Created For Success: A Personal Growth & Leadership Development Corporation

02/11/2024

Another fantastic time with Kevin and Nick! Thank you Beyond The Fundamentals

Doug, Nick and Kevin discuss the controversy with Alistair Begg. Please support this channel via PayPal, Zelle, or Wise at [email protected], o...

07/22/2023

The Outer Limits

Too often, we are convinced of our own limitations.

When we do, we pay homage – in an almost idolatrous way – to the status quo. Our reality becomes convinced that whatever is, is final in our brief stay on earth.

Most often, when I go to the grocery store, I realize that half the planet is there too. I’m part of a norm – of quintessential beings who do the same thing as me. The status quo.

At other times, however, I pick late night or early morning excursions to the store and find there are others, but far fewer in number.

I’ve wondered what life would be, if more and more of my choices were on the outskirts of my usual behaviors and decision points – beating the norm of those who follow the crowd and feel good about it?

For those who choose to believe there is life at the outer perimeters, that finding ways to do things differently is quite likely the gateway to more passion and personal extravagance, to uncharted, dynamic ways of living - they will find that life is malleable, like silly putty that bounces about while those watching smile and feel the putty’s abundance.

If this sounds too lofty and you believe the status quo is all there is – and that it is simply safer to live in the unimaginative box of simple, repetitions, please realize that’s a decision you’ve made. Whether it’s your marriage, career, close relationships and lifestyle, you may have impounded yourself in the small cubicles of life in a workspace without windows.

There is no harm living in what is – without regard to what could be – unless you’re unhappy and suffering. But if what could be is easier to attain than you think, that you don’t have to climb high mountains to profit but rather endure what at first may be awkward steps, then you get to enter a kind of promised land of your making!

Here, spiritually, we get to run the race, to endure to the finish line – where our humanity and the Divine intersect. And true peace is found!

You’ll find yourself at the grocery store of life – and you may be surprised at how few of you there are.

07/19/2023

Bold or coward – which is it?

Men too often, are convinced of their own limitations.

Whenever I make an offer to men – to let me come alongside and mentor them into a new life – a more vibrant marriage, confidence in their careers – and for entrepreneurs how to stay engaged in their business development but not at the expense of their marriages and personal life:

They think I’m calling them cowards. That they’re less than or not enough. I’M NOT.

I don’t call men out to be warriors. I don’t call them out to be giants – above and beyond every other man.

I actually invite them to come to a clear realization of the immense potential they have to create, shape and modify their relational life.

I invite men to think hard on the one truth that they know deep down – within the very fabric of their being. That they have an unrealized potential to succeed. UNREALIZED.

I provide the path ahead to Discover that Potential and how to incorporate it into their path ahead.

So you may say, “You don’t know the marriage I’m in – I’m powerless to bring passion back.” Or, “If you knew the team I work with or even lead, you’d see how ridiculous the possibilities are.” Or, “Just look at my history – never really gotten ahead and probably won’t.”

I don’t care about the mindsets and beliefs you embrace. I want to help you see life differently – with changed mindsets and beliefs that get you somewhere - for the men I work with, that they never thought could happen.

I am a relationship expert – with over 40 years of counseling and coaching experience. With the men I coach, we make it happen together.

So, Be Bold! Take Action

If you haven’t watched my Webinar, “The 5 Guaranteed Strategies My Clients Use to Create Powerful & Rapid Changes In Life & Love,” then see the direct link in my bio.

If you’re ready to get on a free call, feel free. Love to meet you and get you to the next level. Direct Link In My Bio. 📞💪

Love to hear your comments.

07/08/2023

Life As An Offering

Think of your life as an offering – an offering to the world, a gift that others are waiting to receive. ✨

This implies a distinct awareness of your identity and a keen view of the blueprint you were created to live out.

You’ve been building upon that blueprint your entire life – whether consciously or not!

To the extent that your identity – strengths and Spirit-given entrustments for you to live out – is out of sight, out of mind, then you live less than your potential. ⚡

I’ve been working with men for years under the guiding truth that we are created for success.

This success is dependent on knowing ourselves fully and bringing what makes us unique and powerful into every relationship and every goal we have for our lives.

This is how men transform their marriages, if married. Moving from insipid and “room-mate-ish,” to exciting and intimate where love takes center stage. 💑💥
And how men transform their careers – enhancing confidence and creating growth opportunities by exploiting positive relationship skills.

🔔 5 Questions:
• Are you interested in fulfilling your true potential – discovering what kind of offering you bring into the world - but haven’t figured out how?
• Do you wish you had a greater impact on your marriage and career relationships?
• Are you tired of feeling a lack of motivation and want to wake up in the morning excited about your day?
• Do you want greater and greater levels of self-confidence – so that mastering your business and personal relationships happens over and over?
• Are you ready to explore what it means to see your life as an offering – and realize the FULL potential you have already inside you?

Do these resonate and is that what you really want? Seriously, REALLY WANT?

I’d love to explore that with you!

If you haven’t watched my Webinar, “The 5 Guaranteed Strategies My Clients Use to Create Powerful & Rapid Changes In Life & Love,” see the link in my bio. 🔗

If you’re ready to get on a free call where we’ll outline how to get you to the next level, click the link in my bio. 📞

07/06/2023

All about Strategy & Ex*****on!

When men truly lead their own lives, they transcend the limitations of societal expectations and embark on a journey of self-discovery, courage, and purpose. Even more importantly, they transcend their own self-limitations.

We often use language that suggests we all have 'limitations.' While it's important to acknowledge our boundaries, it can also become an excuse for settling. As a man, you have incredible potential to grow, transform, and confidently take control of your life.

I've witnessed this transformation with every man I work with – it's truly amazing. This includes outcomes that take your marriage from dull, conflictual and passionless, to a new place with greater intimacy, peace and connection.

And I love seeing men soar in their careers – from feeling stuck to engineering advances and business satisfaction.

So, what's the magic behind it? 🎩 It's hard to put into words, but I've crafted a programmatic stage that guides men through powerful steps and transitions, surpassing their previous experiences and expectations.

💼 Strategy and Ex*****on: The keys to transformation 💼

Having learned from years of organizational leadership, I can tell you that real, transformative change happens with proper Strategy and Ex*****on. And the same principles apply to personal growth.

🤝 Let's walk this journey together! 🤝
As your guide, I create the context for you to apply the right principles. We'll move forward hand in hand, experiencing progress and huge outcomes along the way. With strategic planning and deliberate action, combined with powerful new mindsets and game-changing relationship skills, we'll make your dreams a reality.

If you haven’t watched my Webinar, “The 5 Guaranteed Strategies My Clients Use to Create Powerful & Rapid Changes In Life & Love,” then see the direct link in my bio.

If you’re ready to get on a free call, feel free. Love to meet you and get you to the next level. Direct Link In My Bio. 📞💪

Love to hear your comments.

*****on

06/30/2023

“It’s amazing what begins to happen when we find ourselves
attractive.” 〰️ Doug Gustafson

06/20/2023

"If You Got A Dream, Chase It. Because It Won’t Chase You Back"

I heard this recently in a song lyric or poem – can’t remember which. But it resonated.

In my professional work, and even in my friendships, I love helping MEN talk about their dreams.

Seems that every time, their eyes light up in excitement – entertaining the belief, however momentary, that they can flourish – be more, have more and do more.

That they can create Marriages that are filled with passion.

That they can be Real, no masks and living in a liberty that captures their whole personality – that others respect – because it’s special and powerful.

That they can begin to picture what every area of their lives could be – and realize they have a shot at it – at life changing levels.

That they can bend the character of their families – to be at peace, to connect generously with one another, and experience mutual love.

Every dream starts in the imagination. And you have to chase it – it doesn’t chase you back – it really doesn’t.

If the dream chased you back, it would tell you in no uncertain terms:
- I’m here for a reason. Hold onto me.
- Don’t bury me as irrelevant – I’m
more important to your life and sanity than you know.
- If I seem ridiculous, it’s because you’re afraid – afraid to want more but that you’ll fail in the process.
- And finally, I’m not really a dream. I’m a possibility waiting to happen. Let me reside in you and become the beginning of your now!

Dreams long for fulfillment. Otherwise you would never create such vivid visions of not only what life can be, but WHAT IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE.

Each day, in my mentoring and coaching profession, I have the privilege of seeing men increase the quality of their lives – and foster self- respect that others can’t ignore – and don’t want to.

Feel free to respond – love to hear from you.

And if you want to hear more, go watch my Webinar –

“The 5 Guaranteed Strategies My Clients Use To Create Powerful & Rapid Changes In Life & Love”

Link: https://www.authenticandtruecoaching.com/free-webinar/

06/14/2023

“Live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find eternity in each moment.” Henry David Thoreau

Powerful words for life. They seem to speak of all that’s possible – with each breath we take and each thought we ponder and each emotion that wells from within.

Possibilities that at times render us speechless – because we didn’t see the blessing coming.

Potential that tells us we can live life in a kind of fullness – an ineffable space – yet oh so real.

Yet why is it so easy to harden ourselves to the spectacular, to the mysteries hidden but more powerful than Supernovas? To the waves before us we can ride like men and women who walk on water!

And how do we become blind to the eternal, to the Presence and to the extraordinary?

I have so many thoughts about this. But perhaps one that stands out, is that we end up living our lives measured by achievements and other guideposts that lie outside of us.

And we forget what children know so well. That we are the flame that spawns the moment. We’re the very water that even turbulent waves are made of – and we create the waves. And that the eternal is the fuel of every soul and every moment of love. Children – without words – just know this.

So, when you think to yourself:

Am I but a drop in the ocean of mankind and it makes no difference that I’m here?

When I ponder the brevity of life and my pursuits to make it meaningful – to make it count – am I really an unnecessary advent to life before me?

Can my short life count for something special?

I answer:
You’re a drop in the ocean but the ocean needs you to be complete.

You are more necessary than you know – for you alone can move mountains with faith and love.

And no matter how short your life is, the world would never be the same without you.

God knew all this when He saw you in your mother’s womb – and He’s never stopped seeing you as less than amazing and integral to His legacy and plans ahead. And oh how he loves you. He thinks the world of you.

And with every wave of life, He’s riding it with you.

Somehow, deep inside, you know this.

06/06/2023

My Heart – Touched Beyond Recognition

Blessings come from above in many shapes, sizes and colors. And some larger than others. All special but the scope of some extends beyond all expectations.

And that was my latest experience. My wife and I, along with 5 other couples and their teenage kids, all went on vacation together at the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
Before the trip, one in the group asked me if I’d baptize her in the ocean when we were there. I was stunned but felt so blessed to have the privilege of baptizing a sister in the Lord.

Well, it started a chain reaction and I ended up baptizing her whole family – 5 in all ranging from 14 to early 20s – and their parents. In addition, others on the trip asked me to do the same – and I baptized 10 total – close friends and their teenage kids.

And the icing on the cake, was getting to baptize my younger son – age 23, Jacob – the same day.

It was cold outside with waves pounding against us, winds spiraling about – and all I remember was the blessed experience I was called to and the precious meaning that it had for those who participated.

Not many events in life have touched me like this one. Baptism is such a special experience for those who aren’t ashamed of their faith and want to symbolically die, be buried and rise again in newness of life – in front of anyone watching. But especially with God and the angels rejoicing as they watch below.

And to watch my son, proud of his faith, take that step – well, I have no words other than feeling the presence of God and His love for my boy – and, of course, for me.

But I’m reminded that although I was supremely blessed, the real gut-level, likely life-changing, immense blessing was really theirs – and for the families that watched it happen - to experience their own courage, resilience and testimony to the Divine in their lives. I was just along for the ride.

But oh, what a ride it was!