Mike’s Thoughts

To Be Extraordinary, Be With People Who Are Extraordinary

This week’s tip comes from the four days I just spent in Costa Rica as a member of the Transformational Leadership Council. Members include Jack Canfield (creator of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series and author of “The Secret”); Dr. John Gray (author of “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus”); and many others you may have heard of. Everyone is either a NY Times Best-Selling author, a world-class speaker or coach… some kind of thought leader in personal transformation. (I guess I’m kinda “guitar boy”).

January 26, 2016

It’s All About the Hair… What Cleaning Bathrooms, the Statue of Liberty and Bohemian Rhapsody Have In Common

Years ago when the first helicopter flew over the Statue Of Liberty they saw something they hadn’t expected. The attention to detail on Lady Liberty’s hair was exquisite, just as amazing as the rest of her.

January 20, 2016

If You Do Things Right, Things Should Go Right, Right? Wrong. Succeed Anyway.

After two cancelled flights, spending the night at O’hare, a delayed flight the next day, and arriving just one hour before my presentation for Nationwide Insurance, this is photo is what I found when I opened my guitar case.

January 12, 2016

The Insidious Lure of Workaholism and The Divine Concept of 24/6

Umpteen years ago I cut my teeth as an entertainer playing a rough bar in Virginia called the Royal Lee Delicatessen. My passionate, loyal supporters would pack the place every show and I played long sets full of music and mayhem.

January 6, 2016

Do Not Make Any 2016 Resolutions Until You Read This. I Have A Much Better Way

OK, New Year’s resolutions don’t work and here’s why: They focus completely on a dreaded process, not a desired goal. “I’m going to diet, exercise, quit smoking, go to church, get marriage counseling, work harder,” that sort of thing.

December 29, 2015

Virtuosos Create A Sense Of Urgency Before ______?

This Extremely Important, Rarely Taught Virtuoso Tip Can Change Your Life. This week for Christmas I am playing in the band at Verve, our church

December 23, 2015

Don’t Be Like Most People… The Tyranny of Social Proof

Most people in America… Spend more than they make and are in debt, watch 3+ hours of TV per day, don’t like their job, do

December 15, 2015

You’re A Slave and You Don’t Even Know It… Break Free.

I was once fined wrongly by my HOA. After the dance of letters and threats back and forth they played the ultimate trump card: “Failure

December 8, 2015

How Gratitude Makes You Invincible

It is Thanksgiving night, bellies are full, the game is on, it’s cold outside (even in Las Vegas), and while contemplating all the things for

December 1, 2015

Everyone’s Caught In A Trap, I Know How To Get Out, And You Do, Too

We all have a trap and the moment I say it you’ll agree: Our minds. Our beliefs. “Stinking’ Thinkin’.” We are all limited by the way

November 24, 2015

The Paris Terrorist Attacks and Becoming a Virtuoso…

What do they have to do with each other? Everything. The first word in virtuoso is virtue. Morality. Holding oneself to a higher standard. If

November 17, 2015

The Single Greatest Determinant of Success Is…

Take Action! (Dare I say, “Just Do It?”), When was the last time you did something for the first time? I’m amazed at how many

November 10, 2015

Honest Reflections on Growth, Change & Mindset

Latest Insights From Mike Rayburn

To Be Extraordinary, Be With People Who Are Extraordinary

It’s All About the Hair… What Cleaning Bathrooms, the Statue of Liberty and Bohemian Rhapsody Have In Common

If You Do Things Right, Things Should Go Right, Right? Wrong. Succeed Anyway.

The Insidious Lure of Workaholism and The Divine Concept of 24/6

Do Not Make Any 2016 Resolutions Until You Read This. I Have A Much Better Way

Virtuosos Create A Sense Of Urgency Before ______?

You’re A Slave and You Don’t Even Know It… Break Free.

How Gratitude Makes You Invincible

Everyone’s Caught In A Trap, I Know How To Get Out, And You Do, Too

The Paris Terrorist Attacks and Becoming a Virtuoso…

The Single Greatest Determinant of Success Is…