“It was sometime in the 1990’s when my employer Berkline Furniture engaged you to speak to the sales force. There are so many times that I have thought of the things you shared with our group on that occasion that I have always intended to drop you a line and let you know. During the different phases of my life whether they were “successful” or “challenging” I have tried to keep some things in mind that I have learned from your motivational presentation so many years ago.
- I have to be realistic. I can’t work twice as hard because I am already working 10-12 hours a day. I have to work smarter and I have to work the right problem. The difference in performance between a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal may only be hundredths of a second.
- You mentioned that during training for the Olympics, you were able to take two days a year off [because] “anyone can work out when they feel like working out – you have to be able to discipline yourself to work out even when you don’t feel like it.”
- I remember asking you how you developed this dogged determination. You told the story of your once athletic father becoming a paraplegic due to a bout with Polio. You said that when things got tough growing up the family members would remind one another that everyone has to pitch in and support family as well as each other.
- The power of visualization. As I recall, you would start each day by going through the exact motions of a Gold Medal perfect routine. You would raise your arm indicating your preparedness to the chief judging official, you would imagine his nod indicating it was ok to begin your routine, make the announcements over the imaginary “PA speakers” and so on.
One of the things that I find very satisfying in life is the feeling I get when I feel that my words or actions have a tangible positive impact. I thought you might feel the same way and that is why I wrote this letter [to thank you].” –Attendee, Berkline Furniture Sales Meeting
