Monday Morning Mojo

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Morning Mojo: Capitulation

By Tom Tognoli | September 12th, 2011 0 Comments

It was March 6, 2009 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 54% to 6,469 from its peak of 14,164 on October 9, 2007 – a span of 17 months. Everyone’s stomach was in their throat as they watched their 401K’s and personal wealth vanish before their eyes. I can’t tell you how many people I know who cashed out at or near the bottom of the market because they could not take the pain and fear anymore. Unfortunately for them, it was at that exact moment, when the pain and fear was at its height, that instead of pulling their money out, they should have put more in.

If you watch a financial news channel like CNBC, you have heard them using the word capitulation a lot over the last few years. Capitulation is a term mostly used in finance and it simply means to surrender or give up. This term indicates the point in time when investors decide to give up as a result of falling stock prices in the market. Basically it is the time when the pain is so bad that no one can take it anymore and everyone throws in the towel and gives up.

Unfortunately for most, at capitulation in the financial market, or really capitulation at almost anything in life, is EXACTLY the moment when you should not give up. It is the point when you need to dig deep and push through the pain and fear. It is the point when most massively successful people in life and savvy investors like Warren Buffett make all of their money and grow their fortune. They have confidence and jump in to capitalize on everyone else’s fear and the fact that they have given up. It sure is easy to score when the other team walks off the field. Candidly, that is the point I think we are at today in the housing market, but that is for a different conversation.

You know what would have happened to those who panicked, gave up, and cashed out of the market on March 6, 2009 if they would have stayed the course on their long term plan and kept their money in? Instead of sitting back today looking at a 54% loss they would have experienced a 75% gain from the bottom, from the capitulation point. And that is as of today after the market has pulled back over 1,000 points in the last 4 weeks.

So, what does this capitulation have to do with a Monday Morning MOJO? We all struggle with different areas of our life at times – our F-5: Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance. We may even reach capitulation in one or more areas. My challenge to you, is don’t give up. Dig deep when all hope seems lost and push through the pain and fear. If you can do this, instead of experiencing a significant loss you will experience a monumental gain only very few will ever experience. Just remember, capitulation is God’s way of seeing how committed we are and how bad we really want it.

Capitalize…don’t Capitulate!!

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Monday Mojo| Amy’s Inspiration

By Tom Tognoli | August 29th, 2011 0 Comments

It’s been 5 years since my cousin Amy passed away from breast cancer at the age of 41. In the final year of her life she received Monday Morning MOJO every week and loved it. We shared thoughts back and forth via e-mail many times after I would send it. This is the MOJO I wrote after she passed away on my flight back home from her memorial service. I have made a commitment to send this out as a Monday Morning MOJO every year at this time as a tribute to Amy and her life. I think there are great thoughts in this MOJO that one can never hear too often.

I walked into my home on Saturday night from one of the most emotionally draining experiences of my life.

Attending and presenting a reading at the funeral of my 41 year-old cousin, Amy.

Amy was beautiful, healthy and living the American dream. She had a storybook marriage and two beautiful daughters (12 and 14) when tragedy struck sixteen months ago.

In the words of her daughter, “It was a clear blue spring day -well, at least it was outside, because inside it was raining. We felt sadness and disbelief from the bad news. Not just regular bad news – but the kind where your life seems to fall apart in just two simple minutes. We listened closely to mother as she whispered, ‘Its cancer,’ and immediately feelings of shock, anger, and fear rushed through us all.”

Under her tears her daughter said faintly “Just never lose faith. Nobody knows what it’s like until it happens to them. And when it’s YOUR Mom how you view the world begins to change. You look at the mountains and now see their magnificence, just as seeing my Mom smile became everything to me. I started to appreciate life so much more. During those final months we would spend time gazing at the night sky, and I treasure everyday what she would say, ‘I love you more than all of the stars in the sky.’ Looking back at how it used to be, and how it would have been, and how it’s going to be without her by my side – truly it will never be the same.”

Her words I repeated over and over in my mind. It felt as though someone had shook me – forcing my eyes open to see the world for what it really it was. Forcing me to take a hard look at the ultimate truth, the truth that has the power to wake us up and make us live before it’s too late.

“Amy is gone,” the truth told me quietly, “and someday you will be, and so will all the people you love – it’s just a matter of time.”

So I ask you – are you doing what you want to do right now with your life, or are you putting off living your hopes and dreams because you think there will always be a tomorrow? If my cousin were here she’d tell you differently, she’d say “there will come a time when tomorrow doesn’t come, and you are wasting your time if you are not loving and laughing and enjoying your days now, while you can.”

This leaves us with a choice – we can delete this message because we find it too depressing, or we can let this message be a force that pushes us over the tipping point into the life we dream of. That is most often what it takes, something so strong it carries us past our fears and doubts and the terrors that come when we think about finally doing the things we’ve been dreaming about for so long.

Let Amy be your inspiration this morning. And realize she had a great life, doing the things she loved, with the people she loved – and she would want you to do the same.

I’ve heard it all; it’s just not possible, I’ve got obligations, responsibilities, and don’t forget the economy, and of course the- I can’t just DO what I want – I’ve got a job, bills, yada yada yada…

All those excuses mean nothing when your time comes, and who knows when that might be. All I know is the days are passing quickly and now is the time to do what YOU KNOW you need to do. Don’t put if off, or you may just be too late.

We will miss you Amy.

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Review your goals before moving forward.

By Tom Tognoli | August 22nd, 2011 0 Comments

Here is a great question…Where will you be in ten years from now if you keep going the way you are going?  Reflect for a moment on last week and ask yourself this question…”if I do exactly what I did last week, every week for the next 10 years where will I be personally…professionally…spiritually…in my relationships with those I love and care about the most…how will my health be…what will my bank account look like in 10 years from today?

So many people fail to realize that success at anything in life is the result of little successes achieved over a very long period of time.  Truly successful people are long-term thinkers.  They know that they must build upon each achievement and constantly learn new and better ways of doing things.  A regular review of your progress is essential part of goal setting.   A goal is a little more than a wish unless it has a timetable for completion.  Make sure your plan for your life includes short, medium and long term goals.  Revise your goals as things change…check them off when they are completed and set new bigger goals for yourself as you grow.  And take time to reflect often to make sure you are on the right track.

Make it a GREAT week!!!!

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Monday Mojo: Tell me to kiss off, but don’t blow me off

By Tom Tognoli | August 15th, 2011 0 Comments

Earlier this month my close friend, who is a VP for a company here in Silicon Valley, and I went with our families on vacation together to Maine. While on the trip, I was talking with my buddy about some of the keys to being successful in life. We decided that if you want to know one sure fire way to completely sabotage your growth and success in business it would be to blow people off.

One of the biggest things that drive successful people crazy is when people blow them off or give them the old “well…maybe” brush-off. What makes successful people successful is they are DESISIVE and they hate it when they leave someone an email or a voicemail (sometimes 2 or 3 of them) and it is like their messages vaporize into space. It is why most people have hundreds or in some cases even thousands of emails in their inboxes. These types of people don’t want to deal with situations that may be uncomfortable so they blow the sender off instead of just dealing with it. If you want to make a simple job seem a lot harder then just keep putting it off. Most people are people pleasers and they may not have the courage to deliver bad news directly. They will duck dive around the issue at hand instead of just saying NO. They will just reply with” maybe”, “I will get back to you later” or they will blow the matter off all together. I am here to tell you that procrastinating your decisions in life is a death wish for your business and relationships.

If you want to make more money, be more successful, create not only better but also lasting relationships, be more respected, and downsize the amount of stress in life, find the courage to just say it like it is. Don’t avoid it. The person you are dealing with will not always like your answer, but trust me, even if your answer is NO, they will appreciate not being put through the ringer and they will respect you more for it. Tell them “yes” or tell them “no”, but do not tell them “maybe” or worse yet, don’t blow them off just because you don’t have the courage to say NO.

My message is simple this week. Be decisive and have the courage to communicate your decision. I promise it will have a huge positive impact on your life and business.

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Monday Mojo: Activity versus Productivity

By Tom Tognoli | August 8th, 2011 0 Comments

A while back I was having a conversation with one of my partners and Chairman of Intero, Bob Moles. He made a comment which is so basic and so true, but so many of us over look, “There is activity and there is productivity. They don’t pay the same per hour.”

It does not matter whether you are building cars, building computers, selling houses or running a company, there are always people in every organization that get paid more and climb the ladder of success faster than others. They are the 20% of the 80/20 rule. They have the same 24 hours in a day and they don’t necessarily work more; in many cases they don’t work as many hours as some of the others. But they have figured out how to be productive with their time. So, when they show up to work they work and do the most productive activities even if they don’t like it.

Let’s use sales as an example. Who likes cold calling and prospecting? Let’s be honest, no one likes it. Who likes making those calls and hearing no over and over again and having people hang up on you? No one. Yet, in sales that is what successful people do. If you aren’t in sales and don’t like sales people, remember that sales is one of the most critical components to any business, even if you are Google, Apple or Facebook. They focus on prospecting and generating leads or generating money from investors. The other sales people tend to sit at their desk and do what I call reactive activities or use the hope and pray approach. Playing on the internet, chatting with office mates, drinking their cup of Joe and staring at their phone wishing it to ring, please ring. They are the 80% of the 80/20 rule.

My challenge to everyone this week is find the most successful person in your organization no matter what you do and find out what they do with each day from the moment their feet hit the floor until the moment they go to bed. Remember it is probably not just what they do at work that makes them successful. My guess is it won’t be as glamorous and easy as you might think. Then compare it to what you do every day. Make the necessary adjustments and go for it!!!

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Monday Mojo: Today I Will Make A Difference

By Tom Tognoli | July 25th, 2011 0 Comments

This week, I’m pleased to bring to you some “guest MOJO,” from our very own J. Shoop.

Many of you know J. Shoop as one of our top producing Area Sales Managers for Western Bancorp, but you may not know that he is also an author, coach, and aspiring professional speaker. His first co-authoring project is set to be released on July 15th, and is available now on Amazon.com!

We welcome J’s insights for this week’s installment of Monday Morning MOJO!

Every day we are faced with a multitude of choices.

In my opinion, one of the greatest freedoms human beings enjoy is the freedom to choose our thoughts. We can choose to focus upon and think about what’s right in our world, or we can choose to focus on what’s not.

One of my favorite inspirational authors, Max Lucado, wrote a book over 15 years ago called “On The Anvil.” The excerpt below is from his book.

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It’s OK to stumble…I will get up. It’s OK to fail…I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

One of the many reasons that Intero Real Estate continues to be such a successful company and brand is because of their never-ending commitment to creating an environment of optimism and enthusiasm. While much of the real estate community is still asking “What happened?,” Intero is making things happen!

I’d like to encourage you to start each day reading aloud the words above. I assure you that you will notice an immediate impact in your attitude, and it will fortify you for the day ahead.

Thank you,

J. Shoop
www.coachshoop.com

For more information on how to connect with J., send an email to jshoop@jshoop.com.

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Monday Mojo: Life Lessons from Uncle Mario

By Tom Tognoli | July 18th, 2011 0 Comments

Their whole life is focused on accumulating stuff…trying to get ahead. Yet, no matter how much they accumulate they never seem to be able to fill that void…they are never happy and they are never satisfied…sound familiar? Unfortunately it is the way most of us live our lives. We are focused on making more money, getting a promotion, getting a bigger house, driving a nicer car, getting our kids into that elite private school, etc. The list could go on and on. Unfortunately, no matter how much we accumulate none of that “stuff” will define who we are and none of that “stuff” will really make us happy in the end. Because it is not the important stuff in life, it is not the answer to living a Purpose Driven Life. If we want to have an amazing and fulfilled life we all could take a few lessons from my Uncle Mario.

In the final weeks of his life as he was in hospice at the Veterans Hospital in Palo Alto, it was a constant stream of people coming and going. I don’t think I was ever in the hospital when there was not at least 6 or 8 people there sitting with him. At one point there were so many people coming to see him they had to create rules so he was not overwhelmed. Although he was 84 years old there was never a moment he was alone. And until the last days of his life here on this earth he was sharing his pearls of wisdom on living a good life with the right priorities…Family, Friends and helping others.  He went peacefully with family at his bedside on June 30, 2011.

In an era where the man was suppose to be tough and the ruler of the household and not show much emotion, my Uncle Mario bucked that trend. There was never a time I saw him that I was not greeted with a big smile, big kiss and a huge hug…he always made you feel special. And it was not just me, he was this way with everyone. He was one of the most positive, happy and loving people I have ever met. And he was a giver. He literally would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He did not live a lavish life style with big houses, fancy cars and all that “stuff.” He was a pretty simple guy who really understood what was most important in life…FAMILY, RELATIONSHIPS, and HELPING OTHERS.

In the final weeks of his life one of the things he continually pointed out to everyone is that you should never greet your family and friends with a handshake. It should always be with a big smile, hug and a kiss. He did that until the very end with everyone who came to see him. We can only hope and pray that when we are 84 we lived a life, and had such a positive impact on people that our hospital rooms are half as full as his was those final weeks. For me the most important lesson he taught me was to always make your Family priority #1 no matter what. Although he never said it, he also taught me by example not to try and be so cool…just go for it and let people know how you feel. Give them a hug and a kiss…it is actually pretty cool. If only there were more Uncle Mario’s in the world, the world would be a better place. So, if you want to have a really amazing and fulfilled life, take some lessons from Uncle Mario. I would say he pretty much nailed it.

I asked some of my family to share with me what they learned from Uncle Mario. Here is what they had to say:

  • I’ll always remember that Uncle Mario made sure to greet everyone with a warm hello and a smile (usually a hug and a kiss too!). That would be the life lesson I learned from him – it makes a difference.
  • He always liked to find out about other people. While he was in the hospital, he knew everything about the doctors and nurses, how many kids they had, where they were from. Mind you he did love to talk, but he made sure to ask a lot of questions! Before he went to the hospital a service guy came to the house to fix his dishwasher. My dad found out where he was from, and was so impressed that this young guy came from Central America, went to school to learn this trade, and was working hard for his family. He loved that kind of stuff.
  • He also thought that education was the most important thing for young people. When people talked about all the sports their kids were into, he would say that is great, but how do they do in school!
  • He always greeted everyone with a warm smile and a hello…it didn’t matter where he was, it could be at the grocery store or at the doctor’s office, everyone was treated the same. It sure amazed me how he could be so nice to people when he was in so much pain.
  • He thinks it’s important to make the most of your life while you are young, so you can enjoy what you’ve done with your life while you are alive to do it. He said that in relation to finding the ‘right’ house, and making it into what you want for your life/family/future goals. But I think it applies to a lot more.
  • As my older brother by six years he was always there to hold my hand, provide guidance and kick my butt when I needed it. He was more than a brother, he was my best friend. I loved him more than I can say and I know the feeling was mutual. As I mentioned to his two daughters before his passing, if the world had more Mario’s, we would all be living in a better place.
  • My father Mario taught me life lessons by the way he lived every day. He worked hard and took care of business, but always made time for his family and those special people in his life. He was positive, helpful, kind and loved to ask others about what was going on in their lives whether it was about the job, a special interest or family. I always felt validated and loved by Mario as I believe most people felt while Mario was in their life. He made everyone feel special.
  • Whether he knew you 2 seconds, 2 minutes, 2 hours, 2 days, or for years everyone had a sense that he cared what they were about. I guess the lesson is be present, don’t just show up for the show of it, care enough to get involved and be present in the moment and give a little of yourself. All of my friends that have met/knew him and Helen said he was the warmest most engaging person and they felt they knew him and that he knew them. When you engage people and are engaging it’s a better experience all the way around…needless to say everyone from the garbage man that used to take Andrew for a ride and pick up a beer from Mario (at 10:00 a.m.) in route…he engaged everyone!
  • Take your job seriously and do the best you can, but, acknowledge the reality that life is about enjoying every minute of it. Don’t take it all too seriously and live within your means. If you can’t afford it you do not need it. Always speak your mind and don’t ever betray your beliefs.
  • He always said to treat people in the manner in which you hoped to be treated by them. He was always kind to everyone and therefore everyone loved him. Honest and reliable are some other things I think of when I think of him. He was only my Uncle thru marriage, but he made me feel very much a part of the family, and loved no less.

These are all great lessons to live by. Do it and we will all have more Mojo than we know what to do with.

Hit um straight in Heaven Uncle Mario!!!!!

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Monday Mojo: Happy Anniversary

By Tom Tognoli | July 11th, 2011 0 Comments

Mom and Dad, I took some time to reflect on your last 50 years and how grateful I am for you always helping us to be able to enjoy life.

First, Leslie, Laura, our spouses, your grandchildren and I owe you a big thank you. Thank you for all you have helped us become in our lives. I look back throughout my life with a deep sense of appreciation and awe at all that you have been to us. It was when I had children of my own that I realized what truly phenomenal parents you really are. I realize now what a huge undertaking this entire business of parenting is. As I attempt to raise my children to be no limit people, and to help them realize their wondrous potential, I am grateful for having such perfect role models.

Dad, thank you for getting up so early and going to work so you could get home in time to be the coach. Even when I got into high school and college I can still remember you always being the loudest in the crowd and my biggest fan. You made us always feel like SUPERSTARS!

Mom, thank you for always being there and encouraging us to be the best we can be. Whether it was reading to us, driving us to sporting events, dance recitals, or my reading tutor, you were always there to push us, to comfort us, to love and to encourage us to be the best we could be.

Mom and Dad, because of everything you have done we now have the will, and aim to have the energy, the drive, the excitement, and the determination to do it as magnificently as you have. You have always been so loving and positive, even in the face of difficult times, and you have helped us to always look at the positive side.

I could go on and on, but I think you know precisely how we feel. You have been the shining light which has given us the opportunity to grow all by ourselves. You knew what you really wanted for your children, and you lived it for us to see each and every day. Now that I have children of my own, I understand; we owe you so much, yet you feel we owe you nothing. You did it not to be repaid: you did it because you knew what you really wanted for your children.

Thank you Mom and Dad and Happy Anniversary.

This is a toast I gave to my Mom and Dad at their 50 year wedding anniversary party 5 years ago. So, why did I share it with you today? Well, first of all because two weeks ago they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. I also share it because I have been blessed with unbelievable parents who have been and continue to be role models on how to live our lives, raise our families, love and respect our spouses, and make a difference in the world. My wife, Lynn, and I try to live our lives every day so that at our 50 year wedding anniversary party, our boys will be able to say similar things about us. So, my question to you is: are you living your life so that your children and those who look up to you will say these kinds of things about you? I know what some of you are saying, “I don’t have kids” or “my kids are all grown and gone.”

First, for those who have children that are grown and gone, don’t think they aren’t still watching you because trust me they are. Also, remember your grandchildren and how the way you live your life will impact them. Again, trust me it will.

Second, for those of you who don’t have children, you may some day, so start living your life the right way today because we all know how hard it is to change once we have created a habit. And don’t forget there are still those people around you, like your friends and family, who you do have an impact on. What do you want them to say about you?

Remember, what you do has an impact on everyone, good or bad…it is your choice.

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Monday Mojo: WAL-MART SENIOR GREETER

By Tom Tognoli | July 4th, 2011 1 Comment

You just have to appreciate this one. Young people forget that we old people had a career before we retired……


Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn’t seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp-minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their “Older Person Friendly” policies.

One day the boss called him into the office for a talk.

“Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job when you finally get here; but your being late so often is quite bothersome.”

“Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it.”

“Well good, you are a team player. That’s what I like to hear.”

“Yes sir, I understand your concern and I’ll try harder.”

Seeming puzzled, the manager went on to comment, “It’s odd though your coming in late. I know you’re retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say to you there if you showed up in the morning so late and so often?”

The old man looked down at the floor, then smiled.

He chuckled quietly, then said with a grin, “They usually saluted and said, ‘Good morning, Admiral, can I get your coffee, sir?’”

Happy 4th of July everyone and thank you to all of you that have made sacrifices in the past and to those who make sacrifices today by serving our country so that we can live in the greatest country on the face of this earth.

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Monday Mojo: Who am I?

By Tom Tognoli | June 27th, 2011 1 Comment

I am your constant companion.

I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am completely at your command.
Half the things you do, you might just as well turn over to me,
and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly.
I am easily managed; you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great men.
And, alas, of all failures as well.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine, though I work with all the precision of a machine.
Plus, the intelligence of a man.
You may run me for profit, or run me for ruin; it makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet.
Be easy with me, and I will destroy you.

Who am I?

I am your habit.

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