10 Things I learned from Kenny G

I recently went to a sold-out Kenny G concert and had an AMAZING time!!!  I have never been to one of his concerts and while I thoroughly enjoyed the energy, passion and sheer excellence of the production, I also observed some very intentional actions that have helped him get to the top...and stay there...for more years than most performers.  Here is a quick synopsis of 10 things I learned from Kenny G...

1. Excellence buys you freedom. Be excellent in the little things every day, and it adds up.  Make excellence (not perfection) your lifestyle, not just a moment in time.  Do EVERYTHING with EXCELLENCE!!!!
2. Do one thing and do it really really really really really really really really well.  Its how you become the BEST in the world!!!  Practice 1,000 hours so that you can play magically for an hour.  Too many people want to be the "experts" in something, however they don't put in the time. 
3. Go big or go home. Always give your best. Always give your all!!!! and then expect the same from those around you!!!
4. Try playing one saxophone note continuous for over 5 minutes (see the video).  And then bust out the rest of the amazing song. Go ahead. I dare you!!! In 1997, Kenny G earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing the longest note ever recorded on a saxophone. Using circular breathing, Kenny G held an E-flat for 45 minutes and 47 seconds at J&R Music World in New York City.  Dude...that freakin' ROCKS!!!!!!!
5. Give credit to your team. For real.  Quit hogging all the limelight for yourself! Stepping on others may get you to the top, however it won't keep you there.  Empower your team to shine and they will make you shine!!!
6. Surround yourself with the best people to get the best results.  Once you have the best people, continue to develop them and they will continue to deliver the best results daily!
7. Always remember it's ALWAYS about people.  ALWAYS!!!  Your customers, your employees, your vendors and your suppliers all have one thing in common. You got it...they are people, people, people!!!!  People are the secret to long term success and significance!!!
8. Have fun doing what you do.  If you don't like what you do, quit and go do something else.  Life is TOO SHORT to not have fun!!!!! Smile...and make others smile...it's a great way to live!!!
9. Be the best that you can be. Don't compete against others. Compete against yourself.  
10. Just because you have 10 slots doesn't mean you have to fill them all.  For real...leave some extra space and time for when you have to do your encore :)

That's it for now...

Let me know what I can do to help you...Wishing you the best of success in all you do!!!!!!

Merry Christmas and HAPPY BROWNIE DAY to us all!!!!!!

Best regards,

John