Category: Inspiration

Play the Long Game, Execute in the Short Term

One of the hardest things to do in life isn’t just having a long-term vision—it’s making short-term decisions that align with that vision, especially when everything around you is loud, fast, and distracting.

I was talking to my brother recently, and I said—every sport has a goal. There’s always an end game. A finish line. A final score.

That’s the long game:

• Score the point

• Sink the shot

• Win the game

But the short game? That’s where things get interesting.

In the short term, everything changes:

• The defense shifts.

• Pressure increases.

• You’re forced to decide in real-time: Pivot or press? Pass or shoot? Stick or shift?

And here’s the danger:

If you don’t make those micro-decisions in alignment with the macro goal, you end up just surviving the play—not advancing the game.

Short-term distractions will always test your focus.

Opportunities that feel urgent. Setbacks that feel personal. Detours that look like shortcuts.

But if a short-term situation can shake you off course, then maybe you haven’t truly committed to the goal you say you want.

Here’s the key:

Don’t just dream long—stay disciplined short.

Because the goal doesn’t reward good intentions—it rewards strategic execution.

Like I told my brother:

“You never see winning coaches getting criticized for their plays. Why? Because the scoreboard speaks louder than the strategy.”

Win by one or win by a hundred—if you stuck to the plan and it worked, that’s all that matters.

Where, Why, What: Strategy Over Impulse

Where Are You Now?

• Are you constantly changing direction based on emotions or pressure?

• Are you chasing shiny ideas instead of executing your strategy?

• Are you staying true to your vision, or freelancing your future?

Why Does This Matter?

• Because most losses don’t come from being outplayed—they come from abandoning the playbook.

• Because every pivot should still move you closer to the goal—not just buy you time.

• Because success is less about improvisation and more about intention.

What Should You Do Right Now?

• Revisit your playbook. Define the long game again.

• Audit your recent decisions: are they aligned or reactive?

• Stay loyal to the formula. Don’t sacrifice strategy for the thrill of the moment.

Long-Term Vision Meets Short-Term Discipline

• Safety & Security: Long-game vision provides stability in moments of uncertainty.

• Esteem: Consistency builds confidence—you trust yourself more when you follow your game plan.

• Self-Actualization: Fulfillment comes from living a life designed with purpose, not distraction.

Lock In, Play Smart, Stay the Course

Here’s your challenge:

1. Write down your long-term goal. Be specific.

2. List 3 short-term decisions you’re facing right now.

3. Evaluate: Which of those decisions aligns with the goal—and which ones are just noise?

Because in the end?

The game doesn’t reward improvisation. It rewards intention.

Stick to the strategy. Trust the formula. Play the long game.

Key Takeaway

“Most people don’t lose because they were outplayed. They lose because they abandoned the playbook. Play the long game. Execute with purpose. Win with intention.”

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“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

If the Child Is OK, the Adult Will Be Too

Have you ever wondered why some reactions feel bigger than the moment?

Why a small comment hits like a wound—or why success doesn’t always feel like healing?

Most people don’t realize that their adult decisions are being filtered through childhood experiences. And in a lot of cases, the child inside isn’t just whispering…

He’s still running the show.

My friend Tony Harris said something that’s stuck with me ever since:

“If the child is OK, the man is OK.”

After a two-hour conversation with Tony, I understood what he meant on a deeper level.

Like him, I started carrying around a photo of the child version of myself—as a reminder:

If he’s good, then I’m good.

It might sound small. But that mental shift is huge.

I read an article on PsychCentral that said the average adult’s emotional processing age is around 13.5 years old.

Let that sink in.

That means many of us are walking through life—handling relationships, conflict, rejection, pressure, and dreams—with the emotional tools of a middle schooler.

This is where The Where Factor shifts from external goals to internal alignment:

• Where are you going in your personal growth and healing?

• Why is that healing essential—not just for you now, but for the child version of you who’s still influencing how you love, lead, and live?

• What can you do daily to care for that child—so the adult version of you can lead with peace, power, and purpose?

For me, that “what” includes:

• Regular self-reflection and journaling

• Surrounding myself with mentors, coaches, and friends who hold me accountable

• Staying engaged with mental health resources

• Practicing self-compassion when my younger self gets triggered

1. Find a Photo of Your Younger Self

Carry it. Frame it. Keep it in your wallet or on your lock screen.

Let it remind you that the version of you who needed more love, safety, or support still matters.

2. Reflect on the Gaps

Ask yourself:

• What did I need more of as a child that I can give myself now?

• What old wound still shows up when I’m under pressure?

Awareness isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

3. Start Reparenting Yourself

Treat yourself with patience.

Speak to yourself with kindness.

Don’t bully your progress. Heal at your own pace.

4. Stay in Community

Isolation amplifies old trauma.

Surround yourself with people who honor your healing, not just your hustle.

So, I’ll ask you:

Is your inner child OK?

Take a moment and apply The Where Factor to your healing journey:

• Where do you still feel emotionally stuck or triggered?

• Why is healing that version of you critical to the future you’re building?

• What simple act of care can you do this week for that child within?

Key Takeaway:

If the child is OK, the adult will be too.

Healing doesn’t always start with hustle—it starts with wholeness.

Don’t just chase new goals—care for the old version of you that helped you survive long enough to pursue them.

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“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

Don’t Guess Through Tax Season

More than 35 million taxpayers filed as self-employed in 2022—and the truth is,

most of them left money on the table.

Whether you’re a:

• Rideshare driver

• Graphic designer

• Hair stylist

• Coach

• Consultant

• Or multi-hustle entrepreneur

This one’s for you.

Let’s be honest…

Tax season hits, and too many self-employed folks go into survival mode.

• Guessing what counts as a write-off

• Hoping they filed correctly

• Praying they don’t owe more than they made

But here’s the reality:

If you’re self-employed, the IRS gives you the opportunity to keep more of what you earn—if you know how to play the game.

And if you don’t? You’ll pay more than you have to… year after year.

Treat Your Hustle Like a Business

Here’s the shift:

Stop treating your self-employment like a side hustle.

Start treating it like a real business—because it is.

When you do that, you can:

• Maximize deductions

• Lower your tax liability

• Set yourself up for long-term financial security

But you have to do it right. That means:

• Keeping good records

• Knowing what’s deductible

• Working with a qualified tax professional who understands your lane

Where, Why, What: Tax Edition

Where Are You Now?

• Are you filing your taxes based on memory or bank statements?

• Are you nervous every time a 1099 shows up?

• Are you leaving money on the table because you don’t know what you don’t know?

Why Does This Matter?

• Because guessing costs you money—period.

• Because tax season shouldn’t feel like a setup—it should be part of your strategy.

• Because if you want to grow your business, you’ve got to know how to protect your income.

What Can You Do Today?

• Start tracking your expenses—don’t wait until year-end.

• Talk to a tax pro who understands self-employed deductions.

• Structure your business properly (LLC, S Corp, etc.) based on your goals.

• Learn the basics of quarterly taxes and tax planning.

Financial Clarity Is Foundational

• Safety & Security: Keeping more of what you earn gives you peace of mind and financial protection.

• Esteem: Owning your finances builds confidence and self-trust.

• Self-Actualization: When money isn’t a stressor, you can focus on the vision instead of the expenses.

Get Out of Guess Mode

Here’s your challenge:

1. Stop winging it.

2. Start working with a pro.

3. Start treating your hustle like a business.

Because 35 million people filed as self-employed last year…

But not all 35 million kept what they should have.

You’ve got the opportunity.

Now get the strategy.

Key Takeaway

“Don’t guess your way through tax season. Treat your hustle like a business—and keep more of what you earn.”

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“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

Consistently Good: The Real Path to Being Called the Best

We live in a world obsessed with being the best.

Best brand. Best speaker. Best entrepreneur. Best whatever.

People chase greatness like it’s a title you can claim after one big win or viral moment. But in real life? The people who are called “the best” usually aren’t flashy.

They’re just consistently good.

And that consistency compounds into greatness.

Too many people focus on moments of brilliance instead of a lifestyle of reliability.

They try to be “on” all the time. Or they wait until conditions are perfect to perform.

But greatness doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from showing up, over and over again, with excellence and effort, even when no one’s watching.

And if we’re honest, most people don’t fail because they aren’t talented.

They fail because they aren’t consistent.

This is where The Where Factor reframes the game:

• Where do you want to go?

You want to be known for something—your craft, your business, your impact.

• Why is that important?

Because lasting influence doesn’t come from peaks—it comes from patterns.

• What are you doing consistently to earn that reputation?

Your daily habits, delivery, and discipline are what define your brand.

You don’t have to be extraordinary today.

You just have to be reliable, intentional, and good—consistently.

The greatness will take care of itself.

How to Build a Legacy of Consistent Goodness

1. Focus on Repeatable Habits, Not Heroic Efforts

Forget one-hit wonders.

The most trusted, respected people are those who show up at a high level every day.

2. Choose Mastery Over Hype

Don’t chase what’s trending.

Build what’s timeless. Deliver value over and over again, and you’ll outlast the noise.

3. Embrace Boring Excellence

Some of the most powerful habits aren’t sexy—discipline, preparation, integrity, follow-through.

But they build unshakable credibility.

4. Let People Name You—Focus on the Work

If you’re consistently good, you won’t need to call yourself “the best.”

They’ll do it for you.

So, I’ll ask you:

Are you focused on the spotlight or the system?

Take a moment and apply The Where Factor to your reputation:

• Where are you trying to go in your craft or calling?

• Why do you want to be known for it?

• What can you commit to doing consistently that will build that brand over time?

Drop a comment or reflect on the one thing you can show up for today—with excellence.

Key Takeaway:

If you’re consistently good, they’ll eventually call you the best.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be reliable, excellent, and authentic—every single time.

Because greatness isn’t a moment. It’s a rhythm.

too?

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“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

Hiring your kids in your business should be a top priority.

Now, hear me clearly:

• I’m not talking about paying them under the table.

• I’m not talking about handing out allowances.

• I’m definitely not talking about “helping out” without proper structure.

I’m talking about putting your kids on payroll—and giving them a legitimate W-2 from your business.

It’s one of the smartest plays you can make for your kids, your money, and your business.

Many entrepreneurs overlook one of the most powerful strategies for:

• Building generational wealth

• Teaching financial literacy

• Reducing taxable income

We let our kids “help” around the business, but we don’t set them up properly to:

• Earn a paycheck legally

• Build work history

• Contribute to their own future (even retirement!)

And meanwhile, we’re leaving major tax benefits and legacy-building opportunities on the table.

Hire Your Kids the Legit Way

When you put your children on official payroll:

• Your business gets a tax deduction for their salary.

• Your child gains work experience, builds savings, and learns money management early.

• You redirect money you would’ve spent on them anyway—but now, it’s tax-advantaged.

It’s a true win-win-win.

Let’s break this down using The Where, Why, What:

Where, Why, What: Legacy Moves

Where Are You Now?

• Are you giving your kids chores or tasks around the business without real structure?

• Are you missing out on legitimate tax-saving strategies that benefit your family?

• Are you thinking about legacy but not laying down the systems for it yet?

Why Does This Matter?

• Because the tax code favors those who use the rules strategically.

• Because you want to teach your kids how wealth and work truly work—not just tell them.

• Because you can either pay them informally—or pay them intentionally and create a legacy.

What Should You Do Next?

• Set up official roles your kids can fulfill (admin, social media help, marketing assistant, etc.)

• Put them on your payroll—issue a W-2, not under-the-table cash.

• Document their work to stay compliant and maximize deductions.

• Open savings or investment accounts for them to secure their earnings.

Building Security and Esteem Early

When you legally hire your kids:

• Safety & Security: They build a sense of financial independence and protection early.

• Esteem: They gain confidence through real-world work and responsibility.

• Self-Actualization: They learn they can be contributors, creators, and builders of their future.

Build Smarter, Not Just Harder

Here’s your challenge:

1. Review your business tasks—what work can your kids legitimately do?

2. Talk to your accountant or tax advisor about setting up your kids on payroll properly.

3. Start seeing your business as a legacy tool—not just a paycheck.

Your business isn’t just a vehicle for income—it’s a vehicle for generational impact.

Key Takeaway

“Don’t just have your kids work—put them in position. Payroll them. Teach them. Build them. The best bang for your buck isn’t just today’s profit—it’s tomorrow’s prosperity.”

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“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

Know Your Number: Mastering Self-Awareness in Real Time

We live in a world that demands high performance, but let’s be honest—nobody can be “on” 100% of the time.

Life hits hard. Energy dips. Focus shifts. And some days, you’re just trying to show up.

And that’s okay.

You’re human.

But here’s where it gets real:

You don’t have to be at 100%—but you should always know what percentage you’re operating at.

Because self-awareness isn’t just about knowing your strengths. It’s about knowing your limits in real time, and making intentional adjustments that keep you in alignment with your purpose.

Most people go through the day without ever checking in on themselves.

They assume they’re at full capacity… until something breaks—emotionally, mentally, or physically.

The problem isn’t being at 60% one day. The problem is not knowing you’re at 60% and acting like you’re at 100%.

That’s where burnout, emotional blowups, dropped balls, and missed moments live.

It’s not the lack of capacity—it’s the lack of clarity about your current capacity.

The Power of Knowing Your Number

Here’s where The Where Factor meets real-time self-awareness:

• Where are you right now—mentally, emotionally, physically?

• Why does this awareness matter?

Because your decisions, your energy, your leadership, and your relationships depend on it.

• What can you do to maximize what you do have today?

Even if it’s 40%, how can you give that 40% with full intentionality?

When you know your number, you:

• Set healthier boundaries

• Avoid overpromising

• Choose the right tasks for your current state

• Communicate more clearly with the people around you

• Avoid letting your “off days” turn into your “off brand”

How to Build Real-Time Self-Awareness

1. Start Your Day With a Check-In

Ask yourself:

“What percentage am I at today?”

Be honest. No judgment. Then adjust your expectations accordingly.

2. Make Strategic Adjustments

If you’re at 60%, don’t try to run a 100% schedule.

Can something be delegated? Delayed? Reduced?

3. Communicate With Transparency

Whether you’re leading a team, managing a household, or just trying to keep it together—let people know where you’re at. This builds trust and strengthens relationships.

4. Build Recovery Into Your Rhythm

Don’t just power through.

Refuel. Reset. Re-align.

Maslow reminds us: rest is a need, not a weakness. Self-actualization isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistent progress.

So, I’ll ask you:

What’s your number today?

Are you aware of how you’re showing up—or are you running on autopilot?

Take a moment and apply The Where Factor:

• Where are you functioning from today?

• Why is that awareness important for the people and goals that matter most?

• What intentional adjustment can you make right now?

You don’t need to be at 100%. But you do need to be honest about where you are.

Key Takeaway:

Nobody expects you to be on 100% of the time—but you should know what percentage you’re on, 100% of the time.

Self-awareness isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest, strategic, and intentional with the energy you have. Own your capacity. Manage your momentum. And move forward with clarity.

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📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

The Glow-Up Starts From the Inside

I’ve been going to the gym for a little over four months now, and the more I stay consistent, the more I notice something:

The gym is just like entrepreneurship.

It’s not just about what people see on the outside—it’s about what’s happening on the inside.

The Framework That Changes Everything

When I sit with an entrepreneur, we always run it through The Where Factor:

• Where do you want to go?

• Why is it important?

• What can you do right now to take one step closer to that goal?

Then we dig deeper—into the inner workings of the business.

Because let’s be honest…

Just because a door is swinging doesn’t mean the business is booming.

Surface-Level Success Isn’t Sustainable

We confuse gross income with growth.

But when you subtract the cost, the time, the stress, and the energy?

Some of us are earning the equivalent of an hourly wage—while calling it freedom.

We take pride in looking busy, in appearing successful, in chasing the next win.

But we avoid the real work—the inner work.

The result?

• The business looks strong, but it’s tired.

• It’s underdeveloped.

• It’s hanging on.

Business and Body

And that’s exactly how I felt when I first started going to the gym.

To the untrained eye, I may have looked strong.

But the truth? I wasn’t.

It wasn’t until I started doing the real work that things changed.

Now the strength I’m building?

It’s real. It’s earned. It’s layered.

And just like I do with my clients, Dylan and I applied The Where Factor to my fitness journey:

• Where do I want to go?

• Why is it important?

• What do I need to do now to align with that goal?

That’s when we added structure—intermittent fasting, amino acids, proper protein intake, and a plan that fuels long-term results.

Not just appearances.

Not just the image.

But actual alignment.

Where, Why, What: The Inside Game

Where Are You Now?

• Does your business feel like it looks?

• Are you building strength—or burning out behind the scenes?

• Are you working a system—or surviving off hustle?

Why Does It Matter?

• Because surface-level wins don’t last.

• Because real freedom comes from building something strong—not just loud.

• Because if you want to grow, it has to start from within.

What Can You Do Right Now?

• Reassess your structure—your fuel, your foundation, your systems.

• Stop glorifying exhaustion and start building intentional momentum.

• Apply The Where Factor—and align your output with your outcome.

• Safety & Security: Systems create stability—physically and professionally.

• Esteem: Real strength builds quiet confidence.

• Self-Actualization: When the inside and outside match, you operate in clarity, purpose, and power.

Here’s your challenge:

1. Look at your business or your body—what’s happening beneath the surface?

2. Reapply The Where Factor. Be honest.

3. Start fueling your growth from the inside out.

Because the glow-up?

It starts within.

Key Takeaway

“Just because the doors are open doesn’t mean the business is booming. Strength—real strength—is built on alignment, not appearances.”

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“Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

– Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney