When I Grow Up...

When my 3rd grade teacher asked what we wanted to be when we grew up, Rob said he wanted to be a ___ _______ _____. The teacher politely told him that wouldn’t be possible, and he replied “But you said we could be ANYTHING.” (What Rob wanted to be is not safe for LinkedIn and literally isn’t possible ??)

Rob’s answer is the only one I recall from that day. I don’t even recall mine. My best guess is that I didn’t have the same dream Will Ferrell had as a child, but I do remember making a decision when I was 15 years old. I remember the exact moment. I knew without a doubt I wanted to be a ____. (My decision is safe for LinkedIn, but it’s a story for another time.)

I hadn’t yet heard of Dale Carnegie, but I instinctively did what he suggests in his book The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking. Dale says we must project ourselves into the future and then work toward bringing that projection into reality.

That's advice that should work for anyone looking to accomplish a worthwhile goal, no matter what age or stage of life you are experiencing. Want a promotion? Do what Dale said. Want to start a business? Do what Dale said. Want to get physically stronger? Do what Dale said. Want to make the world's best pizza? Do what Dale said and invite me over for dinner ??.

The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking is more than a communications book. It includes tips for accomplishing goals. Just like Dale Carnegie’s more popular books, it’s full of commonsense principles that aren’t commonly applied. I’m including some quotes, below, from his book that seem to fit most situations. No matter who you want to become or what your current goals are, having a certain mindset is important. Let me know which quote you like best ?? And, send me a message or email [email protected] if you’d like to attend an interactive webinar on goals. I’m facilitating one on March 16th from 12-1pm. 

From The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking:

"The biggest lesson I have ever learned is the stupendous importance of what we think. If I knew what you think, I would know what you are, for your thoughts make you what you are. By changing our thoughts, we can change our lives." - Dale Carnegie

“If I could look into your mind and ascertain the strength of your desire and the light and shadow of your thought I could foretell, almost with certainty, the swiftness of your progress toward your goal…” - Dale Carnegie

“So, to succeed in this work, you need the qualities that are essential to any worthwhile endeavor: desire amounting to enthusiasm, persistence to wear away mountains, and the self-assurance to believe you will succeed.” - Dale Carnegie

“From now on, you must think positively, not negatively, about your chances to succeed in this endeavor. You must develop a buoyant optimism about the outcome of your efforts...” - Dale Carnegie

“Throw every shred of negative thought into the consuming fires and slam doors of steel upon every escape into the irresolute past.” - Dale Carnegie

“You will find it is an adventure in which your power of self-direction into your vision will sustain you. You will find it is an adventure that can change you, inside and out.” - Dale Carnegie

?? Send me a message or email [email protected] if you’d like to attend an interactive webinar on goals. I’m facilitating one on March 16th from 12-1pm