When I was in third grade, I accompanied my mother to an after-school, parent-teacher meeting. I was told to sit on a chair in the hall while my mother met with my teacher. Unfortunately, I was in earshot of their conversation. During her report, I heard my teacher say, “Mark is slow in math.” I thought to myself, “But…math is one of my favorite subjects…” Given the fact that my teacher was much older and “wiser” than me, I told myself that she must be right—I must be slow in math. Well, for the next few years, I became slow in math. It wasn’t until I was in the sixth grade and won a multiplication contest that I reclaimed my full belief in my ability to be good in math. So, as an eleven-year-old boy, I decided I would never again let anyone tell me what I was capable of achieving in my life.
As a career/life coach, workshop facilitator, and professional speaker, I have spent the past 30 years encouraging people to own their personal greatness and live their unique lives fully. During that time, I have worked with thousands of people, and I have witnessed some incredible transformations! It’s amazing to watch what happens when people cease to listen to the naysayers, critics, self-appointed experts—and the chatter in their own heads that comes from all that negative messaging—and, instead, start listening to the wisdom in their own hearts. I believe—no, I KNOW—we can make this world a much better place by encouraging people rather than tearing them down. Now days, I have no patience for self-appointed experts who have the arrogance to tell others what they are capable of doing with their lives.