March 2, 2006
Role Models For Success (Part 1)
My business is in a major growth phase right now, and it started me thinking about the people in my life that have helped me get to where I am. Everyone needs a role model to imitate, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have two very important teachers…
- My sister, Lela.
- My paternal grandfather, Louis.
Each of these people taught me very different lessons about success. Today, I’d like to tell you about what I learned from my sister, Lela…
Lela is 14 months younger than me, and she’s a very special woman. You see, she was born with a syndrome that didn’t even have a name till she was 15…a syndrome that affects her both physically and mentally.
When she was born in 1962, the doctors told my parents that Lela was profoundly retarded…that her mind would never develop beyond that of an infant. They strongly advised my parents to put my sister in an institution so she wouldn’t interfere with the rhythm of “normal” life for our family.
To this day, I am grateful my parents did NOT listen to the advice of the doctors. At the young ages of 24 and 26, my parents had the character and courage to tackle the job of raising their special needs child rather than banishing her to the cold and sterile environment of an institution.
It was because of this decision made by two young and inexperienced parents that my sister was able to prove the doctors wrong. Lela has grown emotionally to the level of a teenager. And, although she still has some physical limitations, she has been a blessing to all who know her.
Being only 14 months apart in age, Lela and I were naturally very close as we grew up. I became her protector and her teacher…she learned a lot by emulating what she saw me doing. I, in turn, learned a lot from her too.
For example…
At the age of 5, Lela decided it was time to learn how to tie her own shoes. After all, her big sister Holly could do it…so how hard could it be?
Every day for 4 years, Lela consistently attempted to tie her own shoes…and failed. However, she kept trying. It didn’t matter how frustrated she got…she never gave up. Finally, when she was 9 years old, she succeeded…her persistence had paid off!
Here’s what I learned from my sister, Lela, about success:
- Take consistent action toward your goal.
- Persist no matter what obstacles you encounter or emotional up’s and down’s you experience.
- Don’t expect to achieve your goal immediately…have the patience to allow time for your journey along the path to success.
Thank you, Lela, for teaching me the foundational skills necessary for achieving success in everything I do.
Next time, I’ll share with you the very important lesson my grandfather, Louis, taught me about success.
