Toronto, Wednesday, February 4, 8.14pm

It’s been a wild week. Last Wednesday I was in Vegas speaking to 500 Limousine company owners. Then I flew to Nassau to talk to 350 Franchisees and General Managers from Harvey’s. Then, this morning, I spoke to 200 trainers and staff from the Cambridge Group of Health Clubs in Toronto.

Each session was more intense than the previous one. Each session demanded a whole new level of pre-eminence. Good enough wasn’t good enough. Even outstanding would have sucked. Nothing less than take-your-breath-away brilliance sufficed. In each case I earned a standing ovation because the audience felt my personal intensity. They breathed my level of commitment to their learning. They shared my ecstasy and gratitude at being part of such extraordinary events.

So I’m writing these words in a state of celebration and exhaustion. I’m delighted my mission was accomplished but I’m still catching my breath. I haven’t experienced this level of intensity since the Fall of 2001. It’s relentless. There is no rest or refuge from the daily barrage of disturbing data. The sky isn’t falling in and life goes on, but every day heralds a new wave of challenges and problems. I’m stretching for insights and inspiration to defy the gravity of the times. Solutions that would have cut through the clutter last September are now dead on arrival. Clients are fewer and their resources are less. There is no automatic revenue. Every dollar must be wrenched from the clenched fists of reluctant investors. It’s tough, man. And it’s getting tougher. There is no short term fix. The New Normal is The New Intensity. And the New Intensity demands that you bring your own brand of Personal Intensity to win.

The Random House Dictionary defines Intensity as: great energy, strength, concentration, vehemence, etc., as of activity, thought, or feeling. So what does that look like for you? It may be vocal and extrovert like mine. Or it may be softer, quieter and gentler. Your style doesn’t matter. Your application and focus does. Most of all, others must be moved by your power. They must recognize your superiority. They must want what you have to give them. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a limo ride or a hamburger or a workout. It must be memorable. It must be an experience that only you can provide them. It must thrill others because it makes them special – not just make them feel special. It must literally transform them in ways big or small. That’s the new bar. It’s not just what you do. It’s how you do it that ignites others will to unleash their intensity.

So the bad news is that we’re all being called to higher level of daily contribution. The good news is that we’re all being called to higher level of daily contribution. What’s it gonna take for you to ratchet up your game? How conditioned are you to keep the faith and stay the course? What’s your source of mojo and magnificence? How many amazing people have you recruited to your cause? How effectively are you marketing your contribution to others? What’s your plan for sustained preeminent performance? It’s show time, baby!

If you want some of the answers, visit http://www.mikelipkin.com/products_one_life_complete2.html now and invest in my flagship One Life, One Meeting package. If you order now, we`ll ship it you at the Intense Price of just $199, including postage to anywhere in the US or Canada