Thursday, April 30, 2015

How Old Do I Look?


How old do you look? Microsoft demonstrates a site that guesses your age and gender by scanning an image. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you. It says I look 3 years younger. Cool, I accept that! (Laughing)

Try it here - http://www.how-old.net and then post your results below.

Android Intro With Matt Parker


It is WELL past my time to start developing for mobile. Today, I enter the game with a FREE Android training over on http://bitfountain.io/. My instructor is the one and only Matt Parker.  

Take time to grow and develop yourself each day. Ready? Let's go...

#appDev #mobile #personalDevelopment

This Is My View


This is the view I see each morning while making a living. This is also the view I see each night after aggressively chasing my dreams. Both require effort, involve personal passions, and are helping to change people's lives.

Me? I am just thankful that I get to see this view each day for I know where it goes and the impact it's helping to create.

The cost between where you are and where you want to be is gas.

#effortIsTheNewCurrency #dreamChaser #lonelyHighway #myView #burnItUp  

The Best Revenge


"The best revenge is massive success." ~ Frank Sinatra

Whatever it is that you've decided to do, be it working out, eating right, building a business, going back to school, or following a personal dream of yours, there will be people who will not support you or agree with you. They may call you crazy or provide a thousand reasons why YOU cannot, or should not, pursue it.

When you feel as if you have no support, no fans to cheer you on, or the world seems to be against you, go put in massive amounts of effort and  build a successful lifestyle that shows them (the naysayers) that you can (and did). 

You are a CHAMPION!

Forward vs. Backward

"If you're not pressing forward, you're falling backwards."

Every decision that you make will either move you closer or further away from your goal. Consider what you eat, read, watch, lift, and even those whom you associate with...is it helping you or hurting you?

I find that many of us make progress by doing the right things; however, we then lose our momentum or hard earned gains by doing something that nullifies our effort. We then try to go EXTRA hard to make up for our losses. When this happens, just STOP and remind yourself that an effort compounded over time can lead to huge gains or huge losses.

Right now, make a decision to keep doing the right things and then remove any behavior, thought, or influence that causes you to go backwards. We call this the slight edge.

Let's go make today a great day, Champions!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Quantity Finds the Quality

Quantity finds the quality. ~ The 10X Rule​

In his book, The 10X Rule, Grant Cardone makes an argument that while quality is important, quantity leads to quality. In essence, to reach our goals, we have to be willing to apply more effort. Produce more, write more, create more, talk more, show more, lift more, run more, face your fears more...whatever it is, do it more...10 times more, in fact.

For many of us, Grant explains, we do just enough to get by...just enough to remain safe...but that's not enough. We have to go beyond our comfort zones. We have to do those things that others would express as "Crazy!"

If we want what is average and ordinary, then let's just continue to do just enough. However, if you want a life more EXTRAordinary, then it's time to put on the gas and do more than you've ever done.

Scared? Yeah, you should be. If you're not, then you're not going fast enough.

Let's go get what we came for, Champions!

Monday, April 27, 2015

Cousin Amy Eveskcige Becomes Superintendent of Chief Leschi Schools

Amy Eveskcige Superintendent of Chief Leschi Schools

Wow! My beautiful and very gifted cousin, Amy Eveskcige​, receives a write-up in the Tacoma News Tribune for her new position as the Superintendent of Chief Leschi Schools. This woman inspires me to be better.

To the best of my knowledge (cousin, keep me honest), she is the first one in my family to earn a doctoral degree. If not in the entire family, at least in the ones I know (big smile). I am so very proud of her and who she has become. Reading her story, I am amazed how much I didn't know. Having grown up around her and my other cousins, I didn't realize the struggles she went through. I can tell you this, she is a perfect example of the saying, "Your past doesn't define your future."

Congratulations, Amy! Keep achieving.

Read the entire article here and be inspired: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/26/3760020_amy-eveskcige-of-chief-leschi.html?rh=1

#messBecomesHerMessage

Photo by: Peter Haley - Tacoma News Tribute Staff photographer

How to Unite an Army

A small team, committed to a cause bigger than themselves, can achieve absolutely anything. - Simon Sinek

This goes back to the heart of the matter, "People don't buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it."

What this says to me is that as leaders, we need to constantly share the vision of where we are going. Make it big enough that the team has to seriously stretch and grow in order to reach it.

Now, we're talking about a small team and the magic that they can make together, but think about how much we could accomplish with an army of like-minded individuals tied together by a common cause or purpose.  Wow... simply mind blowing!

Who are you running with?

Let's make today a great day, Champions!

Friday, April 24, 2015

Be The Right Person

"Far too many people are looking for the right person, instead of trying to be the right person." ~Gloria Steinem

Looking for an ACE? How about start by being the ACE.

You Have The Power

"You were born with the ability to change someone’s life, don’t ever waste it." ~ Unknown

Success Is The Process

"Success is the process, trophies are just the mile markers." ~ Julio June Acosta​

Fall in love with the daily disciplines, not the outcomes. Understand that public recognition is temporary and fleeting, but the activity is constant. If you are passionately in love with the activity, then every action you take becomes its own reward.

#effortIsTheNewCurrency #successIsAMindsetNotADestination

Monday, April 20, 2015

The Responsibility of Leadership

"Many in leadership positions talk about doing what's right. But only the true leaders actually do it." - Simon Sinek

During this weekend in Kansas City, I met so many new people and old friends alike who are celebrating successes with me. I have heard people talk positively about my efforts in the gym, with eating right, time management, traveling the world, leadership development, my business, hope dealing, writing the dissertation, parenthood, reading books, and serving in church.

First, it's humbling to know that so many people actually read and watch what I'm doing. Second, because I know people are watching and applying my lessons and experiences to their lives, I definitely feel the responsibility that comes with it.

To me, this responsibility means knowing what to do, doing it, sharing it with others, and then repeating the process.

As leaders, we are all fallible and bound to fall down, get weak, grow tired, make poor judgments, experience fear, and fail important tests in life, but leaders get back up and find the strength, courage, and fortitude to do what's right for the ones who follow as much as it is for self.

With that written, I want to thank all of you who take the time each day to read, watch, apply, and support. What you may not realize is that YOU inspire me to be my very best self. I know that if I can achieve in each of these areas, so can you.

As a team, I hope to pour life, hope, encouragement, direction, and support your way for when I'm down or off my game, you do the same.

Champions, let's make today a great day and go get what we came for.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Mistakes

Mistakes help us see what needs improvement. Without them, how would we know?

Achievement...

Achievement is earned, not given.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Overcoming Yourself

"Real glory springs from the silent conquest of ourselves." ~ Joseph P. Thompson

Ain't this the truth? Often our greatest adversary of achievement is US. Overcoming our fears, insecurities, bad habits, and negative self-talk can be like trying to battle the Incredible Hulk at his angriest moments. In other words, that's a tough up hill battle. (Laughing)

Celebrate every success, every win, and every effort to bring ourselves under control. It is through the daily disciplines that we slay our laziness, fears, negativity, insecurities, and bad habits.

You are a Champion!

Everything We See Is A Perspective, Not the Truth

Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth

"Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth."

The more I learn to understand people (myself included), the more I find that each of us brings our own eye wear to a situation. Those glasses (or lenses) help us see the world in a very unique way. As a result, we can use our experiences and the understanding of those experiences to be creative and unlock the mysteries of our world.

At the same time, those glasses can lead us to see only what we want or have been trained to see. As my friend Scott Ross​ once said, "We apply meaning where there is no meaning." We take someone's action and assume meaning based on our own perspectives, experiences, beliefs, bias, interests, and known patterns. Unfortunately, our perspectives may seem real, justified, and the truth (as we know it), but I've learned that it's not always the case.

How then do we deal with the knowledge that our perspective is not the entire truth? In my opinion, it requires one to remain open to other views, experiences, and perspectives. It is when we seek to understand the other points of view that what is true becomes clear.

"You are confined only by the walls you build yourself."

Don't Hold Back

Don't Hold Back

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~ Marianne Williamson

I am often reminded of this quote and I love it. Why? Because there are a lot of times that we hold ourselves back from achieving or succeeding in life. Maybe it's because we care about what other people might say or think of us. Maybe it's because we're afraid that we won't know how to handle or maintain the next level. Maybe it's because we'll have to get uncomfortable and therefore risk losing those "cool points."

Whatever it is, I am learning that playing all out is the best strategy. Taking massive action each and every day is better than not taking enough. God gave us energy, ideas, effort, and abilities that never seem to end...or at least they regenerate with a little rest. If we keep receiving it, why not use it?

I recall an interview with Michael Jackson where he said that he received song ideas from God all the time. He feared that if he didn't record or capture them in some form, God would give them to Prince instead. (Laughing)

Right now, you are destined for greatness. The question is will you walk into your greatness or allow someone else to take it instead?

Go all out today and everyday. Move with purpose. Don't play small...instead, let your light shine for all to see.

Let's go get what we came for, Champions!

Monday, April 13, 2015

Success Is Achieved Daily

Damond Nollan presenting

Muscles are built in the dungeon. It takes dedication, passion, consistency, focus, and time to achieve one's goals.

Like bodybuilding, changing our situations in life takes the same ingredients.

Remember, it's what we do in private that gets rewarded in public. The daily disciplines are not always glamorous or even all that sexy, but the pay off makes it all worth it.

Some may say it was an overnight success, but we'll know it was the result of countless hours doing the mundane that eventually reveals the magnificent.

I don't know how long it will take you to reach your goals, but whatever it takes, go do it. Don't stop until you win!

Let's go, Champions!

Daredevil on Netflix​

Daredevil on Netflix

During the few minutes of downtime that I have a day, I've been following Daredevil on Netflix. Anyone watching? Thoughts on the series?

Kansas City, MO in 4 Days

Children's Water Fountain in Kansas City, MO


In 4 days, I'll be heading to Kansas City, MO for the weekend. Definitely looking forward to the treasures they offer.

Here is an interesting water fountain that showcases kids playing at dusk.

For those that live in the area or have been before, what do you recommend that I see or do while there?

Running In A Team

Changing the world takes more than everything any one person can do, but not more than we can do together.

For many years, I held the belief that I had to do everything myself. Whatever I earned was going to be through my own effort. Unfortunately, with a limitation on my time, my energy, my knowledge, and my skill, I could only do but so much.

What I have come to appreciate is the team mentality. It is not what I can do alone that matters, but what we can achieve together. Imagine locking arms with like-minded individuals who believed what you believed and wanted what you wanted. Consider what your life, your world, your results would be when you allow the combined effort of many to work together for good. Wow!

A rising tide lifts all boats. When one wins, we all win. Let's take this opportunity to create partnerships. Find those who are on the same mission as you and simply run together.

Make it a great day, Champions!

#teamDiamond #teamVision #teamSWAGG #winnersMindset

Saturday, April 11, 2015

When Others Think You Should Quit

Good morning, Champions!

Everyone may not see your vision, hear your calling, believe in you, or support your efforts, but let this message be an encouragement to YOU.

Remember WHY you are on this journey and know that every sacrifice you make today in order to ultimately achieve your goal is going to be worth it in the end.

If you quit chasing your dreams because of their opinions, their beliefs, or in an effort to appease them (however well intentioned they may be), all of the blood, sweat, and tears paid in pursuit of that goal would have been for nothing.

Believe in you and the inner voice that drives you forward. When you feel like slowing down or taking a break, go faster and work harder.

Don't settle for a life that's good enough or accept a just getting by mentality. No, you are a champion and you were born for excellence. Never quit until you win!

Now, go get what you came for.

#winnersMindset

Friday, April 10, 2015

A Proud Moment Built On Positive Change


Last night in Goldsboro, NC, my boy Kay Dupri took the reigns and led the event with such confidence and poise. He brought his personal story to life in a way that made it feel like it was the first time I'd ever heard it. He touched on where he came from and described where he was going. Powerful message!

As I sat there listening to him, I had such a feeling of pride knowing that he worked on himself everyday to improve on the man that what was already there. Then, he went back and helped someone else do the same.

He has been coachable and teachable since day one and the fruits of his labor are now beginning to show. Is this the end? Oh, no! This is just the beginning. What we did over the past 12 months was just build a foundation for the magnitude of positive change we are going to see in people's lives. Oh man, I get so excited because we've talked about how we are bringing hope, how we are helping people dream again, improving their self-confidence, developing leaders, increasing the fun factor, and all while improving folk's financial futures. Owwwww!

You know what tops it all off, though? Is the overwhelming sense of fulfillment in knowing that you played a role in improving someone's life for the better. It ain't always easy, and there are short-term sacrifices that are being made, but this night was one night that made it all worth it.

My ninja, I'm proud of you, bro! Let's continue to set some fires in people's hearts and go put a dent in the universe. Let's get it!

Thursday, April 9, 2015

You Don't Have to Fail

"There is no failure unless you quit. Only success not yet won." ~ Jaq D. Hawkins

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Death to Average

In my life, I have been guilty of doing just enough to get by. We call this being average. Unfortunately, doing just enough puts us at risk of circumstances that may leave us in a very vulnerable and compromising position.

Instead of being average, let's strive to be exceptional. This means putting massive amounts of effort to achieve our goals. Some many call us crazy, eccentric, or  workaholics, but the pay off will be worth it.

People don't get excited about mediocrity, they get excited about goals so big that they scare us.

Champions, it's time to find your very best self and put being average to death.

#goGetWhatYouCameFor #deathToAverage #massiveAction

Friday, April 3, 2015

Dr. Herbert R. Davis Visits NCCU and Talks Leadership During Changing Times


Earlier this week, I had the distinct honor to meet Dr. Herbert Reynolds Davis, author of the book, "The Christian Leadership Blueprint."

He dropped by the office (NCCU) during our town hall meeting and dropped some nuggets on us. I couldn't write fast enough.

My favorite points were on setting and communicating vision (remember, do it often). He also spoke about celebrating the short-term wins, but avoid declaring victory until it's over, and building a culture that makes the daily disciplines stick (this is how we do it here).

A huge THANK YOU to Dr. Davis for being so giving of his time and experience. #priceless

Want Something Different?


Last night in Goldsboro, NC, I had the opportunity to meet a few people hungry for something different in their lives.

It's interesting to hear how people say things won't work because of one reason or another. Well, I'm here to tell you that those people are wrong.

Don't underestimate the power of will and desire. You may never fully know someone's story, the challenges they've faced, obstacles they've overcome, and the calling on their lives.

Today, be a hope dealer, a vision caster, and pour more life into someone's life.

Want something different? It's time to do something different.

The Power of Thought

"The next time someone starts listing all the reasons an idea won't work or can't happen, ask them to give three reasons it can." - Simon Sinek

Whether you think you can or can't, you're right. Remember, words are powerful and what you say (or believe) matters. For your belief will shape your destiny.

A mentor once said:

If you accept someone's opinion, you have to also accept their lifestyle. (Even if that opinion is your own)

Lesson: Only listen to those individuals who are qualified to give you advice. For your life will soon start to look like those from whom you take council.

Who is mentoring and guiding you? Whose advice and belief do you subscribe to? If they have the life you want, keep listening. If not, it's time to change the channel.

You want something different? Do something different.

Let's go!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Success Is Determined By Discipline And Judgment

"Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgments that leads us to either fortune or failure." -- Jim Rohn

Everyday, we are given the opportunity to either follow through on those daily disciplines or give in to the error in judgment. Often, it's not an everyday challenge, but an every minute (or even every second) challenge. Trust me, you are not alone here.

The key idea that brings hope is the accumulation of the discipline and judgments together. While eating a single burger won't make us fat, neither will a single workout make us fit. It is what we do repeatedly over time that determines our success or failure.

Every passing moment is another opportunity to turn it all around.

Let's make today great, Champions!

Damond L. Nollan, M.B.A.

Toll-free: (919) 912-9121
E-mail: Contact Me

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