The University of Pennsylvania did a study on happiness that made the cover of Time Magazine a few years ago and found that gratitude was the secret of happiness. This is a concept we’ve been talking about in mental toughness training for over 20 years that’s finally being accepted by the academic community. I wrote about it in 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class, and in my new book, Coaching the 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class. So heres a critical thinking question for you: when was the last time you expressed your gratitude to someone who

One of the most significant mental toughness lessons I ever learned was how to manage ego versus spirit based thinking in day to day activities. This distinction seperates the world class from the upper class. Would the poster boy of the upper class, billioniare Donald Trump, actually be more successful operating from a spirit-based consciousness? How about you? Do you operate primarily from ego or spirit? Is ego ever the right choice? Can’t wait to read your comments on this one! ( 4:44 )  Websites referenced in this post: www.speechworkshop.com   www.increasesales.com 

The Palm Beach Post reported today on a Staples, Inc. survey that say’s business owners continue solving problems while dreaming. Of course this has long been a mental toughness secret of the world class. It’s another reason the gap between the middle class and world class continues to grow. While the masses will be striving for balance in 2008, champions will continue to turn in extraordinary efforts to make their dreams a reality. The real critical thinking question is; do you want your dream badly enough to think about it while you’re sleeping? Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one!

America is the melting pot of the world, yet all American’s seem to share the most powerful emotional motivator. This is what bin Laden and his band of thugs failed to recognize when they attacked. People have underestimated America for over 200 years because they don’t understand the collective consciousness of the country. It’s what makes America such a special place on the planet. With it, we have become the most prosperous nation in the history of civilization. Without it, we would be a middle of the road country. In mental toughness training, uncovering what drives you emotionally is one of the