Cancer Survivors' Fund

[ Home ] [ About Us ] [ Success Stories ] [ Our Founder ] [ Scholarships ] [ Make A Donation ] [ Contact ] [ Site Map ]

Success is:

...the opportunities you’ve created for yourself through diligent, dedicated work. Donna Gephardt

...to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. Booker T. Washington  

...achieved and maintained by those who try – and keep trying. W. Clement Stone

...not measured by how well you fulfill the expectations of others, but by how honestly you live up to your own expectations. Linda Principe

...doing that thing which nothing else conceivable seems more noble or satisfying or remunerative. Alan Seeger

...being who you are, and feeling proud of yourself for every task and challenge that you face and conquer along the way. Deanna Beisser

...is not giving up, even though I've failed a thousand times. It’s finding another angle or fresh approach that allows me to try again with the hope that this will be the time I'll reach my goal, for its knowing that unless I try again, I may lose my opportunity. Donna Fargo

7/29/2007

Cycle of Completion

Cycle of Completion
By Jim Driscoll

Each of the steps above is required to succeed at anything. Yet, how many of us never complete? We get all the way to the finishing stage-but we leave one thing undone. As a success coach, I have worked with hundreds of highly successful executives, athletes and entrepreneurs, and one of the greatest lessons I have learned is the following;

When you start a project, it goes into your memory bank and takes up what is called an attention unit. We can only pay attention to so many things at one time, and each item on your to-do list leaves fewer attention units to dedicate to completing present tasks and bringing new opportunities and abundance into your life.

So why don’t people complete? For the majority of my clients, it represents an area where they are unclear. Because the project is out of their skill set, they are unclear of what action to take, and instead of seeking counsel, they simply take on a new project for the sake of doing something.

Another major obstacle to completeness of a project is too many choices. They believe that the number of opportunities are limited so they try to grab onto every money making deal that comes along, hiding behind the guise that the Lord has provided this opportunity; when in reality, it’s their own greed. The fact is, every highly successful person that I have ever had the privilege of working with has shared the following great secret with me; one project seen through to completion is worth millions more than ten projects half completed. Pride (true ignorance) always comes before the fall.

Let go of the phrase “I own so many companies and I’m just so busy,” and realize the truth, you have too many projects, you don’t know how to prioritize, and you have been blinded by greed. Donald Trump said, “It’s impossible for a man to focus on more than 3 projects at any given time in his life.” Thanks Donald for your insight, because no truer words have ever been spoken.

Get into the habit of prioritizing projects. Focus on the ones you can do and sideline the others until the time is right. Opportunities are a dime a dozen, there will always be another one. Focus on your project and see it through to completion. Ask yourself right now, “What do I need to do to complete this project,” and then commit to taking continuous daily action on it until it’s complete. Focus on one thing at a time. This is truly the secret of success.

 ©2007 JimDriscoll.org

7/15/2007

If You Think You Can You Can

If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't.

 If you think you'll lose, you're lost,
For out in the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will.
It's all in the state of mind.

 If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

 Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But soon or late the man who wins,
Is the man who thinks he can.

 ~ C. W. Longenecker ~

The way you think can affect your life profoundly -- either positive or negative. If you haven’t produced the results you wanted, chances are good that you’ve been thinking limited thoughts. Are the thoughts you've been putting into your mind mostly positive. Do you expect to win more than you expect to lose, or the other way around?

If you’ve been expecting to lose more than to win, don’t worry. Because today is a new day and you can control and change what you put into you mind. While it may be hard for you to believe you can actually change your thinking habits this easily, you really can. It probably won't happen overnight, but if you start reconditioning your mind and expecting to achieve or win at whatever you do, your chance of succeeding will be greatly increased.

Try it. You’ll be surprised at the results.

The next time a little voice comes in your mind and says, "You can’t do it!" Just tell it to shut up and affirm to yourself...

"Yes! I Absolutely Can!"

After a short time, that voice will become quieter and quieter and eventually you won’t be able to hear it anymore. Please don’t be upset with that voice because its job is to protect and prevent you from embarrassing or making a fool of yourself, from feeling uncomfortable, or from failing (again). The bad news is, by doing so, it’s been holding you back from being all you can be and keeping you from accomplishing your aspirations.

You do have the potential to achieve your desires and goals. So start believing in yourself and keep on working on your goals no matter what challenges you may face. And very soon, you’ll turn them into reality.

© 2007 cybernation.com

7/8/2007

Become A Volunteer

Summer is a perfect time to continue or start finding volunteer opportunities. Many students do it just to be able to put on their resume. However, volunteerism is a life time commitment. Feeling the responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others is one of the noble tasks we can do. We were so impressed by many of our students having done not one but several continuous volunteer jobs. Two hours every week is a requirement for every student to earn your tuition. 

Robin Sharma wrote a great short essay about volunteerism. Here is what he said:

“Giving the gift of your time by volunteering to serve those who have less than you is an excellent way to remind yourself on a regular basis of the abundance that exists in your life.

After a keynote speech on leadership I delivered to the sales team of a large insurance company, one of the firm's top producers told me that one of the reasons for his success was his habit of spending a few hours a week helping those less fortunate than he was. ‘Seeing what others don't have keeps me awake to all the good things I do have. It prevents me from taking things for granted and, even more important, helps me make a difference in the lives of people who real­ly need me.’

French physician Albert Schweitzer observed, ‘I don't know what your destiny will be but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.’ And Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote, ‘One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay 'in kind' somewhere else in life.’ Volunteering affords you the chance to help others and pay back the debt owed to those who have helped you.”

We will have a page on the website “showing off” to the whole world about your volunteer work and how you are helping others. What have you been doing it during the summer and what are you planning to do in the fall semester? Let us know.

7/1/2007

Eight Gifts That Don't Cost A Cent

Feeling good about ourselves is one of the most important things for success and happiness. It is a well known fact that none of us can feel good and be happy and successful unless we pay attention to the others around us.

For many years people thought that we need High IQ to be successful in school and in our career. However, if we don't develop our EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to communicate with the others, our success will never be complete. 

Anything we put in the lives of the other people will come back to us as more self confidence, more happiness, better friendships, faster promotions, more customers in the business field. The key is developing better people skills. We can't change our IQ, but we can develop a higher EQ. All of us can do this, if we pay attention to people around us. Our relationships make our lives and it is up to us how we build them. It is the Universal Law “The more we give the more we receive.”  

This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships to build a whole and happy life.  

The Gift of Listening

But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just Listen.

The Gift of Affection

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter

Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

The Gift of Solitude

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of a Written Note

It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment

A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition

The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

6-24-2007

You can’t do that! OH YES, I CAN!!!

“We all have two voices inside us that are continually competing for our attention. One voice is motivating us to take the big risk. The other voice has a completely different agenda, an agenda to keep you living in mediocrity. These two voices are commonly referred to as the voices of probability and possibility.

The voice of probability has consulted with your past performance and results, and looks strictly at the facts. Because the facts are saying, No Way! They create in you feelings of doubt and worry that develop into fear. It’s this fear that paralyzes you from taking action. And, all the images of what might or could happen. The voice of probability creates the feelings of how you will feel when you fail, so you don’t take any action. Its purpose is to cause you to play it safe your entire life, and never take risks.

On the other side, the voice of possibility consults with your purpose and then creates the image in your mind of what can be done. Possibility is the creator of your future, of all your dreams and goals in life. Possibility is what creates your desire for a better life and fuels your belief and expectation. It is what gets you out of bed every morning and causes you to greet the new day with excitement. Without the voice of possibility competing for your attention, you would have given up on a better life a long time ago.

In order to allow the motivating voice of possibility to take center stage, you must get your ego in check. If you’re going to take risk, you must understand people are going to be critical of you. They are going to tell you all the reasons you can’t or shouldn’t take the risk. There will always be nay sayers in your life. When you make the decision to go for it, be ready for the struggles. The cycle of success always has and always will be the same: Dream, Struggle, and then Succeed.

You will hear probability saying look at the struggle you’re facing, you’re about to lose everything. Quit now before it gets any worse. Then you will hear the faint voice of possibility saying, Success is always possible for the person who refuses to quit. Taking action and getting out of your comfort zone creates pressure, but pressure doesn’t break you, it makes you. It reveals your true strength and character. To take the risks necessary to grow in life, you must learn to handle pressure and quiet the voice of probability. If you don’t, you become content standing on the side lines of life as a spectator. But the fame and fortune always goes to the players, and the players are on the field and competing in the game of life.

If you want to create a better life for yourself, you’re going to have to listen to, trust in and act upon the promptings of your inner voice of possibility. There are two types of pain in this world: the pain of discipline, and the pain of regret. The pain of discipline is associated with growth, and subsides with victory. But the pain of regret lasts forever.

Jim Rohn said, 'If you keep doing the same thing, you’ll keep getting the same results.' If you want greater results in your life, then you must implement new habits. Every successful person in every area of life has succeeded in creating the habits necessary to succeed. If you desire to reach your ideal weight, then create healthy habits; if you desire a loving relationship, create loving habits; if you want to be a top student, create better studying habits; if you desire more money, create better financial habits. Those who succeed have formed the habits of doing the things that failures don’t like to do. It’s that simple.

There is no limit to what you can do and achieve in this life. Learn to listen to your inner voice of possibility. Learn to follow and embrace it. When probability speaks up, simply take action.” Action cures fear, doubt and worry. You can truly be, do and have anything you desire. The beauty of life is found in the risk we take. When your life is at the end of the road, and you’re about to cross over, hold your head up, and say with a smile No Regrets.”

©2007 JimDriscoll.org

6-17-2007

Leadership Is Action Not Position

All successful people became successful and the reason is they gave some talent or ability in the service of others. You can contribute in some way to others no matter how small your talent. You too, can become successful.

No one achieves success without being of service. The successful do not use others, other people use the successful, for above all success is of service.

So everyone has to be someone to someone to be anyone. The essence of success is service.

6-10-2007

Guidelines for Being Human

1.  You Will Receive A Body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.

2.  You Gain New Awareness and Understanding. You are enrolled in a full-time informal school called Life. Each day in this school, you will have the opportunity to explore and experiment - you may like what you learn or think them irrelevant and stupid.

3.  There Are No Mistakes, Only Opportunities. Growth is a process of trial and error; experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately “works.”  

4.  Exploring and Experimenting Does Not End. There is no part of Life that does not contain its opportunity. If you are alive, there are opportunities to explore.

5.  “There” Is No Better Than “Here.” When your “there” has become a “here”, you will simply obtain another “there” that will again look better than “here.”

6.  Others Are Merely Mirrors Of You. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself.

7.  What You Make Of Your Life Is Up To You. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.

8.  Your Answers Lie Inside You. The answers to Life's questions lie inside you. All you need do is look, listen and trust. The more you resist the process the harder your journey will be. The more you allow life to flow in its natural rhythm the easier your journey will be.

9.  You Will Forget All This or You Will Choose To Remember. Should you choose to remember, you will know that with forgiveness, love and trust you will embrace all that is yours. Take your place as a guide and undertake to live your life in absolute abundance, love and adventure.

6-3-2007

Sentenced to Success

"I once heard a speaker use the statement, "I have been sentenced to success!" I heard that ten years ago, yet it still sticks in my head as if it were yesterday.

Imagine with me for a moment. What if we had been given a life sentence to serve, say 70 years, and the sentence was to do time in a place called "Success"? Guess what? We have.

Let me back up. We have been given a life sentence. But, unlike a sentencing in a real life courtroom, we get to actually choose where we will "do our time."

You can choose to be sentenced to success! You can choose to actually be set free! You can choose to walk out of that courtroom and live the life that you choose!

What can you experience when you are sentenced to success? How about these:

Emotional freedom
Good health
Spiritual liberty
A career you love
Positive relationships
Financial abundance
Social fulfillment

And how will you experience these? By choice… Your choice… You choose exactly what kind of life you will live. You choose the sentence you will serve here on earth and the experience that you have.

Will you roam in the open freedom that comes from the sentence of success? That depends on the choices you make.

I challenge you to choose this day to:

Pursue financial independence through college education 

Develop yourself spiritually
Make a change so you are in a career you love
Re-commit yourself to loving relationships
Achieve emotional health

Make a choice TODAY. Do not spend another day in a place where you do not belong!

Where will you serve your sentence? You get to decide.

As for me?

I've been sentenced to success!"

©2007 JimDriscoll.org

5-27-2007

Integrity

In her commencement address to the new grads at the Howard University , Washington DC , Oprah Winfrey said: “Don’t be afraid because all you have to know is who you are. You’re defined by you stand for. Your integrity is not for sale”

Well said. But, what is integrity?

Integrity is the centering of one’s actions on a consistent structure of principles. You have integrity if everything that you do and believe is based on the same fundamental set of values. Those values may change with time, but you have integrity if your values are consistent with each other and with your actions.

Quoting Harold Kushner: “Integrity means being whole, unbroken, undivided. It describes a person who has united the different parts if his or her personality, so there is no longer a split in the soul… For the person of integrity, life may not be easy but it is simple: Figure out what is right and do it. All other considerations come in second.”

"Integrity is never painless. It requires that we let matters rub up against each other, that we fully experience the tension of conflicting needs, demands, and interests, that we even be emotionally torn apart by them... It does not seek to avoid conflict, but to reconcile it." -- M. Scott Peck: The Different Drum

“Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.”  --Barbara De Angelis 

Most importantly:

"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful." -- Samuel Johnson

5-20-2007

Be A Winner!

Some of you have completed your academic year and advanced. Some of you graduated with your very much deserved degrees. Some of you already are in the work force climbing the ladder of success.

We all know that success is not a destination, but it is a journey.

All successful people have one thing in common. They have learned how to become Winners. We thank CSF Advisor Master Goal Setter and Coach Jim Driscoll for sharing his outstanding

14 Characteristics of a Winner

Winners set goals.

Winners are organized.

Winners have passion.

Winners are problem-solvers.

Winners have mentors.

Winners have strong support network.

Winners help others to succeed.

Winners have a positive attitude.

Winners have a good sense of humor.

Winners take care of themselves physically.

Winners have confidence.

Winners take risks.

Winners make a difference.

Winners never give up.

5-13-2007

Future

Here is a great quote for you all by VICTOR HUGO:

"The future has several names. For the weak, it is impossible. For the faint hearted, it is the unknown. For the thoughtful and valiant, it is the ideal."

Go confidently to reach your goals. Expect the best from yourself. Learn to turn your problems into opportunities.

5-6-2007

You Are What You Think

You deserve every good thing that you are capable of acquiring through the use of your talents. The only real limitation what you can be and have, is lack of desire, persistency and determination... If you set goals and want to achieve them badly enough, nothing in the world can stop you, as long as you are willing to carry on persistently.

Here are some great quotes to ponder… The ones that you really like, put in your memory. Interestingly, you will find yourself using it. “YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK”

“It is important to believe in yourself. Believe that you  can do it, under any circumstances. Because if you believe you can, then you really will” Wally "Famous" Amos

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall” Confucius

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn”            Harriet Beecher Stowe

“The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work” Arthur Brisbane

We wish you much success in your finals. We know that each one of you always will remember that harder you work, more successful you get!

Please don't skip a meal and don't forget to drink lots of liquid. Meditate at least twice a day for ten minutes to rest your brain and body. Don't worry, be happy, and be healthy!

4-22-2007

Decide To Act Like A Winner

The Story of Olympic shooter Karoly Takacs

Karoly Takacs. You’ve probably never heard of him. However, in Hungary , he’s a national hero - everybody there knows his name and his incredible story. After reading his story, you’ll never forget him…  

In 1938, Karoly Takacs of the Hungarian Army, was the top pistol shooter in the world. He was expected to win the gold in the 1940 Olympic Games scheduled for Tokyo . Those expectations vanished one terrible day just months before the Olympics. While training with his army squad, a hand grenade exploded in Takacs’ right hand, and Takacs’ shooting hand was blown off.

Takacs spent a month in the hospital depressed at both the  loss of his hand, and the end to his Olympic dream. At that point most people would have quit. And they would  have probably spent the rest of their life feeling sorry for themselves. Most people would have quit but not Takacs. Takacs was a winner. Winners know that they can’t let circumstances keep them down. They understand that life is hard and that they can’t let life beat them down. Winners know in their heart that quitting is not an option.

Takacs did the unthinkable; he picked himself up, dusted himself off, and decided to learn how to shoot with his left hand! His reasoning was simple. He simply asked himself, “Why not?”

Instead of focusing on what he didn’t have – a world class  right shooting hand, he decided to focus on what he did have – incredible mental toughness, and a healthy left hand that with time, could be developed to shoot like a champion.

For months Takacs practiced by himself. No one knew what he was doing. Maybe he didn’t want to subject himself to people who most certainly would have discouraged him from his rekindled dream.

In the spring of 1939 he showed up at the Hungarian National Pistol Shooting Championship. Other shooters approached Takacs to give him their condolences and to congratulate him on having the strength to come watch them shoot. They were surprised when he said, “I didn’t come to watch, I came to compete.” They were even more surprised when Takacs won!

The 1940 and 1944 Olympics were cancelled because of World War II. It looked like Takacs’ Olympic Dream would never have a chance to realize itself. But Takacs kept training and in 1944 he qualified for the London Olympics. At the age of 38, Takacs won the Gold Medal and set a new world record in pistol shooting. Four years later, Takacs won the Gold Medal again at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Takacs - a man with the mental toughness to bounce back from anything.

Winners in every field have a special trait that helps them become unstoppable. A special characteristic that allows them to survive major setbacks on the road to success. Winners recover QUICKLY. Bouncing back is not enough. Winners bounce back QUICKLY. They take their hit, they experience their setback, they have the wind taken out of their sails, but they immediately recover. Right away they FORCE themselves to look at the bright side of things – ANY bright side, and they say to themselves, “That’s OK. There is always a way. I will find a way.” They dust themselves off, and pick up where they left off.

The reason quick recovery is important is that if you recover quickly, you don’t lose your momentum and your drive. Takacs recovered in only one month. If he had wallowed in his misery, if he had stayed “under the circumstances,” if he had played the martyr, and felt sorry for himself much longer, he would have lost his mental edge – his “eye of the tiger” and he never would have been able to come back.

When a boxer gets knocked down, he has ten seconds to get back up. If he gets up in eleven seconds, he loses the fight. Remember that next time you get knocked down.

Takacs definitely had a right to feel sorry for himself. He had a right to stay depressed and to ask himself “Why me?” for the rest of his life. He had the right to act like a mediocre man.

Takacs could have let his terrible accident cause him to become permanently discouraged, to take up heavy drinking, to quit on life all together, and maybe even to end his own life. He could have acted like a loser.

4-15-2007

Developing Your Vision to Succeed

All great leaders have two main qualities: guts and vision. Today we'll focus on vision.

You become what you think about all the time. Leaders think about the future most of the time.
They think about where they are going and about what they can do to get there.

Non-leaders focus on the present, on the past, and on their obstacles.

When you start thinking about your future, before long, you'll start getting the results leaders get.

The number one predictor of success in life is how long term your thinking is. If you can focus on what you want to happen in the long term while making decisions in the present, you'll be very successful. The further you focus into the future, the better decisions you'll make today and the greater chance you have of realizing your dream.

The biggest single obstacle people face when setting goals is their self-limiting beliefs. When you allow your self-limiting beliefs to control you, you set goals far below what you are capable of achieving.

I made that mistake. I never believed that I could win an Olympic medal, consequently, I only set a goal to compete in the Olympics. I made it three times, but, what if I had set a goal to win a medal? I might have become an Olympic medalist. At least I would have placed higher than I did.

Don't make that mistake. Aim as high as possible.

Imagine what your life would be like in 5 years if it were perfect in every way. Focus on creating your ideal life and you will overcome your self limiting beliefs. I constantly imagined what it would be like to walk into the Opening Ceremonies. By doing that, I overcame my self-limiting beliefs that I could not become an Olympian. If I had instead imagined what it would be like to be a medalist, I would have overcome those self limiting beliefs.

See how this works? If you vividly imagine it enough, you start believing it's possible. Once you believe it's possible, you start acting like it's possible. And if you act like it's possible long enough, before long, you make it a reality.

Imagine you had all the time, talent, abilities, an resources you needed to create your perfect life. Imagine you could not fail. Now, what would your perfect life be like?

Don't settle for smaller dreams and goals. Go for the gold! Big dreams have the power to inspire you to action and the power to inspire others to help you.

Now, what would you have to do today to create your perfect future?

Where would you be living?
What would your work look like?
Who would you associate and work with?
How much would you be earning?
What would your perfect family life look like?
What kind of relationship would you have with your loved ones?
How would you look and feel if you were in perfect health?
How much would you weigh?
What do you need to start doing today to reach those goals?

Now, start asking yourself, "How will I do this?"

Keep asking yourself "How will I do it?" The answers will come. And when they do, start taking massive action like there's no tomorrow. That's what high achievers do.

What additional skills do I need to pull it off?

What do I need to de every day to acquire those skills and to become an expert in my field in 5 years?

How will I do it?

I guarantee that once you start focusing and thinking about the future, start asking yourself how will you do it, and start taking massive action, you will be a lot happier. Because happiness is a byproduct of working hard to reach your goals and dreams.

Make a decision to start thinking about your goals and dreams all the time. The clearer you are about your dream, the faster you will attract people to make it a reality.

by Ruben Gonzalez 4-15-07

4-1-2007

Are You a Bulldog?

Bulldogs might not be the prettiest breed, but they have one quality every business person needs, and Coach Ruben Gonzalez knows what it is.

Aristotle said we become what we repeatedly do. Every time you face your fears, you become more courageous. The more you persist in the face of adversity, the more you like and respect yourself. And every time you refuse to quit, persevering gets easier. You become what I call a 'Bulldog.'

One day, while still in grade school, I simply decided to quit quitting. That's a decision you can make this instant. It's a decision that will change your life. If a hard-headed fifth grader can make that decision, surely you can. Will you?

A few years later, when I was a sophomore in high school, this kid came up to me and said, "Ruben, your nickname should be Bulldog."

I said, "Why?"

"Bulldogs never quit," he explained. "If a bulldog gets a hold of your leg, he's not letting go."

"Is that right?" I said. (Up to that point, I didn't know much about bulldogs.)

Being a pretty skeptical person, I went to the library to check on this newly discovered fact. He was right. Bulldogs are known for tenacity. Bulldogs were actually bred to be tenacious; they were bred to fight bulls to the death in arenas like the ancient Coliseum. They were bred to have a lower jaw that's longer than their upper jaw, allowing them to continue biting without letting go to breathe. The idea of being tenacious like a bulldog was very appealing to me!

From that day on, whenever I met somebody, I'd say, "Hi, my name is Ruben, but you can call me Bulldog!"

By doing that I was putting positive pressure on myself to never quit. Imagine how embarrassing it would be to be known as 'Bulldog' and be a quitter! A little pressure goes a long way to helping you stay on track.

Put it into action:
Put some positive pressure on yourself: Make a decision to quit quitting and be bulldog-tenacious. You'll leave your competition in the dust.

©2007 Ruben Gonzalez (Published in Success Magazine)

3-25-07

Share Your Message

Jim Driscoll, our friend and CSF’s advisor, a successful Personal Career and Life Coach joined us for our Annual CSF Breakfast Meeting. Here is his keynote on “Sharing your Message.”

“Two weeks ago, I had the great privilege of meeting Yeshim Yonter, and the thing that stood out the most about her was the incredible passion she had for the Cancer Survivors Fund and for each of you in this room.  

When I got home that night, I immediately went to the website and while I was there, I began to wonder exactly what cancer was. So, I did what any intelligent person would do, I went to Webster’s, and this is whet I found:  

Cancer - A malignant and invasive growth or tumor. An evil condition that spreads destructively.  

Malignant - Disposed to do harm, and suffering deliberately (On Purpose)  

As I sat there in a semi state of shock, I remembered what Yeshim had told me about her own battle and how she had won the victory. So, I looked up the word Victory.  

Victory - Triumph over an enemy in battle.  

Now that put a smile on my face, because I knew that when ever I was victorious, I would receive trophy. So I looked up the word Trophy.  

Trophy - Something which is kept in memory of a victory  

When I heard the words "Which Is Kept", it occurred to me that you are all trophies  

Because, You have been kept. You have been kept in memory of a victory. You have gone from:  

Terror to Triumph

From victim to victory

From surviving to thriving

Yes, you have been kept in memory of a victory.  

And you are all trophies. You are trophies to your families and to all those who saw you through to your victory. The Doctors, the nurses, the aides and the volunteers. To those who spoke a timely word of encouragement. But most importantly, you are trophies to yourself. For it is you who persevered and ultimately won the victory.

When people see you, they see a trophy, and they know that you were victorious over your enemy. And when they hear you speak, they are inspired, empowered, motivated and challenged by your message.  

In the eyes of the world, you are ALL winners, and as winners, you posses the characteristics that define one:  

●   Winners Set Goals, and pursue them with passion

●   Winners have Mentors and a Strong Support Network

●   Winners are problem solvers and help Others to Succeed,

●   Winners have Confidence, and Take Risks

●   Winners Make a Difference, and Never Give Up  

As a cancer survivor, you have a purpose and a mission for your life. And those with a purpose must fulfill it and those with a mission must share it. Because those with a mission have a message and those with a message will speak before others and inspire.  

So what will you do with your message? Your message of hope, courage and perseverance? Your message of victory and triumph? This is a message that must be shared and only you can share it.  

You're the winner who posses the trophy. You're the mentor and role model. You're the speaker who can inspire.  

I'm not here today to motivate you, but to challenge you to motivate and inspire others with your powerful stories of survival and victory.  

Each of you in this room have the ability to transfer the knowledge of the principals of success to others and then inspire them to act upon that knowledge and meld it into wisdom.  

I personally know the incredible feeling of standing on many a podium to receive my trophies of victory, but I am convinced that they do not even begin to compare to the incredible feelings you felt when you heard the words that you were victorious over your enemy and you became living trophies.  

I used to proudly brag about how many times I've cheated death.  

But you didn't cheat anything, you stood in the ring face to face, and toe to toe and not only fought, but defeated your enemies. And not one, but two, Cancer and Death.  

The first time I read your bios on the web site, I cried for hours. But not because of what you went through, but because of who you've become in the process.  

After reading all the bios, I realized there were 3 common denominators that every survivor in this room shares, and that is AMBITION, LOVE, and SERVITUDE.  

You are all so very ambitious, your filled with love and you have a servants heart. You fully understand The golden rule - Treat others the way they want to be treated.  

You are all light years ahead of you peers. You understand the power of unyielding faith, and you understand first hand the omnipotent power of persistence and determination.  

You have all learned to take 100% responsibility for your lives and without realizing it, you have applied the most powerful formula of success E + R = 0 to your life.  

It stands for Event + Response = Outcome and simply states that you only have 2 choices in how you respond to what life throws at you. You can either blame the events for your unfavorable outcomes, or you can look at the event and plan a response that will yield you the outcome you desire.  

You only have control over three things in life. And as you well know, events that happen are not one of them. Because none of you chose to have cancer, and none of you chose to loose limbs or eye sight.  

You can only control:

The thoughts you think

The images you visualize

The actions you take or your behaviors  

And how you manage these three things will determine every experience you have in life, whether positive or negative. The choice is yours, and the wonderful thing is, you have all demonstrated the ability to manage those 3 things. Instead of blaming, you chose to respond to the event in a way that yielded you a- positive outcome. .And I know this because of being angry and bitter, you all have great passion, ambition, love and a servants heart.  

So I stand here today and challenge you to commit with me to take your message of hope to your little part of the world. You don't have to personally change the whole world. Just do your part, and together, with our combined efforts, we can and will make a difference.  

Remember what I said:  

Those with a purpose must fulfill it

Those with a mission must share it

Because those with a mission have a message

And those with a message will speak before others and inspire  

Let me close by saying, today I call you my heroes, my mentors and my inspiration. And by the time I leave here today, I truly hope that I can call you my friends.”  

Visit Jim at his website: www.JimDriscoll.org

3-18-07

How to Raise Your Self-Belief

How the achievements of great people can change your thinking.

by Ruben Gonzalez

When I was 10 and started dreaming of competing in the Olympics, I did not think it was a possible dream. After all, I was not a great athlete. I was always the last kid picked to play sports in P.E.
    
I needed to start believing in myself in order to start taking action. Lack of self-belief results in fear of failure, and that's what keeps people from pursuing their dreams. After all, if you don't believe you can achieve your dream, why even try?  Once you believe, you are ready to commit to taking action. And believe me; success requires taking MASSIVE ACTION - for a long time. Unless you commit, you'll never make your dream come true.

To help my self-belief, dad got me to read biographies. Dad said, "Ruben, why don't you read some biographies - the stories of great people. If you read about the lives of people you look up to, people you admire, you'll learn what works and what doesn't work in life, because success leaves clues." Then he backed off and let the books work their magic.

I've already talked about finding success clues in the biographies of great people, and how I learned that successful people think differently.

The great thing for my self-belief was that I started to think differently. After reading the stories of people who had overcome great odds to realize their dreams, I realized that ordinary people could accomplish the extraordinary if they followed success principles. I realized that I could do it, too!

Put it into action:
Read the biography of a successful person. Read the Success Stories here at Success Magazine. If you don't like to read, tune in to the Biography Channel! Before long you'll start to believe that you can do it, too.

3-11-07

Set Your Goals

Many of you already are in your spring break and some will start next week. Congratulations! You all completed another half semester. How exciting that CSF will have many new graduates for the Spring of 2007. You all enjoy your break, rest and have lots of fun, but never forget about your goals and your purposes behind them.

When you have a free time please visit our website www.cancersurvivorsfund.org. We are growing and reaching many more young cancer survivors. We are receiving donations from Corporations, generous donors from other states, because of CSF’s stunning website. Our organization now is nationwide. You will see several winners from other states also. Visit the website and tell us what you think. Aren't you proud to be part of our CSF Family?

This is a perfect time for you to set your goals for rest of your Spring semester and further down for your education.

CSF's Advisor and our friend three-time Olympian Ruben Gonzalez is very big on "Goal Setting" Here is what he says: 

"The most successful people in the world are extremely goal oriented. They know exactly what they want, when they want and they are always focused on achieving it.

Goals keep you focused. They keep you from drifting through life with no purpose. It does not matter where you came from. What matters is where you are going. And, you determine where you are going by what you think about all the time.

The main difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is how they think. Successful people think and talk about what they want. Unsuccessful people think and talk about what they don't want. They talk about their obstacles all the time. Setting goals helps you keep thinking about where you want to go.

When you have clear goals you are perusing everyday, you will be more confident and more motivated. Your goals need to be clear, written and very specific when are you going to achieve them.

People who set goals live more meaningful and purposeful lives. They are more in control of their destiny and happiness. Goal setting is so powerful that I'll bet you get happy just thinking about achieving your goals.

What do you want to achieve? What do you have a burning desire for? Focus on WHY you have to have those goals. The WHY is the driving force.”

To watch Ruben in action visit: www.TheLugeMan.com 

3-4-07

The Champion's Creed

"Once you make a decision, the Universe conspires to make it happen" said Ralph Waldo Emerson. Your determination, consistency and perseverance will speed up the process to help you to reach your dreams. You all know that each and every one of you have the golden key of success in your hands. If you use it properly it will open the new doors for your future. All you have to do is act, act and act…

Our friend three-time Olympian Ruben Gonzales, who is a well known National Motivational speaker, created his famous "The Champion Creed" which was used by hundreds of thousands of students and businessman over the years. We need to reiterate this every day, in front of the mirror loud and clear. If we can convince the person in the mirror, we will become a CHAMPION in an unexpected time.

The Champion's Creed

"I have the will to win. I have the will to overcome handicaps and disappointments of any kind. I am emotionally strong and I understand that winning and losing are just part of the game. I set high goals and work hard to achieve them. I have the ability to summon great reserves to rise to the occasion.

I am a champion. I believe I will win. I am positive I will win. My attitude is one of cool, positive, aggressive confidence. I am emotionally strong. I don't let anything bother me. I just keep pushing on. I have courage. I have the ability and the will to get up off the floor and to come from behind to win. I never give up. I have tremendous concentration. I focus all my faculties on the job at hand.

I am a champion. I love the struggle. I love the competition. The tougher the competition the better. I stay relaxed and emotionally in control under any conditions.

I am a champion and I will win." ©2005 Ruben Gonzalez 

2-21-2007

Beginning Today

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday. It is in the past and the past will never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration. This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life. I value the gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others.

Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter. I will face challenges with courage and determination. I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self- improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time. Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness. Regardless of what has gone before. I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people. I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy... admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath... Pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer. I will change what I can and the rest I will let go. I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

Beginning today. And every day. ©1995 Penny White

2-18-2007

Walking Your Talk

This time we are sending you words of wisdom from three-time Olympian Ruben Gonzalez. He is a well known motivational speaker and writes articles for Success Magazine. Ruben is also in CSF's Advisory Board. If you live in Texas you will have the chance to shake hands with him at our Annual Gala.

“Leaders in every field agree that there is a shortage of people who get things done. People who get results. That is great news. It's an opportunity for all of us. What that means is that if you want to move up in your field, all you have to do is to start getting results.

So how do you do that? By becoming a person of action. Massive action!

Having good ideas is not enough. Even having great ideas is not enough. Ideas are a dime a dozen. However, people that implement ideas are priceless. Everything that exists in this world is the product of an idea that was acted upon. Even the chair you're sitting in!

Successful people are active. They get it done. They don't waste any time. They have an urgency about them. Passive people are not successful. Passive people procrastinate. Put things off. They wait for everything to be perfect before acting.”

Commitment creates opportunity. Stop talking and start doing!

2-11-2007

Learn to Control Your Thoughts

If you learn to control your thoughts (and your feelings come from your thoughts), then you learn to control your feelings, emotions which they control your actions. Your actions, daily decisions and working habits control your future. It may sounds very simple. But, it is that simple!!!

If you are going to chance a habit, you must be the treatment. Sometimes you forget your purpose and allow your thoughts to take you to the wrong directions. No one can create anger or stress with in you. Only you can do that by virtue of how you process your world.

Here are few great thoughts from Dr. Wayne W. Dyer:

“Thoughts, when properly nourished and internalized, will become a reality in your world of form. Thoughts are extremely powerful things. The whole universal system is held together through love, harmony and cooperation. If you use your thoughts according to these principles, you can transcend anything that gets in your way. Positive thoughts keep you in harmony with the Universe.”

“In order to make a visualization a reality in the world of form, you must be willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. Every obstacle is a test to measure your endurance.”  

Wayne W. Dyer PH.D. is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self development. 

Have a healthy, successful and joyful week. Make things happen and allow yourself to get closer to your goals. 

2-4-2007

Believe in Yourself

Each one of us has busy schedules and has to care of many things at the same time. There are times that we don't know what to do. Decision making is not an easy thing to do. I remember my parents instilling the idea in my soul “When your mind is full of indecision, try thinking with your heart.” 

Many times people will tell us what we cannot do rather than what we can do. The greatest payback is to accomplish what others say you cannot do.

There is one person in this world you will always depend on: yourself. If at first you don't succeed try setting more realistic goals.

“Remember: you are the only person who thinks in your mind! You are the power and authority in your world.” Louise Ha

“One of my rules is: Never try to do anything. Just do it!” Ani Difranco

“Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say: I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.” Ann Landers

Don't strive to be better than others, strive to be your best self. Practice to do your best every day. What happens? Your best gets better and better. There are no impossible dreams, just our limited perception of what is possible.

1-28-2007

Be A Volunteer

Robin Sharma who is one of North America's top keynote speakers on personal leadership and life management. He believes and encourages volunteerism for humanitarian reasons and personal and professional growth. These are his thoughts:

I find a great deal of wisdom in the ancient Persian proverb: “I wept because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet.” It is so easy to magnify our problems and loose sight of the many blessings we all have to be very grateful for. Giving the gift of your time by volunteering to serve those who have less than you is an excellent way to remind yourself on a regular basis of the abundance that exists in your life.

After a keynote speech on leadership I delivered to the sales team of a large insurance company, a man came up to me and told me he was one of the firm’s top producers. One of the reason for his success, he said was his habit of spending a few hours a week helping those less fortunate than he was. “Seeing what others don't have keeps me awake to all the good things I do have. It prevents me from taking things for granted and, even more important, helps me make a difference in the lives of people who really need me.”

French physician Albert Schweitzer observed, “I don't know what your destiny will be but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be happy and successful are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote, “One can never pay gratitude, one can pay 'in kind' somewhere else in life” Your volunteering affords to help others, will give you the chance pay back the debt to those who have helped you.

Robin Sharma, is the author of "The Monk Who sold his Ferrari" and other books. For more information visit www.robinsharma.com

Since 1999 CSF encourages its students to get involved with any type of volunteer work they like. It is an integral part of your success, happiness and leadership. What kind of a volunteer work you are doing and how many hours a week you invest to help others?

It is our job to make a difference in young cancer survivors’ life and it is your job to find opportunities to serve others.

1-21-2007 

Always Set Goals

The purpose of goals is to focus our attention and give us direction. The mind will not look for answers until it has a clear direction. When you have a crystal-clear goal, magic happens. You start receiving ideas and thoughts that will lead you to your goal. Life without goals is boring. A life filled with goals is an exciting adventure.

 Write your goals down on 3x5 cards and put them several places that you can see everyday. Miracles start happening when you put your goals down on paper. Your subconscious mind starts trying to figure out the ways to make your goals become reality.

In 1960, Harvard Business School did a study of their graduates 20 years after they had graduated. They found the top 3% money makers made as much money as the other 97% put together. The only difference between the two groups was the top 3% had always written and regularly read their goals. As a result, everything they did on a day-to-day basis was focused on reaching their goals." From Three-Time Olympian Ruben Gonzalez’ book "The Inner Game of Success."

We believe in you! Each one of you has the desire and courage to be successful in your own studies. Are you headed in the right direction? You are the only one who can decide on this important issue.

1-14-2007  

Take a Chance

Here is such an encouraging subject by three-time Olympian and much celebrated motivational and inspirational speaker. Ruben is in CSF's Advisory Board. We all are hoping that he will be joining us on March 24 for CSF's Annual Breakfast and on April 27 at our Annual Gala. Mark the dates.  

"The most successful people in the world are risk takers. As soon as they see the opportunity, they move quickly and make things happen. They have a special quality that sets them apart from less successful people. They take initiative in everything they do.  

Successful people accept responsibility and take action when they see something needs to be done. They move quickly. They don't suffer from paralysis of analysis. They do anything that will get them closer to their goals.

By taking action-massive action- they build momentum and soon good things start to happen. One of my business mentors says: 'Most people need to think less and act more.' Another of my mentors says: 'Done is better than perfect, do it now and perfect it later.' 

Don't worry when you fail, we all fall forward to success. Just single-mindedly focusing on your top priorities will determine how much you accomplish." Ruben Gonzalez from his book "The Inner Game of Success"  

We wish you first healthy, then a successful and joyful Spring Semester. Just do your best every day and your best will get better and better. Please feel free to contact us via email or phone whenever you need us.

1-5-2007

Happy New Year!

We all are grateful having lived another great year. A year full of many successes, some failures, a few setbacks, happy days and maybe some sad days, the expected and unexpected. We all learned again and again that: "A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins." That is why each one of us has tried to find the way to overcome all the obstacles in our way. We all learned to appreciate the hardships which made us stronger and better. Success and Happiness have one strong bond together. They both are the choices that we can create with our own desire and own will.

Yes, 2007 will be our best year ever! Henry Ford said that “You can do anything if you have enthusiasm." He also said that: "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you are right." Let us concentrate what we can do and do it. Success comes in cans!!!

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." Henry David Thoreau

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not lack of knowledge, but rather lack of will." Vince Lombardi

"When they talk about success they talk about reaching the top. Well... there is no top. You've got to go on... not stop at any point." James Dean

Things don't just happen; we have the ability to make them happen. Each one of us has the key in our hands to be successful and happy. Go for it!!!

Our best wishes for 2007

12-10-2006

Success Is A Daring Adventure

We received emails from many of you during the 2006 Fall finals. We are proud of your determination to try harder and become better than yourselves. Your continued efforts are raising the bar for today and tomorrow for YOUR FUTURE. Enjoy reading the proverbs below from famous people we specially picked for you all. If you memorize your favorite ones, surprisingly you will find yourself applying them to your own life.

“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

“Success is how you bounce when you hit the bottom." GEORGE PATTON

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

“Expect the best; convert problems into opportunities; be dissatisfied with the status quo; focus on where you want to go, instead of where you're coming from; and most importantly, decide to be happy and successful, knowing that they are the attitudes and habits that we gain from daily practice, and not a result or payoff.” DENIS WHATLEY

You have come such a long way. Keep believing in yourself and have faith in your abilities. Your victory is waiting for you!!!

Drop us an email after your finals and with one short paragraph to share your thoughts of what made you successful at 2006 Fall semester and what was the most important thing you have learned? If you are a graduate and already working in your career or a senior graduating in 2007 and had successful interviews, share them with your CSF Family. Your powerful thoughts can start a spark in an average student’s heart. One of the best gifts in life is to give courage and inspiration to the others, especially if this comes from a fellow CSF Student. It will be priceless. We cannot wait to hear from you.

11-19-2006

The 8th Habit

Being effective is no longer an option — in today's world it's a requirement. In order to thrive, innovate and lead, we must move beyond effectiveness and into greatness. In today's new reality our challenge is to find our voice and inspire others to find theirs. It is what Stephen Covey calls The 8th Habit. In it we will find the answer for our soul's yearning for greatness.

 Here’s a brief review from his latest book:

 “1. DISCOVER OUR VOICE. We were given magnificent “birth gifts” — talents, capacities, privileges, intelligences, opportunities — that would remain unopened except through our own decision and effort. Three most important gifts are: 1) Our freedom and power to choose, 2) Natural laws and principles, which are universal and never change, 3) Our four intelligences/capacities — physical/social/mental and spiritual symbolized by body, heart, mind and spirit.

2. EXPRESS OUR VOICE by cultivating your highest human intelligences — vision, discipline, passion, and conscience. They rule the world.

3. INSPIRE OTHERS TO FIND THEIR VOICE. Be a leader — communicate to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.

4. FOCUS AND EXECUTE. Focus deals with what matters most, and execution deals with making it happen.”

Always remember our habits can make or break us! Success is a habit. Cultivate it on daily basis.

“We must become the change we seek in the world” —GANDHI

11-05-2006

11-11-2006

10-29-2006

Don't Put A Small Value On Yourself

Everything starts with an idea. Following our ideas with one action after another will lead us to the new paths in life. Every new path has tremendous new opportunities. Are you watching what is going on around you while you are totally focused on what you are doing?

This time we decided to share some of our favorite quotes with you. Read them several times, and memorize the ones you truly loved. Whenever you are in a difficult situation, remember them. Program your mind, your internal computer, with great quotes and positive thoughts.

"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen" Ralph Waldo Emerson

"If you put a small value on yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price" Anonymous

"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" Will Rogers

"Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed." Michael Pritchard

"Take a chance. All life is a chance. The man who goes the furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare" Dale Carnegie

We challenge each and every one of you to dare as far as you can go. Stretching ourselves from our comfort zone will lead us to grow in many ways. Go for it!!!

10-16-2006

Develop Your Courage to Succeed

"Our life, happiness and success expands or shrinks in the proportion to one's courage" said Anais Nin. How true it is... if we develop our courage, we can control our destiny.

 Courage means becoming bigger than our circumstances. Courage is not absence of fear. It is acting in spite of our fear. To succeed in life we need two types of courage. The courage to take ACTION and the courage to ENDURE.

The courage to take ACTION comes from believing in ourselves. The courage to ENDURE comes from our endless desire to succeed.

We should be prepared to expect our troubles as being integral parts of our existence and look at them as temporary setbacks. When they come our way, which they will.... we have to learn hold our head high and say: "I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me"

We believe in each and every one of YOU!!! Remember, "IF YOU WANT MORE, YOU HAVE TO BECOME MORE" 

10-7-2006

Believe that everything happens for a reason

During the hard times we may not realize that we are on the road to have a better life. Emotional and physical hardship, even suffering are part of our personal growth and they help us to find out more about ourselves. During the process, we discover who we are and what the true meaning of life is.

It is not what happens to us, but how we take it. During the hard times we may have more pain and feel lonely. But in the process, we learn to develop patience, tolerance, self respect and self discipline. After all we are trying to do the things that most people don't want and cannot do. "Tough times don't last, but tough people do." 

Always remember, a successful person is an ordinary person with an extraordinary determination. I know for sure that YOU ARE AN EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG PERSON with many dreams. We will always be behind you to help you to reach your dreams!!! Positive attitude and action will be the key for your success.

Believe that everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Learn to look for the silver lining. There are powerful lessons to be learned from every challenge. Challenges are there to show us to learn the lessons we need on the road to achieving our dreams.

"I always turn every disaster into an opportunity." John Rockefeller.

10-1-2006

Your Habits Will Make or Break You

Sometimes in our lives one thing after another goes wrong. Naturally we feel frustrated, sad even angry... At that time we may not realize that we are on the road to have a better life. These emotional and even physical hardships was necessary for our personal growth and find out more about ourselves. We discover our growing inner strength and personal mission in our lives.

It is not what happens to us in life, but how we take it. During the hardships we may feel more pain and may feel lonely. But also learn to develop more patience, tolerance, self respect and self discipline. After all we are trying to do the things that most people don't want and cannot do. 

Remember a successful person is an ordinary person with an extraordinary determination. I know for sure that YOU ARE AN EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG PERSON with many dreams. We will always be behind you to help you to reach your dreams!!! Action and action and action will be the key for your success.

Believe that everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Learn to look for the silver lining behind every cloud. There are powerful lessons to be learned from every challenge. Challenges are there to slow us down long enough for us to learn lessons we need to learn on the road to our dreams.

9-10-2006

THINK EMPOWERING THOUGHTS

What you think determines what you do. What you consistently think about will determine where you end up. That is the reason why associating with like-minded people is so important. By creating a dream team and regularly associating with them, you will set yourself up to succeed by positive peer-pressure. What is going on in the inside shows up on the outside.

Motivational Messages - 2010

Motivational Messages - 2009

Motivational Messages - 2008