Ordinary People Can Get What They Want

Johanes Tot is an ordinary nineteen year old young man. He works at HP in a non-technical, non-professional job. He graduated in May from Benson High School, where he ran track and cross country.

He's much like you and me. But, let's dig a little deeper into Johanes' life.

He was born in war-torn Sudan in northeast Africa. Life there was very dangerous. In a brutal civil war, youth in Sudan are often drafted into the rebel army as young as eleven.

Johanes and his family wanted more for him. He, along with his little brother and younger niece, walked many hundreds of miles to a refugee camp in Kenya. He assumed responsibility for his brother and niece.

They were among the fortunate who were allowed to come to the US to start anew.

Arrangements were made for them to travel to NYC and there meet an uncle. When they arrived-- no uncle. Johanes, with very little money, and with the responsibility of his two charges, lived on the streets of NY for weeks until connection could be made with his uncle.

They came to Omaha, knowing almost no English. Yet Johanes went to school, found work and an apartment for himself and his brother and niece.

Well, what's up with Johanes? He graduated from Benson High with honors. He received two prestigious scholarships-Coca Cola and Peter Kiewit, and entered the University of Nebraska – Omaha this fall.

Ordinary? yes
Determined? yes
Courageous? yes
Persistent? yes
Adaptable? yes
Disciplined? yes
Unstoppable? absolutely

If you could have anything in your life, and you knew you would succeed, what dream would you chase?
• Becoming debt free
• Reach your ideal weight
• Reconcile with a loved one
• Own your own business

What are you doing about it?
Do you want it as bad as Johanes wanted a new life?

You need a defining moment. Most extraordinary accomplishments begin with the firm resolve that comes when we finally say, "Enough!"

Set a goal.
Write it down.
Below it write when you will reach your goal.
Then record why you need or want to get there.
Lastly, record how you will accomplish it.

Now that you've decided the what, when, why, and how, you are well on your way.

You may want to set three or four goals in the same way.

Carry this goal record with you. Review it at least daily. Do something everyday that moves you closer to achievement.

Visualize achieving your goals.
Involve your senses:
• How will it feel to write that last debt check?
• What will the check look like?
• Feel the pen in your hand
• Hear the ripping sound as you tear it from the checkbook.
• Taste the glue on the envelope as you seal it.

Decide now how you will celebrate interim progress and ultimate achievement.

You must belief in yourself. You must believe you can do it.
In fact, you must go beyond mere belief, and know that you will do it.
Don't look at past failures, they are no longer valid. This is today. You have a new resolve, you have a plan, you have seen, heard, felt, and even tasted success.
You now know you can do it.

Now, I have one more suggestion-surround yourself with those who also know you can do it. Meet together in person, or by phone to discuss your goals, and your progress toward their completion. Encourage and guide each other.

Live with intent.
Get what you want.
I know, and you do too, that you can do it.

Related Quotes:
"High achievement always takes place in a framework of high expectation." Jack Kinder

"The truth of the matter is that there's nothing you can't accomplish if:
(1) You clearly decide what it is that you're absolutely committed to achieving,
(2) You're willing to take massive action,
(3) You notice what's working or not, and
(4) You continue to change your approach until you achieve what you want, using whatever life gives you along the way." Anthony Robbins

"If you don't have a plan (goals) for what you want, then you will probably find yourself buying into someone else's plan and later find out that wasn't the direction you wanted to go. You've got to be the architect of your life." Jim Rohn

"Do not let the future be held hostage by the past." Neal A. Maxwell