GO AHEAD, LAUGH AT ME

I'm a dreamer, I'm too optimistic, start up businesses fail more often than they succeed, there's tons of people, smarter people looking to create a successful business what exactly makes me think I will be successful? These are just some of the comments I've had the pleasure of listening to at one point or another whether they were directly or indirectly targeting me. I'm too optimistic....never thought I'd hear that one. I welcome all of these statements. If all the history greats we're to listen to all the naysayers we would never have the technology and innovation we have today. People thought the Wright Brothers were nuts and wanted to have them psychologically evaluated. Seems to me they weren't so crazy were they? People thought Henry Ford was out of his mind and not being logical when he asked his workers to figure out a way to build the impossible, an 8 cylinder engine and not stop until they found a way to make it happen. Guess what, they made it happen. Hey, let's put a man on the moon. Impossible right? Christopher Columbus must of also been "too optimistic" when he discovered America. People's truths are their realities. I have my own set or realities and will continue to surround myself with those who support my realities. I do read motivating and inspiring books, I do love and post quotes that I think have strong messages of determination and success, my cup is always half full, I do recite the words "I will persist without exception" multiple times a day when I first wake and before I sleep and have it posted throughout my apartment, and all my hurt and failures along the way are lesson plans on my way to a degree in success. So go ahead, laugh at me because those who doubt me, inspire me.

The phrase "I will persist without exception" is one of the Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success as identified in Andy Andrew's book titled The Traveler's Gift. A must read! Here are all seven decisions:


1. Harry Truman – The Buck Stops Here
Take responsibility for your life and the situation you are in. All of the decisions YOU have made have lead you to your current successes or failures. Until you accept it is your ‘fault’ you are where you are, your destiny is not in your control.


2. King Solomon – I will Seek Wisdom
Choose your friends and mentors wisely. By serving others you transform your life’s experience.


3. Joshua Chamberlain – I am a Person of Action
Be a person who makes decisions and acts on them quickly. Chamberlain was the man responsible for the Union’s victory in the Civil War due to his decision to take action during a key battle at Gettysburg.


4. Christopher Columbus – I have a Decided Heart
When people doubt your dreams or visions, stand your ground and stay true to what you know to be true.


5. Anne Frank – Today I will Choose to be Happy
Happiness and joy are choices that are made everyday. Certain thoughts and activities bring about a chemical reaction in your body that results in you feeling happy. Regardless of your circumstances, you can choose to be happy or not.


6. Abraham Lincoln – I will Greet this Day with a Forgiving Spirit
The secret of dissipating anger and resentment is through forgiveness – even to those who do not ask for it. By the simple act of forgiveness, you release the demons of the past about which you can do nothing about and create a new beginning.


7. Angel Gabriel – I will Persist without Exception
Your greatest power is your capacity to exercise choice. Choose to persist and hold fast to your dreams and stay the course, even in the face of exhaustion, rejection and uncertainty.