celebrities
Celebrities and other motivational icons who made it to the top, from real actors, athletes and authors who used to be just like you.
Finding the Balance for Success in Life and Business
In 1955, Disneyland had fair opened in Anaheim, California, when a ten-year-old boy strolled in and inquired for a work. Labor laws were free back at that point and the boy overseen to arrive a position offering manuals for $0.50 apiece.
By Shams Says2 years ago in Motivation
FEELING STUCK?
Dear Friend, I don't know where you're at right now- maybe you're staring at a to-do list that feels endless, or perhaps you've hit pause on something you really wanted to achieve because life got in the way. If that's you, I just want to say: "you're not alone."
By PSYGENIUS2 years ago in Motivation
Hip Hop Artist Darrow
It all started with Source Magazine. I loved Hip Hop. All the hot women that I had a crush on and the cool men that I wanted to grow up and be like. It was like a dream. I wanted to rap. I wanted to be Biggie or Tupac. Just to see what it would be like if I was a major star and on stage in the front of the world. My brother and I spent countless hours studying Hip Hop from Source and everything else. It was fun. It was incredible. It was amazing. It was life. The older I got the more I wanted to do my thing. The more I wanted to show my game. It was becoming more of who I am. So much my brother had to drag me out of the store. I was infatuated with Hip Hop. And then watching the stars on TV, seeing them shine and represent. I was completely captured and in a daze over their game. I could not stand missing their show on TV because I could not afford to pay for their concert. And watching them give back inspiring the youth and showing others that they could be just like them. Finally my mother got to me, she was a single mother and a Christian woman. She did not like my infatuation with Hip Hop. She knew I was in love with Hip Hop as much as she was in love with Gospel Music. And she would not let me be late to Church. And I could understand the Lord is good and the Lord gives gifts. Even Hip Hop artists thank the Lord. Maybe the Lord will give me a gift like rapping. I was hopeful and praying. Some of the guys at school were at church and they would talking about my brother and I . They would try to outdo us. They would try to outsmart us. They were jealous. And my brother told me to wait for our turn. It turned out one day that our mother got sick and told my older brother to take me to church. And my older brother learned how to drive way before me. And he told me that we are gonna do something. We are gonna show those boys that we could do it. And I said how? And he said you're gonna freestyle. And so we drove up. And the boys were making fun saying that driving in your Momma's car. And my brother calmed them down and said let's rap freestyle. And so the boys chose their leader to rap and he was good. And my brother gave him his props but he said I know something better, someone better and he introduced me. And I first had a hard time until my older brother threw down a hot beat. And I started Yo fellas I hate to break your game. I hate to break your style or confidence. But let me break it down. Teach you a lesson that never been taught. Teach you something about my neighborhood. Yeah you say that I am corny and a geek but I'm hard as nails, hard as scales and if you mess with me you'll be down by the riverside. Cause it will take God Almighty to get you back up. So enough with that stuff brother let's diss these misses and get a fresh anointing from the Holy Ghost. And my brother laughed out loud. And the boys gave an ugly look and they were divided on how dope that was. And my brother cheered me on and said how proud he was of me. And we went to church. When we came home, Momma was at the door and she was interested at how church went and if we went. And after arguing and saying she cook dinner she said that her church friend called and told her what had happen. Momma said Darrow you are going to college no matter how good you are at rap. And I thought hard until my last day at high school what was I gonna be. And a counselor tried many jobs but they did not work. And I took a test. And the results came in but they were inconclusive. Then my principal Mr. Balckman took me aside and my mother and said Darrow how would you like to study Africana studies. And I said what and so did Momma. Mr. Balckman said it would teach you rap and the history of your people. And Momma almost objected until Mr. Balckman said that he could be an executive in a company if he studies Africana studies plus learn about his people, what they did not teach you in school. Mr. Balckman said Don't you know one of my rapper friends teach a class as professor. And I said I could try but I want his class. And Momma eventually agreed. And so I met with DaRock the Platinum Producer who produced for so many rap artists, he talked to Momma and I. And then he asked me about my rapping, so I freestyle. And he asked Momma if I would rap for him and that he would make sure that I get the degree. And Momma agree hesitantly. And that's when Bobble was created. It came after I battle numerous of rappers on Coast to Coast Showcase but the wait was worth it. It became a Hollywood Number One and showed up with the Grammys.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous2 years ago in Motivation
Value and Courage: The True Pillars of Life
Value and Courage: The True Pillars of Life Your value and courage should never be fully revealed to anyone. Value represents your principles, qualities, and integrity, while courage is the strength to stand firm during challenging times. Together, these two elements shape your character, making you successful and respected in life. In society, people often judge others based on superficial appearances. They fail to see the true worth or potential hidden beneath the surface. Many take advantage of perceived weaknesses, exploiting them for personal gain. This is precisely why it is essential not to let others measure your true value or courage, as people often seek opportunities to manipulate them. Life often throws us into difficult circumstances, testing our resilience. Courage is not just about achieving great feats but is also reflected in how we handle everyday challenges. For instance: Rising after failure: When we fall, gathering the strength to stand up again and move forward defines true courage. Finding joy amidst sorrow: In the face of grief, choosing to focus on positivity and finding reasons to smile is a courageous act. Facing adversity with optimism: Even when life feels overwhelmingly difficult, maintaining a hopeful perspective demonstrates immense strength. Concealing your value and courage serves as a protective strategy. These traits are your hidden weapons, and their impact depends on when and where they are revealed. If others discover your true worth, they may misuse this knowledge. For example: 1. Exploitation of kindness: If someone knows you are overly empathetic, they might manipulate your generosity for their benefit. 2. Attacking perceived weakness: If they sense you lack confidence, they may attempt to undermine you further, using your vulnerabilities against you. The Power of Value and Courage Value and courage are foundational forces in life. Cultivating and wisely utilising them is crucial for personal growth and success. Regardless of how tough circumstances become, maintaining self-belief is vital. Value and courage are the keys to unlocking your true potential and achieving your goals. Your value lies in your uniqueness. It is what distinguishes you from the crowd. Courage, on the other hand, enables you to navigate through life’s storms and emerge stronger. For instance: Value as a differentiator: A person with unwavering honesty stands out in a world driven by deception. Courage as a problem-solver: An individual who persists through hardships with determination often achieves success that others deem impossible. Keeping these two attributes hidden is not about secrecy; it is about strategic revelation. When the time is right, your courage will shine, and your value will be evident to the world. Until then, let them remain as your silent strength. The Art of Balancing Value and Courage Balancing value and courage means recognising their importance without flaunting them unnecessarily. This balance ensures that these traits remain protected from exploitation and are used effectively in the right moments. For example, consider a scenario in which an individual faces constant criticism. Instead of retaliating or revealing their full potential, they choose to remain calm and focused. Over time, their resilience becomes evident, silencing critics naturally. This is the power of revealing courage and value at the right time. Similarly, a leader known for their ethical values does not need to broadcast their honesty. Their actions and decisions reflect their principles, earning them respect and trust. The Final Takeaway Value and courage are inseparable elements of a fulfilling life. Your value defines who you are, and your courage determines how far you can go. By safeguarding these traits and using them wisely, you pave the way for success and self-respect. "Recognise your value, take pride in your courage, and let them shine at the right time; only then will you truly conquer life’s challenges and achieve greatness." By embracing this mindset, you ensure that your value remains untarnished and your courage unshaken, even in the toughest of times.
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Motivation
The Power of Persistence: Turning "No" into a Resounding "Yes"
Life has a funny way of testing you when you least expect it. Take it from me: persistence isn’t just a virtue—it’s the secret sauce to achieving what everyone else thinks is impossible. I learned this the hard way, through a journey that started with rejection, failure, and enough “nos” to fill a bingo card. But in the end? It was all worth it. Let me rewind a bit. Dream Big, They Said I’ve always wanted to be an author. Not just any author—a bestselling author, with my name in lights and book tours that required sunglasses indoors. Dramatic? Maybe. But dreams aren’t supposed to be small. I wrote my first manuscript fresh out of college. It was a heartfelt story about self-discovery, friendship, and the complexities of life. I sent it off to a dozen publishers, brimming with hope and naivety. And then the rejection letters rolled in. One after the other. “Not what we’re looking for.” “Doesn’t fit our current lineup.” “Better luck next time.” Each one felt like a personal jab, a reminder that maybe my dream wasn’t meant to be. For weeks, I let those letters sit on my desk, glaring at me. My confidence shriveled like a forgotten plant. Friends suggested I move on, and “try something else.” But deep down, I wasn’t ready to let go. The Turning Point One night, as I was wallowing in self-pity (and too much ice cream), I stumbled across a quote: “A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” Cheesy? Sure. But it lit a fire in me. If rivers could keep going, so could I. I started rewriting my manuscript. I joined writing groups, soaked up feedback, and studied bestselling novels like my life depended on it. Every morning, I woke up and told myself, Just one more step. Just one more try. This time, when I sent my manuscript out, I sent it to 50 publishers. I braced myself for the avalanche of rejection—and it came. But somewhere in that pile of “nos” was a single, glorious “yes.” When the Odds Don’t Matter That “yes” turned into my first book deal. It wasn’t a bestseller—not at first. But with every interview, every book signing, every ounce of effort I poured in, I watched my little dream grow into something bigger than I’d ever imagined. Years later, that same book hit the bestseller list. I cried like a baby when I saw my name up there. And when people asked me how I did it, I had one answer: I refused to give up. What Persistence Means
By Pure Crown2 years ago in Motivation
From Rejection to Success:
**The Journey of J.K. Rowling: From Struggles to Success** J.K. Rowling’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the power of imagination. Born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, Joanne Rowling, known to the world as J.K. Rowling, is one of the most successful authors in history. Her journey to fame was not an easy one, and her rise from being an unemployed single mother to becoming the creator of the globally adored *Harry Potter* series is a remarkable tale of hard work, self-belief, and a little bit of magic.
By BALAJI 2 years ago in Motivation
Einstein’s Formula for Success: A Peek into His Work Habits
As before long as he hung up the phone, Ralph Morse knew that he required to get moving. He was still 90 miles absent and there wouldn’t be much time some time recently individuals started to listen the news. Albert Einstein had fair died.
By Shams Says2 years ago in Motivation
Controversial Figure
From my perspective, I’ve never really thought of myself as being controversial or prone to arguments, but as it turns out many people might feel that way about me. The disparity comes from the fact that I am not generally interested in many topics, but there are key topics that retain my attention and I really go off on those.
By real Jema2 years ago in Motivation
Embrace Failure and Fall Forward: Lessons from Denzel Washington
Embrace Failure and Fall Forward: Lessons from Denzel Washington Life is inherently filled with uncertainties and risks, and it is important to recognize that nothing truly worthwhile can be achieved without taking chances. Denzel Washington, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, shares significant insights regarding how to navigate life, including the concepts of success and failure. The Importance of Taking Risks Denzel Washington emphasizes that merely playing it safe often results in a life that falls short of our true potential. He recalls the powerful words of Nelson Mandela, who argued that there is no real passion in "playing small." By highlighting this, Denzel inspires individuals to discard the notion of having a backup plan and instead focus on the importance of advancing toward their goals. When we choose to take risks, we may face setbacks. However, the crucial aspect is to "fall forward." This concept encourages us to learn from each mistake we make and to continuously strive toward our future ambitions. Think Outside the Box Everyone encounters challenges that may seem insurmountable at times. To illustrate this, consider the classic nine-dot problem: the task requires one to connect nine dots with four straight lines without lifting a pencil. Solving this puzzle necessitates thinking outside the conventional boundaries. Similarly, achieving our goals in life often demands that we break free from traditional thinking and dare to approach problems in innovative ways. The Role of Failure in Success It is essential to understand that failure does not signify the end of our journey; rather, it frequently serves as the starting point for greater achievements. Take the example of Reggie Jackson, a legendary baseball player who recorded 2,600 strikeouts but is remembered for his impressive home runs. Similarly, Thomas Edison experienced more than 1,000 failures before successfully inventing the light bulb. Each setback teaches us valuable lessons that ultimately bring us closer to realizing our successes. Embrace Your Journey Failure is a universal experience that everyone will encounter at some point in their lives. Denzel Washington openly shares his own narrative of battling with auditions during the early stages of his career. Rather than allowing rejection to dictate his identity, he remained committed to his aspirations. It is vital to recognize that if you are not facing any failure, it may be an indication that you are not pushing yourself to reach your full potential. The Value of Your Gifts Washington stresses that everyone possesses unique talents and qualities, which can include kindness, patience, creativity, and more. These attributes are increasingly valuable in today's world. It is important to reflect on what you can do with your unique gifts. The emphasis should not be on the quantity of what you have, but rather on how you choose to utilize it. Life's Unpredictable Path The course of life is rarely predictable or straightforward. Denzel recounts his personal journey, which included struggles in school before he ultimately discovered his true calling. He reflects on a defining moment when a woman predicted that he would travel the world and inspire millions with his words. This singular moment served to ignite his determination and strengthen his belief in his own potential. Your Legacy of Dreams Imagine standing on your deathbed in the presence of the unfulfilled dreams that you had during your lifetime. These "ghosts" represent the aspirations you failed to act upon and the unique talents you did not take the time to explore. Consider how many unrealized opportunities will accompany you in your final moments. Do not allow fear to prevent you from leading a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Conclusion: Fall Forward Ultimately, the emphasis should not solely be on achieving success but rather on the journey itself and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Denzel Washington urges us to remain undeterred in the face of challenges and to give our utmost effort in all endeavors. When life presents obstacles that seem insurmountable, remember to fall forward. Embrace the risks you encounter, extract lessons from your failures, and make the most of the unique gifts you possess.
By Rabbil Mia2 years ago in Motivation
