Episode 62: Knowing and Pursuing Your Potential with David Meltzer

Look around you. Are you happy? That’s a big question, so let’s rephrase it. Do you have the tools that will empower you to become happy? You might, but you might not. Today’s guest is David Meltzer. He’s an internationally bestselling author, host of “The Playbook” podcast and co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing. Variety named him their “Sports Humanitarian of the Year,” and he’s here today to talk about how to know and pursue your full potential without sacrificing your happiness.David’s rags to riches to rags and then back to riches story is enough to give anyone reading his bio whiplash. From the financial and emotional rollercoaster that consumed his life for years, David was able to extract four foundational ideas for living a better, happier life: gratitude, forgiveness, accountability and inspiration. He still applies these concepts today.Separating Emotion From EgoHow many times have you attached your happiness to material achievements? Many of us have told ourselves that we’ll be happy just as soon as we get a raise, a promotion, a new car, a new job or a nicer house. The truth of the matter is that money can’t buy happiness. As soon as you meet one material goal, another pops up. You’re always striving and never succeeding enough to satisfy your ego.That’s where David’s four cornerstones come into play. Take a moment to breathe and begrateful for what you have. Forgive yourself for not meeting impossible goals or when you notice ego driving your actions, but hold yourself accountable. Finally, look for inspiration in everything you do. The guidance you need is often already there if you can see it.Be What You Can BeAll any of us can do is what we’re capable of doing. While it may seem obvious, living by thosewords is more complicated than you might think. Evaluate your life and what you want out of it, then decide if your goals are realistic. Adjust them accordingly. Think about the legacy you want to leave. For David, that means kindness.If you feel stuck, don’t give up. You’re not stalling out. You’ve outgrown where you’re at. You’llinevitably make mistakes. We all do. Rather than viewing them as failures and beating yourself up over them, learn. Mistakes aren’t a sign that you should give up. They’re telling you to change.If anything David says today speaks to you, you can learn more about his work by visiting his website.  You’ll find a lot of great resources there, including a free weekly training seminar.