For our final dare to act on your dreams profile, I thought long and hard who I should profile. Literally hundreds of names came to me, I read a biography of a successful person daily, so many people came to mind. Finally I settled on Colonel Sanders because he has always served as an inspiration for me because at the age of 65 he dared to act on his dreams. If you have been reading my blog this entire week, you have learned about four different people, all coming from different experiences, both male and female. And what has success taught us, she responds to anyone that qualifies for her through hard work, smart work, determination, patience, set-backs, goal setting, and ACTING on what you believe should be. Now I add the fifth profile, Colonel Sanders. After his restaurant failed, he took a portion of his Social Security check and started to look for franchisee's to sell his secret recipe for chicken. He begin this endeavor at the age of 65, yes at 65 years of age. In less than ten years he was able to sell the Kentucky Fried Chicken corporation for 2 million dollars. From a Social Security check to becoming a millionaire, because he acted on his dreams. The Colonel teaches us a few things: 1. You are never too old to act on your dreams. 2. Every failure leads to another opportunity. 3. We each have a special Genius (recipe) that will transform our lives. If you haven't read the other profiles, please take the time to invest in doing so, they will inspire you and motivate you. Henry Luce Kemmons Wilson Reginald Lewis Mary Kay Ash The world needs not only people to dream, but people willing to defy the odds and self doubt and ACT on their dreams. Dreams are what makes this world so great. People that dream that flight is possible, that communication on a global platform is possible, people that believe that walking on the moon is possible. The world is simply better when you ACT on your dreams!!! Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer
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We are on day four of inspiring entrepreneurs that dared to ACT on their dreams. Previously I told you that dreams are actually ideas and ideas have power to transform your life. This certainly was the case with May Kay Ash, the phenomenal founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. When you begin to act as the leader of your life, you no longer complain about problems, you rather find solutions. When Mary Kay Ash was overlooked for a promotion on her sales job, she didn't complain, she made a courageous decision. Ash decided to retire and write a book to help other women in business succeed. The book became the blueprint for what is now a multi-billion dollar company. The savvy business woman took a $5000 investment and started her company. In the midst of starting the company her husband died, but Ash was committed to her business succeeding. Her son joined her in the business, and the business began to grow. Mary Kay Cosmetics boast having more than 1.7 million consultants worldwide and wholesale volume in excess of 2.2 billion. What can we learn from this business titan about acting on our dreams? 1. When we are met with disappointment, you can always make a choice for change. 2. While pursuing your dreams you may be faced with life tragedies, you have to remain focused. 3. You must have faith in your self to make courageous decisions. What decisions do you need to make to lead the life you love? My good friend Dr. Vernet Joseph always says "When you dare to dream, your dream will dare you to live a phenomenal life." Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer I first learned about Reginald Lewis when I was deployed to Bosnia while serving in the Army. I was inspired, motivated and upset all at the same time when I read his book. I kept wondering, how was it that I had never heard of Reginald Lewis, the first African-American to purchase a billion dollar business. When we talk about acting on your dreams, Reginald Lewis could not go without a mention. When Reginald Lewis died in January 1993, the world became void of a true dreamer. Starting from humble beginnings in Baltimore, Maryland, Reginald Lewis defied the odds to become the richest African-American in the 1980's. In his book Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun he talks about his shear determination to become successful in life and business. Reginald Lewis began his career as a corporate attorney, before starting his own company TLC Group, a venture capital firm. Reginald Lewis genius was found in his ability to turn-around companies and bring in major profits to investors. But his ultimate legacy and what really sealed him as the brilliant business man he was, is when he negotiated the purchase of Beatrice International Foods from Beatrice Companies for $985 million. When TLC Beatrice reported revenue of $1.8 billion in 1987, it became the first black-owned company to have more than $1 billion in annual sales. What can we learn from Reginald Lewis? 1. It doesn't matter where you start from, you can finish on top. 2. Persistence and dedication pays off in the long run. 3. Act on your biggest dreams. Reginald Lewis leaves us a legacy of inspiration to act on our dreams. Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer P.S. Did you read Part 1 and Part 2 Yesterday I profiled Henry Luce the founder of Time magazine. Today I will profile another individual that dared to act on their dreams. Dreams are simply ideas, but ideas are powerful. Ideas affect ours lives in every way. Everything you see, touch, feel and experience is an idea. From the shoes you wear to the car you drive everyday is an idea. Therefore your dreams can transform your life, like they have for each of the people I will profile this week. If you really want to lead the life you love, start to act on your dreams. Kemmons Wilson acted on his dream of providing a motel that provided quality service. Kemmons became very upset at the service that his family received during a family road trip. His idea was to provide better quality service one motel at a time. In 1952 he opened his first Holiday Inn in Memphis, and soon began to open up others. By 1964, just 12 years later, there were 500 Holiday Inns in America. All from a single idea. How many times have you been displeased with service you have received? We all have at some point, but for the majority of us, we just complain and walk away. Kemmons took an unpleasant experience and dreamed about how he could change it. Is there something in your life that you could improve and make better? I have noticed that dreams and ideas that seek to improve the quality of life for others prosper the most. Ideas have transformational power when acted upon. Here are a few ways to attract great ideas... 1. Instead of complaining, look for solutions. 2. Constantly ask yourself, how can something be made, done or said better. 3. Remember, most ideas seem dumb before they reach mass appeal. Be inspired by Kemmons Wislon to act on your dreams! Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer If you follow me regularly you know that I have a passion for leadership and personal development. I have a desire to see people lead their best life. You will often hear me say or write that everything revolves around leadership. Before you lead anyone else I strongly believe you have to learn how to lead yourself well. This week I will profile individuals that decided to lead the life they love. If you really want to experience an extraordinary life, you have to become a leader of your life. When you become a leader of your life, you will develop the traits and characteristics it takes to become successful. To truly become successful, you have to be bold, face fear, take risk, silence the negative voices in your head and stay focused in the midst of trails. Great leaders have learned to do these things over and over again as they decided to lead the life they love. You may have never heard of Henry Luce, but I am quite sure you have read one of the magazines that he published. Henry and a partner would have nightly discussions about staring a magazine, a magazine that would inform the American people of key news issues. These conversations grew intense for the young men, so intense that both of them decided to quit their jobs and start Time, Inc. The company that published Time magazine. At 23 years of age Henry Luce decided to lead the life he loved. I tell people all the time, give yourself some years of your life to pursue your dreams, if it fails you can always go back to average. The success of Time Magazine is what legend is made of. Not only did Henry and his partner publish Time, but they went on to publish Life magazine, Fortune magazine and Sports Illustrated. I heard Sir Richard Branson, one of the wealthiest men on the planet say one time that dreams have levels, so don't stop at level one. This certainly was the case for Henry Luce, not only was one magazine inside of him, but multiple magazines. What dream do you have that you are scared or nervous about pursuing? Because Henry Luce and his partner stepped out on faith, a life that they dreamed about was opened to them. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you pursue your dream: 1. Ask yourself, what would my life look like if my dreams came true? 2. What one step can I make toward my dream this week? 3. What books can I read that will help motivate me to pursue my dream? 4. If I don't pursue my dream, can I live with the regret? There are six months left in 2012, let's head into 2013 pursuing our dreams in a massive way. Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer P.S. Please share this blog to help inspire someone to lead the life they love, thanks a bunch!!! This morning I listened to a conversation between John Maxwell (@johnmaxwell), known as one of the greatest leadership teachers on the planet, and Dan Cathy (@dancathy), President of Chic-Fil-A.
In the conversation John laid out some great tips on leadership and what has allowed him to write some of the best books on leadership and team building in the last 25 years. I love listening to both these gentlemen talk about leadership, they are such a wealth of knowledge and experience. John recalls his father telling him if he was going to teach people, he had to remain a learner, constantly filling himself with good information. And to never become content with learning. John makes the observation that many leaders stop learning and kill their ability to lead others as well as their creativity. The ancient Prophet said "From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speakest." Simply put, only what is on the inside of you will come out. Because John has dedicated himself to life learning, books, seminars and conferences flow out of him. John Maxwell has been one of my mentors for over 10 years, so I learned a system from him years ago. Everyday he taught me to read, write and file information everyday. The second thing he taught me was to pay attention to life and people. Usually when I would travel, I would be in and out. I can remember traveling to the Netherlands several times and never going to see the world famous Tulip Garden at the Keukenhof. That’s the place to see spring blossom. The park is unique, and has been one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands for sixty years now. The fourth time I traveled to the Netherlands I determined to see the garden and I'm glad I did. To ensure you stay full in order to share with others, John suggest a few things. 1. Take good notes. 2. Learn from everyone. 3. Have mentors in key areas of your life. Never become "A Know It All" greet each day and person knowing you can learn something new. You can listen to the short interview by clicking on the link below. John Maxwell Interview Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer Hope everyone had a great Independence Day that lives in the United States. Today's blog is quick and short, just wanted to give you something to think about.
We have all heard that leadership is about influence, it is about influence and a lot more, but definitely influence is very important. In the military they require you to trust your leadership really fast, like day one. When I was in the military my soldiers had to trust me from the first day they met me. So I learned to do three things to establish trust very quickly with my soldiers. The first thing I did was to ask as much as possible about them and their families. The more you know about a person the more you can gauge their motivation for working, what their triggers are. This will also allow you to know upfront some of the challenges they may face in the future. When I asked more about them in that first meeting, more than I told them what I expected from them, they felt like I cared and saw them more than just a soldier, but a part of the team. The second thing I did was create an environment where they could ask any question they wanted. When you give your team an opportunity to ask questions it leads to clarity and confidence. Even when a person doesn't agree with a decision, at least they know they had an opportunity to be heard. Lastly, I tried to always praise my team in front of their peers, not only in private. Everyone likes to be praised for doing a good job. So as much as possible in our team meetings I would celebrate someone's efforts. What are some ways you increase your influence with your team. Share in the comments below. Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer P.S. Thank you for all your support of Genius Potential, continues to do well!!! The average person processes over 60'000 separate thoughts per day, of which 90% occur subconsciously. Your thoughts are leading you somewhere!
So what's really keeping you from the success you desire? Is it a lack of money, education or opportunity? Maybe it was a mistake you made 10 years ago. How about the people in your life, maybe they are your biggest obstacles. Sorry, all those things I just mentioned, only block your success if you let it. The number one thing that blocks your success is your thinking. Because your thinking determines your actions and develops your habits. These two things; actions and habits are the controlling factors for success. But they are fueled by your thinking. Let me give you 6 quick things that will help transform your thoughts into winning thoughts. You have to think any way, so you might as well think the right things. One side bar note, you can't stop negative thoughts from coming into your mind, you just have to know how to remove them. 1. Have your biggest goal written down on a 3 x 5 card and review it often. 2. Create a vision board for you to see everyday. 3. Listen to positive information constantly. 4. Watch less of the news, it's usually all bad news. 5. Read biographies of successful people. 6. Use meditation and your imagination to envision yourself successful. Hope these few tips help you. What are some of the ways you defeat negative thinking? Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer Everyday I'm learning that if you want to achieve your highest level of success you have to be willing to do what many others find difficult to do. Doing the little things over and over, doing the right things at the right time and doing everything with a spirit of excellence. And finally doing it with the right people.
Two years ago Lebron James made an announcement that he would be taking his talents to South Beach to play along side Dewayne Wade and Chris Bosh and the rest of the Miami Heat. Many people hated on Lebron for the decision, citing various reasons. I for one hated the decision because I knew this would form a powerful team, one that would make it hard for my beloved Lakers to win their 17th ring any time soon. Well just two years later Lebron has his ring and there are some vital lessons we can learn from his journey. What he could not do in 7 years with the Cavaliers, he was able to do in 2 years with the Heat. Why? Because he was willing to change teams. Change in and of itself is difficult for most people. I heard it said before, that the only person that likes change is a baby in a wet diaper. Change will occur in life by itself anyway, so why would anyone want to choose to change? Because you know that there is another level for you. So what vital lessons can we learn from Lebron. CAN YOUR CURRENT TEAM GET IT DONE? For 7 years Lebron tried to win a ring with the Cavaliers, the closest he got was in 2007. During his time with the Cavaliers, Lebron won MVP of the League twice, a few Scoring Titles and was a constant on the All-Star team. So it wasn't because of a lack of personal effort that he didn't win a ring. Many people are working very hard to achieve success, doing "everything they can" and they still haven't reached the level of success they desire. It's time to evaluate who you are trying to win with. Are you trying to do it by yourself or with a team that is just not going to get you over the hump. When the opportunity came for Lebron to change teams, he had to ask himself, can I reach my ultimate goal of winning a championship with the Cavaliers. PREPARE FOR THE CRITICS. Once Lebron made the decision the critics came out, aka haters. Even the owner of the Cavaliers attempted to put a curse on Lebron for leaving to go to Miami. It seemed like every time I turned on Sports Center they were talking about Lebron and the huge mistake it was for him to move to the Heat. Lebron admitted that all the talk really got to him and turned him into a different player. The first year Miami did go to the championship, but lost to the Dallas Mavericks. The critics game out again saying that the team couldn't play together. In a recent interview Lebron stated "I played angry that first year in Miami, I wasn't enjoying the game and that's not how I play the game." Don't allow the negative talk because of your choice cause you to become a different person, stay on course. REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE CHANGE. Lebron lost focus of why he changed teams. It wasn't to prove he was the best player or a dominate player. It wasn't to see if he could make the last shot, it was ONLY to win a championship. When you make a change, remember why you made the change. Don't lose focus of the major goal. When Lebron game back for year 2, he regained focus on why he came to the Heat, to win a championship. If you are finding it hard to achieve the success you desire, maybe it's time to change teams. Ask yourself, can my current team get it done. Does anyone on your team have what you want? Lebron didn't just go to any team, he went to a team that had RESULTS! Miami had another All-Star in Dewayne Wade that has a ring, a General Manager in Pat Riley that has multiple rings and a Coach that had won a ring as an assistant coach Eric Spoelstra. Changing will be tough, many will not understand, critics will talk, haters will hate. But at the end of the day you have to ask yourself......Do You Want To Win? Dr. Will Author, Genius Potential America's #1 Leadership Life Trainer P.S. Share this with your family and friends, it may change their life! |
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