It was April of 1974 in the dining room of the Pontchartrain Hotel in downtown Detroit.  Just the two of us were having a wonderful breakfast.  At least I think it was wonderful.  I really can't remember eating .  I was probably too nervous.  It was just before a seminar for 1500 salespeople at Cobo Hall convention center and I was with the keynote speaker...Zig Ziglar. 

How I got there is a long story and not applicable to this article.  Suffice to say at that time I was great at selling and I was able to 'sell' my way to this rare opportunity.  I had a purpose for being there and it was to ask the advice of a man who, through his audio lessons, seminars and books had been a huge influence in my career.

Little did I know that, what began as a simple breakfast would be the beginning of decades of a mentor/protege relationship.  The lessons and advice he has given me over the years have been the foundation of my lifestyle and the reason for most, if not all, of my success.

This series is dedicated to a man who has become my 'Big Brother' , Zig Ziglar.   It will be the conduit I will use to share those lessons with you.

There are sixteen of them and this is the first.

Lesson number one - ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING POORLY UNTIL YOU CAN DO IT RIGHT

How many people do you know who could accomplish so much more in their personal or professional life if they would only be willing to try new things.  Fear of failure or embarrassment can be a huge excuse when one does not learn and apply techniques, methods or ideas that are new to them.

Speaking is a normal fear for many people, including myself.  There is a huge fear of failure and embarrassment.  Especially at the beginning of my speaking career.  I can say emphatically to you that I have done poorly many, many times.   If you were to ask me me was it worth doing?   If you were to ask me if the fear kept me from doing it I can say proudly no.   

Now after more than 3000 engagement's if you were to ask me what it took to 'push' myself to do poorly something that eventually became worth it, I would give you this Little formula.   

First:  find that skill or task that you know will take you toward your success. Next: make a commitment to do it.    Then: prepare and practice. (take a course or listen to the lessons).    Finally: work at it until it works naturally for you.

"ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING POORLY UNTIL YOU CAN DO IT RIGHT."

More lessons from 'my brother Zig' to follow.

Love,

Floyd