Bring on the Boosters!

Nobody becomes a success alone, period. There is no such person who is "selfmade." I know this because I have regularly involved myself with some ofAmerica's most successful people and as I listen to their stories I realizethat all of them have had what I call their own "booster club."

When I think back over my life I realize that I have had my own boosterclub: People who gave me a boost, either through direct help, opening doorsto others or opportunities, or through their belief in or encouragement ofme.

I think of my mother who was left a widow at age 40 to raise me alone. Shebelieved in me. She sacrificed for me. She gave up much so that I couldbecome what I dreamed of. My mother was my booster!

I think of a man who is the CEO of a twenty five billion dollar a yearcompany who, when I was only three years out of college and striking out onmy own, sent me a check out of the blue. It wasn't an investment; it was agift. Then he sent another... and another. Every month for nearly 7 years hesent me a check. Nothing large enough to live on but enough to be a signthat he believed in me. When I asked him why he did it, he said, "Because Ibelieve in what you are doing and that you are the one to do it." To havesomeone of his stature believe in you! Wow - is he ever a booster!

I think of my good friends, Tony and Jenni. When they were married theymoved in right next door to us. They have become our best friends. Everystep of the way they have loved us, challenged us, and encouraged us. Theyhave been there in the darkest hours and in the brightest days. They aredefinitely boosters!

I think of my two friends named Kevin. The first, my best friend, lives herein Seattle. He is a guy that I laugh with, talk about things with andthoroughly enjoy all of my time with. He always comes through for me. Infact, as I right this, he came through for me just yesterday! When I knowthat I need a boost, he does whatever he can. And being one of the mostcompetent men I have ever met, he always gets the job done. Major booster!

The second Kevin lives in Atlanta. He is a "new" friend but has already beena big booster. He has been willing to open doors for me that I never wouldhave been able to budge because those on the other side would have beenunwilling to open them. But on his recommendation, they have. A greatbooster and a person I will get to know better throughout the years.

I think of Kyle, who I have never met in person, but have spoken with on afew occasions and swapped many emails with. Kyle has boosted me literallymillions of times - ever time he publishes my articles he helps me bring mymessage to the masses. To know that a person like Kyle sees the value in mymessage is an incredible boost!

I think of my most fanatical booster, my wife Lisa. No one believes in memore than she does. In fact, there are many times I wonder who she thinksshe's married to! She sees the best in me even when there is nothing good tosee. She sticks by me through it all and encourages me to go for my dreams.What a blessing - what a booster!

I think of my kids. They boost me every time I leave in the morning and whenI come through the door at night. They boost my life and my career! Aboveall, they boost my happiness and my spirits each and every day. Big boostersin little bodies!

I think of God - the ultimate booster. In a scene from The Count of MonteCristo, the Count, still in prison, tells the old man prisoner who is withhim, "I don't believe in God." The old man replies, "That's okay. Godbelieves in you!" While I don't understand all that God is I do believe thatif God is for me, then it matters not who or what is against me!

So where does this leave us? Is this just a trip down memory lane? No, infact, I have two specific actions for you as it relates to boosters:

One, make a list of your boosters. Then take a moment to send them a note tosay thanks for what they have done and been for you!

Second, decide for yourself that you will be someone else's booster! Be veryspecific and begin to invest yourself into that person's life. Encouragethem. Open doors for them. Challenge them. Give of yourself to them so thatthey can soar. Be their booster!

Bring on the boosters!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.