Monday Morning Mojo

"There are two pains in life. There is the pain of discipline and the pain of disappointment. If you can handle the pain of discipline, then you'll never have to deal with the pain of disappointment." - Nick Saban, University of Alabama Head Football Coach Life is hard, but perspective is everything. In this episode, Phil reminds us that we are in control of how we approach "the hard" in our life;...

In this episode, Phil shares the effects of asking for and receiving advice from others. When we look to others for guidance, we learn something. Ask for advice this week; you will be amazed at the willingness of others to help and how that eventually helps you. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to:  mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to: ...

It's been a year but as they say, "time marches on." We will continue to Persevere. As Phil prepares for his family's Spring Break, he reflects on all the twists and turns of the past year: Pandemic, Protests, Progress, Politics, Polarization, and Prosperity. Listen in to hear more on these six "P's." Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to:  mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please sen...

A caution light in your car/plane, winter storms, the COVID-19 pandemic. Redundancy and back-up plans are a key part of a sustainable, thriving life. Foresight to consider future obstacles and the ability to create continuing and recovery solutions are the marks of a thoughtful leader. The storm will come; be prepared. When it comes, yet you are still able to continue, then the work and value of f...

Being willing to share your successes and mistakes requires confidence and self-awareness. Most of us have been so busy navigating the challenges of the last year that we've not had time to step back and reflect on what we've learned and share with others. In this episode, Phil challenges you and your team to do just that. In addition, he asks that you share with us what you learned so that we can...

Anger is not a helpful emotion. This was the guiding philosophy for Herman J. Russell, entrepreneur, and founder of H. J. Russell & Company. He believed in the goodness of people.  In this episode, Phil shares an eye-opening analogy of how emotions are like a muscle. He leaves us with a challenge;  Believe in the good of others. Gather in the middle. Find common ground. Listen in to hear more.  Re...

How are you investing your "additional" time? With virtual conferences and meetings and the elimination of commutes to the office, we find more time on our hands. In this episode, Phil reminds us to use our time wisely. Evaluate how you invested your time last year and consider how you can invest it this year to achieve even better results. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback...

Have you ever thought about how the first pilots to fly on a cloudy day felt? Leaders in this environment probably feel similar - frightened and know that there is a steep learning curve ahead.  In this episode, Phil uses instrument flying as an analogy for face-to-face business. The game has changed; has your strategy evolved with it? Resources:  Gary Mangiofico, PhD -  https://bschool.pepperdine...

In this episode, Phil shares what he learned from Dr. Gary Mangiofico on a recent panel discussion hosted by the Association of Trust Organizations (ATO). Overall job satisfaction and motivation levels are down despite companies and employees' best efforts to prioritize communication. It's time to put employees first. Listen in to hear more. Resources: Association of Trust Organizations -  http://...

"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." – Warren Buffett In this episode, Phil uses the woods and the work necessary to maintain and continuously improve the wildlife's habitat that lives there as a metaphor for life. All seasons change, but the overall quality of the environment is dependent on our efforts. The time to ensure good seasons in the futu...

The only way to ensure you never fail is to never try. Failure is part of life, and it gives us an opportunity to learn, grow, and respond. In this episode, Phil uses a personal aviation example to show the importance of having a tutor to help you be more successful. Having help is a sign of strength; listen in to hear more. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to:  mojo@cannon...

Many of us are hopeful for change in this new year. However, if we genuinely desire change, we have to be the agents of it. Not wishers or hopers but doers. New Year's resolutions are often things we hope to do but rarely do we take the time to outline a plan as to how to make them happen. Let's make 2021 a success; be agents of change. Happy New Year! Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, a...

In this episode, Phil provides you with three questions to answer and reflect on the last 12 months. 2020 was quite a year for all of us. Take time to mentally unpack and wrap up the past year as you prepare for the new one. File your answers until mid-year 2021. We wish you a Happy New Year! Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to:  mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First F...

Every year, Phil shares "The Christmas Guest" poem. It's one of only two episodes that are repeated; however, the episodes are never replayed, always uniquely recorded. This poem takes him back to his childhood. Listen in to feel its impact on you. Happy Holidays!    Resources: "The Christmas Guest" by Helen Steiner Rice -  https://bit.ly/2LYIdZ2 "The Christmas Guest" by Grandpa Jones -  https://w...

Technology and human capital investments can create big leverage opportunities.  This means that even if you can do something manually, it might not be the best way. As the new year approaches, Phil encourages us to take stock of things we should invest in to enhance our productivity and effectiveness. He concludes the episode with a challenge for 2021; be smart and grow. Resources: Please send Co...

We all make mistakes. In this episode, Phil shares a recent mistake he made that involved driving with an expired tag while on a conference call. He concludes with a challenge to change frustration into appreciation. Listen in to hear the full story. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to:  mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to:  mojo@cannon...

It's amazing the difference a few months can make. Change in life is constant; sometimes it's slow and incremental while other times it can be explosive and exponential.  In this episode, Phil uses the before, during, and after stages of three common life events to help us think about change, its impact, and effect. Change is inevitable; it's important that we adapt and move forward. Resources: Pl...

On this Monday of Thanksgiving week, it is a tradition that Phil shares his version of the late Furman Bisher's "I'm Thankful." In this episode, Phil pauses and gives thanks to all the people and things that matter most to him. As you begin this week, we challenge you to take time to think about what you're thankful for this Thanksgiving. Resources: Furman Bisher – "I'm Thankful" -   https://bit.l...

We have ample smart systems that can provide us with information, but the key is what we do with the information. In this episode, Phil shares three essential steps on how to unpack the information. He concludes with a real example to show why these steps are so important and challenges wealth advisors to embrace them. Resources: Ford Motor Company App -  https://owner.ford.com/fordpass.html Apple...

There are many businesses that have thrived in 2020; however, there are numerous businesses that have struggled. Regardless of your business's circumstance, we all need to start reimagining our business models.   What should your focus be for 2021? Listen in as Phil shares three questions to start your critical thinking process. He encourages you to take time this week to evaluate your business; 2...

There is angst and hesitation in our world right now; globally, we remain in a pandemic and as a country, the U.S. is navigating political and racial tensions. Many of us are concerned about what the future holds. Change brings anxiety. Most of us feel the greatest frustration when things happen to us. In this episode, Phil shares two examples of people who proactively charted their course and did...

The greatest teachers and leaders know that the best learning takes place when the learner is engaged and bought into the experience.  In this episode, Phil shares a recent example of how he approached teaching his daughter a skill she struggled to master. There are three important things to do when teaching; listen in to hear more. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to:  moj...

In this episode, Phil shares a story about a relationship between a football coach and a café and its and impact 20 years later. There are four attitudes and behaviors to take away from this story. Listen in to hear these key takeaways as well as Phil's challenge for the week. Resources: Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to:  mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback S...

Training and learning should be a lifelong pursuit; when we are learning, we are growing. The same is true for dogs. In this episode, Phil uses his two dogs, Ellie and Bullet, to show the importance of training and the impact it can have on living a more fulfilled life. In the last three months of 2020, Phil challenges us to learn. What will you have learned between now and January 1, 2021, and ho...

In this episode, Phil shares three recent experiences/conversations that reiterated a key life lesson: do hard things, but don't do them alone. What do group fitness workouts, managing a bank during the recession, and pine trees in an ice storm all have in common? Listen in to hear more. Resources: F3 -  https://f3nation.com/ Please send Comments, Questions, and Feedback to:  mojo@cannonfinancial....