Ideas Have Great Power!

My friend, Bob, seems to have a command of a bottomless fountain of great ideas. Whenever someone has a problem that they can’t seem to solve, Bob has a solution. He also has started, bought, and sold several businesses; some of which rewarded him handsomely. 

Do you know of someone like my friend, Bob? 

Most people do. You may say things like, “He has the Midas touch. Everything he touches turns into gold.” or “They seem to enjoy so many fantastic trips together...what is their secret?”

It all begins with a blank sheet. 

Today’s society has conditioned us to be constantly on call for a response from a call, message, or email. When we are constantly in response mode, we sacrifice our creativity.

What would happen if you turned it all off for 15 minutes or an hour?

Maybe you would have time to think and write down an idea to solve one of your problems.

So, why not try it! Turn all your electronic devices off, take a blank sheet of paper out, and write down one or two  ideas.

Earl Nightingale says in his book “Transformational Living” that he keeps paper and pen handy in all the rooms in his house and office to write down ideas as he thinks of them. He does not want to forget any of them.

Nightingale, “There has never been a monopoly when it comes to getting good ideas, but the number of people who will take the raw material of a good idea and from it fashion reality in the world is small indeed. And it’s also true there is nothing in this world of less value than an idea about which nothing is done.”

Do you write down your ideas daily?

Do you take action on the ideas you have conceived?

Victor Hugo, “Nothing in this world is so powerful as an idea whose time has come.”

Do you have a place to think and write down your ideas?

Do you set aside time, each day, to think and solve your problems?

 

 Dr. John C. Maxwell, one of my mentors said, “When I was younger, my thinking spot was a rock on a hill. Later, I set up a “thinking chair” in my office, which I use solely for that purpose. These days, I also do some of my best thinking while swimming laps in the pool. It doesn’t replace the writing time that I still schedule. (I just haven’t found a waterproof legal pad yet…) But an hour of swimming laps back and forth, with its silence and rhythm, gives me just what I need to focus on one or two specific problems or ideas.”

Dr. Maxwell continues, “Maybe deep thinking and introspection comes more naturally for you. Even if it does, setting aside dedicated time for creative thinking will help you be intentional. No one can afford to go about their daily life waiting for the muse to strike. Instead, chase after and tackle her, doing so in a way that works for you.”

 Do you have a special place to think and write your ideas down each day?

Do you keep paper and pencil handy or a recorder, where ever you are, to write down or record an idea before you lose it?

Perhaps one of your ideas can solve a problem that you have!

Do you take action on your ideas?

Earl Nightingale: “Do you keep a list of your ideas handy?

When was the last time you acted on them? 

Make it a goal to choose one idea a week or a month to investigate, improve, or act upon. See if there are ways to build upon the original ideas you generate.”

 

Earl Nightingale says, “Turn your problems into projects.” His friend, Parky Parkinson said, changing the word problem to project.”                                                        

Earl Nightingale’s 4 Simple Steps in Straight Thinking 

         1)   Separate facts from opinions and analyze the facts.

2) Define the real problem and consider possible solutions.

3) Secure evidence on possible solutions.

4)Weigh the evidence and arrive at a sound conclusion.

“Anytime a person comes to you with a problem you feel you should help with, say, “Let me think about that. I don’t like to make quick decisions on important matters.”

How will you capture the important ideas running through your mind each day?

How will you turn your problems into projects?

Do you read books or take courses to get new ideas?

 

Many years ago, a young man decided he wanted to learn about stock investing. He bought and read a book by Benjamin Graham called The Intelligent Investor . The young man embraced Graham’s philosophy and system, Mr. Graham became his mentor, and the young man signed up to take classes from Professor Graham at Columbia University. “He even offered to work for the professor for free.”

Benjamin Graham in 1954, hired this young man to work for him at Graham-Newman, his New York investment firm, for a yearly fee of $12,000. (In 2021 dollars, $119,131.90 per year.) Graham retired two years later closing his investment firm.

The young man in 1957, began an investment partnership “with seven family members and friends who invested $105,000.” ($991,271.86 in 2021 dollars).  The young man “investing $100 of his own money.” ($966.89 in 2021 dollars) Eleven years later in 1968, his investment partnership business was worth $104 million ($553 million in 2006 dollars).” (8 Attributes of Great Achievers by Cameron C. Taylor) (original story)

This young man throughout his life “continued to apply” Graham’s investment strategies. His net worth today, September 8^th is $103.9  billion. This man’s name is Warren Buffett. He is 91 years old. 

“Like most other overnight successes, it was about twenty years in the making.”
– Sam Walton, Founder of Wal-Mart

Learning new skills is a process to follow with a mentor modeling how to do it step by step. It takes many years to master these processes. 

What books do you read to stimulate your mind and give you new ideas to achieve your goals?

 What mentors, courses, apprenticeships have you taken to develop your skills? 

 

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Key to Success is Persistence by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

Earl Nightingale, American radio speaker and author says, “Sometimes it appears that there is a hidden guide someplace whose duty it is to test men and women through all sorts of discouraging experiences. Those who pick themselves up and keep trying after getting knocked down arrive. It’s an uncanny thing, but it works. And this hidden guide lets no one enjoy great achievement without passing the persistence test, it seems. And those who can’t take it simply don’t make the grade.” (From Earl Nightingale’s book “Transformational Living”)

Nightingale continues, “And those who can take it are bountifully rewarded for their persistence. They receive as their compensation whatever goal they’re pursuing. And that’s not all, because they receive something infinitely more important than material compensation, although they get that. But they get the knowledge that every failure brings with it the seed of an equivalent advantage. There are exceptions to this rule. A few people know from experience the soundness of persistence. They’re the ones who have not accepted defeat as being anything more than temporary. They’re the ones whose desires are so persistently applied that defeat has finally changed into victory.”

The people who become the leaders of their lives rather than going with the flow and accepting the scraps that life tosses them understand the power of persistence.

W. Clement Stone tells the story of Tom, “who was born without half of a right foot and only a stub of a right arm. As a boy, he wanted to engage in sports as the other boys did. He had a burning desire to play football. Because of this desire, his parents had an artificial foot made for him. It was made of wood. The wooden foot was encased in a special stubby football shoe. Hour after hour, day after day, he would practice kicking the football with his wooden foot. He would try, and keep on trying, to make field goals from great distances. He became so proficient that he was hired by the New Orleans Saints.”

Nightingale says, “what would you say a person’s chances of playing professional football were if he were born without half of a right foot and a withered arm?”

66,910 football fans could be heard screaming “when Tom Dempsey with his crippled leg, kicked the longest field goal ever kicked in a professional football game, within the last two seconds of the game, to give the Saints a winning score of nineteen to seventeen over the Detroit Lions.”

Detroit Coach Joseph Schmidt said, “We were beaten by a miracle.”

The truth of the matter was “they were beaten by perseverance.” 

Tom Dempsey was persistent and willing to do the hard work to reach his goal. He fell in love with the process of being the best kicker he could be. Even though he had different abilities than his teammates; he was determined, with a positive attitude, always looking forward!

How strong is your burning desire to reach your goal? 

If you created a 3 step process, what would that look like? 

What is your first step?

Gayle Benson, Saints owner says, “Tom’s life spoke directly to the power of the human spirit and exemplified his resolute determination to not allow setbacks to impede following his dreams and aspirations. He exemplified the same fight and fortitude in recent years as he battled valiantly against illnesses but never wavered and kept his trademark sense of humor. He holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the Saints family.”

Tom Dempsey continued to be an inspiration to others until his death in 2020, and his legacy lives on.  

All of us have felt the pang of regret when we’ve given up on a difficult task, knowing that we have somehow short-changed our true potential. Conversely, most of us have felt the joy of a hard-earned victory when the future seemed bleak.

Earl Nightingale, read “about the great Knute Rockne of Notre Dame who believed and applied, the rewards of persistence” 

“He had a blood clot in one leg, and his doctors told him if that blood clot broke free, it could kill him if it landed in his heart, brain, or lungs. But the Notre Dame team was playing far from home that day, and he insisted on being taken to the game on a stretcher. So, they got him to where the game was to be played. And they took him down to the dressing room where his football players were getting ready for the game. And the perspiration was running down his face and he was in terrible pain and he propped himself up on his elbows with a tremendous effort and said, “This team you’re playing today beat us last year.”

“I want you to get out there and win.” 

He then said, “The team that won’t be beat, can’t be beat.”

Rockne “then fell back on his stretcher, out of breath and suffering terribly, and the team went out and won the game, and they never lost another game as long as Knute Rockne was alive, because when they saw the type of courage that he could develop, how persistently he fought to win even though he was flat on his back, it made giants out of men.”

Nightingale: “And people that stand on the sidelines of life see the overwhelmingly large number who go down in defeat, never to rise again. They see the few who take the punishment of defeat as an urge to greater effort. And these fortunately never learn to accept life’s reverse gear, but what we don’t see, what most of us never suspected existed, is the silent but irresistible power which comes to the rescue of those who fight on in the face of discouragement.”

“Now if we speak of this power at all, we call it persistence and let it go at that.  One thing we all know, if one does not possess persistence, one cannot achieve any noteworthy success in any calling.”

To reach your goal or dream ask yourself these three questions:

1)   Do you have a burning desire to reach your goal or dream?

2)   What is your step by step process for reaching your goal or dream?

3)   Are you willing to be persistent and do the work like Tom Dempsey?

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

How a Little Known Productivity Technique Earned $475,318 by Madeline Frank. Ph.D.

Have you ever caught yourself engaging in productivity envy? Some people accomplish so much, yet it seems like no matter how hard you work, your task list keeps expanding and you don't feel like you've made significant progress.

While there are many "productivity tools" and hacks that promise instant efficiency at lightning speed; all you need is one sheet of paper.

Charles M. Schwab, was president of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, the largest shipbuilder, the second-largest steel producer in America, and one of the richest men in the world.

Schwab was continuously seeking new ways to improve the efficiency of his company and keep an edge over his competition.

Ivy Lee, a well-known consultant in productivity and management, successful businessman, and a pioneer in public relations arranged for a meeting with Schwab. (As retold by Charles "Tremendous" Jones in his book "Leadership Is For You", pp. 42-44. (1968)

Schwab said, "Show us a way to get more things done, I'll be glad to listen to you. And, if it works, I'll pay you whatever you ask within reason."

Lee responded, "If that is what you want, I will show you a method that will increase your personal management efficiency, and that of anyone else who applies it, by at least fifty percent."

This bold promise intrigued the business mogul.

Lee "handed Schwab a blank piece of paper and said, "Write down the most important things you have to do tomorrow."

Schwab took about five minutes to do this.

Lee then asked Schwab to number them in the order of their true importance. (This took a little more time for Schwab.)

Lee then shared the last step of this simple system, "The first thing tomorrow morning, start working on item Number 1, and stay with it until it is completed. Then take item Number 2 the same way. Then Number 3, and so on."

"You will have completed the most important projects before getting to the less important ones. If you can't finish all that you planned for tomorrow with this system, there's no other way you would have finished. And without this system you probably would have taken much longer to complete what you set out to do, without taking care of things in the order of their real value to you and your company."

Lee then encouraged Schwab to do this every working day. After he had convinced himself of the value of this system, have his men try it.

He closed the meeting by saying, "try it as long as you like, and then send me your check for whatever you think the idea is worth."

Charles Schwab and his executive team at Bethlehem Steel used Ivy Lee's Method for productivity with great success. Three months later, Schwab sent a check for $25,000 to Ivy Lee. ($25,000 in 1918 is equal to $475,318 in 2021.)

Schwab stated that this lesson was the most profitable one he learned in his business career. It was later said that this was the plan largely responsible for turning a little steel company into one of the largest producers in the world."

Ivy Lee's 4 step method for achieving peak productivity:

1.) At the end of each work day, write down the six most important things you need to accomplish tomorrow. Do not write down more than six tasks.

2.) Prioritize those six items in order of their true importance.

3.) When you arrive tomorrow, concentrate only on the first task. Work until the first task is finished before moving on to the second task.

4.) Approach the rest of your list in the same fashion. At the end of the day, move any unfinished items to a new list of six tasks for the following day.

Repeat this process every working day.

Many businesses over the last 103 years have used Ivy Lee's system for peak productivity with great success. It's all about focusing on "managing priorities well".

I promise you, this will cure your case of productivity envy!

Let me know how it works for you!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

Gifts by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

There is a certain magic that you feel when you give some of what you have and/or some of who you are to brighten someone's day. This is the true gift of giving.

One of my most cherished books is Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Einstein had a different learning style and never really blossomed academically until he picked up a violin and began playing as a little boy. He often attributed his clarity of thought and creativity to the practice of playing music (by engaging both hemispheres of the brain).

I also had a different learning style than most. As a little girl, I struggled in the classroom. When I picked up the violin, it was as if the shackles that had been holding my mind's potential hostage started to release.

The book was a great reminder of two things:

1. I am not alone. Other people have struggled with the same issues I face and gone on to do great things.

2. Sometimes the keys to your success aren't always obvious.

While we were cleaning out our home this spring, I decided to give this book to a deserving young girl or boy with the hope that it may encourage them to study science, or at the very least, embrace whatever struggle they may be enduring.

There is a certain magic that you feel when you give some of what you have and/or some of who you are to brighten someone's day.

This is the true gift of giving.

While we were doing our spring cleaning I found my beloved grandmother's handmade crocheted blankets. She enjoyed making these blankets while unwinding after a long day at work.

As I reached adulthood, I began to realize the relaxation that happens when I wrap Grandma's beautiful blanket around me and feel her comforting presence surround me. To share her handmade blankets with my children is a wonderful gift.

When you are doing your spring cleaning or packing to move to a new house what kind of hidden treasures will you find to share with others?

Perhaps you have treasured books, DVDs, CDs, clothes, shoes, musical instruments or other household goods to share.

Maybe you will find a lost heirloom like my Grandma's handmade blanket, a beautiful bowl, a silver tray or other things from your grandparents and great grandparents that you can share with other family members.

Giving the gift of music:

While doing our spring cleaning I decided to give the gift of music to several of my former students, teachers, and friends who I knew would enjoy them. I shared Concerts and masterclasses on videos and DVDs of the greatest classical musicians Heifetz, Casals, and others playing the violin, viola, or cello. Also, I shared magazines and books about the great artists work and gave instruments in my collection to several students, teachers, friends, and local music schools.

So what gifts will you share with others?

What seeds of growth will you plant in others?

We also donated to GoodWill and Disabled American Veterans my books on teaching fractions and decimals to students in grades K-5, the fun way, through musical rhythm. (Musical Notes On Math) and "The Secret of Teaching Science & Math Through Music."

If my book helps a few children to understand fractions and decimals it will be worth it!

What gifts will you share with others?

Madeline's Rusty Nail story:

https://www.madelinefrank.com/blog/what-sparks-your-creativity/

Having traveled the world playing concerts and teaching classes, my husband and I have purchased coffee mugs representing the wonderful places we have traveled. These mugs have scenes of the cities we visited. We decided to gift many of these mugs so others could enjoy them.

What gifts will you share with others?

What seeds of growth will you plant in others by giving that special gift?

Will one of your gifts help others take that first step for their future?

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before It’s Too Late Wake Up! by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

 Are you living on autopilot?

 A friend of mine always says with a smile on his face, "I am grateful to be  alive."

When I was in my late 20s, I went to the hospital to have a growth removed that the doctor thought might be cancerous. My Mom came to the hospital with me. Once I was on the operating table, the anesthesiologist gave me anesthesia to put me under. When the procedure was over and I was in the recovery area, the doctor and surgical staff could not wake me up and the doctor asked my Momma to come in.

Momma said to him in a clear loud excited voice "Wake her up!"

I came to with the doctor pounding on my chest and my Momma standing nearby!

I was having a happy dream and did not realize they were unable to wake me up! If not for my Momma I would have been dead!

The doctor said, "You are allergic to the anesthesia I gave you and I was not able to wake you up until your Mother insisted I wake you up." 

"Do not ever allow them to give you this type of anesthesia again!"

They discovered that I was allergic to one of the drugs that I was given during surgery.

I nearly didn't wake up; but I was oblivious... because I was unconscious.

Open your eyes.

While this story was literally about waking up; most people are drifting through life on autopilot with their eyes closed.

And most people are oblivious to the fact that they are "unconscious" to their priorities and life. 

By having your success habits in place, you release your tension!

When you have intention, you open up your eyes, gain clarity, and take action!

When you gain clarity, you are compelled to move forward.

When you begin to move forward, you generate momentum.

When you generate momentum, others take notice.

Have you ever been at a stop light with a person texting on their phone, or been in an accident caused by a distracted driver?

The benefits are quite obvious when a distracted driver chooses to "open their eyes" and "decides" to put their cell phone in the back seat before they begin driving to prevent them from having another accident.

I challenge anyone to argue the benefits of a driver soothing their boredom by gluing their attention to a screen rather than paying attention to driving. Put it away.

Do you know someone who listens to the news without stopping, 24 hours a day? If that is their only intake of information, they are likely quite bitter and angry.

What can you do to improve this situation?

Replace an hour of listening/watching/reading the news with something uplifting, growth oriented, or gratitude related. See how you feel after one week. How about after one month?

Are you still angry? Has your mood improved? Are you able to think clearly and focused?

Have you ever been in a home with drafty windows?

Not only is it uncomfortable, but they can let in bugs.

Sealing your home with new windows will not only make it more comfortable; it creates a cleaner environment.

Your relationships and your standards are the windows of your life. If you are willing to tolerate pests, bugs, and other nasty creatures into your home, you may also let in negative people, stagnant people, and those who drag you down.

How can you improve your relationships and connect with others?

1. Ask them how they are and then ask them how their family is?

2. Listen carefully to what they say and offer your thoughts when appropriate.

By having your success habits in place, you release your tension!

When you have intention, you open up your eyes, gain clarity, and are moved to take action!

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

What Sparks Your Creativity? by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

During your journey through life you will have many sparks that will ignite your creativity, 

goals, and dreams. A spark sets it in motion. It is that willingness to start something 

without knowing how it will turn out. When others are ” jealous” of your work or 

creativity, it should be taken as a form of flattery. 

 

Most people depend upon someone or something outside of themselves to ignite their fire.

 

Your passions, your personal gifts are planted within you by God. It is up to you to grow them.

 

What are the 3 elements of fire?

    1)    Fuel – If there is nothing to burn, nothing will burn. Your “fuel” is made up of what you 

are focusing on. What do you read, watch, and listen to? Does it empower or enslave you? 

Be conscious about what you pour into your body and mind.

 

      2) Oxygen – This is the essential bond that creates the environment so fire can continue 

to burn. Your oxygen is the people you surround yourself with. Be aware of who they are 

and whether or not they build you up or tear you down. Prune accordingly.

 

     3) Ignition – A beautiful car will remain parked unless there is a spark that turns the 

engine. Your ignition is usually fueled by wonder and a willingness to try something new,

 or to take an area of your life to another level. How bad do you want something? What are 

you willing to do for your health, your life, your economics, etc.?

 

I had my “first spark” at 8 years old. I was at a summer reading camp. During the 15 

minute recess between classes, I decided there was just enough time to climb the 

beautiful 9 foot tree by the girls dorm. I climbed hand over hand pushing up each inch 

with my tennis shoes until reaching the top of the tree landing my right leg on a 

rusty nail attached to a board.

 

As I came down my right leg ripped down and the blood flowed down the tree like sap. 

Nick, a counselor, saw what was happening and raced to the tree and said, “Do you want 

to lose your leg?

 

“I shook my head No!”

 

He scooped me up in his arms, called another counselor to call my parents and have 

them meet us at the hospital!

 

In my mind I see my Momma getting into our car, driving the 3 1/2 hours to the hospital 

in Charlottesville, Virginia. As she is driving she says to herself, “I have to get her out 

of the trees before she kills herself!”

 

By the time Momma arrived at the hospital, she had a plan!

 

When she arrived, she saw me sitting there with over 25 stitches down my right leg. 

Momma leaned over me and gave me a ferocious hug. She looked into my brown eyes 

with her beautiful blue eyes and said, “Madeline, if I buy you a violin and get you 

lessons will you promise to never climb another tree?”

 

I looked into my Momma bright blue eyes and promised to never climb another 

tree if she brought me a violin and got me lessons.”

 

For many years I had wanted to play the violin and this was my opportunity. It all 

started with the 1st spark, landing on a rusty nail. That rusty nail saved my life and 

was the first spark of my journey.

 

What was your first spark, the catalyst, of your journey?

 

My second spark!

 

When summer camp ended, Momma came to pick me up with my new small violin and 

bow sitting on the back window in its case. The next day, Momma took me to see my 

violin teacher, a handsome, smiling young man, Mr. William Whitson, a violinist and 

military officer.

 

He taught me how to hold the violin and bow, where to place my fingers on the string, and 

how to make a sound on the instrument by pulling the bow across the strings. He did this 

by modeling how to play for me and then having me try it.

He also taught me how to read the notes on the musical page which is parallel to 

reading a book and taught me at my first violin lesson to play the theme of Beethoven’s 

9th Symphony, Ode to Joy.

 

Third spark:

 

After my first violin lesson with Mr. Whitson, I asked my Momma to take me to the public 

library so I could borrow a book on Beethoven to read all about him. That day 

was the beginning of my enjoyment with reading.

 

Mr. Whitson’s encouragement was the spark, the 2nd catalyst, fuel that kept me going 

during my moments of frustration.

 

Many years later at 17, I had the honor of playing at the world-famous Carnegie Hall. 

That journey would never have been possible without the investment my mentor made in me.

 

What are some examples in your life that changed the trajectory of your life?

 

What first sparked Charles Dickens creativity?

 

Dickens said, “One person fired up my imagination and gave me the tools to be a writer.” 

At the age of 3, Charles was so full of energy that he never wanted to go to sleep. His 

mother had a maid named Mary Weller who worked for 3 meals a day and a warm place 

to sleep in front of the stove. She did not clean the house. Her job was to “find a way to 

keep Dickens in bed at night. She told the best blood and guts tale of terror horror stories.” 

She knew 125 stories but Dickens favorite story was “Captain Murderer” and he asked for

 this story all the time. (Engels, E. (1997). Dickens for Kids. North Carolina: Authors Ink. )

 

What was his second spark?

 

At 11 years of age, the debtor’s police hauled Charles’ father off to Debtors Prison in 

front of Charles. He said, “I shall never be poor again.” His mother and brothers were 

sent to Marshalsea Prison and during this time Charles was sent to work at Warren’s 

Blacking Factory for ten hours a day. He had to wear five pairs of socks, while working 

at the factory, so he would have some protection from the rats that bit through his socks

 at the factory. His traumatic experiences, feelings of alienation and betrayal are themes 

of his books “David Copperfield” and “Great Expectations”. (Claire Tomalin, “Charles Dickens”.)

 

These two sparks were the catalysts for Charles Dickens future of writing books to bring 

about social change from poverty, child labor, and work houses. Dickens changed the 

world through his writing.

 

What sparked Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson?

 

“In 1995 I had $7 bucks in my pocket and I knew two things: I’m broke… and one day  

I won’t be.” He decided to relentlessly pursue his definition of success. First in the 

wrestling world, then later in movies.

 

Do you remember that first spark that set you on your journey?

 

Through your journey there will be many sparks to get you moving!

 

How can you help set a spark in others, a fire within them, to take action and take 

that first step?

 

How can you be a spark, a catalyst for change for someone else?

 

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Who will you help to change?

 

Sparks are the catalyst for change!

 

1) Write down your first, second, and three “sparks” that changed your life’s direction.

2) Like Charles Dickens was there a person or place that sparked your creativity to take 

action for your future?

 

3) How can you activate a spark in someone else’s life to make them take action?

 

 

 

 

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business 

owner, teacher, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations 

“Tune Up their Business”. Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to 

improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book "Leadership On A 

Shoestring Budget" is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a speaker virtual 

or live contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com