challenge, less distracted in virtual meetings, less likely to complain about what’s wrong and more likely to celebrate what’s right.The tension and stress associated with “I have to” go to work, forgive her, move forward, watch my weight, clean my house, pick up the kids, be home for dinner, or get back into my faith dissipates when the sentence begins with “I want to.”So, brew that pot of coffee.Fill the mug high and deliver it to those around you with a smile.Free yourself from the chains of “I have to” and be set on fire with the joy again of “I want to.”It positively transforms your thoughts, words and actions.And it elevates the lives of those lucky enough to be drinking the coffee you serve.This is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago

It’s not uncommon for famous athletes to visit children in hospitals. Sometimes these visits are well publicized but many times it’s done quietly. Undoubtedly, it has a profound impact on the young patients and their families by providing joy, hope and positivity.As a young St. Louis Blues player, Gino Cavallini would repeatedly show up for the five months I was in the hospital, always smiling and bursting with encouragement. Sometimes he’d come with signed hockey tickets or seven-foot-tall stuffed bunny, and other times with pizza, soda, beer and his fellow Blues teammates. Regardless, every time this typical, Canadian tough-guy would brighten the dark, lonely days of my hospital stay.Today, it’s an honor to welcome on my friend and hero Gino Cavallini. Join me as we celebrate his story of humble beginnings to playing nine NHL seasons, why he decided to repeatedly visit a 9-year-old boy with burns on 100% of his body, and how he continues to make his career and life about something bigger than himself.My friends, this conversation will leave you asking yourself, “what more can I do?”Listen to Gino on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 536 now.My website: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/gino-cavallini/Your favorite podcast app: link.chtbl.com/tOmM9ExS ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Did you finish strong?Whether we view this question through the lens of how we conclude each of our days or how we cross the finish line at the end of our lives, finishing strong should be something for which we all strive. And one of the greatest examples I know of what it looks like to finish strong is British runner Derek Redmond.In the 1992 Olympic Games, Derek expected to win gold in the 400-meter. In the first round of qualifications, he posted the fastest time. In the quarterfinals, he won the heat.In the semi-finals, the Olympic Stadium filled to witness the men's 400-meter. When the pistol sounded, Derek raced to an early lead and remained out front with 65,000 cheering from the stands. No one louder than his dad.But then it happened.With a pop in Derek’s right hamstring, his beautiful running cadence transformed into a contorted man grabbing his leg, bouncing on one foot, hobbling forward, and ultimately falling onto the track. Knowing that a similar injury during the Olympics four years earlier had ended Derek’s race, his father's heart sank.Amazingly, though, Derek got up.He began hopping on one leg trying to finish the race. He fell repeatedly, pulled himself up, hopped a few more steps, and fell again.Although the winner had already crossed the finish line, the stadium realized a more important competition was just beginning.Rather than hobbling off and quitting, the injured Derek continued the race on one leg. One painful hop at a time, each one a little slower and more agonizing than the last, Derek continued to limp and lurch and fall his way forward. From the stands, Derek’s dad suddenly appeared on the track. Jim Redmond had jumped over the stadium railing, dodged Olympic security, and raced to his son’s aid.With Dad's help, Derek continued the unorthodox and emotionally stirring race. As they hobbled around the track together, Derek was overcome by the emotion and sobbed. He leaned on his father, occasionally putting his head on his shoulder. Together, arm and arm, father and son- with 65,000 people screaming encouragement, clapping loudly and crying with them- crossed the finish line.It's perhaps the most remarkable finish in Olympic history.My friends, we live in a culture that celebrates winners. We look up to the best athletes and the first-place finishers. We elevate the most attractive celebrities and the biggest personalities. We are fascinated by flash and glamour and beauty and success.And yet, the very things that garner so much envy have short shelf lives. Beauty fades. Medals rust. Money vanishes. Success, it turns out, is fleeting.Few people in the stadium that day could recall who won the 400-meter semi-final race. Far fewer have any clue who won that race more than three decades later.But the story of a father and a son, and the dedication revealed by both to finish strong, continues to be remembered and serves as an outstanding reminder of what real victory looks like.My friends, be reminded that more worthy than the ultimate standings of our lives are the grit, determination, faithfulness and courage to live it well. And be open to leaving the comfort of the stands to race onto the track, put your arms around another in need, and help them finish strong, too.Because the success we aspire to won’t be found in what we accomplish in our lives, but in how we encourage others to finish strong in theirs.This is your day. Live inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

After decades of teamwork and the highest levels of accountability as an F-15 and F-22 fighter pilot, Weapons School Instructor and Squadron Commander Robert “Cujo” Teschner concluded that every team can become what he personally experienced and lived on the front-line.Today, Cujo joins us to share about his current mission: helping organizations build teams that win amid disruption.”He’ll share stories from his time as a F-15 “Eagle” instructor at the prestigious U.S. Air Force Weapons School (think Tom Cruise in “Top Gun”), but more importantly, he’ll share how teams- whether that’s the hockey team on the ice, the sales division at work or the family unit at home- can build trust and achieve performance even when plans fall apart.My friends, if you’re looking for guidance on how to be a better parent, partner, coworker or friend, this conversation will show you how accountable leadership can help.Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 534 now:My website: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/cujo/Your favorite podcast app: link.chtbl.com/tOmM9ExS ... See MoreSee Less