Edition 23 - Forging Ahead

Welcome back!!!

Let's start by forging ahead with some definitions. If you have already been a subscriber for long enough, you know that I am a sucker for getting to the guts of a word's meaning and seeing how it applies based on the context I'm thinking of it in. I will give you a few alternative definitions for this one since they are SO good!

forge (verb):

1. to create or produce something, often by hard work or ingenuity
2. to move forward steadily and with determination, despite difficulties or obstacles
3. to move with a sudden increase of speed and power
4. (noun) a strong, enduring relationship or bond, especially between people who have been through difficult or challenging experiences together.

Whoa. I already liked that word, but now it is on a different level.

Why? Because I respect it. It means something to me. It is relatable to me.

I have experienced it through others. I have been blessed to forge through challenging and difficult experiences because of doing life with those that I have created a strong relationship and bond with. Godly examples of men and women.

These are people who push me to be better than I was yesterday and hold me accountable to becoming the best version of Brett that I can be. They produce a desire inside me to work harder, to rapidly increase growth by being intentional, and through Holy Spirit power. Their support and...at times...their hard love, allow me to move forward steadily despite the obstacles that I come across on the path to my potential.

They help me continue forging ahead.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Do you have anyone like that in your life? If you do not, it is a gamechanger, and you should start seeking those kinds of connections.

I am talking about the type of friends that make up your 'FFZ'. A 'Free Fire Zone'. An area that can be the hottest to be in. One that breaks down the steel exterior you may have wrapped around the things you otherwise dare not share with anyone. A Free Fire Zone is an area where you can strengthen your trust. Most importantly, it is a group of Holy brothers or sisters that are not afraid to be real with you. They are willing to receive whatever it is you bring to them, without judgement. Just love, guidance, and acceptance.

I have found that this is critical for my own work-life balance. Let's be real. Sometimes in business, tough decisions are made. Some of them impact you more than others. Inevitably, a lot can be outside of your control. Ah, that uncontrollable feeling is oh so uncomfortable...or is that just me?

As a PEO broker, when I try to do things the 'right' way, it can cause burnout when I see morals and ethics go by the wayside...just to get the deal. I have experienced delay tactics, wrong figures at presentation, edited loss runs, multiple proposals provided to multiple brokers by the same market (going against a 30-day block period), and even overstepping by contacting a prospect or referral partner directly without permission. These things do not happen that often, but they do tend to be seen more when you are hunting 'whales'. Do not start dialing PETA, hear me out! I am referring to the larger deals. Big Kahuna's if you will.

Other times, maybe your work is being affected due to difficulties in your personal or home life. To forge ahead in these situations, you need friends and mentors that are willing and able to handle the heat. They need to be able to stick it out in the trenches to provide you with the advice and truth you need to hear. We are called to do the same for one another, and fully trust in God throughout.

30 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. - Mark 12:30-31

I am forever grateful for so many people in my life. The ones that have seen me at my worst and pulled me from the fires or pits of despair, to the safety of growing in my Faith. Challenging me to do hard things, for the reward on the backside. Holding me accountable when I needed it. Encouraging me along the way. Loving me for where I am, no matter the conditions. Teaching me, and letting God speak through them.

I am blessed to have a Holy huddle of men who I know have my back. A true brotherhood of trusted men that strive to step into their God given purpose, live intentionally, and with action daily. They consistently forge ahead to bring as many men as possible with them on the journey to discover God and the ultimate purpose he has for them.

If men can become the men, we are truly called to be...families can change, communities can change, the country can change, and this world can change. Authentic people build authentic relationships.

I have been a part of Marked Men For Christ for 5 years now, and I just completed my 4th Chapter of Fight Club, which is a 10-week men's challenge based on the scripture of Nehemiah 4:14. Many of these men have not only witnessed, but also been instrumental in the positive radical change in my life.

I am beyond humbled to have received the Dan Burns Spirit of Fight Club award for this Fight Club chapter. It is given to the person that they felt best exemplified the principles of Nehemiah 4:14 and the Fight Club Creed. I am so honored that it continues the legacy of Dan Burns. He was a Holy man, a mentor, and a friend who lived out what it looks like to be a Godly man. He unfortunately passed two years ago. The meaning and honor behind this award hold an incredibly special place in my heart. It will forever remind me...

Forge ahead. Fill the gap for someone else in their time of need. Forge a new path. Build a Legacy. Keep fighting for the right things. Love God, and love others. Be Strong!

I will leave you with some pictures from SWFL Fight Club Chapter 9 Graduation. Thanks for reading and subscribing!