Expert in the Rough, Brian Monahan

By the grace of God!

2008 will go down in the books as a curious year. The United States of America is experiencing some of its most defining moments.  We are marking a new era with our first African American President Elect and experiencing an economic mess created by greed and gluttony.

I find myself in a curious place.  2008 was by far my most tremendous year, but much of the nation is facing tremendous challenges.  I look to 2009 with an optimist’s eyes.  I have created a solid foundation for my life but I know that some factors are out of my control.

With all of this in mind the only proper thing for me to do is create a gratitude list.

I am grateful for:

• The birth of Ella Grace my beautiful daughter in October 2008.
• The love of my life my beautiful, encouraging and loving wife Megan
• A loving and supportive family
• Friends with great values
• The health of a friend who is battling cancer
• Great health insurance to cover life’s challenges
• A successful place to work, Prestige AV & Creative Services
• Professional success that has reached a tipping point of less work and greater results (Fun!).
• Great and loyal clients who practice good faith business
• A spark of inspiration to propel Expert in the Rough and my writing career
• A fine home and reliable transportation
• A God who I can count on
• 12 Years of sobriety
• A seriously distracted 20 something years to show me how not to live
• A precious baby who is teaching me how to live in the moment and smile
• A new Blackberry to keep up with my Social Media interests.
• A Toastmasters Group to mentor my public speaking interests
• A vibrant Cincinnati Blogger network to learn from
• A blessed life that continues to get better and better

What you can expect in 2009 at Expert in the Rough:

• Twists and turns to the focus of this blog, I have vast interests and I am still tweaking my focus.
• Better writing, longer pieces
• Real life Interaction with me and other readers via classes and social media platforms
• Video elements, monthly interviews with real people I know and their approach to life
• Peaks and valleys to my output, I underestimated the time it takes to raise a baby
• More “personal posts” sharing what’s working and what is not working
• Surprises for both of you and me, I can’t predict it all but I know as long as I am inspired opportunities will arise.

2009 is what you make it. Pick your path and trust in what is inside of you.  The only truth you have is the voice and feelings you experience every day.

When all else fails:

• Be yourself
• Be grateful
• Share your ideas
• Trust your gut
• Start over
• Keep pushing
• Say you’re sorry
• Call it a day
• Take a chance
• Tell your spouse you love him/her
• Show up with flowers
• Offer your seat
• Say a prayer
• Create a Don’t Stop Believing Play list for your I Pod
• Tell the Truth
• Bust out your air guitar

Last but not least, check your pulse. If you got one, get on with your life!

Have you ever wished you could predict the future?

If so you are in luck.  It has been said, if you want to know where you will be in five years take a look at your life right now.

In 5 years your life will be the sum total of your thoughts, actions and circle of influence.

To predict your future take an inventory of your life right now.

• Have I taken the time to write down my goals?
• Do I have a mentor or coach?
• Do I surround myself with people who encourage me?
• Am I enrolled in classes or study which will bring me closer to my goals?
• Do I meditate or practice regular relaxation techniques?
• Do I have a healthy diet and exercise regularly?
• Do I put myself in situations where I will meet people of influence?
• Do I give back to my community in my area of expertise or enjoyment?
• Do I anticipate the future and take the steps to be ready when opportunity knocks?

I attended a leadership conference earlier this year and learned the key to successful leadership is planning for the future.  On the outside many successful people appear to be lucky or at the right place at the right time, but if you investigate further you will find they weren’t lucky, but prepared.

You too can appear lucky, prepared, successful and predict the future.

Start today by writing down your goals, creating and action plan and surrounding yourself with successful people.  Call me in five years and I bet you will be surprised how many of your goals will have come true.