Category Archives: Uncategorized

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FFP 019 Adrift and Without a Plan: Here’s what to do!


In this episode of The Future Focused Podcast, I tackle the problem so many people face, being adrift in life without a plan. Everybody needs a plan of action and direction.

Do you know what you want to accomplish? Where will you end up over the next year or years without a plan? Without intention? Find out why our best ideas come while we are in the shower, in the car, or right before bed! Learn how mindfulness can pull you out of being adrift.

This episode will help you brainstorm the plan for your year and help you figure out what is next. This episode will kickstart a what if brainstorming session for you.

Gain a new perspective on why you should be wary of contentment and satisfaction.

The next book I will be reading is by David Goggins titled: Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds. I am so excited to start this book. I have been listening to Goggins on several YouTube videos and podcasts and he fascinates me. Several of my friends are also very into his message. If you’d like to read this book along with me, add it to cart, and let’s talk about it on Twitter. I am always trying to gain an edge. This book is edgy and Goggins vernacular is explicit, but his message is powerful and unforgettable.

I hope you will consider leaving a review of this podcast on iTunes and a comment below. Please sign up for my newsletter and subscribe to this blog. I would love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram; I’ve added links to my accounts below.

Best to you! Get after it.

Kelly

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Looking for a dynamic speaker for your event? • Kelly Croy is an author, speaker and educator. Want to learn more? Send me an email. • Sign-up for Kelly’s Newsletter. Listen to Kelly’s other podcast The Wired Educator Podcast with over 121 episodes of interviews and professional development. • Order Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader for your personal library. • Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.  • Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.  •  Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

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Where? One of Life’s Most Important Questions.

We do not have control of when we live, but we do have much control over where we live?

”Where?” may be one of the most important questions you will answer in your life.

Real Estate agents’ mantra has always been, “Location. Location. Location.”

This past week alone, I watched a nation, perhaps a globe, celebrate and agonize where an NBA sensation chose to spend the next chapter of his life. I learned of several friends and colleagues choosing new career paths in new locations. I traveled for hours and vacationed with my family in a location much warmer and exotic than where we choose to live and work.

Where really does matter!

Would Steve Jobs have had the same innovative influence if had lived in Kentucky?
Would Thomas Jefferson have written with such passion in Europe?
Would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. have spoken with such eloquence and marched in the streets of Toronto?
Perhaps, but “where” was a muse and influence for so many who have made lasting contributions, accomplishments and impact.
Do you have a location that moves you to act? Create? Do?

Options are wealth!

The Wright Brothers built their plane in Ohio, but they took it to North Carolina for the wind.
The Beatles took their music to America to become Rock & Roll legends.
Having the ability to travel, visit or relocate is in itself a form of wealth, a form of education, and a form of inspiration. New locations can spur creative ideas, aid wisdom, and lessen woes.

The internet helps.

One could argure that ‘where’ matters less due to the internet, and there is a lot of truth to that. The internet equals the playing field for many entrepreneurs and creatives. Many actors and comedians today are being found on YouTube, who years earlier would have needed to make a pilgrimage to Hollywood or New York City. But… the internet is still a location. It is in fact a “where.” You need be there to be discovered.

For centuries America has been been known to the world as “The Land of Opportunity.” It is certainly one of the most important “wheres” in modern history. Will that ideal and trend continue? What is it about America that has made it such an incredible land of opportunity?

Are you ‘where’ you need to be?
Are you intentional about ‘where’ you are?
What makes a place a special place for creatives, learners, and doers?

Some doers of deeds simply made their “where.” They created their special place from an extra room. A spare bedroom becomes a studio or office. Their ‘where’ was a gallon of paint and a desk.

Location does not do it alone, though. How many others lived in those same areas, at the same time, and did little or nothing at all?

You not only control where you live, you also control what you do. You need both.

Perhaps the only move you need to make, is inside you.
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Kelly Croy is a speaker, author, and educator. Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader, that delves deeper into six core leadership elements. •  Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.   •   Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.   •   Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram 

Do you need a speaker for your event? Please consider the art and words of Kelly Croy. 

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The ‘Tom-Hanks-Trick’ to Productivity, and a Challenge for Us All.

I once read that the actor Tom Hanks likes to hold himself accountable for his writing by making an “X” on an old-school calendar each day that he writes. He likes to make as long a chain of connecting “Xs” as possible. Obviously the longest chain produces the most writing, but more importantly, the longest chain also reinforces the positive habit he wants, writing.

I believe the same idea of positive reinforcement can hold true for challenges. I have always enjoyed a good challenge that leads to productivity or self improvement. I guess I am a bit competitive.

This month I have a challenge for myself and a challenge for you.

My challenge: I really want to strengthen my habit of blogging more regularly, so I am going to blog on one of my two sites (kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com) every day this month. I am hoping that at the end of the month I develop a habit of blogging more frequently and forcing myself to schedule the time to write, and get over the small obstacle in my brain that keeps telling me I need everythig to be “just so” in order to write. I want my writing to be a part of my life, and a part of my day. That’s my challenge; I will post a blog every day for the entire month.

Your challenge: I’d like you to read my post every day and leave some feedback if you can. I think that would be incredibly helpful to me, and I hope the posts I write are incredibly helpful to you. You can also challenge yourself to writing every day in your journal (start one) as it has served me incredibly well as a tool for increased productivity and creativity. Or… perhaps there is something else that you’ve been wanting to start doing that you just haven’t gotten around to yet, well… I challenge you! Begin. Let me be push you needed.

I think challenges of doing things are much more powerful than challenges to deny yourself something, like dieting. I hope you will use this challenge to start something.

Worse case scenario for both of us: we don’t make the full thirty days, but we started. We tried. We did something. I know this, every transformation, novel, movie, project, art or idea that saw it’s way to fulfillment began with a very first action. I’m sure many were ugly, small, and shaky.

I have no idea if Tom Hanks really puts an “X” on a wall calendar every day that he writes, but sometimes the story is more powerful than the truth, and in this case the story motivated me, and perhaps I have now motivated you.

Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader, that delves deeper into six core leadership elements.

Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.   •   Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.   •   Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram

Do you need a speaker for your event? Please consider the art and words of Kelly Croy. 

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FFP 013: Money: What You Need to Know But Are Afraid to Ask

What Everyone Needs to Know About Money but is Afraid to Ask:

In this episode of The Future Focused Podcast I tackle a topic many are uncomfortable discussing, money. There are so many misconceptions and misunderstandings about money.

Money is one of the areas in our life that we have the most control over, but do so little about. Why? Because most people are either afraid to ask questions in fear of looking dumb, or pretend they have it all figured out.

I am clearly not a millionaire, nor am I a financial advisor, but I have learned quite a bit that has brought me success and helped me to avoid some real dangers. Listen, this is a topic where we all need to learn from each other.

I provide over a dozen tips to help you improve yourself financially. These are steps I have taken and had success with in my life. I know if applied they will bring you similar results. There are things you can be doing, that are very simple, that will give you an incredible edge in life. No one is telling you to do these things, or you don’t know how to start. Listen to this podcast.

Being financially fit is an area everyone needs to work on. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Mentioned in this podcast: 

The book you must be reading now: You Need a Budget (YNAB) by Jesse Meecham.

Money, Master the Game by Anthony Robbins

The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way you Make a Living, Do What you Want, and Create a New Future by Chris Guillebeau

Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days by Chris Guillebeau

Please leave a review of this podcast here: Leave a Review for The Future Focused Podcast.

Share this podcast with your family and friends. Please email me your thoughts on this podcast; I’d love to hear from you.

Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader, that delves deeper into six core leadership elements.

Follow Kelly Croy on Facebook.   •   Follow Kelly Croy on Twitter.   •   Follow Kelly Croy on Instagram

Do you need a speaker for your event? Please consider the art and words of Kelly Croy. 

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Reading: Artemis by Andy Weir

Here's What I'm Ready Now!

I read a lot of books. Mostly I read nonfiction in my continuous quest to learn and get an edge on life.  I know reading helps me to level-up, gain a new perspective and offers me ideas to design a more dynamic life.

I need to read more fiction. Truly! First of all, it offers me a much needed mental vacation, in very similar ways that mindfulness does, but through reading, over movies, it activates areas of the brain that will serve our creativity and productivity well in the future. We learn from others, whether they are real or fictional. Yep, it’s true.

A few years ago I read the amazing novel The Martian by Andy Weir. It’s still one of my favorite reads. It was made into a hit movie staring Mark Wahlberg. The movie was good, but the novel was phenomenal.

Well, I just found out the author, Andy Weir has another book out: Artemis. Wow! I just ordered it and can’t wait to dig in.

So… join me. Let’s read Artemis together. Grab your copy here! Let’s take a mental vacation. Leave your thoughts, ideas, and takeaways in the comments below.

I just had to share this treasure with you.

Best to you!

Kelly

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FFP 009: How to Build Your Wisdom

In this episode of The Future Focused Podcast Kelly outlines how you can further yourself down the path toward wisdom and become a better leader and live a better live.

Win 30 days of coaching with Kelly.

In this episode, Kelly will show you: 

  • the difference between intelligence and wisdom.
  • the true definition of wisdom.
  • a valuable insight he learned from Brian Kight from Focus 3.
  • how to become a better consumer of information.
  • how to apply what you are learning.
  • how to store and recall what you learn.
  • the importance of reflection.
  • the most important questions you can ask yourself.
  • how to accelerate yourself on the path of leadership & success, saving you years!

Mentioned in this podcast:

The notebook, aka the secret tool, Kelly used to achieve success and increase productivity: This is the notebook! Click here! I hope you order one right now and invest in yourself. I will be posting about great ways I use my journal to get things accomplished and level-up. You can share your ideas in the comments below.

Enter to win 30 Days of Free Coaching with Kelly Croy, by completing this short, simple form: https://goo.gl/forms/U3yvwiNXf4Fb6CmP2

Kelly’s book, Along Came a Leader, that delves deeper into wisdom and the other 5 core leadership elements.

Brian Kight at Focus 3.

Kelly Croy

Inspirational Speaker & Performance Artist

www.KellyCroy.com

Click Here to email Kelly. 

1-800-831-4825 

Should I hire a coach? You can accomplish much with the right coach. I would be honored to work with you. (If you are interested in working with me as your coach this year, or would like to inquire about the process or investment, please send me an email.)

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The Moleskine Notebook I Use Every Day to Get Results!

If it is important enough to be written down, it goes in my journal.

I write a lot and talk a lot about how important journaling is in my life. I mention my journal quite a bit. I do this for one primary reason; it has been one of the single most impactful practices I have applied to my life. In short, journaling delivers results.

Ever read a biography of the historical greats? They journaled! Doesn’t matter if they lived thousands of years ago, or are crushing it right now, the greats all have something in common: they wrote down what worked and didn’t and used it to level-up their life. Quit writing important things down on scraps of paper you will lose or forget about. Invest in yourself. Invest in your future! Get a notebook that is worthy of the life you want to live. 

I have received quite a few questions about what exact journal I prefer using. While I don’t believe there is a wrong tool to use, I do have my personal preference. So here it is: My journal of choice is: extra large, soft cover, Moleskine Carnet ligne’ lined 192 paged journal measuring 7 and 1/2 inches by 9 and 3/4 inches.

Reasons I love it because it’s: 

  • a head-turner.
  • durable leather.
  • built with a pocket in back for storage.
  • built with a book mark ribbon to mark your place.
  • built with plenty of room. (I use about two a year)
  • the perfect size for portability.
  • just made so perfectly!
  • the perfect place to get creative.
  • a great way to stay organized and recall information I need.

The only drawback is that it does not have a left side margin, so I take a ruler and a purple Pilot pen and create one for every right-sided pages. For some reason the back doesn’t matter to me if it has a left margin or not.

How I use it: 

  • If something is important enough to be written down, it goes in my journal. Period.
  • I write down phone numbers, names, people I meet, books people mention, podcast episodes, good Netflix shows
  • I record all of the ideas I have. All. The good, the crazy, and especially the ones I know I won’t be able to start right away.
  • I record plans for trips, travel, presentations, etc.
  • I record workouts, things I want to buy, and the books I read.
  • I write down my successes, my failures, and what I have not taken action on.
  • I reflect about how to do things better.
  • I plan my blog posts, podcasts, and upcoming talks and books.
  • I plot home improvements, magic moments with my families and things I am proud of.
  • I brainstorm where I want to go professionally and personally
  • I use it as an accountability partner.
  • I list all of the books I read in a year.
  • I write down things I want. (And I notice after writing them down, I want them less.)
  • and so much more.

This journal costs under $20 and is one of the best investments I make in myself each year. My journal is worth millions to me.

Occasionally, I will go back and review previous entries from this year and journals from long ago. It’s awesome to see how I have improved… or haven’t.

Then bottom line is: if it is important enough to be written down, it goes in my journal. If I plan it, it is more likely to happen, and I won’t forget it.

I fill my journals up. I consume them. The are seriously among my favorite “things” in life.

I hope you order one right now and invest in yourself. I will be posting about great ways I use my journal to get things accomplished and level-up. You can share your ideas in the comments below.

Here is the link to order the exact journal I use. Kelly’s Moleskine Notebook!

Kelly Croy

Inspirational Speaker & Performance Artist

www.KellyCroy.com

Click Here to email Kelly. 

1-800-831-4825 

Should I hire a coach? You can accomplish much with the right coach. I would be honored to work with you. (If you are interested in working with me as your coach this year, or would like to inquire about the process or investment, please send me an email.)

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FFP 007: The Six Core Elements of Leadership

What Everyone Needs to Know About Leadership

In this episode, I focus on the Six Core Elements of Leadership. I explain why leadership is the solution to all of your problems. This podcast will help you become a better leader and help you live a better life. Leadership is not just a career or professional endeavor, we need leaders in our home, schools, sports teams, and neighborhood.

Not getting the results you desire? What you very well may need is a slight adjustment in one of these Six Core Elements of Leadership.

Also in this podcast, I will announce the winner of my contest to win a copy of my book, Along Came a Leader. I will also announce a new five-week contest that you will not want to miss. It is awesome! Truly, you are not going to believe it. It is the biggest give-away I have ever done, and I’m not sure it is something I will ever do again. Yep, it is indeed that huge. Let me know what you think after you listen and find out. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy week to listen to this podcast and level up your life.

Mentioned in this podcast: 

Here’s the link to leaving an iTunes Review of this podcast, and once you do, email me and let me know you did, to enter yourself for a chance to win a copy of my book.

Here is the link to leaving to leaving a review of my book, Along Came a Leader; you will need it too for the contest.

Books I am reading: 

I am still reading Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferriss and I am loving it!

I have started the new book by Gary Vaynerchuck Crushing It! and I have to say it is indeed great! I am learning so much!

Kelly Croy

Inspirational Speaker & Performance Artist

www.KellyCroy.com

Click Here to email Kelly. 

1-800-831-4825 

Should I hire a coach? Yes, but only if you can afford it. You can accomplish much with the right resources. (If you are interested in working with me as your coach this year, please send me an email.)