Monday Morning Mojo

What are you thankful for? A game of golf or a Saturday spent watching your favorite college football team? Is it a glass of bourbon enjoyed by a fire? Perhaps you are thankful for the change in seasons – for the mountains in winter or the sandy beaches of summer.   In memory of Atlanta Journal Constitution Sports Columnist, Furman Bisher, Phil takes time this Monday morning to reflect on the people, experiences, and places for which he is grateful. We encourage you to begin this week by starting your own process of gratitude. Actively remind yourself of the many blessings this life has to offer and give thanks to the people you cherish most. Like Bisher, we are dedicating our Thanksgiving season to all the aspects of life that we treasure and hope you do the same.   Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com   Furman Bisher – I’m Thankful: http://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/holiday/furman-bisher-tha

From the sounds of Patsy Cline to the tunes of Cane Brown, country music often tells compelling stories or shares lessons learned. Whether you are a fan of country music, rock n’ roll, or pop, you can most likely relate to the narratives that many of the great country music artists tell in their lyrics.   Last week, Garth Brooks took home the Country Music Award for Entertainer of the Year, and today we reflect on the valuable lesson he shares with us in his song “Unanswered Prayers.”  In life we dream, we aspire and when faced with certain opportunities or challenges, we often interpret a particular path as the most desirable. Garth reminded us in 1991 and again today that not getting what you want can sometimes be the perfect gift; it is in these instances that the balance of judgment and humility become critical.   Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com   Garth Brooks:  “Unanswered Prayer

We, as humans, are subject to our own biases. Even the most self-aware individual can limit themselves by unconsciously acting on pre-conceived stereotypes or judgments. Biases are unfortunately built into society and our psychological nature; how do we keep them from turning into mistakes? In this episode, Phil recounts and analyzes an eye-opening experience that brought him back to a lesson most of us learned in grade school: don’t to judge a book by its cover. Although we all know this statement to be true, our actions and thought-processes do not always mirror our wisdom. Biases based on appearance can limit our capacity to grow our influence and expand our knowledge base. Don’t fall into this trap; make it your mission today and everyday to hold yourself accountable for the labels you place on others.   Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Cultural fit and the internal relationships we develop with our colleagues are essential to success and happiness. Whether we like it or not, the actions and behaviors of other individuals will impact our ability, confidence, and willingness to work in an environment.  In this episode, we hear from two of our listeners, both of whom share issues they are currently facing with the dynamic of their team: the first with upper management and the second with a new business partner. Despite their best effort, these individuals are losing passion and patience because their style conflicts with those they work with.  This Friday, we offer advice on finding your cultural fit, give perspective on how to engage constructively with difficult team dynamics, and recommend two great reads that can provide more insight to you.   Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com   References: The Five Dysfunctions of

Richard Thaler, acclaimed American economist, professor of Behavioral Science and Economics at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and founding father of the “nudge” theory has been awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. His research in behavioral science has not only defied traditional economic theory but has re-shaped public policy and influenced politicians world-wide. We conclude today that his theories can benefit the wealth management industry as well. In this episode, we view client relationships from the perspective of behavioral economics and ask three key questions that will help you reevaluate your top clients. Thaler’s research provides a compelling case that today’s advisors must focus more time, energy, and effort into helping clients make sound decisions. By applying his models to the financial industry, we can advance our overall client relationships and the trajectory of our practices. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to: mojo@cannonfinancia

For some reason, our failures always seem to resonate deeper than our successes. Why is that? Why are we more agitated by a loss than excited by a win? Why the Hubris? In a practice that has achieved an elevated level of sustained success, one can unwittingly and somewhat irrationally acquire a more heightened expectation to close every deal. This regrettably is not reality. In today’s episode, we discuss why this mindset will hinder our long-term growth. Regardless of how talented any one of our companies may be, there will always be those prospects that don’t connect or aren’t professionally attracted to our firm. Rather than beating ourselves up over these losses, we must exercise control over our emotions, implement decision making that reflects our long-term goals, and resolve to learn from every experience. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Please send First Friday Feedback submissions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Have you ever had an experience while working with someone where you ask yourself, “Why do I have to deal with this person?” Well today we answer that question for you. In this episode, we examine the reality of our interactions with others and assert that those encounters have a purpose beyond their face value. We can often discover the specific purpose of our interactions upon reflection; however, in the moment we need to recognize that when individuals come into our lives it’s either for a reason, a season or a lifetime. By looking at your relationships and even your brief encounters from a perspective of growth and personal development, you can gain more from your everyday experiences.  We challenge you this morning to change the way you engage with those around you; shift your perception to see the real purpose of those encounters.   Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

In today’s episode, we evaluate our practice from the client’s perspective. What does the prospect see? What opinions do they form? When a client chooses your firm, do they feel confident that they’ve made the right decision? When one studies highly successful companies such as Disneyworld, Starbucks or Four Seasons, he or she finds that they have differentiated themselves from their competition through a process of defining what a superior experience for their customers looks like. This morning, we share three important questions that will challenge you to identify the rocks or pillars of your own unique client experience; and then, when those rocks are established and implemented, you will inevitably capitalize on a strengthened brand, heightened client experience, and an increased business value. Resources  Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Kirby Smart, University of Georgia Football Coach, statement following 9/30/17 game: https://www.reuters.com/article/football-nc

Today, Cannon Financial Institute is excited to announce the launch of First Friday Feedback, a sister podcast to Monday Morning Mojo and the Cannon Curve. In this series, our host, Phil Buchanan, will be addressing questions specifically proposed by you, our listeners. Our aim is to focus on the issues and circumstances relevant to our audience. Thus, we invite you to steer the content and ask questions that you believe could help improve a dilemma you may be facing in your professional life – big or small.   In this episode, we hear from three anonymous individuals who are facing challenges in their work environment and offer outside perspective and advice to help guide them in their attempt to remedy the situation. We address how to approach a conflict in a team of intergenerational dynamics, discuss tactics you can employ to help overcome feeling burnt out or unmotivated, and give advice to an individual whose personal situation is inadvertently causing distress to her work life.    Thank you to those of

300 Monday mornings ago we launched the pilot episode of this podcast series. Our mission? To begin each week by providing insight and new perspectives deliberately designed to help motivate and inspire our listeners. Together, we have tackled numerous issues, discussed strategies for success, evaluated our relationships, elevated our professional performance, and continuously challenged ourselves to be a force for good. Over the last two weeks, we have invited you to reveal the episodes that have had the most impact on you; and this morning, our team has chosen the top three responses to share with you. As of today, our Monday Morning Mojo journey has given us 300 lessons to celebrate, and we are looking forward to hundreds more. Resources: Please send comments, questions, and feedback to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Jim Valvano 1983 Speech: http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Jimmy+Valvano+1983+Anniversary+Speech&&view=detail&mid=1A0B7879D80A71AD823D1A0B78

Has there ever been a time in your life where you felt stuck? Although you may have a stable family life and your career is secure, you feel as though your life has become repetitive – a set of traditions and routines. Thus, you reflect; you think back on the “glory days” of college, high school, your first exciting professional opportunity, or perhaps your first love, and have an unrequited desire to revisit those past moments and experiences. In today’s episode, we discuss why exactly the desire to relive your most memorable experiences is counterproductive and essentially a trap. Nobody enjoys feeling stuck, and this morning we hope to give you the solution to pull you away from this cycle.   Resources: Please send comments and questions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com Kenny Chesney; “the Boys of Fall”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEc1m-r_0gM

Imagine this scenario: you are working with a group/team and have a vision or idea of the correct path for you all to take to accomplish your goal – whatever that may be. Yet, those around are not able to see what you see, either because they can’t or don’t want to. The majority of us have had at least one of these moments in our lifetime, and in this episode, we discuss the correct approach to take should this occur. Big visions are like large trees – you need to swing the axe more than once if you want it to fall. By providing the right motivation, and communicating your ideas both initially and throughout an entire project, you develop what we like to call “persistent patience.” That is, a patient intensity that allows long term goals to be met without artificially forcing activity on your team members.   Please send comments or questions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

How do you define courage? Is it overcoming adversity? Maybe it is overcoming fear?   Webster’s defines courage as a “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty,” and in this episode, we dissect and develop our own understanding of what it means to be courageous. Courage can appear in a multitude of states: physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual. On one end of the spectrum, courage can be a mechanism for survival; yet on the other end, it can be about doing the right thing even when the right thing is not the easiest. Courage must be fostered, developed and honored, and this week we encourage you to find the areas in your life where you can demonstrate courage and bring out courage in others.   Please send comments or questions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com

Think about your work environment. What energy do you and your co-workers bring to the office every day? Is it lively? Dull? What motivates you and your team to engage whole-heartedly in a project? In this episode, we discuss how to bring a jolt of fresh energy to your company culture in honor of the start of a new season. The weather is turning cool and crisp, football stadiums are filling up on the weekends, the school-year has just begun, and now is the best possible time to re-instill passion into your organization. Finding strategies to recharge the energy in your company culture is vital to success. It will not only lay the groundwork for future business growth, but will also bring some fun into everyone’s daily routine. Please send comments or questions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com The Cannon Curve Podcast: http://www.cannonfinancial.com/the-cannon-curve

What if we told you that goal based planning is failing for many firms and also many advisors. On more than one occasion, we have noticed that when a firm or advisor is asked to identify specific metrics for their various goals, they often struggle. In this morning’s episode we dive into why that may be, and as it turns out, the solution is quite simple. There are two key elements that can cause goal-based planning to fail, and they both revolve around not having a tangible vision to base your goals on. Goal-setting is on its own a monotonous process that tends to focus on the “what” and the “how.” However, the simple yet crucial question you must ask begins with “why.” Today we are going to talk about the “why” Please send comments or questions to mojo@cannonfinancial.com It’s not About the Nail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4EDhdAHrOg

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed when confronted with the idea of a life change – big or small? It is fairly human to fear the unknown, to fear failure, to fear disappointment, to fear stepping away from a comfort zone; and for many of us, the idea of change generally carries at least one, if not most, of these fears with it.   In this episode, we outline four steps to pragmatically asses whatever change you may be contemplating. By following these four steps, we hope that you can view change in a way that will either make the transition less overwhelming or allow you to confidently remain on your current path. We encourage you to retake control when change makes you feel like you are riding shotgun instead of sitting behind the wheel; we encourage you to not let fear of change inhibit you from taking action; and, most importantly, we encourage you to change the way you perceive change. Resources: Please send comments or questions to: mojo@cannonfinancial.com   The Cannon Curve Podcast: http://www.can

Is society losing its grip on good, deep, solid conversations? Yes, we are more connected on a macro level through technology and social media, but have we lost some of our face-to-face communication skills because of our digitally evolving world? In this episode, we talk conversations. We discuss the importance of seeking to understand rather than seeking to be heard when conversing with one another, and Phil shares three questions he typically asks during a conversation with a new acquaintance. He finds that ironically, to become a better conversationalist, you must speak less and listen more – actively learning from what your conversational partner has to share.

After 10 days off the grid, away from phones, email, wifi, television, etc., Phil returns with key insights he gained while conversing with a gentleman who had also used those ten days to abstain from technology. This particular gentleman has managed to maintain an impressive number of accomplishments, which brought up two questions: Why do you do the things you do? And, how do you find the time? In this episode we discuss the importance of taking advantage of the time we are given. Time passes whether you are doing great things or not, so why not do great things? We all have dreams; now is the time to move those dreams into action.

What does “just doing the job” mean to you? When you ask those who have served, fought and received the Congressional Medal of Honor, “just doing the job” means demonstrating unparalleled valor and courage against enemy forces. Talking to these men and discovering the humble way in which they speak of their experiences and accomplishments is inspiring. On the battlefield, men learn brotherhood and the importance of putting the fate of the whole above the fate of one’s self. And off the battlefield, these men realize the importance of putting their relationships with family, friends, and fellow soldiers above the pettiness of everyday life. In this episode, we encourage to learn from their stories and measured approaches to life. Put the needs of your clients and your clients’ families above your own and always hold fast to humility. We do more than influence our clients’ journeys, we serve as chief navigators, and with that responsibility comes great accountability. Resources: Congressional Medal of Honor S

“See I believe life is an influenced journey. Based on certain Circumstances, we are all put into situations that at times empower us and at other times restrain us. The key is appreciating the lessons in all circumstances.” - Words from Chief Justice John G. Roberts’ commencement address (2017) Failure is not permanent, but neither is success. How will you choose to embrace success and failure? How will you choose to relate to them? How will you choose to learn from them? And finally, how will you ultimately choose to manage them? In this episode, we reflect on the importance of staying humble and kind when you are filled with pride and success, and to own your failures in a way that will shape your life for a positive future. Failure is not permanent, but neither is success, and to accept this, is to become a force for good.  Resources: Chief Justice John G. Roberts’ commencement address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzu9S5FL-Ug Tim McGraw’s, “Humble and Kind”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awzNHuGqoMc