If You Try

If You Try

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Drawing On Your Deeper Reservoir




The great benefit of being in challenging circumstances is that they show us what we are truly made of. The things we are able/unable to do at our lowest give us a clear indicator of what is hidden within us. This is very encouraging and discouraging at the same time. On one hand, we can take pride in our inner strength, integrity, resourcefulness, and other great qualities. Yet, on the other side of the spectrum we see where we are fallible and weak. However, this is invaluable information too. It is better to know our weaknesses and blind spots than not. We can then make a commitment to strengthen these areas and/or create an environment of intentional accountability regarding them. We do this so that they will not be source of greater liability later on. All great people have both strengths and weaknesses. What makes them truly great is their ability to draw upon a deep reservoir of virtuous character in turbulent times as well as when there is smooth sailing atop the seas.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Just Whatever You Do... Don't Be Normal



Don't be a weirdo! Yes, yes... could not agree with that statement more. However, don't be normal. Whatever your passion is, be someone who stands out because of it. People who are regular in their vocation (or calling, as some call it) rarely do the amazing. Those who are "normal" in what they do, don't push the envelope and/or test the limits of what has already been done. Steve Jobs, Tupac Shakur, and Mother Teresa are eternally admired by the world because of how different they were in their fields. One should be warned though, people criticize what they do not understand. If you want to stand out, matter of fact... if you NEED to stand out... it will not come without its own brand of loneliness. It just comes with the territory. But, your not worried about that are you? Folks like you are more worried about making a long lasting impact and leaving their mark on the world. And we need more of that today. Long live the abnormal folks!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Faith Training


"Faith activates God, fear activates the enemy."-Joel Olsteen

And this should be our resolve: even when things are contrary and contradict my God given vision, I have absolute faith and confidence that God is working all things together for my good. True faith (Heaven's currency) is cultivated in the hard times, not in the good. Realizing the vision is defintiely a prize, but the bigger prize is how strong our faith and character becomes for refusing to give up. God will get us there.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Humor, An Essential Ingredient For Success



"There is hope for the future because God has a sense of humor and we are funny to God."-Bill Cosby

People with a healthy sense of humor are powerful. Humor allows us to stay upbeat, optimistic, and it is also a sign of intelligence. I've gotten into the habit of putting a big smile on my face as soon as I wake up in the morning. This action alone puts me in a postive mood and communicates to my subconscious mind that life is good. It is amazing what opportunities you can recognize when your mind is in a good emotional state. Worry, doubt, fear, and other debilitating emotions rob us of clear thinking, putting us into survival mode instead of an attitude of abundance. Sometimes its good to laugh for no reason, I know it sounds silly. But if your having a sucky day, it is good practice to make yourself laugh in order to change your mood to a more positive one. We cannot control our external enviroment, but we can control how we react to it. So laugh hard, its good for you.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Don't Stop 'til You Get What You Came For


In his sage wisdom, my grandfather, Harold E. Phillips told me weeks before his passing that if I find something that I love doing, don't stop doing it. Those very words created a movement in me that have been my fuel for just about a year almost. I relay this same message to you, never give up on your dream no matter how far fetched it may appear and the adversarial circumstances. There is a reason why you have the talent, gifting, personality, and passion that you posses. I think most of us would like to live a life with as few regrets as possible in the end. Therefore squeeze all of the juice that you can out of your abilities and passion. Don't stop until you get everything that you came for. Write your goals out, recount them often, think big, pray without ceasing, and work your hind parts off!!!

Monday, August 19, 2013

The Power of Letting Go



The human ego has two destructive needs: the need for approval, and the need to control others. Letting go of these two destructive factors positions us to have more poise and confidence. When we don't have the need to be right or in control of other people, we allow ourselves access to peace of mind. This is where we can truly shine without straining to do so. People with poise are able to think clearer and do what needs to be done in the moment without being distracted by the destructive elements of an undisciplined ego. We ultimately find the place/state of being "in the zone", thus being able to operate at our fullest potential with no fear or insecurity. We just simply "are" instead of trying to "prove" that we "are". So lets let go!

Friday, August 16, 2013

Just Keep Swimming




"When you are going through hell, keep going." -Winston Churchill
It is inevitable, life is the most unpredictable pitcher of all time, so you are bound to get a few curve balls in your life. When this happens, many people give up on themselves, their dreams, and God. One has to make up in their mind that there is nothing that can deter them from realizing their full potential (or at least they will die trying). Putting one foot in front of the other day after day tests one's personal (and sometimes unnoticeable) perseverance, while a sprinter may appear to be getting somewhere faster to others. However, the strength that comes from consistency, despite setback, is the greatest character builder of all. It goes against every fiber of human nature. Thus it is the most rewarding when realized. Just keep swimming and you will arrive at your shore in due time. Yes, there is a destination, but the greatest prize is who you become during the journey.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Protecting One Of Your Most Precious Resources



In a day and age where anyone/everyone has a voice who chooses to exercise it, I believe that it is important to be wise with the wisdom/knowledge that one shares. This is in fact one of the most valuable resources that people possess. There is high level information that you and I contain that can change millions (if not billions) of lives for the better. Yet, if this information is given in a loose manner, it may not hold its true value to those we heap it on. Think of the wisdom, knowledge, and insight you possess as money. Many of us know that money is hard to come by and if truth be told, a lot of us do not part with it easily (at least if we have any say so in the matter). We understand that money is valuable because we have to work to earn it. Wisdom, knowledge, and insight are the same. These treasures don't come easily.Your wisdom and other mental (and spiritual) assets are more precious that money, diamonds, jewels, etc. Be very careful when distributing it and only deliver them to those you feel will put it to good use. If not, you may be throwing hundred dollar bills outside of the car window while driving.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Sharp Skills Unveils Two New Songs


What up fam bam!
Been hard at work in the lab on the new mixtape and other projects. I have to share some of the new material with you. I hope you dig. One song is called "Turn Me Up" where I'm pretty much just getting some things off my chest. The other is called "R.E.B.E.L's Paradise". Did this one over one of my favorite bands, Coldplay, hit record. I hope you dig both (I'll keep grinding until you do!). Hopefully this will give you something to nod to until the new mixtape drops. No official release date yet. Do me a huge huge huge favor and share the music with your peoples!

Turn Me Up




R.E.B.E.L.'s Paradise



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Monday, August 5, 2013

Shoot Until You Find Your Shot



I remember watching Allen Iverson in an interview some time ago when he and his team (Philadelphia 76ers) where in the playoffs. This particular interview took place after the Sixers had won the game by a close margin. Iverson struggled offensively for most of the game due to good defense by his opponents and partly because he just wasn't able to find his rhythm. Yet and still Iverson kept shooting until finally he caught fire by the third quarter and he put his team on his back in the fourth to secure the win. He said that he did not pay attention to stats or percentages, all he was worried about was winning. I learned a lot from AI in that interview. In the game of life, we will have some setbacks due to challenges, bad choices (we make), mistakes, and things just outside our control. But we can't lose focus and give up on ourselves or those we are connected to. We have to keep shooting until we find our proverbial "shot". Ultimately, it is not how we start something, but how we finish. If we keep "shooting", we will eventually find our groove and secure the wins we desire.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Executing When You Don't Feel Like It




It takes a lifetime to develop good character. The moments we do something (we know we should), in the times we don't feel like it, instantly increases our capacity (and mental fortitude). Then it takes getting into a routine of executing over and over again (often in the same way) to develop habitual excellence. Great men and women everywhere feel the difficulty of overcoming laziness, apathy, boredom, and negative-self criticism; yet they master it on a daily basis to capture the results they desire. Every time you opt to get out of the bed, or turn off the TV, or refuse to give into any form of lethargy; you are opening yourself up to realize more of your hidden potential.