Leadership in crisis isn't about knowing the right thing to say—it's about being the right kind of person long before the crisis comes. It's about building a "bunker" of trust, truth, and training into the hearts of your people—not a shelter of fear but a system of faith.

As I left that underground hallway and stepped back into the sunlight, I didn't just feel grateful. I felt challenged. Am I building in others what the crisis will reveal?

The Ides of March is a historical marker of betrayal, a reminder that even the most powerful leaders are not immune to sabotage. At the peak of his leadership, Julius Caesar was undone by those he trusted most. But you don't have to be an emperor to experience your own Ides of March. If you're leading, at some point, the knives will come out.

DJ Daniel's embrace of Director Curran wasn't just a heartwarming moment—it was a leadership lesson. Like my father's legendary hugs, it showed us that real leadership is about making people feel seen, valued, and part of something greater than themselves.

These productivity hacks—the Hourglass Technique, the Ivy Lee Method, and Benjamin Franklin's disciplined scheduling—offer powerful ways to reclaim your time and maximize output. Productivity isn't about doing more random tasks; it's about focusing on what truly matters and making every moment count.

If you want a better leader, be a better follower. Leadership is not about standing alone at the top—it's about those who stand with you. Most leaders are subjected to relentless criticism, second-guessing, stress, political maneuvering, and even betrayals from their own ranks. The greatest gift you can give your leader is to tell them, "You have my support"—and then back it up with action. And if you can't do that, find a leader you can support wholeheartedly.

Love is not just a feeling—it is a choice. We make it every single day, not because it is always easy but because it is always worth it. Love is choosing to grow through adversity rather than be broken by it. As Charlie "Tremendous" Jones said, "Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be." True love isn't just about joy—it's about persevering, even when life shakes you to your core.

One of the biggest shifts in leadership happens when you graduate from directing people to developing them. True leaders don’t just give answers—they guide discovery. My father, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, mastered this by leveraging the wisdom of books. Want to develop others? Park your smarts and let them do the discovering! 📚✨ #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Mentorship

Hypocrisy isn't about doing the right thing; it's about maintaining power. Censorship, mandates, and lawfare aren't about justice; they're about control. And when control is threatened, hypocrisy goes into overdrive.

While there's nothing wrong with caring about how we present ourselves, the ultimate goal should be to reflect values like respect, professionalism, and selflessness—not to demand attention or stand out for the sake of ego. For example, adhering to workplace standards or dressing appropriately for significant events shows an understanding of the larger context and respect for the group.

Now, years later, I understand the real meaning behind this little skit. That "tired of being happy" feeling hits me, and I embrace it with gusto. This year has already been off the charts—celebrating my fifth anniversary, signing new clients, onboarding new authors, seizing new opportunities, and enjoying the clarity of thought, good health, and pure joy that comes with doing what I love.

The first week of the new year is in the books, and as you close in on week two, it's time to double down on your goals. Did you know the second Friday of the year is often called "Quitters Day"? Not for us! Charlie "Tremendous" Jones said it best:

"You can want to quit; just don't do it!"

So, how do you stay on course toward achieving your goals? One surefire way is to focus on your mission statement, which is the guiding compass for your success.

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my revamped website: www.traceycjones.com! When you visit, be sure to sign up for our email list. You will get bi-monthly updates and access to my latest online courses, coaching programs, and training sessions, stay updated on my ongoing research, and find out where I’m speaking next. It’s your gateway to all things tremendous!