31 Responses

1. John

   04/Sep/2008 1

   This is GREAT! I will definitely send my story and some tips to your editors.

2. Kevin Whitaker

   05/Sep/2008 2

   The phones will ring, the clients should start calling. After all, I graduated first in my class and I passed the bar exam on the first try. Everyone knows I’m a good lawyer, right.

   But the phones don’t ring. I stared at the phones perplexed and I deduced maybe I needed a yellow page ad. Twenty grand later, the calls started. Bubba wanted to know if he could sue someone because he shot himself in his own foot twenty years ago.

   I had to ask, “Bubba, what made you wake up this fine morning and say to yourself, ‘Today is the day I’m going to call a lawyer and ask about shooting myself in the foot twenty years ago?’” Bubba proceeds to let me know he just got released from prison and could use some walking around money.

   Sally wants to know if she can sue her sister because her eyebrows got singed during a flare-up over the grill during the family barbeque (a real flare-up while standing over her sister’s grill — not a fight with the sister concerning the grill).

   These were the early or more passive days of my practice about seven to eight years ago. Fast forward, now married with two kids, life is much fuller and richer with a thriving law practice.

   I’m an elected city councilor, elected to my law school’s alumni association board of directors, involved in business ventures, organizations and other groups… The turning point was realizing I wasn’t entitled to clients just by sitting around waiting for them.

   The funny thing I discovered was the more I worked for it, the more it seems the cases began to arrive without much effort. But it doesn’t matter. Once you’ve survived the lessons of necessity, regardless of what business you’re in, there’s no going back. That’s why I won’t pass up being one on the first to comment on this blog post despite the hour.

   My advice: seize the opportunities when and where you find them or go make them, because they’re not going to be calling you or looking for you in the yellow pages — those days are over.

   – Kevin Whitaker, Esq.
   http://www.wilsonwhitaker.com http://www.MassachusettsLawyerBlog.com

3. Joan Watson

   05/Sep/2008 3

   One year ago, I had hit a point of utter frustration at being “stuck” in every area of my life. It became my one year goal to understand and eliminate the WALL that I felt stood in my way of moving to a new level of success. By putting focus on “bringing the wall down”, I realized the most important thing I could do was to really clarify what I wanted. I had been spending significant time doing for others at the cost of not achieveing further success for myself. Clarification took the form of identifying 4 key areas: Health, Family/friends, Career ( music ) , and Financial Freedom. I can now identify the short and long term goals in each area. It is now easy to say “NO” to anything that does not fall into these 4 areas. Every morning I spend journal-time writing what happened each day that I am grateful for and continual re-focusing on my goals. The results have been fantastic! I feel more creative, much more living in the present, my passive income has increased by 3000 %, I exercise daily and stay conscious of my every decision. This is a daily decision to stay the course of what I say I want and to be sincerely grateful for every moment and the potential it holds. Courses and people who solidified this way of life for me over the year were: Peak Potentials / T. Harv Eker’s Warrior and Wizard camps - truly life changing experiences, their Master of Influence course and a separate course - Mastery of Self Expression. I also had a bi-monthly success coach through Peak Potentials. We all need to build a support team to move past any blocks of old habits and walls. Choose what ever course of action will help you do what you need to do to feel vitally alive and contributing 100% of what you have to give the planet while you are here.

4. Alvin B.

   05/Sep/2008 4

   Hi Darren, I would love to share how I have turned myself around to be a disciplined and focused individual! I owe this turn-a-round to my new success!

5. Marvin

   05/Sep/2008 5

   I will be glad to share my Success Story and hope it will help someone else..

6. Scot "Da Bear" Chazdon

   05/Sep/2008 6

   I started out adult life as an alcoholic and fairly confused. One of the greatest lessons I learned was responsibility. I am responsible for EVERYTHING. Everything is not my fault but I AM able to respond to everything that happens to me. S*!T does not just happen. When something unexpected happens in my life I can now examine it, see my part in it, and if I do not like it, I can change it. If I do like it I can duplicate it and enhance it.

   Everyone in my charge as a manager is also my responsibility. I never tell my boss that it is not my fault. That so and so did it. If so and so did something it is because I did not have a structure or procedure in place to hold so and so accountable and instruct his or her actions. Do unexpected things happen. Sure. But I can take the reigns at any time and guide my future to a predictable outcome. That kind of power comes only from absolute responsibility.

   There are no victims. Only volunteers.

   Henry Ford said two things that guide my life.

   1) Never complain and never explain. Just change it!
   2) Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t. You’re right!

   I am now 39 years old, 16 years clean and sober, and am poised to take over a successful multi million dollar company. Becoming accountable and able to respond was the biggest and most dramatic change in my life.

   [DARREN HARDY] Brilliant Scot! GREAT for you!!

7. Pat Nichols

   06/Sep/2008 7

   This takes practice but once you have mastered it everything changes for the better.

   Wait three seconds before you respond to anyone you are in a conversation with.

   Think about it, believe it, start doing it.

   Blessings,

   Pat

8. Alvin B.

   08/Sep/2008 8

   Hi Darren,
   Thanks for allowing us to share in SUCCESS with you. Here is my input, I hope it helps someone out there: The #1 principle that I repeat to myself every time I come up against uncertainty while attempting something new or making a major change in life is this:
   YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET IT PERFECT, YOU JUST HAVE TO GET IT STARTED!

   I have found that the world or your audience will correct you anyway, and whatever you do, it’s rare to have a “walk-off home run.” Like the saying goes: JUST DO IT!

   Thanks again.

   [DARREN HARDY] Great stuff Alvin! Someone should really coin that phrase

9. Sam Crowley

   09/Sep/2008 9

   As a Fortune 100 Executive, I had all the money but no time.

   My daughter Madeline who was 3 yrs old at the time, would ask “Is tomorrow Saturday daddy?” when I put her to bed each night.

   Saturday was the only day we spent time together.
   I told her that someday soon EVERYDAY would be Saturday.

   Four years later my radio show is downloaded in over 150 countries and I am sharing my story on stages around the world.
   http://www.EverydaIsSaturday.com was launched through the precious lips of a little girl who just wanted more time with dad.

   Sam Crowley

10. Yagnesh

    09/Sep/2008 10

    My name is Yagnesh Ahir , a graduate of Business Management. The article of REINVENTING YOURSELF is great. To be successful in many ways you need to know your strength & passion. By knowing these 2 things you will be away from stress. People around would be uncomfortable with a slight change , don´t worry about that. Do your best and outcomes would be excellent.

11. Corrie Wilder

    10/Sep/2008 11

    There is ALWAYS time. As an entrepreneur and as a parent, my experiences have taught me that there is always time to do something when it is very important.

    The more I do, the more I can do. My business partner feels the same. Forward momentum is the only way to accomplish the realization of a dream!

    To bullet point the experience:
    – There is always a way to find time to do something when it is important to you. — Forward Momentum…what have you done this week, today, in the last 15 minutes to help you reach your goals?
    – Be PROUD and CONFIDENT in your product. Talk about it in context whenever appropriate. Practice makes perfect, after all!

12. Jet Lim

    11/Sep/2008 12

    Who’s your daddy?
    I borrowed an idea from Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad/Poor Dad and started listening to my “Rich Dads”. Since January ‘08, I have read 15 books on personal development, goal achieving, marketing; I read Success on-line articles everyday, attended Success Symposium in Anaheim and company convention in Salt Lake City.
    Let me tell what a journey it has been to have the voices of my Rich Dads drowning out that of my Poor Dad: my confidence soared and I am clear about my goals and the actions necessary to get there!

13. Collette

    12/Sep/2008 13

    Last year something happened in my life that noone even myself could have predicted. Suddenly, I lost my job as an RN so I was forced explore other avenues. In this process I have found a new meaning to life, friends, and family.

    When I lost my job, I felt as if I had lost my identity. I never knew that I had related so much of my identity into being a nurse. I was proud of what I did, but I knew that deep down inside I was never satisfied. I felt as if day in and day out, I was underappreciated by the people I worked with and worked for. I was lucky if I was even recognized by the people I worked for. After losing that job of 10 years, I decided to never involve myself with people who just didn’t care to know me or those who just didn’t care period. I was determined to start something that would have meaning in peoples’ lives and involve people who truly enjoyed working with each other.

    About 5 months later I was introduced to direct marketing. Lucky for me, it was in health and wellness so i did get it. Now I had to overcome my fears of speaking to large groups and calling people I did not know from Adam and asking them about thier interest in my product. Sales was something I had never done, so with no experience I was nervous, but the product was outstanding. This product was so outstanding that I found I had a passion for what it could do for peoples’ lives so I was willing to stand on a corner with a posterboard screaming if I had to.

    Next I found that in this industry in order to do well, the people above you have to work with you closely, so before I knew it I had many new good friends willing to help me anytime I needed it. There was no laziness in this business because you could do it when you want. The pressure was not there because you made your own hours. I know what you all think, that these people are doing well because you are and that is why they care. Well it truly is not the case. I found that those who did not work together and care about each other left the business because it truly showed that they did not want others to do well and that they were only out for themselves. All of a sudden I found that not only had I joined a new business, but I was also finding myself. I had never previous to this ever found myself soul searching, but after losing my job, there were many things left unsaid and many people I had thought of as friends, were just not. I found that I was very wary of people in general. I was determined to only work with those who were willing to be a good person. Not only in this business, but in life. The truth is, I found them. Everyone I work with is chasing their passion. We are all willing to give in order to achieve. We are all happy when one of us does well. It’s amazing. A long cry from what I was doing before. So many people miserable about even being there, never mind actually working!

    Long story short, in my quest of finding my passion I found a business where we all have the same goals and are willing to work for them. It was in direct marketing!! People always seem to be so negative about this form of marketing. The truth is, it forces people to work together for one common goal. Those who are not in it for the right reasons, get out because they cannot stand working with others or being happy for the others when they are doing well. This was a whole new way of thinking. It actually weeded out the bad and kept the good, hard working individuals who wanted to better others lives as well as their own.

    I am still currently working for this company. I am constantly searching for those individuals who truly want to work with a group who enjoy others success as much as their own. It shows when you are only out for yourself. Although I had to find that out the hard way, I am now in the right place. The right place is working hard together no matter what it takes to all work for a common goal. When we finally succeed in getting this company known, we will ALL succeed!!!!!

    In my involvement with this company, I have become a better person. I am a better mother at home, a teamplayer who likes to see people succeed, and I have a passion that I work to introduce to everyone who wants to better themselves physically and mentally.

14. James Caparosa

    15/Sep/2008 14

    DRIVE yourselft to success!!!

    The best advice I can share is a simple acronym I came up with a few years back to help move myself from the sidelines of life and into the game.

    (D)ream about being the person you want to become and contributing to a better world.
    (R)ealize your dream by implementing a plan of action.
    (I)mpact your direct circle of influence and make small change from the inside that will have a larger ripple effect into the world.
    (E)xcel at all that you set out to do by being persistent and accountable.

    The difference between success and failure is not in your rear view mirror but in the road ahead, grab the wheel and hold on tight because the best is yet to come!!!

15. Mark A. Piers

    22/Sep/2008 15

    Darren,

    First, thank you for giving your readers this forum. As Napoleon Hill once said “the master mind group creates synergy” and whether or not you intended to, you created a default synergy group by letting folks share their story.

    The greatest gift given to mankind was and is the ability to choose. You choose the life you want, you choose to be a christian or not, where you want to live, who you will marry, how you will vote, what business to go into, whether or not you will succeed in that business … the choice is entirely up to us and no one else.

    Each and every day, when my feet hit the floor, I have a choice to make … am I going to succeed today or be a victim of circumstance? Am I going to rise to the next level or let someone else decide that for me? Am I going to adopt the attitude that I deserved to succeed or let past failures and well meaning advice from friends and family hold me back?

    Everything we do in life is a choice … where you are right now in regards to your business, your family, your career etc is a DIRECT result of the choices you have made up until this juncture in your life … YOU are the architect of your own life!!

    This is what brought me from earning $10 per hour just 5yrs ago to earning a six figure income for the last 3yrs.

    It’s all about choice and now that you have read this what choice are you going to make? It really is up to you …

    Mark Piers
    Mortgage Agent
    The Piers Group

16. Mary Ann McIntire

    24/Sep/2008 16

    My mindset began to change beginning in the fall of 2006 when I checked out some audio books from my local library by this man named Robert Kiyosaki. It didn’t happen over night but so much of what he had to say seemed to coinside with what I felt but never believed bacause I was raised with the “get good grades so you can get a good job,” mindset. I attended a Rich Dad Education seminar in January of 2008 and am now on my way to great successes. Failure doesn’t scare me anymore. In fact I look at my failures as challenges, just like I look at the rise in gas and grocery prices and the current economic condition as a challenge to find solutions for myself and help others at the same time. Most people just complain about what’s going on and it is because they assume they have no control. In reality they do have control to find a new job, change their driving habits, eat less expensively or create passive income. As Robert says, education is the key. The more educated we become, the more control we have of our destiny.

    In the summer of 2007, I signed up for an adventure race not knowing what it was or what challenges I may encounter. I have always been a runner but never signed up for races because I never felt I was in good enough shape to compete. However, when I signed up for the race, I created a problem I then had to solve. And solve it I did. Now I wasn’t in the best physical shape I had ever been in, but I learned from the ecperience that if you wait until you are totally prepared to enter the race you will never finish the race. Now I participate in races several times a month, particularly trail running races, and I am on my way to run a 100 mile race someday. It is not about the competition, it is about the watermelon you get to share with everyone at the end of the race that really matters.

    By taking action, I realized my potential. I can finish the race and I don’t have to win. The friends I make along the way inspire me and help me enjoy life. Every race brings a new experience, a lesson learned about myself and new goal. I use my competitions as training for the next race and I find what motivates me to keep going on the trail tranfers over to my personal and business life. I have never been more excited about each and every day and I want to thank Robert for helping me find the way.

    I never would have thought I could run a 100 mile race but a quote by Napoleon Hill will be with me every day. “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.” I will keep you posted when I have completed my first 100 mile competition.

17. Jennifer P

    25/Sep/2008 17

    IF YOU WANT BECOME SUCCESS THEN FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM. DON’T FOCUS ON THE PROBLEM.

    FOCUS ON THE PROBLEM WILL MAKE YOUR DREAM BECOME ASH AND THE WIND WILL EASY BLOW IT AWAY. THAT IS YOUR DREAM THEFT.
    DO NOT FOCUS ON THE PROBLEM. IT WILL KILL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

    FOCUS ON YOUR DREAM THEN YOU WILL BE TOP AND SEE YOU AT TOP!
    THAT IS YOUR DREAM BUILDER EVEN IT WITHOUT MENTOR OR RARE HAVE MENTOR AROUND WITH YOU.
    (I live in North Carolina and my mentor is at New York and Maryland)

    DREAM IS TOO POWER TO STOP YOU!! BUILD DREAM BIG!!

18. Jennifer P

    25/Sep/2008 18

    JUST DO IT!!

19. Jennifer P

    25/Sep/2008 19

    I LOVE NO AND I HATE YES! IT MAKE ME BECOME STRONG AND RICH.

    have a great day!!!

    p.s. i not rich yet but i will.

20. Robert L Comradd SR.

    26/Sep/2008 20

    We have to dream because rather we live to achieve it or not, it keeps us moving forward. The bible reads that when the people have no vision,they perish.
    I started my speaking business with just twenty dollars and I give free speeches because I know you have to work at something before you see any results.
    If you want to be successful in life,you have to take some chances.
    Robert L Comradd Sr. Thanks and have a bless day.

21. Reed Floren

    30/Sep/2008 21

    Dear Darren,

    My name is Reed Floren and I’m a semi-retired 22 year old, I owe most of my success to just a few things.

    I run an internet business which sells information to other small businesses. A lot of my business activities are automated so I can spend my time with family and friends.

    1. My family; my family has always supported me through thick and thin. Just like everyone else I’ve had things go wrong in my life and they have helped me get through those challenges, which made me a better person.

    2. Success materials; I have an extensive library of literature dedicated to self improvement and success.

    3. Dedication; I made a decision in the last few years of high school to never apply for a job, never write a resume and not go to college. In other words I HAD to make my business work.

    Thank you Darren,

    Reed Floren

22. Donald Wheeler

    30/Sep/2008 22

    Good evening to everyone. I would like share my story. I’m currently, along with two partners, are opening a counseling agency that focus on at risk youths. This has been a passion of mines since I was a little gentlemen. I was born and raised in a housing development and I experinced first hand the troubles of living in the “Hood.” I witnessed friends going to jail, drugs, etc. I wanted better for my life and the hopes of changing the dynamics and the dysfuctional cycle of this environment. I had a mulish time staying positive. I had this guy in my neighborhood, who was a known pimp, tell me that I would be just like my friends-going to jail, drug dealer, high school drop out….. you name it, he said it. This was a serious motivational factor for me. I was dtermine to prove him and anyone else who thought or felt this way. I start playingsports at an early age and this was my way out. I was able to get a football and baseball scholarship after high school. This was one of the best thing that happened to me. By this happening, I was exposed to greater hope, opportunities, and knowledge. However, about six years ago, I was diagnosed with kidney failure. I shouldn’t be living at this moment, based on the doctor’sstatment. I was a week away from my death. If it wasn’t for my girlfriend who insisted that I go to the doctor, I would be dead. Beacuse I was an athletethat gave myself a fighting chance. This was the fourth quarter and I was down couple of touchdowns. I rallied around myself and scored the winning touchdown. But most importantly, thanks to my sister for donating a kidney. Since that time, I have made it a mission to be successful, Think and Grow Rich, Today Matters, How to win friends and influence people, and Awaken the Giant Within, which was my first success book. Please forgive me for typos and grammatical erros, just wanted to get my story out, quickly. Thanks for listening.

    I would like to finish on this note: Even through the darkest and most depressing times, wake up each morning determined to stay the course, for as long as it lasts. Keep your heart and mind completely on track. Either swim towards solutions or sink and lose evertthing. I shall remain committed to creating a new life for myself. Success Magazine. I have this quote posted in plan sight, to be looking upon, when that feeling comes.

23. Kathy Simons

    30/Sep/2008 23

    My bank accounts are very low, still I am a rich successful woman. I am living each day as completely as possible despite my brain tumors. I have learned to share freely with anyone fighting this challenge. I welcome people to read all about me as the first Front Runner for the Brain Science Foundation. We must work for cures and stay positive.

    Never forget the value of today and the power of a smile.

    Live like my favorite monkey…Curious George and every day will be an adventure. Soon the man in the Yellow Hat will save the day!
    Peace,
    Kathy
    I will never give up!

24. Shane Morin

    01/Oct/2008 24

    Growing up in poverty in a single parent home, I didn’t have much to aspire to in life. Everyone in my sphere of influence was broke, sick or foolish. In fact, most of them had all three bases covered! It was not an environment conducive to positive growth. However, at an early age, I found myself very interested in wealth and success. I’m not sure where that desire came from. However, since I never knew or met my biological father, there is a good chance this desire is a recessive gene!

    Of course as I have matured and come to meet with and overcome the challenges in my life, I see that God is the source of everything good in life! The struggle to get to where I am today is a miracle story in and of it’s own, the fact that I am still alive or not in prison is cause to celebrate!. As suggested by many that have come to know me over the years, I am currently in the process of writing my life story.

    Since making the decision in my twenties to change my life for the better, I sought out and found many inspirational leaders and mentors to coach me “from a distance” along in the spiritual, family, business, health and financial arenas that make up a full and successful life journey.

    One of the most influential mentors I have had along the road to life change is Jim Rohn. Back in the 1990’s as I was striving and struggling to get my start in the business world, I met Jim. It was the “day that turned my life around” as I began to take charge of my life. I plan to some day work full time in the Personal Development industry.

    Ever since that life changing day back in 1994, I have been on the road to personal success and achievement in all areas of my life. In the process, I have almost quadrupled my income to boot!

    Thank you and God bless,
    Shane-

25. Bryan Hefner

    01/Oct/2008 25

    Of all the books and audio programs I have read or listened to, the most amazing one to me has been Success is not an accident by Tommy Newberry. This book has taken all of the individual concepts I have learned over the years and folded them together into a cohesive whole that is allowing me to move forward in areas where I was stymied before. I commend this book to everyone.

    The first “self-improvement” program I ever received was a cassette of Earl Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secret”. A friend gave it to me more than 25 years ago and it changed the direction of my life forever. Earl said the secret is this: WE BECOME WHAT WE THINK ABOUT. Since then thousands of books and programs have echoed this same thought in one form or other.

    I wish you all great success.

26. Karen Parsons

    03/Oct/2008 26

    I learned the lesson of taking charge of my life when I was 20 years old. I was working for my mother in her search consulting business. I was her secretary responsible for opening and closing the office, answering the phones and so on.

    My mom was ill at the time and had been away from the office for a few months. She didn’t know when she would be returning so she had to let her other two employees go. I was the only employee and it was very boring. The phone didn’t ring very much and no one ever dropped by. Slowly my responsibilities turned into talking to my friends on the phone, coming in late, reading books and sleeping on the couch!

    Then one day my mom said, “Karen I am going to give you a raise.”

    It was a $6000 per year raise and at 18 years old it seemed like a fortune. I immediately felt guilty. Of course I didn’t deserve a raise.

    To this day I am not sure if my mom just did it so she would have a higher tax write off or if she was brilliantly deceptive knowing that I wouldn’t accept a raise without deserving it.

    I pondered the idea. My first reaction was to decline the raise because my work ethic was not worthy of it. Then I had a revelation. I asked myself, “What if I accepted the raise and started taking responsibility for my position?”

    It seemed like a good idea to me, so I accepted the raise and took full responsibility for my role; I had renewed energy and focus. Now I came in on time, I cleaned the windows, the mirrors, I organized the files, and I read books on selling and listened to motivational tapes. I was going to be ready for my mom’s return!

    When she recovered and returned to work, she saw how seriously I was taking responsibility for my job. She promoted me to assistant and then eventually to search consultant. Things were going quite well for about a year and a half until I got distracted.

    I was in the drugstore dealing with a belligerent pharmacist when a lady standing next to me said, “do you model?” I said no and she said, “I like your look and the way you just dealt with that person, here is my card, please call me.” Well it turned out that she ran one of the biggest talent agencies in Canada, so I called her.

    I started to model and do commercials part time. I enjoyed it, but my search consulting business was suffering. I was also spending time planning my upcoming wedding. My mother pulled me aside one day and told me that I had to make a decision.

    She asked, “Do you want to be a search consultant or a model?”

    I reflected on how I felt about the modeling business. Although it was fun, I realized that I didn’t like my success being dependant on my looks. I recalled the photographer who told me he couldn’t hire me because my lips weren’t symmetrical and other similar stories. I decided that I was just doing it for a lark and it was time to settle down and focus on my career.

    I also came to another conclusion during the decision-making process; I decided that I wanted to take charge of my business by taking responsibility for my success or failure. I told my mom that I still wanted her guidance and training as I knew that I still had a lot to learn but I didn’t want her to be my boss anymore. I didn’t like the dynamics it was creating in our relationship and I needed to cut the umbilical cord.

    I told her that if she still wanted me to work for the company, I would need my own niche to focus on. I would pay rent for my office and my share of the expenses and in return I would get full autonomy and a higher commission. She agreed and from that day onwards my business grew and grew. I became one of the top search consultants in Canada in the high technology sector and my prosperous career lasted 18 years!

    I then took responsibility once again and followed my dreams of moving to a tropical island, starting a Life and Business Coaching Company and writing a book.

    I now live in the Dominican Republic, my company is going very well and the book Feeling Trapped? Free Yourself Now! Is coming out in late 2008!

    Taking responsibility is now a way of life for me. Not only in business but all aspects of my life; relationships, health, finances and education.

    If we wait for others to do things for us or for something to magically fall into our laps, we may be waiting a long time! Taking charge of your life can change your life!

    The first step is having an intention of what you want.

    The next step is taking the necessary and appropriate actions for the intention.

    When you have done everything within your power to create your intention you take the third step.

    You relinquish your responsibility to a higher force and trust in its wisdom to deliver your intention to you in the way that it is most needed.

    The fourth step is accepting how your intention is delivered to you.

    Thank you!

27. Deborah Edmonds

    14/Oct/2008 27

    The number one thing I learned in college was the words from a professor that we were always responsible for our actions; no one else was responsible. It was up to us if we failed or succeeded. (We could never blame sick children or cows loose in the country roads).

    This lesson stuck with me. I worked hard at a new career. I knew I had only myself to blame for failure or success. Eventually I was offered a job at Goodwill Easter Seals as a director of their program that put people 55 and older to work (Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)).

    My staff and I worked hard to place people in community service training and eventually unsubsidized employment. Besides teaching new skills we had to motivate the participants. The one lesson I would stress is the lesson I learned from college - which each one of us are responsible for what we do in life, either our failures or our successes. You cannot blame others.

    After two years an opening came up in Easter Seals National SCSEP and I begged for a job. Even though I was qualified I was not willing to move to Chicago and leave my extended family. One year later I was asked by the director to come to work for them, this time working out of my home. I had the skills they needed to help meet their performance measures - and we did! At the end of the first year we succeeded!

    End of story? No, another opportunity came to me to work the same program for another national SCSEP group, this time Goodwill Industries International. The job came with the opportunity for me to work out of my home. I am now helping them meet their national goals. I still tell my seniors to dream and to take the steps necessary to make their dream come true, like mine have. We each hold our failure and success in our own hands.

28. Ray Williams

    15/Oct/2008 28

    After the mortgage melt down I found myself unemployed at 53 years old and no college education. Though over the years I acquired several skills in the mortgage and consumer finance industry that has allowed me to earn some income in my sparetime. After seeking employment for over a year I decided to use my skills and knowledge to help consumers who where experiencing financial difficulties. I realized that many consumers where not familar with the various strategies and methods that could be used to regain control of their personal finances. I was at a point in my life where I was completely broke, no vehicle and homeless (living in parents house).

    After realizing the job market for 55 year olds was not very welcoming I decided to start my own business. I made some business cards on the computer and started marketing myself as a Loan Resolution Specialist, someone who specializes in helping consumers resolve issues with mortgage, credit cards, automobile/personal loans and credit. Because of my credit and financial situation I was not able to borrow any money, even from friends or family. So I started offering free consultations which gave me an opportunity to let potential clients know what I had to offer. In my first year in business I only made under $8,200. I later took advantage of several “Free” services in order to market my services. I signed up for a 90-day free trial from Constant Contact as a way to send out a newsletter and invitations to a free seminar I conducted at a local church. I then use a “Free” website (synthasite) to build my web page. Within 4 months my revenue increased from an average of $900 monthly to over $12,200 monthly.

    As of October 2008 I am preparing to move into a 3,100 space and plan to hire 10 employees in January and open 3 locations by mid 2009. The amazing thing is I was able to start my business for less-than $50 by taking advantage of technology. I have expanded my services to include training in consumer finance, debt management, credit management and basic computer useage, in addition to self-publishing two e-book entilted “U’s Rules For Financial Success and U’s Guide To Managing Credit and Personal Finances.

    “Chickens will never fly, and Eagles will never fry”

29. S. L. Wells

    27/Oct/2008 29

    Greetings,

    I hope all is well. The following article is based on research from the Touch Research Institute of the University of Miami School of Medicine and has worked for me and my family.

    “TOUCH ME PLEASE!”

    The very thought can make the tiny hairs on your arms stand up. Touch is the balance we need in life. It’s our yin and yang, our energy conduit, for our growth & development. To touch is to connect. Touch can make one feel secure. Touch can convey a message of acceptance which is what every human wants deep down inside. The right non-romantic touch can keep a girl from pre-maturely losing her virginity. The right non-sexual touch can keep a boy from committing suicide. A loving touch can keep someone from committing a crime. The right touch can keep you from losing your mind. It’s the necessary serum we need for prevention and repairs. Touch can help pre-term infants reach a healthy weight. Touch can help you overcome injuries. When you get a bruise, cut or scrape the immediate response is to touch. Touch can bring about comfort. It can help you make it through some of your darkest days. A touch can say I’m with you and support you. Touch can improve self esteem. A touch can say good job, keep up the good work. A touch can say you can do it, I believe in you. Touch what a gift to give and receive. More non-romantic touch is what the world needs. Touch can bring about peace. The right non-sexual touch can keep a marriage together. Non-romantic touch brings families closer together. If we can just get over our taboo about touch, maybe just maybe we can set this world right side up. Help this world with a little more touch!

    Regards,

    S. L. Wells

30. Jeff Schleien

    28/Oct/2008 30

    On January 8, 2001, at 6:30PM, I received the worst phone call of my life. I had cancer. With one phone call, everything in my life changed.
    My career, which had been going so well, would have to take a back seat to a far more important goal, survival.
    Every moment of every day would be spent focusing on getting well, taking the next step in treatment, and appreciaiting every moment I had with my wife and three young boys ages 5 years to 9 months.

    My disease changed my course forever. On a professional level, I no longer take extensive business trips. Instead, I make it home each night to have dinner with my family and tuck my kids into bed each night. Don’t get me wrong. I’m still very successful in my field, but I turn it off at the end of the day to focus on what is really important.

    My health is no longer something that I take for granted. I listen to what my body tells me, and encourage others to do the same.

    I do not believe in work/life balance. Work/life balance implies that the two are in equilibrium. I believe in work/life prioritization. There are times when you need to work, but there are times when you need to stop working to focus on other areas of your life.

    My focus is on H.E.L.P.
    H - Health
    E - Education
    L - Legacy
    P - Philanthropy

    Everyday of my life is focused on these four core principles and helping others achiever their personal and business goals, and mazimize their potential.

    Remember, life is a limited time offer - act now! ©Jeff Schleien 2007

31. Lew Hendricks

    11/Nov/2008 31

    One thing that seems to run constant in most of the replys is the phrase “Just Do It.” (Sounds like a Nike commerical.)

    I love the sport of rodeo and have since 1977. I wanted to try my hand at rodeo announcing. A PRCA announcer told me, after attending a training seminar, that even with “experienced” announcers in the room I had the most potential. When the timing was right, I took the plunge. With letters and follow up phone calls to stock contractors, I finally found the small opening I needed. My attitude was and still is: No one is going to achieve MY dream except ME. That simple opportunity has lead to a successful second career. Don’t be afraid.