2. What were 5 of the most challenging obstacles in your life?

I was fortunate to be challenged by poverty; stuttering; racism; raised in a single-parent home; and "being different." While having to prove myself for 69 years, I still thrive on the challenge. My dreams remain a lot larger than those of my doubters, especially since I know my why; set relevant goals; and mastered the challenges. I also learned  when and where to adjust the related actions to get the desired results.

3. Why did you want to change?

In March 1987, I was a very successful career professional; however, my personal life was in dire need of attention.  I sought out virtual mentors who were where I wanted to be -- successful but within self; good work ethics; life balance; and fiscal control.  Over a 10-year span, I spent $10,000s on books, compact discs, magazines and seminars to enhance my personal and career development. Even in retirement, I still invest in my self-growth.

4. What tools and resources helped you to change?

I used books; cassette tapes; compact discs; magazines; opportunity meetings; and, asking questions. My breakthrough came as a result of finding virtual mentors (not in my family or the same zip code) who were where I wanted to be. Most importantly, they had mastered career, community building, money and giving back skills.

5. Who were some of your Virtual Mentors and what did they teach you?

Thanks to Earl Nightingale, Jim Rohn, Les Brown, Randy Gage, Jerry Clark and a few others ... I learned how to identify my why; commit to related core lifestyle beliefs; and, persistently focus on improving the related behaviors as I faced obstacles to achieving them.

6. What were your key action steps to change?

I created a more focused personal vision; kept my heart and gut aligned with my goals; said yes to my dreams; and, decided these changes were part of my life transformation. I did not treat any of this as an event, but as a process to work until I leave this earth.

7. What is the significance of your seven core lifestyle pillars?

Over the years, I learned the powers of focus, relevancy, and simplicity on which my lifestyle pillars are based. Everyone must: (1) work (career); (2) be involved where we work and live (community); (3) manage money and our resources (finance); (4) live mindfully (health and wellness); (5) be involved with others (relationships); (6) believe in someone or something higher (spirituality); and, (7) get away beyond their zip native code (travel).

Since my high school days, some of these pillars were in my subconsciousness and rose to great importance during my March 1987 transformation. They remain the cornerstone of my life transformation. I adjust them as needed to succeed, but never will change them. Focusing on them has ensured I did not retire sick or broke.

8. How can you help me?

You can learn from my answers to the above topics. Also, take heed of my credo since 1978 (college student): "don't let anyone steal what is in your head, in your heart, or in your gut. For when you let them, you have given up your destiny." Also, remember that "opportunity + choices = lifestyle." There aren't too many chances to redo life.

9. Where is more proof of your successes?

You must prove to yourself that changes in your life will make a difference for you and your family. My goal is to provide resources, which when dutifully applied. can help you keep your goals larger than your obstacles. You still must do the work. I am unsure about you, but it took me over 30 years and many heartaches, changes, disappointments, etc. to realize my dreams on a consistent basis. 

Click here to get my Career CV.

10. What happens if I don't do anything?

Quite simply this quote from one of my Virtual Mentors will apply to you: “The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry our their dream.” Les Brown's Live Your Dreams via my Amazon link.