Our Best Self

Our best self is all about sharing stories, lessons, and tips that will help us live a happy, healthy, and successful life. Topics covered include entrepreneur life; being a great parent; struggles and success, and stories of others. Join me as I document, pretty raw, this journey. You can find more at @jimmydatl on instagram, jamesdeluccia.com and on Medium too with great long form pieces. Finding balance and success Rocks and Happiness CEO of your life Innovate your life Life is not an audition Stories that build you up A single father's path to gratitude Documenting lessons to create success and happiness The success driven mission How to act and overcome fear What works and what doesn't - happiness and success A life well lived The hot take on happiness, success, and achieving what you need .. and other aspects of life.

Making your missions matter 01/10/2024

Achieving Your Dreams: The Power of Actions and Goals 11/15/2023

Seizing Opportunities to Live a Life FREE of Regret 10/18/2023

Seizing Opportunities to Live a Life FREE of Regret Join us as we unravel the significant issue of regret and the imperative need to seize opportunities. Here's a promise - by the end of this candid conversation, you'll find the courage to approach every opportunity, be it a professional endeavor or a possible romantic interest, with renewed confidence and enthusiasm. We delve into the fear that often hinders our path to success and highlight the profound pain attached to missed opportunities. Our aim here is not just to inspire, but to also instill in you, the ability to learn from past mistakes and move forward without carrying the burden of guilt. In the latter part of our enlightening discussion, we shift our focus to the immense power that lies in embracing the present and giving your best shot each day. We emphasize the importance of persistently striving to achieve our goals instead of idly waiting for the so-called 'perfect moment.' Here's an interesting fact - success doesn't come to those who wait, but to those who hustle! Our goal is to encourage you to develop the discipline and skills necessary to honor your commitments. Ultimately, this episode is about urging you to step out of your comfort zone, take your shot, and embrace a life devoid of regret. It's time to make the most out of today and look forward to a future shaped by your present efforts and choices. (0:00:01) - Regret and Importance of Taking Shots (14 Minutes) Today, we talk about taking shots at the things we want in life and how to avoid regret. We discuss how to become better humans, parents, team members, and leaders, and how not taking the shot - even when we've done the research and taken the first steps - can have a long-term impact. Whether it's an internal opportunity or a potential romantic relationship, we must take a chance, reach out, and try our best to make it work. We must also learn to appreciate that we don't make shots that we don't take and to not live with guilt or regret for the things that we didn't do. (0:13:37) - Power of Giving Your Best Today (2 Minutes) We explore how to stop holding ourselves back from living our best lives and achieving our goals. Everyone is in the same boat, and the key to success is to give our best effort today, rather than waiting until we are perfect or 'ready'. We also discuss the importance of having the skills and discipline to stay true to our word, and how to move forward and avoid letting the past dictate our future. So let's get out there and put in the work and effort to give our best version of ourselves today. About the author: I have 30+ years in technology. Building companies. Running global services teams. Consumer and business direct customers. I have led cybersecurity compliance, standards, security, consulting, and product teams. My global work and deep research and experiences I draw on to share ways I and you can become our best self. These are meant to reflect the ups and downs of life. I am always at the tip of the spear in technology and will certainly share that as they are valuable ideas. Finally, my efforts are devoted to the following. Welcome others always in these journeys to do good work: - Dad and Husband - Cybersecurity innovation and AI product innovations - Bottling and operating coffee craft shops - Charity programs around kids with behaviors and organic farming - Regenerative farming, cattle, and vertical farm greenhouses - Fitness (coached 1,000+ athletes), and how we can live well - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Checkout the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16AGBV32xPuT81u16XUWCs?si=12a7b9cfea31480c Prefer reading the full essays: https://stepstobestself.substack.com/ Professional inquiries on LinkedIN please: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdeluccia/ Interactions and discussions on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JDeLuccia Things we dive into will reflect what I've learned in life; what my current research reveals, and lessons from my businesses and mentor programs. Adopt what serves you and pass along anything you enjoyed. Trying to better the world through these stages. Wishing you an amazing day! - Jimmy James DeLuccia IV /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/28183691

Embracing Personal Responsibility 10/11/2023

Embracing Personal Responsibility Discover the empowering truth that has the potential to transform your life. Join us on this episode as we delve into the profound message: "It's always been you—only you, always." You are the key to making a difference, improving your world, enhancing your health, growing your business, and fostering love in your family. No one else can save you, and no one else truly cares like you do. In this episode, we explore the following key points: 🔹 The Power of Personal Responsibility: Learn why taking ownership of your actions and outcomes is the first step towards success and happiness. 🔹 Overcoming Negativity: Discover how to let go of unrealistic expectations of others and embrace gratitude instead of judgment. 🔹 The Pitfalls of Handouts: Understand why self-reliance and hard work are essential for lasting success, and how shortcuts can hinder your growth. 🔹 Breaking Free from Victim Mentality: Leave behind the victim mindset and take control of your destiny. 🔹 Embracing Self-Improvement: Start your journey towards personal growth, learning, and achieving greatness. Join us in this eye-opening discussion that will inspire you to unleash your potential and thrive. It's time to take action, and it all starts with you. PersonalEmpowerment #SuccessMindset #SelfImprovement #PositiveImpact #SelfReliance #Podcast (0:00:02) - The Power of Personal Responsibility (8 Minutes) Nobody else will save you or do it for you and that's freeing. We also discuss how we can eliminate disappointment and stress in our lives by not creating expectations of others and instead showing gratitude and eliminating judgment. Remind yourself who is capable, who has been put in this position to act, and who will fix it? It's you. (0:07:43) - Taking Responsibility for Personal Growth (12 Minutes) We examine how our expectations of others can lead to stress and negative relationships. We explore how we can support and encourage those around us instead of judging them. We also discuss how receiving gifts and handouts can prevent us from developing our own abilities and how only by achieving things on our own can we build our own life and succeed in the long run. (0:20:13) - Taking Initiative, Doing the Right Thing (1 Minutes) We discuss how to take responsibility for our own lives and do the right thing without waiting for someone else to tell us what to do. We explore how small actions like picking up trash or helping out a co-worker can lead to a simpler and more peaceful life. We also look at how we can create positive relationships with others by not expecting them to do things for us. /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/28183481

Getting unstuck to achieve your goals 10/04/2023

Getting unstuck to achieve your goals How you and I can apply discipline and overcome our goals that are stalled. This video I share from personal experience and challenge. I know you can do what you are pursuing, sometimes we just need to know why and how. Use this episode to achieve your goals, get unstuck, and have the impact you seek in your life. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH FULL SUMMARIES --------- (0:00:02) - Achieving Goals and Overcoming Challenges (9 Minutes) Why is it difficult to prioritize our personal goals, and why is it important to be respectful of our goals and ourselves in our journey towards achieving them? We discuss how to make progress on large goals that we own, emphasizing the need to be committed to our deadlines and making time for the goals we set for ourselves. We also explore the importance of doing our best with the time and resources we have, in order to make the most out of our personal goals. (0:08:33) - Setting Finish Lines and Deadlines (14 Minutes) Why is it important to be mindful of our goals and set absolute deadlines for ourselves to maintain motivation? We explore strategies to break down large goals into more manageable pieces, such as setting a daily goal or focusing on only one important task. We also examine the importance of setting both time, dollar, and effort boundaries to achieve our goals. (0:22:57) - Achieving Goals Through Support and Accountability (2 Minutes) We discuss the importance of breaking down large goals into smaller, more achievable tasks and setting absolute deadlines to stay motivated. Having supportive people around you to cheer on your progress and celebrate the actions you take towards your goals, not just the end results, is also important. Finally, finding the best version of yourself is essential. Are you having trouble achieving your personal goals? About the author: I have 30+ years in technology. Building companies. Running global services teams. Consumer and business direct customers. I have led cybersecurity compliance, standards, security, consulting, and product teams. My global work and deep research and experiences I draw on to share ways I and you can become our best self. These are meant to reflect the ups and downs of life. I am always at the tip of the spear in technology and will certainly share that as they are valuable ideas. Finally, my efforts are devoted to the following. Welcome others always in these journeys to do good work: - Dad and Husband - Cybersecurity innovation and AI product innovations - Bottling and operating coffee craft shops - Charity programs around kids with behaviors and organic farming - Regenerative farming, cattle, and vertical farm greenhouses - Fitness (coached 1,000+ athletes), and how we can live well - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Checkout the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16AGBV32xPuT81u16XUWCs?si=12a7b9cfea31480c Prefer reading the full essays: https://stepstobestself.substack.com/ Professional inquiries on LinkedIN please: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdeluccia/ Interactions and discussions on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JDeLuccia Things we dive into will reflect what I've learned in life; what my current research reveals, and lessons from my businesses and mentor programs. Adopt what serves you and pass along anything you enjoyed. Trying to better the world through these stages. Wishing you an amazing day! - Jimmy James DeLuccia IV /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/28098410

Mastering Your Craft: The Power of Small, Consistent Efforts 09/27/2023

Mastering Your Craft: The Power of Small, Consistent Efforts "Mastering Your Craft: The Power of Small, Consistent Efforts" Are you striving to become a better artist, accelerate your professional growth, or attain expertise? Often, there's a common misconception that 'more' equals 'better.' However, this notion can be both right and wrong. The challenge lies in choosing the right approach. Consider this scenario: whether you're making flavored syrups for coffee or honing your drawing skills, you face two choices. You can either create large batches (1 10-20oz) of syrup or complete one full drawing a week. Alternatively, you can opt for smaller batches (5-10 2oz) of syrup or sketch 10 times a week. Both options require a similar amount of time, but the latter provides a 10-fold increase in output. The allure of 'larger is better' is understandable. It's simpler, a single effort, and it feels satisfying to accomplish significant tasks. However, this can be a trap. While you may create more massive things, it doesn't necessarily translate to improvement or mastery. You've done it just once. In contrast, pursuing more frequent, smaller efforts yields remarkable benefits. If you engage in 5-10 batches or attempts in a week instead of just one, you learn with each iteration. The risk remains low, allowing you to experiment and try new methods. Moreover, you accumulate valuable experience with each repetition, be it in syrup making or sketching. The mathematics are clear: small batches or efforts grant you 5-10 repetitions weekly, while larger efforts yield just one. This means that what you learn in one week through small, consistent work would take the 'larger is better' crowd 5-10 weeks to achieve. Embrace a new mindset that entrusts your growth to: Small, quick efforts for better results. More repetitions for accelerated learning and bending time. Learning from each iteration for continuous improvement. Failing small to avoid long-term harm. Prioritizing quality in each effort, as it leads to the desired growth. Acknowledging that there are no shortcuts. Apply this mindset across your life, passions, and profession. Experiment, tinker, learn, explore, adapt, and grow. Remember, it's all about having fun while becoming the best version of yourself. ------------------------------------- About the author: I have 30+ years in technology. Building companies. Running global services teams. Consumer and business direct customers. I have led cybersecurity compliance, standards, security, consulting, and product teams. My global work and deep research and experiences I draw on to share ways I and you can become our best self. These are meant to reflect the ups and downs of life. I am always at the tip of the spear in technology and will certainly share that as they are valuable ideas. Finally, my efforts are devoted to the following. Welcome others always in these journeys to do good work: - Dad and Husband - Cybersecurity innovation and AI product innovations - Bottling and operating coffee craft shops - Charity programs around kids with behaviors and organic farming - Regenerative farming, cattle, and vertical farm greenhouses - Fitness (coached 1,000+ athletes), and how we can live well - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Checkout the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16AGBV32xPuT81u16XUWCs?si=12a7b9cfea31480c Prefer reading the full essays: https://stepstobestself.substack.com/ Professional inquiries on LinkedIN please: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdeluccia/ Interactions and discussions on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JDeLuccia Things we dive into will reflect what I've learned in life; what my current research reveals, and lessons from my businesses and mentor programs. Adopt what serves you and pass along anything you enjoyed. Trying to better the world through these stages. Wishing you an amazing day! - Jimmy James DeLuccia IV /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/28098179

Magic Wand - in your life and as a leadership tool 09/20/2023

Magic Wand - in your life and as a leadership tool What if you had a Magic Wand? What would your life look like? What would you do? Who would you be? How could you use a Magic Wand to help your team solve problems? In this episode I do a deep dive on this technique and how it can free you to live your best life, and solve the hardest problems. About the author: I have 30+ years in technology. Building companies. Running global services teams. Consumer and business direct customers. I have led cybersecurity compliance, standards, security, consulting, and product teams. My global work and deep research and experiences I draw on to share ways I and you can become our best self. These are meant to reflect the ups and downs of life. I am always at the tip of the spear in technology and will certainly share that as they are valuable ideas. Finally, my efforts are devoted to the following. Welcome others always in these journeys to do good work: - Dad and Husband - Cybersecurity innovation and AI product innovations - Bottling and operating coffee craft shops - Charity programs around kids with behaviors and organic farming - Regenerative farming, cattle, and vertical farm greenhouses - Fitness (coached 1,000+ athletes), and how we can live well - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Checkout the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16AGBV32xPuT81u16XUWCs?si=12a7b9cfea31480c Prefer reading the full essays: https://stepstobestself.substack.com/ Professional inquiries on LinkedIN please: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdeluccia/ Interactions and discussions on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JDeLuccia Things we dive into will reflect what I've learned in life; what my current research reveals, and lessons from my businesses and mentor programs. Adopt what serves you and pass along anything you enjoyed. Trying to better the world through these stages. Wishing you an amazing day! - Jimmy James DeLuccia IV /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/28016868

Doing your BEST effort today 09/13/2023

How to remove mental blocks, and launch your IDEA!!! 09/07/2023

How to remove mental blocks, and launch your IDEA!!! I personally struggled with the logistics and unknowns that exist in front of me when starting my businesses. I've learned over time how artificial those fears and doubts really were to actually being successful. I now see this in those that I mentor and help. In this episode I break down the mental blocks most common that may be slowing your ultimate success. Honestly, it is these mental blocks that stop many people from even getting a real chance in the market. Don't be one who never tried, be one who went for it! About the author: I have 30+ years in technology. Building companies. Running global services teams. Consumer and business direct customers. I have led cybersecurity compliance, standards, security, consulting, and product teams. My global work and deep research and experiences I draw on to share ways I and you can become our best self. These are meant to reflect the ups and downs of life. I am always at the tip of the spear in technology and will certainly share that as they are valuable ideas. Finally, my efforts are devoted to the following. Welcome others always in these journeys to do good work: - Dad and Husband - Cybersecurity innovation and AI product innovations - Bottling and operating coffee craft shops - Charity programs around kids with behaviors and organic farming - Regenerative farming, cattle, and vertical farm greenhouses - Fitness (coached 1,000+ athletes), and how we can live well - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Checkout the Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/16AGBV32xPuT81u16XUWCs?si=12a7b9cfea31480c Prefer reading the full essays: https://stepstobestself.substack.com/ Professional inquiries on LinkedIN please: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdeluccia/ Interactions and discussions on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JDeLuccia Things we dive into will reflect what I've learned in life; what my current research reveals, and lessons from my businesses and mentor programs. Adopt what serves you and pass along anything you enjoyed. Trying to better the world through these stages. Wishing you an amazing day! - Jimmy James DeLuccia IV /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/27964851

Hard good times and hard bad times 08/30/2023

Hard good times and hard bad times Hard bad times always arrive. Hard good times are blessings too. Here we discuss the mindset and challenges that life delivers, both the good and the bad. Ultimately, You are in control You are, you control your action; your energy, and what you do. That doesn't mean life won't provide you with interruptions, but even as we discussed above those are our own decision. You are in control. How you react. How you respond. How you act. You control those states and efforts. You are not in control of what happens to you, nor what other people do. So stop judging yourself based that which you do not control. It is the mistaken belief that you did control them that has you so stressed. Focus on what you can impact and tackle all the hard bad. Embrace with gratitude and self awareness the good hard! You are leveling up in life and therefore ready (or will shortly become ready) to be proficient at this new level. You got this, now go get it! About the author: I have 30+ years in technology. Building companies. Running global services teams. Consumer and business direct customers. I have led cybersecurity compliance, standards, security, consulting, and product teams. My global work and deep research and experiences I draw on to share ways I and you can become our best self. These are meant to reflect the ups and downs of life. I am always at the tip of the spear in technology and will certainly share that as they are valuable ideas. Finally, my efforts are devoted to the following. Welcome others always in these journeys to do good work: - Dad and Husband - Cybersecurity innovation and AI product innovations - Bottling and operating coffee craft shops - Charity programs around kids with behaviors and organic farming - Regenerative farming, cattle, and vertical farm greenhouses - Fitness (coached 1,000+ athletes), and how we can live well - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Checkout the posted videos too: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFAeNGJCvlYotbPRVhOgOPA Prefer reading the full essays: https://stepstobestself.substack.com/ Professional inquiries on LinkedIN please: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdeluccia/ Interactions and discussions on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JDeLuccia Things we dive into will reflect what I've learned in life; what my current research reveals, and lessons from my businesses and mentor programs. Adopt what serves you and pass along anything you enjoyed. Trying to better the world through these stages. Wishing you an amazing day! - Jimmy James DeLuccia IV /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/27874932

Finding time - the seams in your day are opportunities 08/23/2023

The benefit of giving effort, especially on bad days 08/16/2023

Perseverance 08/09/2023

Choosing the right path for you 04/30/2023

Choosing the right path for you All roads lead somewhere, but not all lead where you want Are you trying to get a promotion, but to where? Building a brand - personal / biz, but for what purpose? Are you trying to create cash flow or build audience to launch in future? Do you want to be a mother to raise kids to better the world or for your own selfish desires? The world is full of roads No matter where you are in the world or what you do today, there are innumerable roads / paths laid out in front of you. Every decision provides you with a unique step down a particular path. Think of it this way - you live where you live today, that provides some paths (in Colorado mountains vs NYC vs Rwanda) and is a conscous choice. You can move today. You can change your household. You can change who you surround yourself with every day. This single choice creates unique paths that serve you or stymie you towards what you want to achieve. Another consideration, subconscious/no-decision decisions that lay a set of roads at your feet. Wasting your time watching screens - social media, movies, binging shows, etc.. On average people are watching 5 HOURS a day. Consumption should just be thought of as putting your hopes and dreams in timeout. When you "check out", you are stopping forward momentum. Do the math - if you took that 5 hours a day (average) x7 days you get 35 hours of WORKing time towards your goal. That is equivalent to another full work week, and it is spent solely on your goal. Incredible opportunity when you see it and embrace it. Conscious and subconscious highlight the opportunities exist, and how we make decisions impact our progression. That said, there is another insight I want to share about these paths. Switching between paths can harm you or help you. If you continuously change the road you are on, don't expect becoming an expert or winner soon. That doesn't mean you shouldn't experiment and try new things, you absolutely must. That said, As you carry on new roads, be patient and consistent. It is ok to switch when the time is right, but ideally you can branch off the current road - therefore leveraging what you've built. If not, embrace the journey. It will need your hard work. Where are you going Imagine a hiker standing in a beautiful valley full of green fields and wildflowers. Beyond you see mountains to your left and to your right is a path following the river in the center of this valley. You can choose any direction and experience massive success and joy, but do you go up the mountain or along the river? There is no wrong answer here, only what you want. The mountain may contain gold. The river may contain gems. Both may include new friends, your future spouse and kids. Both will include challenge and celebrations. The only choice is the one you make, that is the right one. We know this because you'll never know what you would have achieved on the other path - only you would know it. You must decide. You must know. The way to decide is try things - try hiking small mountains (love or hate will give you important insight), and walk in valleys. Try and then decide if you love it. You cannot know by reading books or watching people do it, only through hands on experience can you really know if that is the path for you. Sometimes we just want to go UP. Go to the next grade in school. Get the next laddered up role at your job. At some point though, you escape these rat races. These factories aiming to give education. Then what - there are no more grades to get. You can delay the inevitable and do more more school (but this won't really deliver any meaningful life improvement). You can reach the zenith of your "job", then what? Well here is where you break out. Where you start creating your next job. To decide means we achieve outside the bands of jobs and grade school progressions. You can do anything - the only question is where is that journey going to bring you. What you want to do can emerge at any company, or in your extra 35 hours a week. You could merge these lives together and bring your love and work world together. You can do anything, but the key is simple. Do. Try. Create. Experience. NONE of these are passive activities. None of these can be outsourced, analyzed, or planned. You must DO the work to see if you like it. You must TRY lots of things to learn what you actually want to do. You must CREATE the job you seek. You must EXPERIENCE different places / activities / worlds to keep discovering what you want to do and be. That last one is super important. You are not a ship arriving in a harbor forever meant to stay there. Forever to do one job, one way. You will continue to grow. You will put more steps forward as you travel down your own road. That is awesome, so accept and appreciate you are always free to grow further. Nothing is permanent or forever in this area. Now go on - be selfish and authentic, decide what you WANT and put yourself in a place to achieve it. Surround yourself with those who want to achieve the same. Learn and do the work, and in time you will achieve all you seek. Promise. /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/26695062

What you are looking for on social media, Episode 45 04/07/2023

Your Best Self - The Mindset of HOW 04/03/2023

Your Best Self - The Mindset of HOW How can we ... Build this business Experience trips and activities with our schedule Solve this crisis Achieve X I am often in discussions where I am either driving to do big things, or working with someone is attempting great things. In all cases we are trying to figure out the most important question. That one question that defines whether you will be successful, happy, and proud of your effort. How much? It has nothing to do with how much money will it cost. This is a common mistake. People focus on their resources as they seek to achieve these goals (please know, what our goals are may be something as simple as putting food on the table, and not needing to be fancy). Resources such as money, time, and access. While these matter they are not the answer to you achieving your goal. In fact, they play a near zero role in your chances of success. That is because resources don't guarantee success or the outcome. They only provide ways of accelerating and simpifying that hardships. When can we do this.. Also, not the question. Time has no place in achieving our goals, because the time when we can start working on it is - NOW. The time it takes to reach our goal is what it is. Meaning it will take as long as it takes, and we have to start now. So when can you begin to work on your goal; begin saving for that trip; develop the relationships to gain that new job, is all the same. Now. You can start now, this second. Pick up your phone send that text; say yes to that side work; read that manual to get better at your craft. Now, is when, and that is why time doesn't affect our goal. Focus on how is this possible How is this possible is the question you need to constantly ask. How can we achieve ____. How can we learn this topic. How can we start small and build up. Focusing on how to achieve is the secret. If you focus on the HOW and not the reasons you cannot, you will already be ahead of the curve to hitting your goal. Too often people focus on the reasons why they cannot do something, and spend so much time on the why nots .. they never allow their minds to figure out the how to. Surround yourself To truly hit your goals, you need to surround yourself with people of the right mindset. Those that are chasing dreams, putting in the work, and hustling. You want people who will amplify your "how can I achieve" focus, and eliminate all others. Build and surround yourself with builders #1. Pull people into your world that are on a similar path or ahead. Draw on their energy. Feed them your energy, and live an honest life. This is how you will overcome the hesitation, doubt, and uncertainty of going forward. You will learn that it is OK to try. It is good to take steps forward. Some will be small due to budget and resource. Some will be surprisingly quick based on your life experiences. All will put you closer and closer to your goal. Be a champion for your goals. You are their biggest supporter. /episode/index/show/jimmydatl/id/26431422