I’ve spent so many years training and helping people that sometimes I forget—these letters reach individuals in all walks of life. From PhD holders to night clerks in rundown motels, to those whose only access to a computer is at the YMCA where they shower.

Wherever you are in life right now, ask yourself—do you truly want to be there?

I used to work seven days a week, always chasing the next dollar. Then one day, I paused, took a deep breath, and asked myself, “What do I really want? If I could do anything, what would it be?” The pursuit of money felt empty. I was making a living, but I wasn’t living. My friends were out having amazing experiences, and I was stuck working.

Maybe you’ve heard me talk about my records and accomplishments. Yes, they’re real. But the greatest reward isn’t what you achieve—it’s who you become in the process.

Because without that, life has no meaning.

Like you, I’ve met people who lie, cheat, and steal, justifying it with weak excuses like “I’m no worse than anyone else” or “I can’t help it.”

Giving to charity or volunteering might make you feel good—great. But in your everyday life, what excites you? What fuels you? Figure it out, and do more of it.

It’s not just about values—it’s about character. You can value some pretty questionable things, but character? That’s universal. It’s like a well-tailored suit—timeless and respected.

And you don’t need wealth or connections to have it.

You just need guiding principles. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Not a reader? Get the six-tape program from Nightingale-Conant. Listen to it over and over. The insights will hit you like divine wisdom.

If you know what you stand for—if you don’t harbor hate or fear toward those different from you—you’re in a good place.

If that doesn’t describe you, take some time alone. Go for a long drive. Sit in silence. Ask yourself, “What do I want my life to mean?”

For me, the answer was helping people.

I came from rock bottom—just short of being behind bars. But in many ways, I was still a prisoner—trapped in my own mind. I had nothing. No hope. I had failed so many times that I assumed my life would be fast, reckless, and probably short.

Then I read Superlearning and The Greatest Salesman in the World. That sparked a transformation. I developed my first audio programs, which eventually led to the founding of Think Right Now! International.

A complete 180—almost overnight.

That’s the kind of question I’m urging you to ask yourself: What legacy do you want to leave?

If you ask, the answer will come.

And when it does—let it guide your every day.

Let’s be honest—fear of making mistakes is a common roadblock. It often creeps in right before we’re about to do something exciting, something that could really matter. And for many, that fear stops them in their tracks.

I’m no exception to this. For more than half my life, I let fear take control—fear of messing up, fear of looking foolish, and fear of both failure and success.

One moment that stands out was back in junior high. I had a crush on a girl, and several friends assured me she wanted me to ask her to the Saturday dance. All the signs were there—she liked me, and I liked her.

But fear got the better of me.

I kept postponing, convincing myself I needed the “right” moment to ask her. Friday afternoon rolled around, and the school day was ending. Everyone was rushing for the buses, and suddenly, there she was, standing by my locker.

This was it—my chance.

We made small talk, and I finally started to say, “Would you like to, um…”

And then I froze. Nothing else came out.

Thankfully, she smiled and finished for me, “…go to the dance?”

Relieved, I managed to say, “Yes!”

She laughed and said, “I’d love to.”

That experience stuck with me—not because of the dance itself, but because of how fear had nearly robbed me of something so simple. It was one of many moments in life where being overly self-conscious got in the way of enjoying life.

Over time, I started to realize that fear was something I could challenge. In my early twenties, I began reading self-improvement books. I was tired of letting fear and failure dictate my life. A key lesson kept popping up in many of those books:

Face the fear. Do it anyway.

It’s deceptively simple but life-changing. When you confront the things that scare you—over and over—they lose their power. What once felt overwhelming eventually becomes second nature.

I discovered that making mistakes wasn’t the end of the world. In fact, mistakes gave me opportunities to grow, learn, and improve. Most importantly, I realized I could also learn from others’ mistakes. By observing others closely, I gained insights that saved me from making the same errors myself.

Here’s the thing: Life is constantly teaching us. Every moment is packed with lessons—if you pay attention. You don’t need to experience every mistake firsthand to learn from it. Watch what others do. Listen to their stories. Analyze what leads to success and failure, even in small, everyday situations.

This mindset has transformed my life. In the last several years, I’ve achieved more than I ever imagined because I made it a habit to learn from the world around me. This habit is powerful—it builds confidence, reduces fear, and gives you control over your emotions.

So, embrace mistakes, both your own and others’. Use them as stepping stones to success. Don’t let the fear of looking foolish hold you back. Remember, the people who mock others are often just trying to deflect attention from their own insecurities.

Watch. Listen. Learn.

Stay curious, and keep your eyes and ears open. Life’s lessons are all around you, waiting to be noticed.

Mistakes are part of the journey, not something to avoid. When you stop fearing them and start learning from them, life becomes more rewarding, fulfilling, and fun.

Positive Affirmations

• I embrace learning from every mistake I make.
• Mistakes are a vital part of my growth and happiness.
• Each mistake teaches me something valuable.
• I welcome mistakes as stepping stones to success.