MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

October 2017 newsletter “The Man in the Mirror”: Make that change

October 2017 newsletter

 

“The Man in the Mirror”: Make that change

 

“You can’t change your outside behavior until you change your inside behavior.” I agree completely with that comment, which was made by a good friend of mine, pastor Curt Dodd. I believe change is good; trying to become better is good. I don’t know how you can accomplish great success in life without being willing to change when necessary. I feel myself changing all the time. It’s liberating, it’s healthy, and best of all, it’s exciting!

I am a big fan of Motown music. Great artists, great music, great lyrics. As a motivational speaker helping others accomplish their dreams and goals by giving them good, experienced, solid advice, I can’t help but reflect on the lyrics from Michael Jackson’s hit song, “The Man in the Mirror.” I’ll include some of the lyrics later in this newsletter, because the song contains a message that we all need to hear whenever we want to make a change in our lives.

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale

 

When you want to do better, when you want to be better, these lyrics remind you that when you look in the mirror, the person who is in charge of making change happen in your life is staring right back at you.

 

“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” – Benjamin Franklin

 

God has provided each of us with the talent to accomplish our goals and dreams, but we have to be willing to change for the better. Life brings challenges that can disrupt the forward path you are on, but having the mindset that you are willing to change will keep you from giving up or going backwards.

 

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

 

Making changes in your life is not the responsibility of your significant other, your kids, your parents, your boss, or anyone else. It depends on you. If you want to get fired up about changing yourself, then I encourage you to check out the following lyrics from “The Man in the Mirror.”

 

I’m gonna make a change For once in my life

It’s gonna feel real good Gonna make a difference Gonna make it right

I’m starting with the man in the mirror

I’m asking him to change his ways

And no message could have been any clearer

If you wanna make the world a better place Take a look at yourself and then make a change

You gotta get it right, while you got the time Cause when you close your heart Then you close your mind
I hope you agree that those lyrics are spot on! But when you start changing, you need to be prepared for pushback from people in your life who will refuse to accept the new you. They won’t want you to grow; they’ll want you to stay the same. Why? Because they aren’t willing to become better, to grow, and to make their own lives better.

Don’t try to persuade them to accept the new you. They are jealous of you, pure and simple. Don’t allow yourself to be held back by their negativity. Surround yourself with people who want to see you make a difference – people who empower you, encourage you, and inspire you to be the best you can possibly be.

 

Do you have people in your life who make you want to be a better person? I hope so! I am fortunate to have people who inspire me. Whenever I spend time with them, I walk away wanting to be better and wanting to make a difference, not just in my own life but in the lives of everyone I come in contact with. Spend more time with people who encourage you to become better and who embrace the new you.

 

We all have the ability to be the change we want to see. That is a fact! The only person who can stop you is the man (or woman) in the mirror.

 

If not now, then when? And if not you, then who?

What People in the Audience are Saying…

With Van's passion, humor and experience you can be assured of one thing- your audience is going to get fired-up, built-up, and fully charged –up. As an entrepreneur at the top of his game Van is in the unique position of being able to "talk the talk" because he has "walked the walk". Over the years he has been a great inspiration to me and my staff. Van is a speaker with charisma, humility and impact and he's a difference maker in the lives of the people he touches…"

—George Akers // President, First Mortgage Corp.

I wanted to thank you for coming and speaking with our company today. I thought your presentation was awesome! I was really motivated and inspired by your thoughts and ideas. I will use this motivation to grow my business and my personal life.”

—Justin Pauls // Realtor, Tampa, Florida

We are delighted you will be accepting the award for Omaha’s Top 25 fastest growing companies. Congratulations on your outstanding growth and we wish you continued success.”

—Tracey Fortina // Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for running such a class act company. It is an honor and a pleasure to be associated with someone such as yourself. I know you are probably one of the most respected businessmen in the region.”

—Dustin Talacko // Realtor, Omaha, Nebraska

Congratulations on writing “Selling from the heart” and thank you for sharing a copy with me. Your class has been one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve ever taken. Your enthusiasm and passion for your work are awesome. But the most refreshing part of the class was your delightful sense of humor. Thank you again for being a fantastic teacher.”

—Linda Reismeiler // Student at Randall School of Real Estate, Omaha, Nebraska

Kudos to you, Van, for reaching a major goal. But more than that...For successfully building one of Omaha’s best companies from scratch and making it thrive even in less than ideal market conditions. You have realized the American Dream...And brought it home to many, many others. My best to you!”

—Todd Andrews, Anchor and Producer, KETV Omaha

Having you here again was such a blessing to so many! As I looked at the pictures, I could see just how interested each and every person was in what you had to say!

This has been such a gift to our agents when they need it the most. The fact that you come, you are so genuine and caring, you are so honest, you are not trying to sell anything and your passion to help each and every person believe in themselves and become the best they can be is HUGE! The timing is perfect for us all helping and caring about each other, so, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for giving of yourself to help all of us!”

—Carolyn Summerton // First Mortgage Company of Idaho

I enjoyed your seminar and its focus. I was on the fence whether or not to attend and decided why not? I could have sat through an all day session if there was one, usually I end up at the seminars that start with a focus and quickly go astray. I found with yours time flew by too fast and it was already time to go but I wasn’t ready to go.”

—Scott Asbill, CDPE // Associate Broker, Realtor