Monday Morning Motivation (3/28/11)

This Monday Morning and this week is YOURS! No Doubt about it! You will NOT be denied. It is impossible and I will tell you why.

Because your greatness knows no bounds. The only thing that could stop you from reaching your goals would be turning your back on completing them. Make your phone calls this morning. Set up your lunch and your dinner meetings for this week, this morning. Make your future happen this morning!

I remember hearing a Mixed Martial Arts fighter say, "An opponent could defeat me in the ring, but they can't defeat my heart. My heart is undefeated." And so was that fighter. Your heart can't be defeated this week! Go Get'em!

The Race to Nowhere: The Legendary James Taylor gives Extraordinary Advice

Last night in New York City, music industry legends came together for the 40^th Anniversary of the Songwriters Hall of Fame awards ceremony held at the Marriot Marquis Hotel in Time Square. And when I tell you that legends were in attendance, I am using this description to the fullest extent of its definition: Berry Gordy, Sir Tom Jones, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Paul Williams, Beach Boys’ Al Jardine, Ashford and Simpson, need I say more?

During the red carpet melee, I had the opportunity to tell one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite artists, James Taylor (1970’s Sweet Baby James, 1997’s Hourglass and groundbreaking hit songs like ‘Fire and Rain’ ‘Something in the Way She Moves’ ‘Carolina In My Mind) about “The Race to Nowhere” and he kindly laid out some gems for the younger generation.

“I always advice to keep a low overhead,” said James as a few more reporters surrounded him in awe. “Stay away from pitfalls that will own a piece of you or a little piece of you. Avoid getting married and/or having children before you’re truly ready to settle down. Avoid anything that would put you into debt, because your time will no longer be your own. Be able to tolerate loneliness; be able to tolerate the isolation and alienation of waiting until the right thing develops.”

James Taylor would then go on to talk about the ups and downs of his illustrious career and even when it was told that he must go inside, he gave the media all the time we needed to get to know him.

I’d like to thank Michael Ragogna for being an excellent tag-team partner on the carpet.