
S² – for your inspiration and guidance
A montly personal note from ONE Way CEO and Founder, Mike Riggs, for those that desire more success and satisfaction (S²) in their personal and professional life. Each S² Note offers quick insight and brief commentary to help you achieve your potential and better handle life’s curves and swerves.
01/06/2023 – Build Up Those Around You
An S² person – one that is overflowing with success and satisfaction in her life – is a master at building other people up. Knowing that her supporting cast will play a significant role in her life’s success and satisfaction, she is a booster for their confidence always seeking an opportunity to make them feel better and more capable.
So what does this mean for you?
It’s pretty simple, build the people around you up; don’t tear them down.
12/02/2022 – Mentorship
Very few, if any, highly successful people have “made it” on their own. An S² person – one that is regularly experiencing personal best levels of success and satisfaction in his life – knows this fact quite well. One of their best kept secrets is they sought out a mentor to guide and support them early in their developmental years… someone that was capable and willing to nurture them and help them grow.
So what does this mean for you?
Seeking and partnering with a superb mentor may be the single most valuable choice you can make to accelerate your personal, spiritual or professional growth.
11/04/2022 – Golden Key
Often, it is not the magnificent or marvelous that gives you the competitive advantage. In truth, it is often the boring and mundane elements, once discovered, that offer the most significant gain. An S² person – one that is experiencing extraordinary levels of success and satisfaction in his life – realizes it is the meticulous search and identification of that boring element that gives him the edge.
So what does this mean for you?
Stay diligent when your search becomes boring, for that next tiny detail may be the golden key you’ve been looking for.
10/14/2022 – Poor Me
Today, estimate how many times you complain or gripe, either to someone else or to yourself, about the problems that exist in your life. Be ready to be absolutely amazed at the total gripe count. The real problem is not that we have problems. Everyone does. The real problem is that, too often, instead of setting a course to isolate, analyze, and solve our problems we continue to bemoan our state of affairs.
So what does this mean for you?
All S² people – those that are big-time successful and satisfied with their life – don’t waste emotional energy worrying and complaining about things that aren’t going their way. So, quit your griping and start doing the things necessary to make a better life for yourself.
09/30/2022 – Just Go
Often, when considering a new project, we paralyze ourselves by analyzing, testing, considering, then reconsidering and analyzing again, only to find out that we are too late to pull the trigger.
So what does this mean for you?
The real excitement of life lies in its uncertainty, right? All S² people – those that are truly successful and satisfied with their life’s direction – know this fact quite well. If we always knew the outcomes of our endeavors, in advance, wouldn’t we eventually become so very bored? So, do your best to determine the right choice, then just hit the start button, put your hands in the air, and enjoy the ride!
09/16/2022 – Never Quit
When all around you seems to be crumbling, the desire to throw your hands in the air and admit defeat can be very, very powerful. There are times when we all feel like quitting and proclaiming that our foe, either real or imagined, has soundly defeated us.
So what does this mean for you?
S² people – those that are truly successful and satisfied with their life’s direction – know they simply cannot, and will not, quit. It is at the critical moment where they aren’t certain they have one more step left in them that they push on – realizing they are defining not just their future, but more importantly they are forging their character.
09/02/2022 – Take Control
Deep inside, all people want to feel a sense of control. Control over their finances. Control over their relationships. Control over their minds and hearts. Control over their careers. Control over their lives. S² people know this fact.
So what does this mean for you?
The simple truth is this: if you do not take control of your life, someone else will. And, that person probably won’t have your best interests in mind.
Decide today — right now — that you will take control of your destiny. Tell yourself, “This is my life, and I will shape it the way I see fit.”
08/12/2022 – Cheer Life’s Struggles
S² people – those that are successful and satisfied – do not fret about the troubles that arrive at their doorstep day after day after day. S² people realize that these ogres are actually opportunities in disguise.
So what does this mean for you?
If it were not for the turbulence and resistance in your life you wouldn’t have the opportunity to fabricate your skills and character into a work of art. Cheer the struggles of your life, for they are the catalyst that gives meaning to the brush strokes that make your incredible life.
07/29/2022 – Your Purpose
The mental, physical and spiritual power each of us possesses is nothing short of remarkable. However, that power is wasted when not harnessed and focused upon achieving a successful and satisfied (S²) life.
So what does this mean for you?
Stop the scatter! Focus your energy on something that really excites you and will help fulfill a purpose in your life.
07/15/2022 – Internal Happiness
S² people – those that are truly successful and satisfied with their lives – understand the importance of following their hearts.
So what does this mean for you?
Are you authentically living the life you desire or are you playing the game and trying to keep everyone around you happy? While being generous and giving is an essential component of living an S² life, always working to keep others happy – at your own expense – will eventually lead to personal collapse.
07/01/2022 – Get Better
The knee-jerk reaction for most people, when faced with criticism, is to dig in and prepare for battle. But, not so with S² people – those that are truly successful and satisfied with their lives. Those that are truly successful and satisfied (S²) have developed another response; they react to criticism as an invitation to improve and get better.
So what does this mean for you?
Learn to see criticism as your personal tutor and interpret all evaluations as your one-way avenue to improvement.
06/17/2022 – Embrace Fear
S² people – those truly successful and satisfied with their lives – embrace fear as a necessary component of growth and progress. They know that if they aren’t shaking in their boots periodically, they clearly aren’t stretching themselves enough.
So what does this mean for you?
Put yourself out on the edge. Take some risk. Get out of the comfort zone that has become your life.
06/02/2022 – Imagine
For an S² person experiencing tremendous success and satisfaction, her imagination is the parent of all that she accomplishes. From space travel to autonomous lawnmowers to ballpoint pens – each was born inside someone with a great imagination that asked, “Hmmm, what if…?”
So what does this mean for you?
If you want to jumpstart your personal or professional life or pull yourself out of a deep and predictable rut, start with a thorough investigation of your imagination, or lack thereof. Imagine the possibilities!
05/20/2022 – Narrow Your Focus
One of the attributes of highly successful and satisfied (S²) people is they have developed the ability to focus their resources on one target at a time.
So what does this mean for you?
Let go of the “multi-tasking” myth that only results in half-finished projects and a long list of loose ends.
If you’re frustrated ‘cause you keep falling short or wide of your targets, make sure you only have one object in your scope.
05/06/2022 – Execute
An S² person – one that is highly successful and extremely satisfied with his life – knows that without a solid plan, the odds of arrival at the desired location are slim.
So what does this mean for you?
Make a plan. Then execute the plan like it really matters.
04/22/2022 – No Place for Blame
In the life of an S² person – one highly successful and extremely satisfied with her life’s pursuits – blame is a foreign concept.
So what does this mean for you?
Certainly, we all have unfortunate situations that happen to, or upon, us. But, for those that are on the path of purpose and those that are destined to make a difference in the world, these situations do not grow into self-pity parties. If you really want to make a difference with your life, put down your Kleenex box, stand up, and start getting things done.
04/08/2022 – Plan Your “Wow”
An S² person – one that is highly successful and extremely satisfied with his life’s pursuits – lives a life of paradox. In one light he is very pleased with his accomplishments, knowing that he is living a life of dedication and purpose. But, in another light he is always looking for the next mountain to climb, knowing that he must keep climbing or risk falling backward into an uncontrollable tumble.
So what does this mean for you?
If you have achieved all that you have planned for your life, you have not planned enough. Live in the “now”, but keep planning your next “wow”!
03/25/2022 – Know Your Why
An S² person – one that is highly successful and extremely satisfied with his life’s pursuits – knows the value of the question, “Why?” He knows that at the core of all worthwhile pursuits is an inner drive, a passion, a burning desire to fulfill.
So what does this mean for you?
Whether it is setting sail to prove that the world is actually round, growing a genuine and loving family that lives and laughs together, or turning a tiny hot dog stand into a multinational symbol of taste and quality, your “why” is the fire that keeps you going.
03/04/2022 – Small Steps
An S² person – one that is achieving incredible levels of success and satisfaction in her life – is a “big picture” person. But, she also knows the importance of taking small steps in order to achieve great things. Often, people become paralyzed by the sheer scope and magnitude of challenges that face them. The mountain appears so big that it causes them to look away, stand still, walk away, or in many cases, run away in sheer panic.
So what does this mean for you?
All great accomplishments are the result of small steps taken with resolve, focus, and yes, a bit of fear. The key is mustering the courage to take your first step… then let momentum become your friend.
02/18/2022 – Welcome Failure
Failure is a part of life. All S² people – those that are achieving magnificent levels of success and satisfaction in their lives – fully understand this reality. They also embrace the fact that without a steady dose of failure they won’t learn and grow. Through this realization, they learn to embrace, almost invite failure as a teacher and giver.
So what does this mean for you?
The moment you let avoiding failure become your motivator, you’re down the path of mediocrity. If you see yourself as extraordinary, embrace failure as a ‘must have’ in order to achieve great things.
02/04/2022 – Make an Impact
An S² person – one that is achieving incredible levels of success and satisfaction in his life – is driven by the passion and core belief that what he is doing has a significantly deeper meaning and purpose than just mundane actions and reactions to random daily events. He sees his life as an opportunity to chisel his mark on the marble block of history.
So what does this mean for you?
01/21/2022 – Embrace Challenge
Not very often, in all theatres of life, is the path straight and narrow. An S² person – one that is achieving amazing levels of success and satisfaction in his life – realizes and embraces this truth. Life itself is a continuous zig-zag path of trial and tribulation. There is no straight line to grand accomplishment and eternal bliss.
So what does this mean for you?
01/07/2022 – Forgiveness
An S² person – one that is achieving exciting levels of success and satisfaction in her life – is a lot like a duck. Say what? She knows that she is imperfect in thought and action. But, she accepts herself and smiles at her best efforts. When she fails, she offers herself forgiveness… like water off a duck’s back.
So what does this mean for you?
12.22.2021 – Give Yourself
An S² person – one soaking in success and satisfaction in life – recognizes that he doesn’t have to be rich to be generous. On the contrary, he just needs a heart that is filled with the gleeful willingness to give.
So what does this mean for you?
12.10.2021 – Shifting Gears
An S² person – one that is able to reach amazing levels of success and satisfaction in his life – uses more “gears” than the average person. The point here isn’t really about whether you have a 10, 20, or 100-speed bike. The point is whether you are open-minded and receptive to finding out how many gears you have and are willing to use them.
So what does this mean for you?
11.19.2021 – Embrace Criticism
An S² person – one that is experiencing exciting levels of success and satisfaction in her life – is not devastated by critical feedback. In actuality, she sees criticism, not as a blow to her ego, but instead as an opportunity to become more effective and efficient.
So what does this mean for you?
11.05.2021 – Saying No
An S² person – one that knows the joys of success and satisfaction in his life – is not afraid to say “no”. He realizes that in order to fulfill his personal and professional purpose he must stay true to his course – his Ways. Often, this means saying “no” to people and events that do not fit into his plan. This, in turn, allows him the time and supplies him with the momentum to forge ahead toward greater success and satisfaction in his life.
So what does this mean for you?
10.22.2021 – Choose Happiness
Are you choosing to be happy? Or, are you choosing to be sad? It’s that simple, and S² people – those enjoying heaps of success and satisfaction in their lives – know this fundamental truth.
So what does this mean for you?
10.08.2021 – I’m Sorry
An S² person – one experiencing great success and satisfaction in his life – is not afraid to say, “Sorry, I was wrong.” This learned skill clearly displays his understanding that he is not perfect – and never will be.
So what does this mean for you?
09.24.2021 – No Regrets
An S² person – one enjoying great success and satisfaction in her life – lives life to the fullest. This means that she is adept at planning for her dream future and puts in the effort to make the dream come true. She knows that regrets are rooted in the knowledge that all was not done to ensure success.
So what does this mean for you?
09.10.2021 – Support Team
An S² person – one skipping through life enjoying great success and satisfaction in his life – understands the importance of “team.” While there are certain times to buckle down and get the job done on your own, do not underestimate the need to surround yourself with like-minded winners to help you with your quests.
So what does this mean for you?
08.06.2021 – Look Ahead
An S² person – one that is experiencing authentic success and satisfaction in his life – lives life like he drives his car. As he buzzes down the highway of life he has trained himself to look high and wide out the windshield to get a good view of where he is going; seeing what obstacles and opportunities are approaching.
So what does this mean for you?
07.23.2021 – You Can Do It!
An S² person – one that is tasting sweet success and satisfaction in her life – is much like the Little Train that kept chugging up the mountain, little by little, one turn of the wheel at a time, keeping her thoughts only on “I think I can, I think I can.”
So what does this mean for you?
07.09.2021 – Letting Go
An S² person – one that greets success and satisfaction with a daily smile – knows both the philosophical and practical benefits of refusing to hold on to negative thoughts and emotions. The mind, body, and spirit that harbors negative emotions become a breeding ground for sickness and illness.
So what does this mean for you?
06.25.2021 – Optimism
Do you remember the pessimistic Lilliputian character from Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels famous for the phrase, “We’re never going to make it.” He was not an S² person – one whose life is overflowing with success and satisfaction. S² people know the simple truth that achievement is, first and foremost, being optimistic and opportunity-minded. If you think something can’t come to fruition, you are probably right.
So what does this mean for you?
06.11.2021 – Stick With It
An S² person – one that is riding the wave of enormous success and satisfaction in her life – knows the value of analysis, then commitment. Making decisions that will significantly impact her life are not taken lightly. She makes the time to determine the course of action that will give her the greatest odds of success. Additionally, she knows that once her mind has been made up, she must move forward with stern resolve – and continue with vigor when the going gets tough.
So what does this mean for you?
05.28.2021 – Dream
An S² person – one enjoying amazing success and satisfaction in his life – understands the importance of dreams. No, I am not talking about those fantastical events that happen while in deep slumber. I am talking about those phenomenally grandiose ideas that grab you by the heart and scream, “You must do this!” Dreams, and the process of dream-realization, are the fuel of life. S² people realize that without dreams life becomes mundane and “just another day of the same ol’ stuff.”
So what does this mean for you?
05.14.2021 – Come Alive
Would you like to become an S² person and begin to realize colossal successes and satisfaction in your life? If so, your first move may be to step out of the soft and fluffy comfort zone you have created for yourself and take a few risks. No, you don’t have to cash out your 401k and start a scuba diving company in the Bahamas, but it may be time to add some pepper sauce to your life.
So what does this mean for you?
04.30.2021 – Get Your Hands Dirty
An S² person – one that is experiencing wondrous success and satisfaction in his life – is writing his life story, daily. While he may never put his life into autobiographical print, he is conscious of making sure his life is worthy of such an endeavor. If written, would anyone want to invest the time to read your autobiography?
So what does this mean for you?
04.16.2021 – Your Life Story
An S² person – one that is experiencing wondrous success and satisfaction in his life – is writing his life story, daily. While he may never put his life into autobiographical print, he is conscious of making sure his life is worthy of such an endeavor. If written, would anyone want to invest the time to read your autobiography?
So what does this mean for you?
04.02.2021 – Pleasing Others
An S² person – one that is blessed with success and satisfaction beyond measure – realizes that trying to please everyone will most certainly leave him very displeased. Being kind, generous, and genuinely concerned about the needs of others is admirable and necessary to living an extraordinary life, however, seeking to please others, at your own expense, is not a wise strategy. This approach will leave you uncertain and wavering; questioning your own reasons and purpose.
So what does this mean for you?
03.19.2021 – Get Moving
An S² person – one very familiar with success and satisfaction in his life – is keenly aware that danger and opportunity are two sides of the same coin. He realizes that in all danger is an inherent risk and that the only way to become S² is to embrace the risk and take advantage of the opportunity.
So what does this mean for you?
03.06.2021 – Your Authentic Self
An S² person – one that is authentically living with success and satisfaction in his life – is continuously refining the person that he is. Not so that he can gloat and say, “Hey, look at Mr. Wonderful.” Instead, he is always working to become his most authentic and genuine self so that life itself will be a place of comfort and peace.
So what does this mean for you?
02.19.2021 – Don’t Do It Alone
An S² person – one that is authentically living with abundant success and satisfaction in her life – knows that the journey is not traveled alone. Each step of the way she is assisted by people she can trust to help her find her potential. These people have been intentionally brought into her life to be cheerleaders, accountability partners, and mentors that help to create an S² support system.
So what does this mean for you?
01.29.2021 – Serious-Minded Friends
An S² person – one that is experiencing plentiful success and satisfaction in his life – is always on the recruiting trail. He realizes that S² people are exceptional at living in environments of character-based people to learn, gain and grow from.
So what does this mean for you?
01.15.2021 – Listen
An S² person – one whose levels of personal success and satisfaction seems to set mark after mark – relishes in his ability to listen… and say nothing. He realizes that true wisdom is often displayed in what is not said. He simply doesn’t feel the need to fill the airwaves with blah blah blah.
So what does this mean for you?
01.01.2020 – Be Now & Be Great
An S² person – one that seems to be a magnet for success and satisfaction – makes sure that even daily minutia is taken on with intensity and passion. When he realizes that he is going through the motions, he gives himself a quick pep talk and refocuses on “being now and great.”
So what does this mean for you?
12.04.2020 – Precious Time
An S² person – one with abundant success and satisfaction in his life – is very, very aware of the value of time. He knows that time is at the center of all happenings. He continuously strives to simplify his life, ridding himself of the things that simply don’t matter and are just a waste of his precious time.
So what does this mean for you?
11.20.2020 – Be Yourself
An S² person – one that is encountering abundant success and satisfaction in her life – is true to her core. She knows who she is and who she isn’t. She knows what she wants and what she doesn’t. She knows what she likes and what she dislikes. And, she is true to what she is. There is no falsehood in her being.
So what does this mean for you?
11.06.2020 – Success Takes Work
An S² person – one that is relishing in fanciful success and satisfaction in her life – knows that all the best things in life are the result of choosing to work through problems and obstacles; not pretending they don’t exist, looking away and hoping for a better tomorrow.
So what does this mean for you?