Nobody becomes a success alone, period. There is no such person who is "self made." I know this because I have regularly involved myself with some of America's most successful people and as I listen to their stories I realize that all of them have had what I call their own "booster club."
When I think back over my life I realize that I have had my own booster club: People who gave me a boost, either through direct help, opening doors to others or opportunities, or through their belief in or encouragement of me.
I think of my mother who was left a widow at age 40 to raise me alone. She believed in me. She sacrificed for me. She gave up much so that I could become what I dreamed of. My mother was my booster!
I think of a man who is the CEO of a twenty five billion dollar a year company who, when I was only three years out of college and striking out on my own, sent me a check out of the blue. It wasn't an investment; it was a gift. Then he sent another... and another. Every month for nearly 7 years he sent me a check. Nothing large enough to live on but enough to be a sign that he believed in me. When I asked him why he did it, he said, "Because I believe in what you are doing and that you are the one to do it." To have someone of his stature believe in you! Wow - is he ever a booster!
I think of my good friends, Tony and Jenni. When they were married they moved in right next door to us. They have become our best friends. Every step of the way they have loved us, challenged us, and encouraged us. They have been there in the darkest hours and in the brightest days. They are definitely boosters!
I think of my two friends named Kevin. The first, my best friend, lives here in Seattle. He is a guy that I laugh with, talk about things with and thoroughly enjoy all of my time with. He always comes through for me. In fact, as I right this, he came through for me just yesterday! When I know that I need a boost, he does whatever he can. And being one of the most competent men I have ever met, he always gets the job done. Major booster!
The second Kevin lives in Atlanta. He is a "new" friend but has already been a big booster. He has been willing to open doors for me that I never would have been able to budge because those on the other side would have been unwilling to open them. But on his recommendation, they have. A great booster and a person I will get to know better throughout the years.
I think of Kyle, who I have never met in person, but have spoken with on a few occasions and swapped many emails with. Kyle has boosted me literally millions of times - ever time he publishes my articles he helps me bring my message to the masses. To know that a person like Kyle sees the value in my message is an incredible boost!
I think of my most fanatical booster, my wife Lisa. No one believes in me more than she does. In fact, there are many times I wonder who she thinks she's married to! She sees the best in me even when there is nothing good to see. She sticks by me through it all and encourages me to go for my dreams. What a blessing - what a booster!
I think of my kids. They boost me every time I leave in the morning and when I come through the door at night. They boost my life and my career! Above all, they boost my happiness and my spirits each and every day. Big boosters in little bodies!
I think of God - the ultimate booster. In a scene from The Count of Monte Cristo, the Count, still in prison, tells the old man prisoner who is with him, "I don't believe in God." The old man replies, "That's okay. God believes in you!" While I don't understand all that God is I do believe that if God is for me, then it matters not who or what is against me!
So where does this leave us? Is this just a trip down memory lane? No, in fact, I have two specific actions for you as it relates to boosters:
One, make a list of your boosters. Then take a moment to send them a note to say thanks for what they have done and been for you!
Second, decide for yourself that you will be someone else's booster! Be very specific and begin to invest yourself into that person's life. Encourage them. Open doors for them. Challenge them. Give of yourself to them so that they can soar. Be their booster!
Bring on the boosters!
About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.
To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://chris-widener.inspiresyou.com/ or call 800-929-0434.
Ancona limousine airport .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThis revelation hit me the other day while I was... Read More
The title of this article also happens to be the... Read More
It is often said that the only things in life... Read More
Unless you have been living in a cave, you have... Read More
Lets face it, no one enjoys rejection. But the reality... Read More
If we are involved in a project, how hard should... Read More
Can anyone become a successful businessperson? I am asked this... Read More
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key... Read More
What would one initially think about someone who dropped out... Read More
One way to become more successful in your life is... Read More
Becoming successful requires a lifestyle change. It requires that you... Read More
I once heard a speaker use the statement, "I have... Read More
How can anyone with the brain of a cockroach make... Read More
One of the greatest compliments I ever received in my... Read More
I want to focus our thoughts on each of these... Read More
Five-time gold medal-winning figure skater, Jenny Kilmer, has won the... Read More
Do you still keep that all important 'Inner Spark Alive'?... Read More
Have you ever met people who exude charm and charisma?... Read More
Courage is something that is reflected and reciprocated, and is... Read More
The power went out. Again!I looked out my second story... Read More
The best and fastest way to learn how to make... Read More
Everything we do in life involves risk. There's no growth... Read More
Formula For SuccessThe winners in this life know the rules... Read More
When you analyze the traits of successful people, you will... Read More
Frederick W. Smith attended Yale University and wrote a paper... Read More
Buffalo Grove cheapest limo ..Freedom is the deeper meaning, the foundation behind all of... Read More
We all know as we are progressing towards our personal... Read More
People have a tremendous capacity for outstanding achievement. There are... Read More
Periodically re-check and refine (or redefine) your goals It's no... Read More
This revelation hit me the other day while I was... Read More
Do you ever wonder how some people consistently get what... Read More
The present model of business and career motivation, the one... Read More
Temp your way to the top Want to take the... Read More
Most self-help truths are obvious but obvious truths are often... Read More
"Enthusiasm is worth any pot of cream ever offered."Can you... Read More
I don't need to be a gypsy fortune teller to... Read More
Once you've made it...throw a Success Shindig! Of course you... Read More
As a child you probably learned failing is bad...Failing meant... Read More
1. Clear vision + Intention + Purpose... Read More
Driven by cultural imperatives and inner promptings, we drive ourselves... Read More
"Most people don't plan to fail. They just fail to... Read More
Most people want to be successful in life. But success... Read More
The ten-year period which followed the stock market crash of... Read More
There are no two greater ironic comparisons than that of... Read More
Congratulations! You are the president of your own nation, and... Read More
There are two things that will determine your success or... Read More
Most dictionary entries would define failure as the simple lack... Read More
Here are the 3 elements of the "Purpose" leg in... Read More
Success can easily be compared to the "genie trapped in... Read More
Are you ready to finally realize your dream? I'm talking... Read More
Success |