Hi everyone,

You know Summer may be coming to a close but I have to admit, I for one am not sorry. I know, that goes against the grain but though I love the ‘idea’ of summer; the sunshine, the warmth and opportunity for cookin’ and chillin’ with family and friends, on the terrace or in a garden, in all honesty sometimes the reality of “Summer” is a little slow for me…

Don’t get me wrong. I love relaxing. In fact I am one of the greatest advocates of carving time out of the busiest of schedules to take stock, take time and take a breath.

I walk, run, mediate and go for long drives along the coast. I chat with, and take time to appreciate my beautiful children and niece, my grandson, my wife, my lovely mom. I watch movies, hang with friends and listen to music. I talk, dance (a great deal!) and watch the world go by…

But for me, this is a way of life, not a season. It’s my daily habit not a summer holiday.

And I have to be honest, the summer months feel like they are a breath waiting to be exhaled, a ’something’ waiting to happen… The city-rhythm slows, energy levels ebb, the wind calms, momentum eases…

You see, I’m a guy who thrives on momentum. So yes, I love the Summer and all the wonderful things that come with sunshine and a little more free time. But I love the hustle too, and look forward to getting back into the groove of an energetic and amazing Autumn.

Talking of energy: check out this really outstanding magazine. I am awestruck by the team that brings us this unique, creative, tremendously professional magazine month after month, and am truly appreciative for the wonderful article below. Kudos to you Cheba and keep it comin’!

See y’all soon. Stay strong Burrel.

Check out the article here
Learn more about Heavy Hitters Magazine

Saturday, I had the opportunity to give Mark Cuban a copy of my new book, Success for Life: Seven Streetwise Strategies Guaranteed To Transform You From Wannabe To Winner.  As most of you know, Mark is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks - a real Giant in the NBA.  The Mavs were in LA to play the Clippers.

In Success for Life, I have a chapter called How to be a Giant, which is one of my Seven Streetwise Strategies. When I talk about Giants, I have guys like Mark in mind. 

Giants are a different breed: people who ooze confidence, charisma and success, and take command of every room they enter. Their confidence shimmers around them like a powerful force field, attracting success, wealth and other Giants.

Next time you’re lucky enough to be around a Giant, pay close attention to some of the following characteristics, and work on adding some of them to your own game.  Cuban has all of these down-pat, believe it!

1. Giants have unshakable self-belief
2. Giants are Mind Jedis
3. Giants never ask permission, nor make excuses
4. Giants are risk takers and opportunity makers
5. Giants don’t acknowledge boundaries
6. Giants are relentless
7. Giants have endless optimism

Want to learn more about Giants and how to reprogram your brain to become one?  Check out my book, Success for Life, and work your game up to a new level.

NBA fans, check out Cuban’s blog.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what 2008 has to offer!  I love each New Year, because it’s so rich with hope and promise.  It’s like the beginning of a sports season – no matter how bad the record last year, every fan believes his or her team has a shot at the title.

How about you?  Are you looking forward to 2008? Ready to cheer team YOU to victory?

We’ll, you’d better, because 2007 is history, Jack!

Your life - and luck - is a reflection of your own attitude. If you expect great things, great things will happen. If you expect failure and doom, that’s all you’ll get.

Now, I’m not saying you can wish yourself successful.  Success takes hard work and determination, too, and you’ll have to suffer through some bitter setbacks before you get a taste of sweet victory.  But when it comes right down to it, attitude is most important. 

New Year’s Day is an opportunity to start fresh, with a new attitude and new results. It’s okay to sit back and reflect upon last year’s good and bad times, but don’t dwell on anything. Learn your lesson, turn it into a blessin’, and keep chugging ahead, stronger and wiser and better for it!

If you like my flava of motivation (no sugar-coating), I’m very proud to announce that my new book, Success for Life, goes on sale today! It’s got my Seven Streetwise Strategies, which are guaranteed to transform you from wannabe to wannable to winner!

Whatever your dream, from publishing your own book to making the team, I sincerely hope you really go for it this year! Make every minute count, because before you know it, the year will be over.

Live for every moment in 2008!
Burrel