Upon my mom's recommendation last week, I went to the library and picked up a copy of Andre Agassi's autobiography, Open. Of course, you know how I love Maria Sharapova. But Andre, he was truly my first tennis hero. There are countless reasons that I've felt connected to Agassi over the years. I loved him equally when he was a "rebel" as well as when he cut off that famous mane that seemingly defined him for years, and really turned up the intensity on his tennis career. More on this to come. Before the story begins, Open includes a profound quote that just struck me hard. Right in the gut.
“One cannot tell what it is that keeps us in, confines us, seems to bury us, but still one feels certain barriers, certain gates, certain walls. Is all this imagination, fantasy? I do not think so. And then one asks: My God! Is it for long, is it for ever, is it for eternity? Do you know what frees one from this captivity? It is very deep serious affection. Being friends, being brothers, love, that is what opens the prison by supreme power, by some magic force.”
-Vincent van Gogh, letter to his brother, July 1880
So far I'm only a chapter in. Kinda in the middle of about 3 other books at the moment, too. But I'm enjoying it so far. So incredibly easy to relate to. That's probably the tennis player in me.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Saturday, May 30, 2009
the gods must be crazy... or happy
So we've been having quite a few earthquakes lately. Over my 9 years in Southern California, I can honestly say, I've only truly felt 2 earthquakes. There have been several nights when I woke up the next morning, thinking I had been dreaming of earthquakes, only to find out that there actually had been some tremors during the night. But only twice, did I have the come-to-Jesus experience.
The first time I ever knew in that moment, we were having an earthquake was almost a year ago. I was working in Anaheim Hills. I had left the office to go pick up some new printer cartridges and lunch. I was sitting at a stoplight, when my car began to shimmy a bit. At first I thought it was a mechanical problem. I remembered by first car, the Cherokee. That old thing used to idle so low that occasionally when I sat at a stop, it would cough a bit, give a little shudder, and then die.
But this time, it made no sense. Snow, my 350Z was only 3 years old, not to mention Japanese, so it shouldn't be having idle issues. Weird I thought. So I threw it into neutral, gave it some gas to rev the engine a bit, and waited for the green light. I got onto the freeway at Imperial, and then back off at Weir Canyon to do my shopping. As I waited at the light just before Staples, my car did it again. How strange for my car to be acting up like this. But it was incredibly hot that day, so I thought maybe Snow was just not used to the temperature. I completed my errands and went back to the office, and was greeted by the question from my co-workers... did I feel the earthquake? There had been a 5.5 earthquake in Diamond Bar minutes after I left, and then an aftershock 10 minutes later. Oooooooohhhhhhhh, THAT'S what that was. I was, of course, relieved to find out that there was nothing wrong with my car.
Later that afternoon we had another aftershock. I distinctly remember sitting alone in my office, thinking, "if this is it, I sure as hell don't want to die at Spec Seals." Less than 2 months later, I had a new job.
The second time I could feel the earth quaking was last Tuesday, the 19th. It was the same day I spoke to that recruiter. As I mentioned before, the idea to start my own business just about exploded out of my head as I got off the phone with her. As I frantically wrote down everything that came to mind, and the outline began to take shape, my arm began to tremble. Yes, I will have a business. Excitedly, I wrote down some more plans. I will be a consultant, but why is my arm throbbing right now? Am I overly excited, and about to have a heart attack? What the heck is going on? I looked at the dogs. Nikko was resting peacefully on my bed, while Keeno manned the underbed area. Pups were calm as ever, so I must be nuts. Back to my writing, and again, the involuntary movement. Now, is my whole body having tremors, or is this an earthquake?
A true sign of the times, I went straight to facebook to see if it was an earthquake, or what. Would it have made more sense to look at the USGS website? Yes, probably. But I did find my answer, repeated over and over my newsfeed. Apparently my friends are getting a little tired of the earthquakes lately... especially the ones that work in highrise buildings.
So there you go. I do think the gods are talking to us, and I am listening!
The first time I ever knew in that moment, we were having an earthquake was almost a year ago. I was working in Anaheim Hills. I had left the office to go pick up some new printer cartridges and lunch. I was sitting at a stoplight, when my car began to shimmy a bit. At first I thought it was a mechanical problem. I remembered by first car, the Cherokee. That old thing used to idle so low that occasionally when I sat at a stop, it would cough a bit, give a little shudder, and then die.
But this time, it made no sense. Snow, my 350Z was only 3 years old, not to mention Japanese, so it shouldn't be having idle issues. Weird I thought. So I threw it into neutral, gave it some gas to rev the engine a bit, and waited for the green light. I got onto the freeway at Imperial, and then back off at Weir Canyon to do my shopping. As I waited at the light just before Staples, my car did it again. How strange for my car to be acting up like this. But it was incredibly hot that day, so I thought maybe Snow was just not used to the temperature. I completed my errands and went back to the office, and was greeted by the question from my co-workers... did I feel the earthquake? There had been a 5.5 earthquake in Diamond Bar minutes after I left, and then an aftershock 10 minutes later. Oooooooohhhhhhhh, THAT'S what that was. I was, of course, relieved to find out that there was nothing wrong with my car.
Later that afternoon we had another aftershock. I distinctly remember sitting alone in my office, thinking, "if this is it, I sure as hell don't want to die at Spec Seals." Less than 2 months later, I had a new job.
The second time I could feel the earth quaking was last Tuesday, the 19th. It was the same day I spoke to that recruiter. As I mentioned before, the idea to start my own business just about exploded out of my head as I got off the phone with her. As I frantically wrote down everything that came to mind, and the outline began to take shape, my arm began to tremble. Yes, I will have a business. Excitedly, I wrote down some more plans. I will be a consultant, but why is my arm throbbing right now? Am I overly excited, and about to have a heart attack? What the heck is going on? I looked at the dogs. Nikko was resting peacefully on my bed, while Keeno manned the underbed area. Pups were calm as ever, so I must be nuts. Back to my writing, and again, the involuntary movement. Now, is my whole body having tremors, or is this an earthquake?
A true sign of the times, I went straight to facebook to see if it was an earthquake, or what. Would it have made more sense to look at the USGS website? Yes, probably. But I did find my answer, repeated over and over my newsfeed. Apparently my friends are getting a little tired of the earthquakes lately... especially the ones that work in highrise buildings.
So there you go. I do think the gods are talking to us, and I am listening!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
More on Teach for America, those phone calls, and my Master Plan!
So why start a business, when Teach for America seemed to be the logical next step?
As excited and passionate as I am about TFA, I don't believe it is my destiny. Without a doubt, it will remain a cause near and dear to my heart. I fully intend on supporting, promoting, and doing my little part to ensure the program's continued success. I just don't believe that my role is to actually be one of their teachers, especially if you consider that the application process is nearly a year long, and though you can select preferred cities to be placed in, there is no guarantee that you will be offered a position in your desired locale. Looking back on my passions and self-truths, especially the part about my love for the City of Angels, I knew my path was not leading me to Teach for America. But I truly look forward to the day they come and hit my business up for a donation, and I can say, YES!!
Let's get back to those phone calls for a moment. After I received the news from my boss, I was of course, upset. But there was also a strange feeling of relief battling for position with the uneasiness. There was an underlying calm, and little voice that told me not to worry. I was not scared. Then the fact that I was not afraid started to scare me. Go figure! HOLY CRAP, life would never be the same as I knew it, and yet I was not worried. Is there something wrong with me?
The best I can liken the feeling to is the day I moved to Los Angeles from Indiana. I was about to begin my freshman year at USC. It was mid-August, 1999, and I was a few days shy of my 18th birthday. I arrived in California, and my big brother picked me up at the airport. We were waiting at baggage claim for my luggage, and he asked me how I felt, whether I was excited, scared, or what? I told him calmly that I was happy, and ready. "That's it?" he asked, almost disappointed at my lack of enthusiasm. "Yeah, and I'm a tired," I responded. He laughed, and commented that my life was about to change, and he couldn't believe I didn't have more to say about that. I just smiled, and looked for my bags. It was then that he gave me the nickname Mellow Yellow. That's the first time attention was ever called to my gift.
Maybe I should have felt something more. Maybe my brother knew something more. Whatever the case, this inner calm has served me well in life, and it's only recently that I've begun to understand where it comes from: Logic, respect, and confidence. At times I've lost touch with the calm. We all do. But looking back on life thus far, I can honestly say my greatest victories have always coincided with my ability to summon the calm.
After I hung up with my boss, I almost immediately called my rock, Jeannine. She provided the first, positive words of encouragement, and dabbled in the realm of new options. She suggested that we open a restaurant, because people will always need to eat, and we both love food, and what could be more trustworthy than a business partnership with your best friend? Joking, or not, I felt better for talking to her, and the idea of having my own business was refreshed in my mind. It was not the first time I had considered doing my own thing, not by a long shot. But it was the first time the idea was proposed when I didn't have a stable day job to fall back on. For once, I would not have to walk away from anything to pursue my own business, but I was not yet sold.
A few hours later I spoke with my neighbor, Shawn. He encouraged me not to rush into making a plan. Instead, Shawn recommended that I begin taking notes on my passions, strengths and things that bring me happiness. He wanted me to think about following my heart, and not my wallet. I drove around that afternoon, pulling over every time the inspiration hit. I took pictures, dabbled notes, and slowly made my way home, all the while enjoying the calm. I looked, listened, and followed anything that caught my attention that day. I ended up sitting on an old cement bench and wrote the following:
The next chapter. Literally and figuratively. Today I open my eyes and begin the rest of my life. With the support of my friends, business associates, alumni connections, and my own self-determination. I set forth with more confidence than ever before, and I will succeed, and I will impact other people's lives for good. I have the tools and motivation to be the best me and extract the best in others. I will become richer in experience than money could ever afford me and through that expereince I will bring value to the world. To become complacent is human. To transcend the here and how is the challege. I accept wholeheartedly. And I know the power of my words. Written here, right now... I pledge to take action. I will do this. You'll see.
I was not sure what to think of all this. Rather than try to make sense of it, I promised myself to embrace it and listen to my inner voice, and be constantly looking for ways to put it all into action. As I wrote, I began to think that someday I too, could write an inspirational book, like the ones I've been reading lately. I've never had aspirations of becoming a writer, but as I considered the impact my words and story could have on someone else, the idea didn't seem like such a longshot. Next step, go out and make myself a huge success so that people want to read about how I did it!
A few days went by and my ideas were hitting a brick wall. Other than painting and sketching, teaching art, playing tennis, coaching, travelling to exotic locations, becoming a dayspa or food critic, spending time with friends and family and miraculously figuring out a way to train Jeannine's dogs... I had no concrete idea what the heck I wanted to do.
There were a few business plans that I had considered in the past:
1) Starting an after-school tennis program for kids in South Central with the endorsement of the Williams sisters, since they are from here. Alternate options included getting the support of long-time philanthropist and my first tennis hero, Andre Agassi, or somehow pursuading Maria Sharapova that her involvement in something like this would do wonders for her popularity and public perception... as if she needs it.
2) Taking a lesson from my friend Oli's book, and pioneering an Emagine program of my own. Again, a seriously lofty goal, for which I don't really have the proper training... and more than anything, I think I like the idea of it, and the end result is obviously desirable. But without any background in education, I don't think this is what I'm meant to do.
3) Going the complete opposite end of the spectrum and designing the most frivolously high-end luxury country club for Marina del Rey, so the residents of this wonderful place don't ever have to battle traffic to get to Mountaingate or Bel Air, or Brentwood, or Beverly Hills Country Club, or anywhere else. Aside from the fact that this last option is so ridiculous and unneccessary, I decided that it did absolutely no good for the community, and thus, would get me no closer to leaving my positive mark on the world.
Back to the drawing board. Next plan was to tap into the various social, professional and personal networks I've built over the years, get myself another regular job. But this time it would be different. I would keep considering what I wanted to do that would make my heart sing... later on, and make the move when I knew what I really wanted.
I called my old contact, the recruiter. She asked me questions about my area of expertise, and I told her that I was interested in trying to get into sales of something other than O-Rings. I explained to her that now, since I had outside sales experience, I should be well qualified to sell anything. Her take was, you should stick to selling what you know about. I obviously didn't like her feeling, but she is the recruiter, so I agreed, because I did not want to show her any disrespect.
As soon as I hung up with her, the wheels started turning, and my Master Plan was born. I didn't need a recruiter to get me another job I'm not passionate about. Hell No! I would heed part of her advice, and follow my strengths. Let's see... I have a business degree, solid sales experience, a strong network of contacts, at least a handful of past customers who believe in me enough to offer me jobs, even in this crappy economy. As the recruiter brought to my attention, I know O-Rings. But more than that, I have an idea how O-Ring distrubutors do business. What if, rather than working for one of my old customers, I could provide value to ALL of my past customers? What if I could provide them with more economical ways of running their business, while still maintaining the integrity of their core beliefs? What if I could build myself a team of allies to support the areas I don't have expertise in, and focus solely on what I am good at? The answers were all Yes.
I will be a business consultant! Not only that, but I will be a different kind of consultant than anyone had ever seen. I will offer my services for free, at least until I have built up enough of a customer base to sustain the business on referrals, and then I will consider charging an up-front fee. I will target small businesses that are struggling in this economy, and I will be paid solely on a percentage of the projected money I will save the business. There is zero cost to the business owner to have me take a look. After thorough analysis, I will submit my proposals, with due respect to any elements the owner deems non-negotiable and intrinsic to the nature of their company.
I called my brother. I was not planning on mentioning anything about my business idea to him, but then the words just started spilling out. The feedback was positive, complete confidence in my idea, with only one question. Will I be able to sustain myself until the money starts rolling in? A very good point, and certainly one that must be considered thoroughly. In the end I decided that if I had to, I could take on a part-time bartending job at night. That would keep my days free for appointments and phone calls, while bringing in enough to live on, with the added bonus of additional networking opportunities with the people I would inevitably meet at the bar.
We said goodbye, I got out a notepad and began frantically writing down all the words, ideas, alliances, potential roadblocks, possible criticisms, and any other random thoughts that came to mind. Yes, it's all happening...
As excited and passionate as I am about TFA, I don't believe it is my destiny. Without a doubt, it will remain a cause near and dear to my heart. I fully intend on supporting, promoting, and doing my little part to ensure the program's continued success. I just don't believe that my role is to actually be one of their teachers, especially if you consider that the application process is nearly a year long, and though you can select preferred cities to be placed in, there is no guarantee that you will be offered a position in your desired locale. Looking back on my passions and self-truths, especially the part about my love for the City of Angels, I knew my path was not leading me to Teach for America. But I truly look forward to the day they come and hit my business up for a donation, and I can say, YES!!
Let's get back to those phone calls for a moment. After I received the news from my boss, I was of course, upset. But there was also a strange feeling of relief battling for position with the uneasiness. There was an underlying calm, and little voice that told me not to worry. I was not scared. Then the fact that I was not afraid started to scare me. Go figure! HOLY CRAP, life would never be the same as I knew it, and yet I was not worried. Is there something wrong with me?
The best I can liken the feeling to is the day I moved to Los Angeles from Indiana. I was about to begin my freshman year at USC. It was mid-August, 1999, and I was a few days shy of my 18th birthday. I arrived in California, and my big brother picked me up at the airport. We were waiting at baggage claim for my luggage, and he asked me how I felt, whether I was excited, scared, or what? I told him calmly that I was happy, and ready. "That's it?" he asked, almost disappointed at my lack of enthusiasm. "Yeah, and I'm a tired," I responded. He laughed, and commented that my life was about to change, and he couldn't believe I didn't have more to say about that. I just smiled, and looked for my bags. It was then that he gave me the nickname Mellow Yellow. That's the first time attention was ever called to my gift.
Maybe I should have felt something more. Maybe my brother knew something more. Whatever the case, this inner calm has served me well in life, and it's only recently that I've begun to understand where it comes from: Logic, respect, and confidence. At times I've lost touch with the calm. We all do. But looking back on life thus far, I can honestly say my greatest victories have always coincided with my ability to summon the calm.
After I hung up with my boss, I almost immediately called my rock, Jeannine. She provided the first, positive words of encouragement, and dabbled in the realm of new options. She suggested that we open a restaurant, because people will always need to eat, and we both love food, and what could be more trustworthy than a business partnership with your best friend? Joking, or not, I felt better for talking to her, and the idea of having my own business was refreshed in my mind. It was not the first time I had considered doing my own thing, not by a long shot. But it was the first time the idea was proposed when I didn't have a stable day job to fall back on. For once, I would not have to walk away from anything to pursue my own business, but I was not yet sold.
A few hours later I spoke with my neighbor, Shawn. He encouraged me not to rush into making a plan. Instead, Shawn recommended that I begin taking notes on my passions, strengths and things that bring me happiness. He wanted me to think about following my heart, and not my wallet. I drove around that afternoon, pulling over every time the inspiration hit. I took pictures, dabbled notes, and slowly made my way home, all the while enjoying the calm. I looked, listened, and followed anything that caught my attention that day. I ended up sitting on an old cement bench and wrote the following:
The next chapter. Literally and figuratively. Today I open my eyes and begin the rest of my life. With the support of my friends, business associates, alumni connections, and my own self-determination. I set forth with more confidence than ever before, and I will succeed, and I will impact other people's lives for good. I have the tools and motivation to be the best me and extract the best in others. I will become richer in experience than money could ever afford me and through that expereince I will bring value to the world. To become complacent is human. To transcend the here and how is the challege. I accept wholeheartedly. And I know the power of my words. Written here, right now... I pledge to take action. I will do this. You'll see.
I was not sure what to think of all this. Rather than try to make sense of it, I promised myself to embrace it and listen to my inner voice, and be constantly looking for ways to put it all into action. As I wrote, I began to think that someday I too, could write an inspirational book, like the ones I've been reading lately. I've never had aspirations of becoming a writer, but as I considered the impact my words and story could have on someone else, the idea didn't seem like such a longshot. Next step, go out and make myself a huge success so that people want to read about how I did it!
A few days went by and my ideas were hitting a brick wall. Other than painting and sketching, teaching art, playing tennis, coaching, travelling to exotic locations, becoming a dayspa or food critic, spending time with friends and family and miraculously figuring out a way to train Jeannine's dogs... I had no concrete idea what the heck I wanted to do.
There were a few business plans that I had considered in the past:
1) Starting an after-school tennis program for kids in South Central with the endorsement of the Williams sisters, since they are from here. Alternate options included getting the support of long-time philanthropist and my first tennis hero, Andre Agassi, or somehow pursuading Maria Sharapova that her involvement in something like this would do wonders for her popularity and public perception... as if she needs it.
2) Taking a lesson from my friend Oli's book, and pioneering an Emagine program of my own. Again, a seriously lofty goal, for which I don't really have the proper training... and more than anything, I think I like the idea of it, and the end result is obviously desirable. But without any background in education, I don't think this is what I'm meant to do.
3) Going the complete opposite end of the spectrum and designing the most frivolously high-end luxury country club for Marina del Rey, so the residents of this wonderful place don't ever have to battle traffic to get to Mountaingate or Bel Air, or Brentwood, or Beverly Hills Country Club, or anywhere else. Aside from the fact that this last option is so ridiculous and unneccessary, I decided that it did absolutely no good for the community, and thus, would get me no closer to leaving my positive mark on the world.
Back to the drawing board. Next plan was to tap into the various social, professional and personal networks I've built over the years, get myself another regular job. But this time it would be different. I would keep considering what I wanted to do that would make my heart sing... later on, and make the move when I knew what I really wanted.
I called my old contact, the recruiter. She asked me questions about my area of expertise, and I told her that I was interested in trying to get into sales of something other than O-Rings. I explained to her that now, since I had outside sales experience, I should be well qualified to sell anything. Her take was, you should stick to selling what you know about. I obviously didn't like her feeling, but she is the recruiter, so I agreed, because I did not want to show her any disrespect.
As soon as I hung up with her, the wheels started turning, and my Master Plan was born. I didn't need a recruiter to get me another job I'm not passionate about. Hell No! I would heed part of her advice, and follow my strengths. Let's see... I have a business degree, solid sales experience, a strong network of contacts, at least a handful of past customers who believe in me enough to offer me jobs, even in this crappy economy. As the recruiter brought to my attention, I know O-Rings. But more than that, I have an idea how O-Ring distrubutors do business. What if, rather than working for one of my old customers, I could provide value to ALL of my past customers? What if I could provide them with more economical ways of running their business, while still maintaining the integrity of their core beliefs? What if I could build myself a team of allies to support the areas I don't have expertise in, and focus solely on what I am good at? The answers were all Yes.
I will be a business consultant! Not only that, but I will be a different kind of consultant than anyone had ever seen. I will offer my services for free, at least until I have built up enough of a customer base to sustain the business on referrals, and then I will consider charging an up-front fee. I will target small businesses that are struggling in this economy, and I will be paid solely on a percentage of the projected money I will save the business. There is zero cost to the business owner to have me take a look. After thorough analysis, I will submit my proposals, with due respect to any elements the owner deems non-negotiable and intrinsic to the nature of their company.
I called my brother. I was not planning on mentioning anything about my business idea to him, but then the words just started spilling out. The feedback was positive, complete confidence in my idea, with only one question. Will I be able to sustain myself until the money starts rolling in? A very good point, and certainly one that must be considered thoroughly. In the end I decided that if I had to, I could take on a part-time bartending job at night. That would keep my days free for appointments and phone calls, while bringing in enough to live on, with the added bonus of additional networking opportunities with the people I would inevitably meet at the bar.
We said goodbye, I got out a notepad and began frantically writing down all the words, ideas, alliances, potential roadblocks, possible criticisms, and any other random thoughts that came to mind. Yes, it's all happening...
Monday, May 25, 2009
New Beginnings
And so it begins... a new day, a new chapter, a world of new opportunities.
A new beginning.
Today is the start of something truly incredible, and I'm so happy you've decided to join me on my journey.
10 days ago, my world was flipped on it's side. The phone call came as I sipped my morning coffee. Just moments after I declared to my friend, RJ, that Teach for America looked like an amazing opportunity, and a real chance to make a difference in our country, and our nation’s future, in fact. I was looking at their website so I could better explain the program to a friend of ours who has aspirations of becoming a teacher, but would be at least a couple of years away from doing so, unless he were to join a program like Teach for America.
And then it happened, my boss called me up. His tone, though positive at first, quickly turned quiet. A brief pause, and then…
Recession.
Terrible economy.
I hate to have to do this.
I like you.
I think you’ve done a great job, but.
I have to lay you off.
Any recommendation I can provide, I will.
Of course at this point, I am convinced all the blood in my body rushed straight to my ears. I could not hear much else that was said. Just the thumping sound, and the heat, as it flowed into my ears, and then the chill, as the blood all ran straight out of my head. No wonder, they always ask “are you sitting down?”
First I was upset. I couldn’t understand how outstanding performance review could ever find it’s way into the same sentence as cut-backs. Then I was a little panicked. How would I be able to make rent, my car payment, continue to eat, and still afford designer sunglasses? Then I was sad. I loved my job. Enjoyed almost all of my customers, and even liked my co-workers a lot, too. Heck, I’ve been surrounded by a lot of the same people for almost 5 years now. Clients had become friends, and over time I had become pretty knowledgeable, and gotten good at what I did.
So now what? Of course, my initial reaction was to summon the force of the Trojan Network, and find out which USC alums had a position available for me. Then I considered tapping into my old customer base for a job. Ultimately, I made 4 phone calls which I am convinced, will forever change the course of my future… and potentially yours, if you’ve read this far.
I called my best friend, Jeannine. I called my neighbor, Shawn. I called a recruiter I once worked with. And I called my brother, John. The advice and ideas hatched in each of these phone calls (combined with the teachings enjoyed over the course of the last few books I have read) planted little seeds that only needed a few days to germinate before smacking me over the head with a plan.
There are a few things I know, with unmistakable certainty to be true of myself:
I am honest.
I am loyal.
I am creative.
I am logical.
I am practical.
I bring positive energy to those around me.
I thrive on making a measurable difference.
I love to give.
I am addicted to
I am bound for great things.
I will succeed.
Though I went to school for, and earned a business degree, I never wanted to have my own company. The "stability" of working for someone else always sounded far safer. I never minded making money for other people, as long as I was compensated fairly for my efforts. It was all pretty easy, and don’t forget, I was good at my job. I was comfortable, and happy, and probably would have stayed in that easy place for quite some time if I had not been forced to move along.
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -FDR
Fear is crippling. Fear keeps you in the "safe" zone, and limits your potential. Fear is your enemy. I used to think that a healthy dose of fear was necessary, but I have come to realize that fear is not what you need, it's respect. The beauty of respect is that, unlike fear, respect can give back and remain in balance. Consider the ocean. If you are afraid of the ocean, you may never go in the water. Or if you do venture in, you might be paralyzed with anxiety, which clouds your thinking and judgment, which then puts you at risk. Whereas if you respect the ocean, you understand the tides, and the waves, and in all likelihood know enough not to try body-surfing at a break like Pipeline (for those of you who don't know, think massive pummeling waves, breaking over a shallow razor-sharp reef). You wouldn't want to body-surf there at all, and chances are, unless you're either insane, or a professional you wouldn't even consider trying to get out there on a board either.
Pro surfers like Kelly Slater and Andy Irons understand big waves, and I guarantee you the word respect is always in the forefront of their minds. Nearly 18 years ago, a young (but already hugely successful - 4 time U.S. Amateur Surfing Champ) 19 year old Kelly made his stance known in People Magazine. "You've got to respect the ocean, and you can't think you can beat Mother Nature," he says. "Or for that matter, mother." Smart, and funny too, no wonder this guy is such a huge success.
When I tell someone that Maria Sharapova is my favorite professional tennis player, I know their first reaction is to believe that I love her because she is incredibly successful and beautiful. But when I go on to explain what draws me to her actually has nothing to do with her tennis or good looks, you can imagine the looks of incredulity that I receive.
It's not that Maria won
I’m certainly not the only one who took notice of Maria’s gift. "At 17, to have that ability already, it's pretty amazing," said Andy Roddick. Even moreso than her natural skill, Andy could see the promise in her attitude, "it's almost like she expects it.” And, that confidence, I believe, is what it’s all about.
So it is in the spirit of that 17 year old that I embark upon this new journey. I invite you to read along, and follow my progress as I start my own business, and experience the growing pains only felt when immediate and overnight success are achieved. :) Watch as I tackle the obstacles which people will try to throw in my path. And please make no mistake, this is one freight train that’s never turning back. You're either on board, or you might get run over. Oh, and please feel free to add fuel to the fire!
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