I have recently been asked to write an article for the Toastmaster Magazine answering the questions, “What inspires You!” I think this would be a great questions for all of us. To stop and ponder. What inspires you? What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The definition from the Webster dictionary of inspire is to fill or affect with a specified feeling or thought, to aspire a person. That we inspire confidence in other people. So, here I will share with you some of the feelings and thoughts that I sent to the magazine and what inspires me.

I was thinking about what produces feelings and thoughts that inspire. What inspires me continually changes as I mature in life. Early inspiration came from external goals such as career, sales challenges and climbing the corporate ladder. But, even in my early years there were two things that were always of primary importance; my family and being inspired through knowledge. By being able to get up each day with the opportunity to learn and grow.

My growing has encompassed an approach on the whole person (spiritual, relationships, mental, physical, and career). So much of my inspiration today does not come so much from my own growth, but seeing the growth in others that I interact with (my family, clients that I coach, and athletes that I work with).

My personal motto is, there is no finish line. So, I will continue to be inspired from my family, learning and growing.

Hopefully now you have been inspired to think about your own inspiration.  Write them down. What inspires you?

In my last video on Indy BizTv, I showed some ideas on how breathing can help relax and prepare us for a presentation that is not full of anxiety and nervousness… Remember, we called it diaphramic breathing.

Today, I would like to address a second element to a stress less presentation- it is called self-talk or the use of positive affirmation statements.

The affirmation may be general – such as “I am relaxed,” or specific – “I am relaxed and confident today!” They are always expressed in the positive present form. Ex: “I am relaxed,” not “I am not tense.” Remember, the brain focus on the behavior you are suggesting.

Be checking my website coachtom.net for more mental performance skills.

It is Too Soon to Quit!!!!!

Many of you “goal-oriented” individuals are 30+ days into your objectives for 2013! Many have given up on your goals (or at least a few of them). The High Achievers would tell you that it is “Way Too Soon!”

It may be time to re-evaluate and make an adjustment, but, if it is a committed thought with clear, objectives — keep paddling! If it was a goal with a “stretch,” then it isn’t going to be easy!

One key element in strengthening your commitment and, thereby,  your perseverance, is to check your Belief System!

Do you truly believe and expect to reach your goals? Remember that improvement is always possible if you believe!

Let’s re-commit and push hard toward our goals in February!

The Successful Refuse to Quit!!!    They Persevere!

Coach Tom

Watch Tommy

Tommy Richardson, has a 40+ year career that has included experience as a business and personal coach, trainer and speaker, a teacher and athletic coach, small business owner, sales manager and insurance executive in sales and leadership with a major insurance company. Tom is now president/founder of Richardson Communication and a partner in Synergy Trainings, which are companies that help individuals and organizations reach more of their potential thorough speaking, training and coaching.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. He holds the Insurance Designations of CLU, CLFC and LUTCF. He is a Certified Comprehensive Coach (CCC) and a Certified Sales Coach. He also holds a Certified Training Consultant (CTC) designation. Tom also is a certified Mental Performance Coach; he works with athletes, coaches and parents, as well as men and women in the business world.

Tom is an active member of Toastmaster International. He has held all offices in that organization, including past international president, and holds the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, the highest recognition bestowed by the organization. In 1974, Tom was one of eight top speakers in the world championship of public speaking.

Tom is involved in a variety of civic and church activities. He enjoys working with youth and remains active as a high-school football coach. He is involved in competitive power lifting and holds the Indiana record in his age bracket. Tom has been a martial arts practitioner for five years, and is presently working in Kempo karate.

Tom and his wife, Cathy, enjoy traveling, and spending time with their five children and seven grandchildren.

How are you doing on your 2013 objectives? Today is the 16th of January. Sometimes just getting started can be a challenge. It requires us to make changes and to form new habits.

I just returned from the Cayman Islands where I had some time to reflect and do some reading and research on what the really successful high achievers do to get their best results.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the importance of reviewing your 2012 results (A.A.R After Action Review) that definitely is one productive action. Another thing is: (2.) Get Real Specific on their Objective!

This is one of the overlooked steps in reaching our goals. Peak performers take the time to spell out exactly what they want to achieve – this helps you to keep from settling for less.

Example — goal is to improve my speaking skills. We need to ask ourselves, “What does success in that endeavor look like?” “How will I know when I have reached my goal?

Example — might sound like this — My goal is to improve my presentation skills by joining Toastmasters International by the 1st of April.

When we are looking at being specific, peak performers also look at specific obstacles they must overcome. More on that to come.

So………. Review Your Goals………..Ask, Are they Specific?…………What about the Obstacles?

Keep Pursuing Excellence!

Coach Tom