​How many of our dreams involve moving to a new city, sleeping on rooftops because we don’t have the money to stay in a hotel or apartment, and working as a dishwasher?
 
My guess would be that not many of us would describe those circumstances as a goal we have. But that is exactly what Oscar-winning actor Sidney Poitier did at the start of his life. He even joined the Army when the weather got cold because he couldn’t afford to purchase winter clothes.
 
Perseverance is a word we hear successful people use a lot when describing their journey to the top.
 
But perseverance is hard for many of us to commit to doing. It involves performing the dark, difficult, and demanding tasks, on a continuous basis, with the understanding that we may never achieve or obtain what we want or desire.
 
Watch the video below and learn about the life of Hollywood legend, Sidney Poitier and how he was able to persevere until he obtained success.
 
 Leave me a comment about a time in your life when you had to persevere to obtain something you desired.  

“Do you believe that life is really dynamic? That it isn’t quite finished yet? That not only are you involved always in a circling series of potentials, but that you are potential. You, potential. Do you believe that?” - Howard Thurman
 
How is your dynamic life leading you toward your potential?

We all have goals, dreams, and aspirations.
 
Many times, those desires involve making a positive impact in our world. However, various people believe that in order to influence the world, they need to change circumstances, environments, and possibly even people. 

​Check out this short story about what is really necessary to make a difference in our world.

Start With Yourself  
    
When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
 
But, it too, seemed immovable.
 
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
 
And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.
 
From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
 
Author Unknown  

“I dare you to think bigger, to act bigger, and to be bigger. I dare you to think creatively. I dare you to lead and inspire others. I dare you to build character. I dare you to share. And I promise you a richer and more exciting life if you do.” - William H. Danforth
 
What are you daring to do better or bigger in your life?

“Prophecy comes to life as love. Jesus the prophet is love manifested. We also can be love manifested in the world.” - Barbara A. Holmes
 
How do you manifest your prophetic self in the world?

How important is knowledge when it comes to your business, or everyday living, for that matter? 

When I was a Hostage Negotiator with the Cincinnati Police Department SWAT Team, we practiced Tactical Empathy, which was a commitment to the person we were negotiating with, to understand their world (understand it, not necessarily agree with it.)

By practicing empathy, we developed trust with the person we were negotiating with which allowed us to gain knowledge that led us to being able to develop solutions that helped solve the problem the person was having. This knowledge assisted us in getting the hostages and the hostage-taker, out safely.  

Having knowledge can allow you to gain influence over another individual which may hopefully lead to behavior changes.

​Check out this video about how a vendor was able to use his knowledge to make the best deal possible when dealing with a savvy customer.

“Long-term consistency beats short-term intensity.” - Bruce Lee
 
How are you developing long-term consistency?

“Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it.” - Robert Frost
 
Which half of the world are you in?

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.” - Mark Twain
 
How do you show gratitude instead of biting the hand that feeds you?

“Any man may easily do harm, but not every man can do good to another.” - Plato
 
How do you attempt to do good to another?
 

Are you the Cow or the Buffalo?

What I mean by that is, are you a person who runs away from your problems and difficulties or do you run toward them and take them on before they become too big to manage?

All of us experience the ups and downs of life. There is no such thing as the perfect job, or the perfect relationship, or the perfect person. 

We all experience trials and tribulations throughout our lifetime. But how do you tackle those challenges when they present themselves?

​Watch this short video about how the cow and the buffalo deal with an approaching storm. 

“Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture.” - Vaclav Havel
 
How do you venture toward your vision?