Looking to the Light

Attitude of Success

Have you ever seen the movie Coach Carter? Coach Carter, played by Samuel L. Jackson, takes the position of Head Coach at an inner-city high school filled with hood rats. Throughout the movie Carter keeps asking one of his players, Timo Cruz, what his biggest fear is? After a dramatic series of events pulling Timo out of the street life he discovers what Nelson Mandela relayed in his inaugural address:

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God, your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

As a manager I spend a lot of time trying to train people to be successful and I've finally come to the conclusion that you can't teach someone to be successful. You can give people the tools, instructions on how to use the tools, and tips on how to hone people skills but people need to find within themselves the desire to succeed. Each of us must be willing to risk looking like fools to be able to find success. In a company, a family, or amongst friends it never serves anyone to think small. We are all born to shine and to bring out the light in those around us. Succcess can not be taught but it is found within all of us. We need to search deep and find what will motivate us to be successful. Is it money? Is it social status? A title? An office? A beautiful girl or guy?

For me my big passion that motivates me is...success. I love to conquer a challenge or a take risks so that I can be successful. And I don't want some lame success that I could find in my sleep. I want one of those hard painful successes that reuired stretching myself to new heights.

What motivates you?

Look to the Light

It's important to understand the best way to motivate and inspire those you encounter on a daily basis. I am constantly looking for ways to motivate others; my fiance, my co-workers, those I manage, etc. Often I reflect back on a book I read, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and want to share with you 12 Ways of Winning People to Your Way of Thinking.

1. The Only Way to Get the Best of an Argument is to Avoid it
2. Show Respect for the Other Man's Opinion
3. If You Are Wrong, Admit it Quickly and Emphatically
4. Begin in a Friendly Way
5. Get the Other Person Saying "Yes, Yes" Immediately
6. Let the Other Man Do a Great Deal of the Talking
7. Let the Other Man Feel That the Idea is His
8. Try Honestly to See Things From the Other Person's Point of View
9. Be Sympathetic With the Other Person's Ideas and Desires
10. Appeal to the Nobler Motives
11. Dramatize Your Ideas
12. Throw Down a Challenge

If I can discover how to successfully incorporate these ideas into my life I'll be a better manager, husband, and person. Imagine what type of impact this would have on others if you could get them to agree with you quickly. Maybe this will work on my future mother-in-law.

If you'd like to learn more about mine and Jordan's plans to get married you can visit our weddings site.