Jarod Lee Notes

  In life, where we direct our focus shapes not only our emotional state but also our ability to achieve success and fulfillment. There’s a powerful quote that has always resonated with me: “If you focus on the past, you get depression. If you focus on the future, you get anxiety. If you focus on others, you lose control. But if you focus on yourself, you find peace.” This simple yet profound idea is something I’ve seen play out time and again in my years as a coach and trainer. Whether working with professionals, leaders, or teams, I’ve noticed that where we place our focus determines not just our results, but also our emotional well-being. Why Focus Matters Focusing on the Past When we dwell on past mistakes, regrets, or failures, we risk falling into a cycle of self-doubt and stagnation. This can lead to feelings of depression and prevent us from moving forward. Focusing on the Future While planning for the future is important, obsessing over it can create anxiety and overwhelm....

I walked into my classroom, ready to lead a discussion on the roles and responsibilities of a leader. I asked my participants to write their ideas on a flip chart, expecting a thoughtful, collaborative process. Instead, they gave me the look that why I ask such a stupid question. In just 1 min, the flip chart was filled with clear, well-structured points. I was stunned. "How did you do that so fast?" I asked. Their answer was simple: "We used ChatGPT." In that moment, it hit me: The education world is changing faster than I ever imagined. AI isn’t just a tool, it’s transforming how we learn, teach, and think. The future of education isn’t coming; it’s already here. As educators, professionals, and lifelong learners, we face a choice: resist the change or embrace it. I’ve chosen to adapt, to explore how tools like ChatGPT can enhance learning while keeping critical thinking at the heart of education. What about you? How are you adapting to the rapid changes ...

During one of my training sessions, a participant asked me: "How can someone improve and stay successful in the financial planning industry?" It’s a great question. Many people join this industry full of energy, but not everyone lasts. The secret? Continuous learning and personal growth. I shared a simple model that explains this journey. 3 Levels of Growth, based on the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition. Level 1: Novice At this stage, you learn the basics. You read books, take courses, and follow guidelines. But here’s the problem, if you don’t take action, all that knowledge stays in your head and doesn’t help you grow. Many people stop here, thinking learning alone is enough. Level 2: Competent Now, you start applying what you’ve learned. You meet real clients, handle challenges, and improve through experience. But this stage is tough. Many get comfortable here and stop pushing themselves. They keep using the same methods instead of learning new skills. Level 3: Expert At...

In the early 2000s, 100,000 people in the U.S. died every year from hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). In 2006, Dr. Peter Pronovost decided to change that. He introduced a simple checklist in Michigan hospitals to prevent infections from central-line catheters. The checklist included basic steps like washing hands and following hygiene rules. The results? - Infections dropped by 66% - 1,500 lives saved in just 18 months One doctor changed the way hospitals operated across the country. One person told experienced doctors they needed to improve their procedures. How did he do it? Feel free to read the book title "Switch, How to change things when change is hard" Because knowledge isn’t enough. Change happens when action is made easy and inevitable. Here are 3 simply steps: - Set clear expectations. - Recognize small wins. - Create an environment that encourages the right behavior. What does this mean for you? When you are promoted in your job from sales perso...

An old woman walked into a fruit shop and asked, “Do you have plums?” The first shop owner proudly said, “Yes! Our plums are big, sweet, and fresh!” She left without buying. The second shop owner asked, “Do you want sweet or sour plums?” She replied, “Sour.” She bought a pound and went home. The third shop owner asked the same question but then took it one step further: "May I ask, why do you prefer sour plums?" The woman smiled, "My daughter-in-law is pregnant, and she's craving them!" “Congratulations! Did you know kiwis have the highest vitamin content? They could be great for her and the baby!” She walked out with plums and kiwis. And guess where she kept coming back? Selling isn’t about pushing a product, it’s about understanding your customer’s deeper needs. Most businesses stop at answering the obvious question. The best ones dig deeper. Your customers don’t just buy products; they buy solutions to their unique problems. Please share your journey of selli...

  Let’s be honest—it’s really hard to be different. Going against what everyone else is doing feels uncomfortable. Society, rules, and even our own minds often push us to fit in. But here’s the truth: real change doesn’t happen because of people who do things like everyone else. It happens because of people who do things in their own unique way. Ask yourself: What makes you different? What special skills or ideas do you have that others don’t? How can you combine those things to create something only you can do? Being different isn’t just about standing out. It’s about using your unique perspective to make a difference. But remember, it’s not about being different just for the sake of it. It’s about knowing yourself—your strengths  and  your weaknesses. Your weaknesses aren’t bad; they’re chances to learn, grow, and work with others. So, I challenge you today, identify what makes you different and share in the comment. I’d love to hear your story.

In my journey and personal growth path, I’ve discovered one thing: progress always demands a price. Whether it’s aiming for a promotion, mastering a skill, or achieving a personal milestone, the principle remains the same, you don’t just move up; you give up something to get there. Let me share 3 lessons I’ve learned about stepping out of the comfort zone and reaching the next level: 1. Trade-Offs Are Necessary To grow, you must let go of the habits, routines, or even comforts that hold you back. For me, this meant sacrificing late-night distractions to focus on building expertise in my field. What’s one habit you need to trade for your goal? 2. Growth Feels Uncomfortable Every time I pursued something bigger, be it leading a challenging project at work or committing to a fitness goal, I felt the discomfort of stepping into the unknown. But here’s the truth: discomfort is the companion of transformation. Lean into it. 3. The Higher You Go, The Higher the Price Success isn’t about s...