3 Crucial Ingredients and Rules For Living an Exceptional Life
What if you were thought of as average? You know – unmemorable and without distinction. Not so good, right? Regrettably, we are bordered on all sides by average, even “sub-par” services, products and people. It’s the norm, and so we may or may not even notice it.
But we do tend to notice the exceptional.
The challenge you and I face is finding the time and energy to create an exceptional life.
The challenge
Several years ago a statistical study of several hundred “truly exceptional” companies was conducted to get insights on how certain businesses can provide superior products and still remain cost competitive.
Now, before you tear off your reading glasses in dramatic fashion and scream, “I don’t care about business statistics!” let me explain how this impacts you and your ability to be truly exceptional in your own life and pursuits.
The ingredients: time, energy, vitality
The study came up with THREE simple rules. Whether you’re in business or not, these rules apply to manufacturing the ingredients that will lead to a better, more productive and exceptional life.
Clearly, most of us don't have enough time to do the things we love. Our precious time is devoured daily by an overwhelming number of tasks, leaving little for anything else.
But here's the thing -- its not a really a time problem that we face. It’s an energy problem. Everything you and I do, from thinking about what’s on our agenda to doing it and crossing it off our list, consumes our energy…lot’s of it.
And because most of us DON’T think in terms of energy economics, we suffer from a serious energy deficit. Our daily output clearly exceeds our level of production.
This deficit chips away at our vitality -- just like an organization with more demand than its labor force can handle. It hinders our ability to put production into overdrive when required the most.
The end result is a painful decline in our quality of life.
Adopting the rules of exceptional business (and life)
1. Better Before Cheaper
A business that puts out a product using cheap materials and shoddy workmanship might see higher short-term profits, but its long-term profitability will ultimately suffer. How does this apply to you?
Simple! Don’t compromise with cheap materials when it comes to fueling your body. Processed foods filled with preservatives might be convenient, but they’re a disastrous long-term investment.
Like purchasing new equipment for a manufacturing business, eating nutrient-rich foods will require more of a financial investment. But in the long run, it will bring a much better value to your life. Feed your body based on value -- not price or convenience. You’ll be rewarded with an abundance of energy.
2. Revenue before cost
In business accounting, revenue is the income derived from normal business activities. How does this apply to you? Like a good business, you always want to avoid losses and drive revenue. From a personal perspective, this could be defined as the energy derived from personal activities.
You can rise as a top performer and bring time, energy, and vitality profitability through the roof by investing all three in quality activities. The time and energy you spend in the gym, meditating, and eating healthy will create a measurable R.O.V.I. (return on vitality investment).
Squandering energy with unnecessary worry, stress, and distraction is like being the absentee owner of a business that requires hands-on leadership. If you want more time, energy, and vitality you have to invest time, energy, and vitality in the business of you.
3. There are no other rules
This final rule, as the authors of the business study mentioned earlier suggest, "Underscores the uncomfortable (or liberating) truth that in the pursuit of exceptionalism, everything but the first two rules should be on the table.”
In other words, do whatever you have to do in order to get and remain aligned with the first two rules.
One final note: Before these three rules can have even the slightest impact on your life, you must first make the conscious decision to improve yourself and strive for exceptional living.
Tom Terwilliger is equal parts athlete, entrepreneur and motivator. Five years after pulling himself from the world of drug and alcohol abusing outlaw bikers Tom’s never give up attitude, determination and willingness to sweat earned him a national bodybuilding championship title (Mr. America), and a successful 16-year career as a Fox Sports Net TV show host. He has since written two #1 bestselling books: 7 Rules of Achievement, and Why S.M.A.R.T. Goals May Be Dumb. Tom has taught thousands of individuals and organizations the empowering Leadership, Body Rapport and other life success tools, rules and strategies needed to take massive leaps forward in their lives, businesses and careers. Learn more at https://www.MaxMindset.com. Connect with Tom on Facebook at tomterwilligernow
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.