Time for New Chucks!

I LOVE A GOOD OL' PAIR OF UPSCALE
ALL-STAR CHUCKS . . . NOW, THAT IS!

So, my blog posts are typically pretty heady, right? But ever since I embarked on expanding my personal inspirational brand, Daymond & Co., to encompass more things I love like fashion and travel finds and deals, I figured I would share that with you as well! So here is the fashion topic currently on my brain: My Chucks and Their Replacement!

When it comes to fashion, I'm super picky! To complicate matters, I just can't get outside my engineering brain. I'm trained to think very efficiently.  That means, I want what I want . . . ON A MAKES-$EN$E BUDGET! You see, I must stay in budget and STAY ON-TREND AT THE SAME TIME! However, there are moments when it's not just about budget: It's also about embracing trends, EVEN WHEN THEY CLASH WITH WHAT I THINK LOOKS GOOD! So, here comes the story about my favorite pair of chucks. See the picture below: 

I swear I LOVE these John Varvatos (JV) All Stars, and I KNOW they were meant specifically for me! One of my favorite retail stores is Nordstrom Rack. I go there sometimes to browse through the latest trends on a budget, and their shoe section is SUPER SERIOUS! One day I ran across these shoes, and I thought to myself, "I HATE All Stars, but there is something HOT about these." I picked them up, looked at them, and then put them back in the box.  I didn't get them that day, but I took note that JV never ceases to impress me.  About a week later, I went back to Nordstrom Rack, and I saw this same pair of shoes. Again, I picked them up. But this time, I tried them on. Again, I thought they were cool, but Chucks???? Ugh! Meh, not for me. I mean, seriously, I used to despise this style of shoes. So, I left the store once more without those JV Chucks in tow. Now, get this . . . after that day, I never forgot about them. And my prior notions of disgust with the Chucks style of shoe began to suddenly fade! Just as the seasons change, so should our willingness to embrace fashions that keep us looking good and feeling great! Thus, I made the decision that if those shoes were still available the next time I visit Nordstrom Rack, then I would purchase them. Besides, I just couldn't get them out of my mind. So, long story short, they were! And I got them! And the price point was amazing, well below the $200+ retail value for those at that time.

Now, even though those JV All Stars are now one of my favorite pair of shoes, I still needed a little adjustment time to determine how I'd fit them into my wardrobe.  But that didn't take long. Soon after I bought them, tapered pants for men started popping up EVERYWHERE. Thank goodness, because those shoes fit right in. I quickly fell in love with them. And I especially like the fact that those very shoes are meant to become your favorite pair of Chucks by design.  If you're familiar with John Varvatos, one of the hottest fashion designers of mens clothing, then you know the brand typically adds distressed details across the entire fashion line.  It's gritty, bold, and ultra-masculine. The day I got those JV Chucks, that star you see peeling off the side was exactly like that! LOL, I thought that was hot then. But as of today, I figure the time has come for A REPLACEMENT PAIR!

Obvously, it's now clearly established that I love Chucks! Not just any old pair, of course . . . the upscale versions, that is. Hee Hee! Still, I never would have thought I would. And as I contemplated getting another JV pair, and scoured websites to find some I like, it didn't take me long to land on another Uscale Brand/All Star collabo!  (Thanks, Bailey!) So, check these out. They're Comme des Garçon Chucks! Aren't these SUPER HOT?!

Get You a Pair Too!

(Daymond & Co. is a Brand Affiliate of Nordstrom.com)

I had to put this hotness right there on my website at Daymond & Co. just to share! As you can see, these are a bit polished compared to my John Varvatos Chucks; but hey, we all need a little contrast in our wardrobes.  And John Varvatos will always be close to my heart as a fashion icon and favorite.  But there is something about that Hidden Heart fashion detail that speaks to me! LOL. So, I can't wait to pop these on and hit the streets! Hope you like them too!

Shop On GoGetters! Keep it Hot and Poppin' 
while YOU DO YOU! No Stress Success! 
#deliberatesuccess 
#wired2inspire

XOXO 

Daymond "The Brands"

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DO OVER DOUBT: Life is Difficult, BUT GO HARD ANYWAY! Don't Give Up.

Sure, when you see all the things I do online, and how busy I continue to keep myself in my corporate career as well as my entrepreneurship efforts, it sometimes looks effortless, right? But let me reassure you that nothing I do and continue to do is easy. However, one of the things I have learned how to do extremely well is manage my time while prioritizing the things that mean most to me. Let me say that again: PRIORITIZING THE THINGS THAT MEAN MOST TO ME.

It's no coincidence that my Daymond & Co. personal brand is created out of my sheer passion to succeed while fulfilling my own unique purposes in life. At the same time, I strive to help others do the very same thing. At our core, we all typically maintain the same personality and associated characteristics from birth to death. In our adolescence, our true nature tends to solidify and dictate how the remainder of our lives go. In high school, I graduated second in my high school class as Salutatorian, and I was nominated in three Senior Class categories, (a) Best Dressed Male, (b) Most Good Looking Guy, and (c) Most Likely to Succeed. But the one I WON was most likely to succeed :-)

DO OVER DOUBT: An Inspirational Insight

from Daymond & Co.

So here I am today writing this blog post as a Systems Engineer with a wealth of knowledge under my belt.  I'm also the founder of a multifaceted corporate LLC that serves as the hub for various creative and real estate services. But my heart is wrapped bountifully in my personal brand Daymond & Co. because it is the outlet that allows me to encourage you and others reading this blog post!

SO, LISTEN UP . . . LIFE IS A SERIES OF DELIBERATE STEPS. WE HAVE TO MARCH FORWARD, AND AS WE DO SO WE MUST . . . "DO OVER DOUBT!"

There is no way I could ever count the amount of mistakes I have made, disappointments I've struggled and suffered through, and the unsupportive jeers others have thrown my way. However, there is one mantra I've always stood by for every effort I expressly decided get through and succeed at. That mantra is "Do Over Doubt!"


In the past, some of my struggles have been dark and sad. But I promise not the bring you down in this blog post. Instead, I'll tell you about a pivotal moment in my life that stands out every time I think about the resilience I maintain throughout my life. And undoublted, it was my dearly departed mother who instilled in me that I should strive for my personal best, even though she didn't force me to do so.


I grew up in rural Opelousas, Louisiana. If you're not familiar with the area, it's a small town located in the heart of Louisiana . . . Cajun Country, Acadiana to be exact. The population is a little less than 20 000, and there is a whole lot of good eatin' there. Yum! Anyhow, as a child, I was originally zoned to attend a school closer to my home; however, because my mother worked in elementary education, she knew exactly what school she wanted me to attend. That elementary school was located outside my school zone, and it was excellent for my developmental education. To this day, I truly appreciate her sacrifice, because she did what she had to do to get me to school on time and get to her job by any means necessary. I began meeting other kids and finding friends. And I remember my best friend getting selected to be a Patrol Boy for the school as well as to participate in our city's regional Gifted Children's Program. I was so young then. I was in the sixth grade, yet I remember thinking to myself, "Why did he get selected, and I didn't? I'm just as smart as he is. In fact, we're friends because of it. And he's a patrol boy. I would like to help kids too!" There was no way I was going to remain unnoticed for my potential! Now don't get me wrong, I felt absolutely no bitterness toward my friend for his getting selected to do great things. WHAT I DID FEEL IS THE LACK OF OTHERS SEE IN ME WHAT I COULD ALREADY SEE IN MYSELF. Yes, I too could do great things; and yes, I was determined to do them.

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You see, everything in our lives happens for a reason. At the age of 11, it was very clear to me that I would not be left behind in fulfilling my purposes in life. Let me clarify, I didn't want to become a Patrol Boy because my friend was one. I wanted to be a Patrol Boy so that I could guide other kids--especially the ones younger than I was--across streets and to the elementary school campus. Thus, I went to the principal's office, and I asked for the opportunity. It was granted to me. Additionally, I didn't want to participate in the extra-curricular Children's Gifted Program because my friend was a part of it. I wanted to be in the Gifted Children's Program because I needed intellectual challenges as well! It was the time we could get together with other students and solve difficult puzzles and problems. That program enabled us to perform at our very best in our school environment. Thus, at that point in my life, there was no turning back. And now, I have grown comfortable charting out my own path in life, and going after my unique accomplishments whether others see them as possibilities for me, or not.  I simply DO instead of DOUBT myself.  And if I can do it, then anyone else can too.


A hard lesson for people to learn is maintaining a vision for themselves when there is literally no one else around to help them with it. What happens when you're alone, and you don't know where to turn for direction? You have to find it yourself. You have to find strength, determination, and resilience to see beyond the mental brick wall that can kill your dreams. I have been extremely fortunate in my life to learn hard lessons very early. And now it is my purpose to help others learn how to attend #DeliberateSuccess!


XOXO

Daymond

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FINDING PURPOSE . . . An Inspirational Insight

Have you found YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE? This is one of the most profound questions we’ll all eventually ask ourselves throughout our short life spans on this precious Earth. And it’s not an easy question to answer. Unfortunately, many people go through life feeling as if they will never find it. To make matters worse, most people keep this internal struggle hidden within. They do not share their insecurities and concerns for fear of appearing weak, out of control, and less than the image of themselves they are “selling” to others. They feel as if they have no one to talk to, even though that’s often not the case at all. It’s just that stubbornness and pride get in the way, and thus serves as the domed barrier that not only keeps people out, but also suffocates them inside with denial, depression and self-loathing. However, there is a different path! Let’s change our ways of thinking!

When folks begin to rise in their authentic purpose, fulfilling the ultimate plans that God and the Universe has weaved for them, they learn that strength is the derivative of identifying and embracing weakness, so they may control and conquer it! They understand that finally accepting their purpose and true calling in life is a straight-forward, highly proactive exercise of inner analysis. We must tear ourselves up into itty bitty pieces, and stare at the ugliest kibbles and bits to understand our inner workings. Only then can we magnify our good parts and minimize our ugly ones to find the potential inherit to living out our true purposes. In tandem with this introspective spiritual rebirth is the necessity to identify great mentors whose essence commingles with our own. Such strengthening relationships yield new ways of evolutionary thinking. Sure, none of this is easy. However, what is the word “easy” but a way to simply speak how we perceive a given situation at hand. Another way of thinking about this is . . . one day something is DIFFICULT, and then, after careful deliberation, thought, education, and analysis, days later that same something becomes EASY.

I hope you've had the chance to check out my latest YouTube Inspirational Insight, “Finding Purpose.” I applaud anyone who has done the research, done the homework, and landed on their authentic purpose. But there are many who aren’t so fortunate. This Inspirational Insight is for them . . . as “I Exist to Inspire.” So please share. It feels good to finally have the answer! It’s all about perspective before you embark on your own daunting, purpose-finding journey. And the truth is, sometimes the answer is already staring you right in your face, if only you’d stop being stubborn, kill your stifling distractions, pray and commune with your Higher Power, and move into actionthereafter . . .

XO

Daymond “The Brands”

Visit me online at DaymondCo.com, featuring my personal inspirational brand, businesses, services, inspirational products, and retail affiliate brands.

Get your copy of my book, “A SIMPLE Systems Engineering Guide for Success,” at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, my website DaymondCo.com, and host of other national online retailers.

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Are You Where you Thought You'd Be TODAY?

Are You Where You Thought

You Would Be Today?

So, I haven’t blogged in a while, and even this one will be a quickie. But I thought I would simply start out with a thought-provoking question. No doubt, as soon as you read the title of this post, your mind began to take a deep dive. Maybe you looked back 5 years ago; and now you’re thinking about your current job, or the status of your business, or even your family life. Thus, I’m sure your collective responses are wide-spread, and you really had to take some time to think about it. So, why don’t I share my answer with you to offer you some peace of mind. I'd also like to push you to move into action. So, am I where I thought I’d be today?

The answer is YES and NO.

For the most part I am; but, you see, I’ve picked up some "lessons learned" along the way. So, now you’re thinking, “But Daymond, you’re all about success mentoring, planning and coaching. So how can you answer that question in such a neutral that way?”

Well, I'm not perfect. No one is; and one thing is for sure: SUCCESS and the CURRENT STATE OF YOUR DESIRES are two vastly different things. As human beings, we change and grow. We are also unpredictable, even for our own sakes. However, we can address our unpredictability by working hard to evaluate our own behaviors and fully remain aware of every moment we experience and take ownership for every action we perform.

And as if that wasn’t enough, our mindsets change so much that the things we may have thought were important years ago are not the same things we may cherish today. This is something I touch on in my book “A SIMPLE Systems Engineering Guide for Success.”

So, am I successful? YES! I AM. But, have I fully “actualized” the vision I have had in my head for where I thought I would be now? NO. Yet, I was destined to come to this conclusion to share with you: You must be “INTENTIONAL” in your pursuit of your life's plan to be ready at a moment's notice to change it up if you have to!

Thus, I can say now (and I have always been able to say this . . .) my success is on an inclining and steady burn, and it’s all because of MY INTENTIONS. But now, more than ever, my path ahead is even clearer. I now have methods that are in place to keep me going and keep me on track, oblivious and unconcerned with any distractions that might come my way. And those are what I teach to others. So, this is a question I must ask to you:

"DO YOU HAVE FIRM INTENTIONS

THAT WORK FOR YOU IN YOUR LIFE

AND WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IN LIFE?"

Have you done the necessary homework to assess your life, and then maximize your strengths and diminish your weaknesses? If not, it’s never too late to start. And if you don’t do it today, that means you will let one more day of your life slip away in the midst of an uncertain future. Although we don’t know what the future truly holds for us, God have given us this precious thing called FREE WILL that allows us to have shared dominion with Him over our own destinies.  So don't be afraid to Take Charge!


XO


Daymond "The Brands"
DaymondCo.com

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