The Michael Howell

08/07/2026

Hello Leaders,
Last week, we talked about the importance of clarity.
Knowing what you want. Understanding why you want it. Making sure your goals align with your values.
But clarity alone isn’t enough.
Once you know where you want to go, the next question becomes:
What do I need to become to get there?
In 2016, I had a realization. I was leading people every day; my family, clients, agents, and employees, but I had never intentionally studied leadership.
So I made a decision that changed my life. I became a student of leadership. Every day I intentionally filled my mind with leadership.
I read books. Listened to podcasts. Attended conferences. Learned from great business leaders, spiritual leaders, and mentors. Most importantly, I spent time in God’s Word.
Then I discovered something called The Rule of 100.
The principle is simple: Spend 100 hours over the course of a year intentionally learning one subject, and you’ll develop a level of knowledge that sets you apart.
One hundred hours sounds like a lot… Until you realize it’s only about 18 minutes a day.
Eighteen intentional minutes. That’s it.
For me, I chose leadership.
Looking back, I wasn’t just learning leadership… I was becoming a better leader.
And as I grew… My business grew. Because I’ve learned a principle I’ll never stop teaching: Your business grows to the extent that you grow.
This Week’s Leadership Challenge
Ask yourself one question: What is the one area of your life or business that would have the greatest impact if you became better at it?
Now commit to spending just 18 intentional minutes a day learning about that one subject. Small, consistent investments create extraordinary results over time.
And remember… Your daily agenda determines your future.
Keep growing.👏

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08/03/2026

Let me ask you a few questions…
Did you set goals for yourself this year?
How are you doing?
Are you on track?
If you are… congratulations! Keep going. If you’re not… don’t beat yourself up.
Instead, ask yourself one simple question:
Why?
I’ve learned that most people don’t fall short because they lack ability.
They fall short because they lose focus. Life gets busy. The phone rings. Emails pile up. Appointments change. Problems arise.
And before we know it, we’re reacting to life instead of intentionally leading it.
One of the most important habits that has transformed both my business and my life is something incredibly simple…Daily quiet time.
Every morning, before the demands of the day begin, I intentionally spend time...
Thinking. Praying. Reading. Listening. Reflecting. Writing.
It’s become the most valuable appointment on my calendar because it’s where I gain clarity. During that time, I ask myself questions like:
What do I really want? Why do I want it? Does it align with my values?
I’ve learned that my goals and my values must agree.
If they don’t… Eventually I’ll lose motivation.
For example, if one of my goals is to earn $250,000 in 2027, that’s not really the goal.
Money is simply the result. The deeper reason is what matters.
I want to provide well for my family. I want to create opportunities for others. I want to support causes I believe in. I want to make a difference in my community.
Now my goal has purpose. Once I know why, the next question becomes…
What does my daily agenda need to look like to accomplish it?
[READ MORE AT themichaelhowell.com]

07/22/2026

If you’ve been in real estate for any length of time, you know these things are true:
Markets change. Interest rates change. Inventory changes. Consumer confidence changes.
Today, we’re experiencing one of the toughest markets we’ve seen in years.
Inventory is low. Transactions are down.
Many agents are working just as hard, if not harder, and making less money than they were just a few years ago.
It’s easy during seasons like this to believe we need a new strategy, a new lead source, or the next shiny object.
But I’ve found that the greatest businesses aren’t built by chasing what’s new. They’re built by mastering what’s timeless.
When business slows down, it’s the perfect time to get back to the basics.
Over the years, I’ve taught four key pillars that every successful business is built on.
Whether you’re brand new or have been in the business for decades, these principles never change.
1. Exceptional Customer Service
Treat every client the way you would want your own family to be treated.
Return calls promptly. Communicate consistently. Do what you say you’re going to do. Go the extra mile.
People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.

2. Sales & Marketing
I’ve always believed this simple truth: Marketing brings the business. Sales keeps the business.
If no one knows who you are, they can’t hire you.
Stay visible. Call your sphere. Host open houses. Create valuable social media content.
Most importantly, add value in your marketing.

3. Financial Management
Every business needs a plan for its money.
When times are good, save. When times are slower, manage wisely.
Operate within your means. Create a budget. Know your numbers.

4. Personal Growth
This is my favorite because it’s the foundation for everything else.
I often say: “Your business grows to the extent that you grow.”
The market will always change.
But your attitude doesn’t have to. Your discipline doesn’t have to. Your leadership doesn’t have to.

Final Thoughts
Every market rewards professionals.
This market simply requires us to be more intentional…..
➡️READ MORE AT themichaelhowell.com

07/16/2026

Over the last several weeks, God has been teaching me something that is changing the way I lead, the way I work, and honestly, the way I live.
For years, I believed that if I worked harder, planned better, and stayed disciplined, I would produce better results.
There is certainly value in hard work. I believe in discipline. I believe in setting goals. I believe in excellence. But I’m discovering that none of those things are the true source of lasting fruit.
Jesus said in John 15: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
I’ve read those verses many times over the years.
But lately, they’ve become personal. I’m learning what it really means to abide. For me, abiding begins before the workday ever starts.
It starts with quiet time. Prayer. Reading God’s Word. Listening. Allowing Him to shape my thoughts before the demands of the day begin.
Something interesting has happened as I’ve made that my priority. I’m no longer waking up trying to control every outcome.
I’m learning to trust the One who already knows the outcome.
That doesn’t mean I have less ambition. It doesn’t mean I’ve lowered my standards. It doesn’t mean I’ve stopped setting goals.
In fact, I probably have bigger goals today than I’ve ever had.
The difference is this: I’m no longer tied to the outcome.
I’m tied to the process of remaining connected to the Vine.
My responsibility is to abide. God’s responsibility is the fruit.
That simple shift has changed everything.
I’m experiencing more peace. More joy. More wisdom. Greater clarity. Better decisions. And perhaps most importantly, a greater awareness of God’s direction throughout my day.
I’ve often taught that: “Our success is tied to our daily agenda.”
I believe that more than ever. But today I would add something.
Our daily agenda should begin by connecting to the One who directs it…[Read full message on themichaelhowell.com]

07/16/2026

This past week has given me a lot to reflect on.
Just a short time ago, I had the privilege of sharing my testimony and God’s blueprint for success with the congregation at Victory Church.
As I looked back over my journey;
From a prison cell in 1993... to becoming a husband, father, business owner, coach, and now having the opportunity to stand on a church platform...
I couldn’t help but ask myself a simple question: How did I get here?
The answer wasn’t one big decision. It wasn’t one opportunity. It wasn’t one breakthrough.
It was growth. Not just growing a business. Not just growing financially.
But growing spiritually. Growing as a leader. Growing as a husband. Growing as a father. Growing as a man.
I’ve often said, “Your business and life grow to the extent that you grow.”
After more than ten years of intentionally pursuing personal growth, I believe that statement more today than ever before.
The opportunities I’ve been blessed with didn’t happen because I chased opportunities. They happened because I committed to becoming the person who could steward them well.
This year has reminded me of that again. Our family has walked through loss. We’ve experienced uncertainty. There were moments when God wasn’t asking me to do more, He was asking me to be still.
Looking back now, I realize those quiet moments weren’t interruptions.
They were preparation. They gave me greater clarity. They renewed my perspective. They reminded me that leadership always starts with the mirror.
Now, as our leadership team continues working on roles, responsibilities, accountability, and helping people operate in their strength zones, I’m reminded that organizations grow the same way people do.
One intentional step at a time. One conversation at a time. One improvement at a time.
Championship teams aren’t built overnight.
They’re built by people who commit to getting a little better every day.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:2: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Notice he didn’t say, “Be informed.” He said, “Be transformed.”
Transformation is about becoming….
➡️[READ MORE at themichaelhowell.com]

07/02/2026

Hello Leaders,
A few years ago, my son Marcus and I were having a conversation about life.
We were talking about challenges. Difficult situations. Difficult people.
The things we all face that test our patience, our attitude, and our character.
Somewhere during that conversation, a simple phrase came out that has stuck with both of us ever since: “The solution is in the mirror.”
The more I think about that statement, the more I believe it’s one of the greatest leadership lessons I’ve ever learned.
Our natural tendency is to look outward.
If only this person would change... If only the market were different... If only my circumstances were better... If only I had a different boss... If only life were easier...
But what if we’re asking the wrong questions?
One of my favorite Jim Rohn quotes says: “Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.”
That one sentence changed the way I look at problems. Because it shifts the focus from things I can’t control... to the one thing I can...
Me.
I’ve come to believe that it’s not what happens to us that determines our future. It’s how we choose to respond to what happens.
Every challenge presents two opportunities. The first is to blame. The second is to grow.
The first keeps us stuck. The second moves us forward.
Leadership always starts with the mirror.
When something isn’t going well, I’ve learned to ask myself questions before I point at anyone else...
What can I do differently? What is God trying to teach me? How can I become a better leader, husband, father, friend, or teammate because of this experience?
Those questions have changed my life.
I’ve discovered that every difficult season has helped shape me into a stronger person.
Every setback has taught me something valuable.
Every disappointment has stretched my faith.
Every challenge has given me another opportunity to grow.
That’s why I believe personal growth is one of the greatest investments we’ll ever make…
✅(READ MORE AT themichaelhowell.com)

06/30/2026

06/30/2026

Father’s Day at Victory Church was an experience I’ll never forget.

I had the privilege of preaching my first Sunday message from the main stage and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has reached out with words of encouragement. More than anything, thank you for hearing the heart behind the message.

My story isn’t about me. It’s a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ and what He can do with a surrendered life.

If there’s anything worth celebrating, it’s God’s grace. He takes broken people, restores them, gives them purpose, and uses them for His glory.

One thing this experience confirmed for me is that God has placed a calling on every one of our lives. Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents—not for our own recognition, but to build His Kingdom by helping others discover Him, grow in their faith, and live out their God-given purpose.

Personally, this message also marked a new chapter. I’m beginning to embrace something I’ve wrestled with for years: God has called me to communicate His truth. I know I still have much to learn and room to grow, but I’m excited to keep saying “yes” wherever He leads.

To God be all the glory.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine… to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations.” — Ephesians 3:20–21

06/26/2026

People do what people see..

06/24/2026

Hello Leaders,
This past weekend, I had the privilege of sharing my story at Victory Church. As I reflected on the message afterward, I realized how much it connects to something I’ve been teaching for years:
Growth creates opportunity.
My message wasn’t about success, business, or achievement.
It was about purpose. More specifically, it was about God’s plan and purpose for each of our lives. I shared my journey from salvation to surrender.
While salvation changed my eternity, surrender changed the direction of my life.
It was through surrendering my plans, my ambitions, and ultimately my life to God that I began to discover His plan for me.
And what I’ve learned over the years is that God’s purpose isn’t something we stumble upon accidentally.
We discover it through relationship.
A relationship with Him. Through His Word. Through prayer. Through listening to His Spirit and learning to trust His leading.
As I look back over my life, I can clearly see God’s hand at work.
Not because I had everything figured out. Not because I had some master plan.
But because I continued taking the next step He placed in front of me.
For more than ten years now, I’ve intentionally pursued personal growth.
Spiritually. Mentally. Emotionally. Physically. Professionally.
Not because I was chasing opportunities. But because I wanted to become the person God created me to be.
And something interesting happened along the way.
As I grew, opportunities followed. As my leadership grew, new leadership opportunities appeared… READ MORE at TheMichaelHowell.com