Welcome to another Freestyle Friday — uncut, unedited, unscripted, and uncensored.
I’m actually recording this one on a Monday morning because I’ll be on a family vacation later this week — our first in a couple of years. So while you’re watching this on Friday, I’ll (hopefully) be deep in the woods somewhere, enjoying the quiet, eating good food, and unplugging for a few days.
I’m a little under the weather as I record this, but that’s real life — and if you’ve followed me for a while, you know I always show up regardless of how I feel. That’s actually one of the big themes for today.
Showing Up When You Don’t Feel Like It
Over the weekend, I had the privilege of speaking at the Battle of the Coaches during the National Association of Mortgage Brokers event in Las Vegas.
It was an incredible honor to be invited, and I learned a lot from the experience — not just about speaking, but about setting expectations and keeping standards high.
I actually came down sick before leaving for Vegas. But I still got on that plane, showed up, and did what I came to do. That’s what “standards over feelings” means to me. Even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient, you honor your commitments and bring your best.
That said, this was probably the first time I’ve ever gone to Vegas and didn’t spend a single dollar on gambling or go out to dinner. It was all about rest and recovery between sessions — doing what I could to stay on my feet long enough to perform on stage.
Lessons from the Stage
Here’s something I learned that might help if you’re ever asked to speak at an event. Always ask about timing and logistics.
We were scheduled to go on stage at noon — right when everyone went to lunch. Half the audience left to eat, and the rest were distracted by a buffet line in the back of the room. On top of that, the exhibition hall was open during our talk, which pulled even more people away.
It’s a simple thing, but it matters. Going forward, I’ll make sure my assistant Taylor asks those questions before we commit to a speaking slot. If the audience is being fed or the exhibition hall is open, we’ll politely pass.
When I travel across the country, I want to deliver massive value — not compete with lunch or a vendor fair. If people take the time to attend, they deserve our full energy, and I want to give that to a full room.
Learning to Adapt
Even though attendance was light, it was still an amazing opportunity to share the stage with some incredible coaches.
The format was different — short timed answers instead of a full keynote — and I had to hold back a bit from my usual storytelling style. Normally, I thrive in a 45-minute to 1-hour window where I can connect deeply with an audience. This was more rapid-fire.
Still, it was a great reminder that every stage is a learning opportunity. Even when things don’t go exactly as planned, there’s value in showing up, adapting, and doing your best with what you have.
Standards Over Feelings
When I look back on that weekend, one thing stands out: I kept my standard.
Even though I was sick, tired, and a little frustrated, I followed through. That’s something I talk about often with my clients — doing the work even when you don’t feel like it. Because that’s where growth happens.
And now, as I roll into this week’s 2026 Business Planning and Strategy Event, that same mindset applies. If you missed the live call, you can email Taylor at [email protected] and she’ll send you the replay and our planning documents.
We’re also offering five one-on-one strategy sessions before the end of the year — one full-hour planning call plus three 15-minute quarterly check-ins throughout 2026. If you want one of those spots, reach out soon because they’ll go fast.
Why We Start Early
Here’s the truth: we’re already planning for 2026.
If you wait until January to start setting goals, you’re already two months behind. My clients and I started in October, just like we did last year — and that’s one reason we’re up 190% year-over-year.
The call helps you separate goals from tasks. Most people confuse the two. Tasks are the things you check off; goals are the needle movers that stretch you far beyond your comfort zone.
When you build a roadmap early and break your targets into daily actions, you stop reacting and start executing. That’s how our clients stay ahead — by starting before everyone else.
Wrapping Up
So as I head into a much-needed break, here’s my message for you:
Show up even when you don’t feel like it. Keep your standards high. Learn from every experience, even the imperfect ones. And don’t wait until the calendar flips to start building your next level.
I’ll be unplugged for a few days — no emails or texts from Wednesday through Sunday — just family, fall leaves, and good food in a quiet cabin in Indiana.
When I’m back, we’ll hit the ground running toward an incredible 2026.
See you next time on Freestyle Friday.
