“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Helen Keller Why have a positive attitude? Some may consider this a silly question. As a reader to this newsletter, you have lived long enough to have experienced a number of events that were influenced by positive thinking. And, there are literally hundreds of articles on why a positive attitude is important. But today, I will share the most important one. Life is tough. We do not always … [Read more...]
Success Through Challenges
“There is no education like adversity.” Sir Benjamin Disraeli Every September, I am reminded of what was one of the toughest periods of time for my wife Carol and me. That journey is a powerful and emotional story told in my new book, The BET. “On September 12, 1979, our fragile life took a turn that we did not anticipate. We went from a bad financial situation to complete disaster. September 12th was the day Hurricane Frederic (“Freddy”) roared into Mobile, causing indescribable … [Read more...]
Use Your Special Talent
“Effort without talent is a depressing situation. . . but talent without effort is a tragedy.” Coach Mike Ditka The first game is close. Very exciting. Back and forth. Our team finally wins. In the second game, we really take charge. The final score is lopsided. There are really good players on both sides. And both teams made some amazing plays. The effort was evident. The second win preserved the series victory. My granddaughter, Luci, is a member of the volley ball team being coached … [Read more...]
Details Matter
“In the successful organization, no detail is too small to escape close attention.” Coach Lou Holtz The BET, my next book, is in the final phase before heading to the printers. According to the experts, and there are plenty of them if you google certain words, the actual book cover really matters in getting your book sold. The book cover is the first part that a potential buyer sees. Details matter. If you incorrectly spell one word in the first chapter, a reader might give up on you … [Read more...]
Quotes are Powerfully Influential
"Your words have power. Speak words that are kind, loving, positive, uplifting, encouraging, and life-giving." Anonymous After a speaking presentation I delivered at the Midtown Optimist Club in Mobile, Alabama, I received the following email from one of the club members: Rob, I would like to share a few quotes from my personal collection. I have been collecting quotes from colleagues, mentors and business partners for over 30 years. The first is one from my father, Wendell L. … [Read more...]
Timing is Important
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain I wrote a letter to my oldest grandchild, Gabrielle, after her graduation from Auburn University. This year, Caroline, another grandchild, graduated from high school; and next year, I will see two more grandchildren graduate, one from college and … [Read more...]
Destiny Through Habits
“All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits – practical, emotional, and intellectual – systematically organized for our weal or woe, and bearing us irresistibly toward our destiny...” Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning American author I am a big proponent of creating a daily formula for success in life. Part of my emphasis on doing this is because it produces one of the most powerful elements for achievement. Habits. Some habits have more influence … [Read more...]
What to do When Bad Things Happen
“Those who overcome great challenges will be changed, and often in unexpected ways. For our struggles enter our lives as unwelcome guests, but they bring valuable gifts. And once the pain subsides, the gifts remain. These gifts are life’s true treasures, bought at a great price, but cannot be acquired in any other way.” Steve Goodier Below is an excerpt from the fourth chapter of The BET, which will be published in September 2019. “Have you wondered if positive people ever have negative … [Read more...]
How to Conquer Fear
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Dr. Viktor Frankl When was the last time you were afraid? Have you ever flown on a plane through a storm? When the plane noticeably dropped in altitude? When it bounced around in a significant way? When you actually feared that this might be the end? If not a plane experience, you likely have been in a situation where you were afraid. … [Read more...]
Sometimes You Have to Say No
“Just saying yes because you can’t bear the short-term pain of saying no is not going to help you do the work.”Seth Godin “Rob, could you help me?” The person asking that question is a friend. Like many of us, my inclination is to always help friends and family. It is what I want to do. Helping another brings a level of internal satisfaction like nothing else. And, I like what my friend is doing. I am motivated to say yes. But my answer is “No." In the last 10-plus years, this answer is … [Read more...]
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