A Personal Milestone - 9/26/2009
I am fully cognizant of the fact that a celebration of a personal milestone in my life may be a little self-serving. But, if I told you the story of how one decision changed the path of my entire life, perhaps it would begin to pique your interest. And better yet, if I informed you that you too could do the same thing - make a decision to take a journey that would ultimately lead you to happiness, monetary success and personal fulfillment, would you take a few minutes and read on? I certainly hope so.
So, this weekend I traveled to Arlington, Texas where I had the distinct honor and privilege of being invited to speak at another Parker Seminar. Only this time I was coming “home” to the where it all began for me - 40 years ago!
Could I be the same person who showed up so reluctantly all those years ago, doubting that I would learn something that could lift me from my misery (low self-esteem, poor marriage, financial catastrophe, and a small survival-only practice)?
Looking back, I realize that I am the same physically (albeit a tad older), but a completely different person spiritually, mentally and emotionally. The transformation is so remarkable that sometimes I find it difficult to believe myself.
From failure to success – from internal pain and feelings of humiliation to great heights of triumph, personal peace and success – from poverty to riches – from fear to faith and from a terrible self-image to one that is confident and secure ---ALL IN ONE WEEKEND! No – there was no magic elixir that changed me on the spot. Rather, there were years of hard work, adaptation and change. Not easy, but certainly worth it.
Nevertheless, there has been a change in my old erroneous belief systems – ones like, “I don’t deserve to be successful; I’m not good enough or smart enough; that everyone who is a success is either a phony or a thief; that success in all its ramifications was for the other guy and not for me – to belief systems that are the exact opposite in nature.
I decided on the spot – TO TAKE FULL AND TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ME and realized that if I could change my inner dialog, I could indeed take control of my entire life. Further - if anyone else could do it, so could I. That was huge for me.
Then, I decided to take massive action to change who I was – and I have not stopped doing daily affirmations, writing my goals, journaling my thoughts, visualizing what I intend to create, meditating to slow down the chatter that overwhelmed me and made me tired. Additionally, I read more self-help books than I can count, listened to CD’s until they were coming out my ears, and used a mastermind coaching system that held me accountable.
Boring, huh? And, here you thought I would provide you with something newer and terribly exciting. Sorry about that – but once I found the formula that actually worked, I decided to stay with it – and I suggest you do the same.
On the Parker stage this weekend, I told this story in detail for 1½ hours. It felt good to just go back to the source of my success. And, in an effort to celebrate the anniversary of my “Parker Success Awakening,” I gave a complimentary copies of my book “Talking to Yourself is NOT Crazy” to each and every person in attendance – in the audience, in the Exhibit Hall and to members of the Parker Team.
My goal was then, as it is with you now, to help open up your mind and your inner dialog, so you can have it your way! Perhaps the story of my transformation can help light the same flame in you that burns in me to this day.
PS – A surprise bonus this weekend was that President Fabrizio Mancini and Vice President Gilles LaMarche presented me with Parker’s most prestigious award – The Backbone Award – in acknowledgement of 40 Years of Service to Parker and our profession.
I am honored and grateful!!
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