Today is a very sad day.

No amount of positive thinking will change this.

The most influential man in my life, second only to my biological father, died today. This morning at 2:30AM Pacific time my mentor, my philosophical father, Mr. Jim Rohn passed away.

I owe much of my personality, grit and determination to my dad. But when my own parents hardly recognize me it is because Jim took over and carried me beyond where my parents could.

Jim cemented my philosophical foundation and nourished my mind with ideas and ambitions never before imagined. Jim chiseled my character seminar by seminar, tape by tape, book by book, then CD by CD, hour by hour.

Jim emboldened my belief, in me and in my most daring dreams. When I fell and was bloodied, Jim was there with encouraging words to help me get back up. When I didn’t think I could go on, Jim convinced me I was stronger than I imagined. When I wanted a short cut, Jim reminded me aren’t any. Even when I got too caught up in trying to achieve and succeed, Jim compelled me to leave room to live, to laugh and to love.

All that I am and all that I have become is due in large part to one man, the man I lost today. I have never lost anyone who has meant more to me than Jim Rohn has meant to my life. This is a new experience for me.

I know I am not the only one who lost a friend, teacher or mentor today. Jim Rohn positively influenced the lives of millions of people all over the world. Many people try and take this occasion to celebrate the deceased life. That is fine and I will, maybe tomorrow, but today my heart hurts.

I am trying to make my life count and when I am gone I want to be missed. Jim Rohn’s life counted, immensely. Now that he is no longer walking amongst us, he is missed, deeply… very deeply.

There is some good news to this, for you. I spent well over a 1,000 hours with Jim. 99% of that time was with him instructing me via his books, CDs or DVDs. Much of the material I studied was recorded even before the time I first met Jim. The same material, the same relationship I had with Jim is available to you, right now and forever more—in the work he has left behind.

The good news is that Jim’s legacy and his mentorship lives on and is eternally available to you and to millions more. Jim also lives on in me and in my never ending commitment to pass along and perpetuate his profound teachings and philosophical insights to millions more. That is my commitment to Jim and to you.

Memorial information and to view a special tribute video to Jim Rohn: http://tribute.jimrohn.com/

You can share your thoughts about Jim in the comments section of the blog, on the Jim Rohn Facebook Fan Site or on his Memorial Page.

In our November issue of SUCCESS (on newsstands now!), we are discussing the theme Making a Difference. You don’t have to make a global impact in order to be remembered for making a difference. I also don’t believe making a difference is something you do only when you reach the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid, or when you volunteer at the local soup kitchen or write your check to public television.

I believe you are always making a difference, every day and in every moment. As soon as you walk out your front door, you become the cause of a series of ripple effects that will forever affect the direction and experience of much of the rest of the world. And your impact will be problem-solving or problem-creating.

Think about a former boss, colleague, college roommate, old neighbor, past love relationship, childhood friend, previous business partner, high-school math teacher, etc. Each person either solved problems or created them for you. They either helped you and improved you or caused you grief and brought you down.

Now get on the other side of that list: How does each of these people remember you? For the problems you solved for them or the ones you created? With every door you hold open, car you allow to merge, smile you flash, encouragement you offer, you are making a deposit into someone’s life. The best part of this… CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS POST