For runners, shoes are our best friend. Unfortunately, many of us are running in the wrong kind of shoes without even realizing it. We’ve just accepted that we’re running, so naturally, our feet will hurt and we’ll have shin splints.

What’s your definition of success? For some of us, success is all about the end result. We want to reach the summit along our path. For others, success is in the journey. No matter how we define success, it’s critical that we’re the ones defining it. When you allow your ideas of success to be dictated by outside expectations, looking to role models, or a default idea of what success is, you open yourself up to becoming disillusioned.

I’ve been in some position of leadership for most of working career. My father demonstrated this leadership to me when he started what ultimately became Memphis Invest in 2004. As a partner in the company, I’ve found myself at the helm of countless leadership decisions — not only for the sake of the company, but in my own journey as an entrepreneur, speaker, and writer.

When we think about the benefits of running (or any exercise) we tend to fixate on the results that show within the first few weeks and months of committing to our routine. We think about weight loss, increased energy, and an overall good feeling. Regular exercise makes us feel more alert, sleep better at night, and increases mental health almost immediately.

If you’re like me, there are plenty of habits that you would love to adopt. If you’re also like me, you’ve no doubt failed at maintaining these new habits once you’ve begun. Consistency is tough to master, it’s true—but that’s usually because we’re going about making these life-changes all wrong. 

Some of us believe that you have to be young to be an entrepreneur. Our mind’s eye sees young, slick professionals trying to make out in the Wild West of business. That’s a young man’s game. I’m here to tell you something you might not be used to hearing: you’re not too old to start again.

They say that there are only two sure things in life: death and taxes. While it might sound depressing, I would add disappointment to the list. We will inevitably face disappointment throughout our lives. It could be disappointment over a business failing, a plan not going as expected, or the behavior of the people in our lives.

“Work-life” balance is a common topic of discussion in business circles. When we lack that balance and tip into workaholic tendencies, it leads to burnout and brain fog. However, the way that we’ve come to talk about “work-life” balance may need fine-tuning.

When we think of running races, the quality that comes immediately to mind is speed. You have to be the fastest to win. While this isn’t necessarily true, as you need a combination of qualities in order to cross the finish line first, speed is undoubtedly an important factor. Improving our times is often a huge goal!

I've written at length about the importance of healthy sleep habits. Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health, mentally and physically. Not only does a good night's sleep work towards improving heart health and repairing the brain, but it can alleviate symptoms of stress and depression. 

I don't know of a single person who doesn't want to increase their master over their finances. More than simply being a good manager of money, however, we want to see that money grow. Financial success doesn't come to us by itself. No, it takes a level of intentionality and education to make it happen.

Last year, Forbes published an article declaring that America has become the "No-Vacation Nation." Studies showed that in 2017, 47 percent of Americans didn't take a vacation and a further 21 percent left five or more vacation days on the table.

I've made a point to express my pain during the summer running season. Here, it's less about the heat and more about the humidity! Regardless, summer can be an intimidating season for endurance runners. It definitely tests your body in ways that other seasons won't, creating unique opportunities as well as pitfalls.

Networking is a divisive topic among professionals. Some people thrive on social gatherings, naturally make new connections, and find that building a massive network comes easily. Others, however, find networking an awkward affair fraught with phony smiles, polite small talk, and no genuine investment in the people you're talking to.

No matter who you are, you will encounter setbacks in your career. No matter how diligent you are in business, things just don't always go according to plan. Your success or failure is often not determined by these setbacks, but by your response to them.

Summertime. While I've often bemoaned the Tennessee heat, I really do enjoy this time of year. For me, it's not just about wearing shorts, grilling out, and hitting the beach, though all of those things are a lot of fun. Summer is a season of vibrancy. The sun doesn't set until well after eight in the evening where I am. My early morning runs are dark and serene, while my days feel full and accomplished.

Your business card matters. Shocker, right? It can seem like you hand out a million of the things and only a fraction of those contacts ever turn into real, viable leads for your business. We seem to be beyond business cards these days. But there is still a need and even an expectation for them. If you want to be perceived well as a professional, part of that involves having a slick, standout business card.

I don't know about you, but here in Memphis, it is already hot, even in early June. The South is humid, too, so sweat is the name of the game. When I go for a long run, I crave something that is not only going to replenish my body with protein, fiber, and other nutrients, but I want something cool, refreshing, and hydrating.

For many of us in the United States, we have been sold a false narrative of what it means to be happy and successful. We have become to equate them as one and the same. Our lives are filled with “if only” and “but when” as we chase happiness and fulfillment with our accomplishments and acquisitions.

Financial advice is enormously tricky. We simultaneously live in a society where there is an abundance of financial resources and financial advice but a lack of overall financial literacy. Many of us stick to the same pieces of financial advice we're always heard without question, never asking whether or not the advice we hear is actually beneficial or working with modern money sensibilities.