If I can do it, any ordinary Joe can, (no offense to any Joes).

Earlier in my life, I was foreman of a door and roof truss plant. We made pre-hung doors and manufactured wood trusses for houses. A large saw was used to cut the wood for the trusses. Very dangerous. One of the fellows running the machine took a shortcut one day and replaced a bolt with something he should not have. Unfortunately, he got caught in the device. His arm was forcibly removed from the socket and his body. Giant clamps cut off his airway. Thanks to quick reactions by a couple of coworkers he was given CPR until EMTs arrived. They saved his life. However, his arm could not be saved. The story does not have a happy ending. He spent his whole life bitter about the accident, blamed everyone but himself. Sued everybody he could. He was a mean and angry man. I am not judging him. I do not know how I would react to the same situation. Some people deal very badly with adversity. Others tell stories that inspire us all. We hear and see stories of overcoming hardship and trouble every day.

Ted talks are wildly popular. Most have a theme, if I can do it, any ordinary joe can. (no offense to any joes). It is easy, just do this and this.  We search every day for people overcoming tremendous adversity. We listen to their stories and think, wow, that is amazing. Yes, it is. It inspires us for a day or two then we go back to our life.

On the other hand, Success stories from people who have not suffered don’t inspire us so much. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time relating to Warren Buffet. His background is not much different than mine, yet he is unbelievably wealthy. Bill Gates, Ray Kroc, the list is endless.

Why then do we not do the same? What thoughts stop us. Where you are in life is a direct result of the views that prevent us from success as well as propel us forward. How difficult is it to think about this when all you are focused on is paying rent, or buying food?

Why do some succeed, some fail, some just living enough to breathe.

Without a catastrophic event to help you change, how do you do it?

One small change at a time. Do not look at the whole picture and expect it to change. Find the discipline to change one little thing at a time. Your focus can still be on paying the rent or buying food. Perhaps you should let the small stuff that bothers you go. Stop yelling at drivers on the road. Quit worrying about that which you have no control.

We all have it in is to be whatever we choose to be. Decide what that is. It is ok. Break it down into small items and begin. As simple as, I will start every morning with a pep talk to myself, or perhaps no sugar in my coffee. Small disciplines add up to massive changes. A good friend gave me this advice.

It is up to me.

Remember, you are always in the right place at the right time if you have the right attitude