Heroes Who Instill Confidence and Courage!

I continue to enjoy watching the Olympic games on TV – winter sports are a favorite of mine. Not only do I get much personal pleasure watching the x-country skiing, the figure skating and the snow-boarding, to name a few of the sports, but I really love listening to the athletes as they are being interviewed. These young people are in a class of their own. I aspire to that level of excellence, both in my personal life and in my business.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962

These athletes did not achieve this level of excellence on their own. Aside from great equipment, a lot of practice, big dreams, etc. – it also takes an inspiring mentor – a hero – someone they look up to and respect – and whose characteristics, habits, attitudes and expectations cause them to want to succeed.

I've had great mentors in my life and one of my heroes is Colin Powell. This was a life-changing moment in my career to have had the invitation to meet him personally. Sometimes a hero, or mentor, is someone closer to home – like the woman who has encouraged, supported and mentored me for over 20 years now – JoLove Beach - this is a woman who, at 85 years of age, still hikes, x-country skis, travels, participates in a regular TV show and much more.

These are 2 very different individuals and yet many of their qualities and characteristics are the same:

• they had a dream
• they have vision
• they have made courageous decisions in their lives
• they are strong
• they take risks
• they are compassionate
• they listen
• they persevere
• they are focused
• they are continuous learners

and I could go on and on. You get the message

"Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you or hold you up in any way."
-- Eileen Caddy

Whether we are talking about training for the Olympic games, or talking about living your best life, we all need heroes and mentors. One thing I know for sure is that without a Colin Powell or a JoLove Beach in my life, it would not be as easy to become the best person I can be.

We should all be grateful for the gift of life and strive to live our best life.
Who are the heroes in your life and what have you learned from them? I'd love to know. And for whom are you a hero?

Assignment
1. Make a list of people who are the heroes in your life.
2. Make a list of their qualities, traits and characteristics that you admire.
3. Choose one of the items you listed and work to 'become like' that in your life, and in your work.
4. Become a hero to a young person – we all need mentors.

Do some of these exercises and I guarantee that you will start to live your best life. When you try new things, you are developing the confidence and courage to move forward and invent the life you truly want to live.