Vacations: Play, Plans, and Preparation
Posted by Orrin Woodward on February 21, 2017
On the “Road to Hana”
Vacations, that bizarre ritual, where perfectly sane people invest money to travel away from perfectly good homes to play, plan, and prepare (the 3 P’s of proper vacationing), are a vital aspect of the success process. Of course, as is true of almost everything in life, vacations must be taken in moderation, paid for without borrowing, and balanced by seasons of high-intensity effort and achievement. Perhaps no one has explained this balance any better than Chris Brady, one of the top 200 most influential authors in the world, who, in his classic book, A Month in Italy, outlined how to enjoy the “sharpening the saw” times without regret or guilt.
This is exactly what Laurie and I did during our recent Maui, Hawaii vacation. The Woodwards and Bradys, as we do several times a year, headed to another exotic location to execute the 3 P’s. Naturally, the Play part was easy, for we went to Maui to experience some of the best “whale watching” in the world and a whale actually surfaced right next to the boat, an awe-inspiring moment, to say the least! Further, Maui has the “Road to Hana”, one of the most beautiful trails to experience God’s creation in person. Finally, after a ten year hiatus, the Woodward boys were ready to challenge their dad’s Grand Prix title, a race we started in 2001 by racing around the numerous connected pools at the Grand Wailea resort. The play part, in other words, was fully covered and I cannot imagine a vacation that packed more fun into the time allotted.
The plan part of vacation, perhaps the most ignored part in most vacations, was also fulfilled. I cannot explain it, but for some reason when I travel, my mind thinks differently, almost as if the new surroundings create new thoughts. Indeed, some of the best ideas I have ever had were on vacation down times, where I was able to get quiet time with the Lord to reveal His plans for my life. In Maui, I had the added benefit of masterminding with my amazing wife Laurie, the CEO of LIFE, Chris Brady, and his amazing wife, Terri. Chris and I celebrated LIFE’s roaring start in 2017 and planned our next steps. After chatting with Chris over several days, we realized we were on the cusp of doing something others would say is impossible, namely, “run the table” in 2017.
Similar to Aaron Rodgers bold statement that the 4-6 Green Bay Packers could “run the table” and win all their remaining games (which they did) to make the playoffs, we believe LIFE can do similarly in 2017 and double our revenue from 2017 by growing double digits every month. In reality, a 6% growth per month would double the revenue for the year, so by having a double digits growth per month goal, we will easily hit the yearly goal if we hit the monthly goals. Jim Collins explained that goals that take your breath away are BHAGS (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and doubling a company’s total revenue is certainly a BHAG. Nonetheless, the January and February numbers are coming in higher than our monthly goals and the momentum across the organization, thanks to the powerful messaging of the “Green Box,” shows no signs of slowing down. I LOVE big dreams because they have the power to stir the soul! If you are going to have a dream, then make it a big dream, because the worst thing that can happen with small dreams is they come true. J
Finally, a great vacation is a time of preparation. What do we need to do when we return home to crank up our goals and dreams to the next level? I studied my numbers extensively, while sitting out on the patio overlooking the ocean, and I prepared my action steps (who I would mentor, depth calls to do, better messaging to sell more Green Boxes) to pour even more fuel on the fire. Most people fail in life because they were not prepared for the opportunities when they appear. I believe a person’s habits will eventually be revealed. If good habits, they will produce great results with time, but if bad habits, they will produce bad results with time. The old boy scout motto “Be Prepared” has never been truer than it is today. Are you preparing for your future success or are you hoping to get lucky? I have found luck to be a false friend (it comes and goes), but habits to be faithful for they do not depart when the going gets tough.
The Maui vacation was a HUGE success because we played, we planned, and we are prepared to RUN THE TABLE in 2017. The real question is the reader’s preparation for 2017? What is your financial dream? What is your plan? Are you prepared? A perso
n will never rise higher than his daily habits; therefore, all true change begins with a change in a person’s daily habits. I thank God I learned the daily habits of reading, listening, and associating. In fact, while writing this article, I have been listening to Rascal Radio, learning from Chris Brady how to win financially. The bottom line it doesn’t matter how high you rise, because you start falling the moment you think you are too big to do the basic habit that made you rise initially. There is no such thing as shortcuts of the shortcuts – read, listen, and associate with those you desire to be like.
Interestingly, this is why so many one-time winners end up failing – they stop doing the daily habits that made them great originally. Winners gather together to fuel hope, while losers gossip together to fuel hate. Which group are you a part of? I choose to win and ONLY associate with winners who want to talk ideas and strategies to bless others. If someone wants to gripe, gossip, or gloat, then they will have to do so without me. Life is full of drama because sinful people refuse to accept responsibility, but winners think differently, rejecting the drama, they focus, instead, upon their dreams by associating with other dreamers. You are responsible because you are the one who must live with the consequences of your choices.
Sincerely,
32 Responses to “Vacations: Play, Plans, and Preparation”
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Sean Willard said
Excellent article Orrin! Thank you.
Orrin Woodward said
Thanks Sean! Keep rocking! 🙂
Ali Boukhatem said
Just amazing saying Orrin.. I am part of the winners and will serve god by helping others to get free and that they can bless others as well… your example from you , Laurie, Chris and Terry is so inspiring ! Let’s change the world together .. one person at a time with the ” Green Box ” as the first key to Freedoom !! Million thanks Orrin
Ali & Valerie from France
Orrin Woodward said
Super excited for all the great leaders rising in France! Keep leading and learning Ali! God Bless, Orrin
Joseph Wager said
Excellent post, very true! Did you eat at Mama’s Fish House? My wife Jaime and I love that place!
Orrin Woodward said
Joseph, I did not, but I will next time! Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
Joseph Wager said
Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is impossible to go there and realize how amazing God is! We have been blessed with occupations that have allowed my family the opportunity to see this, but now (with LIFE) we have the opportunity to help others be able to go there, and see some of God’s most beautiful creation! Thank you for all that you do!
Dale Nat said
Orrin,
So proud to be a part of Life with you and all our amazing leaders always leading by example! My favorite part of this post is your reference; “Life is full of drama because sinful people refuse to accept responsibility”
It reminds me of one of my high school teachers sitting us down on the first day of class and reminding us, we alone, are responsible for all we do in life. No excuses!!
Thank you for all the blessings I experience as part of this amazing community!
Dale Nat
Orrin Woodward said
Well said Dale!
Joce Dionne said
Great article Orrin! You guys have been an amazing blessing in my family’s life! Thanks for doing what you do. Keep leading!
Tina Abernathy said
Excellent article Orrin!
Raymond and I are evaluating where we are, where we’ve been and where we want to go. I must admit, we’ve looked back and realized how we need to adjust to move forward. We have some big dreams that include blessing tons of people with The Green Box and all that LIFE had to offer!!
Thanks for the example!
John Lewis said
Thanks for sharing truth, even during your “down time”. We appreciate everything you do.
Chris Moore said
Orrin,
Thanks for sharing, I always love your insight on turning simple things into great life lessons. Many people use vacations to get away and turn their brain off, I love the perspective on using it to move forward toward your goals! Thanks for all you and Chris do, the Green Box messaging is spot on. Best tweak I’ve seen since we got started in 2013. On to a million!
Chris Schill said
I love this sentence in your article…
Most people fail in life because they were not prepared for the opportunities when they appear.
It’s time to get bunches of people prepared because the #GreenBoxRevolution is upon us!!
Thanks for the inspiration today O!!
Elaine Mallios said
We have a new policy……winning!…in every way and every day, personal growth, business growth and spiritual growth, followed by focused work. Thanks for the great article and videos. What’s that stuff on your chin?
Orrin Woodward said
It’s gone now! 🙂 Vacation growth only. 🙂 Back to sharing plans and chasing dreams and looking presentable. 🙂 Saw sharpening complete!
Elaine Mallios said
Thank Goodness! Let’s RUN THE TABLE!
Malissa Betz said
Our family is forever grateful for the green box, it’s helped us be better parents and better spouses to one another. Better children to our parents and it’s even fixed some broken relationships for us. So proud to call you and Laurie, Chris Park, George and Jill friends, business partners and mentors, we love you guys so much
Dave Bailey said
Steel sharpens steel! Thnx for ALWAYS leading & sharing Orrin.
#100DaysNFNE –Phil Wall
George said
Orrin, Great message! Jill and I will be taking several tables to run with. God Bless, ‘The Swamp Fox.’
Sharon Hoffman said
Thanks Orrin! Loved the tweets, videos and messages coming from your time in Hawaii!!! #domination #runthetable
Thanks for all that the Woodwards and Bradys do for the Life Community!
Montrail carr said
This is absolutely amazing could get nothing better in life then this thank you orrin
Bryan Vashus said
There are so many powerful points within this blog.
“If you are going to have a dream, then make it a big dream, because the worst thing that can happen with small dreams is they come true.”
“I believe a person’s habits will eventually be revealed. If good habits, they will produce great results with time, but if bad habits, they will produce bad results with time.”
“A person will never rise higher than his daily habits; therefore, all true change begins with a change in a person’s daily habits.”
“Life is full of drama because sinful people refuse to accept responsibility, but winners think differently, they reject drama and instead focus on dreams by associating with other dreamers.”
I am so FIRED UP right now! Thank you for this incredible blog, Orrin!
Andrew LaFleur said
I hope you don’t mind, I threw a couple quotes from this article on Facebook! (“daily habits” & “bless others”) Those got me all FIRED UP!
Jerry R Finin said
Thank you Orrin for sharing your family vacation and your words of wisdom are always very inspiring. God Bless you and your family, friends and LIFE!
Chris Shull said
Excellent writing as always Orrin!
We do tend to “think differently” when we are in more relaxed surroundings!
Thank you for the continued motivation and inspiration!
CJ Calvert said
Fantastic article Orrin!
Ernie Spadzinski said
Orrin, thanks for leading from the front! The Woodwards and the Bradys are such inspirations even when you play! Thanks for heeding the call of the Almighty in giving us all an awesome opportunity to change our lives! Be blessed!
Elam Stoltzfus said
Wow great article Orrin !!
Robby Palmer said
Double digit growth at a minimum from our organization Orrin! Great article! Great vacation! Can’t wait to have vacation Legacy’s of our own with the Fotu’s!!
James Thompson said
Fantastic article, Orrin!
Eseta said
I thank God for Life leadership.