In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance. Wolfgang von Goethe.

For many today moving forward is a challenge. We are in the midst of massive disrupting forces as our lives, our work, our culture and leisure activities are increasingly dominated by information, artificial intelligence, data and biotechnology.

The times are precarious. While exciting new opportunities abound, success doesn’t come easy.

Undeterred, the winners, always hopeful by nature, are courageous, curious and open to change.

They are working smarter, harder, willing to step outside their comfort zones and strategically play to their unique  talents. And they are patient. They know overnight success is usually preceded by years of stick-to-it determination.

The road is long but whatever you’re working on, whether it’s a business proposition or yourself, if it sticks to your soul, stick with it. Success lies just over the next ridge.

Want to step up your game or are in transition and need help? Would you like Drew to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow him on Twitter.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou.

In these crazy, distracting times, when so much seems totally out of whack, when fake news is given unwarranted currency, when leadership at all levels is so often wanting, keeping ourselves straight and focused on what is meaningful in our lives demands real personal leadership.

Personal leadership is all about being real, authentic; being open to others and receptive to ideas different from ours. It is about staying committed through thick and thin and having the courage to do the right things, rather than doing things right.

Real leaders take responsibility for themselves. They are absolutely clear about their path. They lead with constant self-awareness, passion and grace.

They are good at giving encouragement and they are never satisfied. They are constantly raising the stakes of the game for themselves and others, always testing, building stamina and sustainable enterprises.

Real leaders embrace change and foster creativity. They organize and cultivate conversation among different people that wouldn’t ordinarily talk with each other and they see the kinds of patterns that allow for innovation.

Real leadership, as it is often said, is like good art. We can’t always describe exactly what it is but we know it when we see it.

And we certainly need it. Like right now.

Are you in transition? Want to step up your game but don’t know how? Would you like Drew to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow him on Twitter.

We choose what attitudes we have right now. And it’s a continuing choice. John Maxwell.

There’s a great mystery to life and magic in it, too. As much as you try to plan your direction and think you have it nailed, it’s never a straight line. Life doesn’t go like that.

In many respects, life comes down to the choices you make, some more important than others, as you walk along the path of your journey. At times, the path is smooth. Others are bumpy.

How you handle and smooth out the bumps has everything to do with your courage and your attitude.

Attitude is more important than the past or your education. It’s more important than what others think or say about you do. It’s more important than money, appearances and societal convention. It’s more important than giftedness or skills.

Especially today. Change is the new currency.

Your attitude is about resilience, honesty, doing the right things rather than doing things right, and making the best of your current circumstances.

It may take more time than planned, but when you’ve covered all the above bases, the rest will take care of itself.

Want to take your life and business to new heights? Would you like Drew to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow him on Twitter.

Thinking. The talking of the soul to itself. Plutarch.

In today’s crazy busy times, it is so easy to become distracted – especially by the overwhelming presence of the smart phone and the idleness of television and social media.

Running from one thing to the next, you can get so caught up in the outward aspects of your life; your job or career, worrying about money, your health, and how you are seen and judged by others that you lose sight of your priorities.

Whenever you find yourself caught up in a crazy, mindless moment, stop for a moment and and ask yourself:

“Is what I’m doing right now moving me towards where I want to be going?”

If the answer is no, then why are you doing it?

Life isn’t about living up to other’s expectations or acquiring more stuff or meeting your goals and aspirations.

It’s about being crystal clear about what you want, staying tightly focused on what you’re doing and staying true to yourself.

Want to take your life and business to new heights? Would you like Drew to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow him on Twitter.

It is not the light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but the thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind and the earthquake. Frederick Douglas.

Are you trying to figure out how to take your current enterprise to new heights, or perhaps start a new one? Are you transitioning, starting off in a new direction altogether?

There is no shortage of people eager to find fault, to criticize and urge caution, but your job right now is to silence your critics, both internal and external and just get your work out there. Remember:

• You are capable of making a difference.
• You have all the tools and expertise you need.
• Nothing of any value comes without hard work, commitment and application.
• Nobody ever promised easy.
• You can’t fake your truth….nobody is going to do it for you.
• If you think you can’t, you can’t. But if you think you can, you can.

Want to get on with your dream and take your life and business to new heights? Would you like Drew to speak to your group? Text/call 416.450.8867 or email drew@drewsimmie.com. Follow him on Twitter.