On those rare occasions when I have exceeded expectations with my golf score, I amuse my friends with the comment: “My mother always said I had potential.”
Over the last several years, the TransForm team has volunteered their expertise to a not-for-profit organization in Minneapolis called The BrandLab. In its own words: “The BrandLab is a bold experiment that mixes the brightest minds in the marketing industry with students from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. It’s a way to inspire a new generation of thinkers so their voices can be heard in the creative world.”
It is accurate to say that as we have worked with these students, we are unsure of who is inspired most. Their creativity and commitment to their dreams and goals demonstrate how, when given the opportunity and tools to succeed, young people can transcend circumstances and fulfill their extraordinary potential.
The United States and many other nations cherish the notion of freedom. It is worthwhile, however, to reflect on what it means to be truly free. For these students, it often means the freedom to explore their potential unencumbered by self-imposed limitations or those imposed by others. Freedom also means being able to create a compelling vision of what they want to accomplish and have their futures look like.
But let this be a challenge to all of us: Do we feel free to express who we are and what we stand for? Are our aspirations being held captive by the tyranny of reason, or are they unbounded and expansive? How are we showing up every day to our families, friends, and colleagues?
No matter our age, each of us is pure potential. I assure you, although I am 69, my mother’s words still ring in my ears! Each year does not diminish our potential as we can expand upon our natural gifts and talents through leveraging our experience and wisdom. Consider one of my role models: Tony Bennett. The iconic singer, now 89, recently recorded a new album with Lady Gaga. Bennett is fully engaged in the process of living and not just pumping blood.
However, like the students, our potential will only be realized when we focus every resource we have toward creating what we want for our lives. This is not Pollyannaish or self-deception; it is a bold declaration as to who is in charge. We are giving permission to dream once again of what could be and to believe those dreams can come true.
As Mark Twain said: “Let us endeavor so to live that when we die even the undertaker will be sorry.”
Watch David McNally discuss the creative Power of Vision at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkMkD0G6Txw
David McNally, CPAE, is the CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of TransForm Corporation (http://www.transformcorp.com). Elected to the Speakers Hall of Fame by the National Speakers Association (NSA), McNally is the author of the bestselling books, “Even Eagles Need a Push—Learning to Soar in a Changing World,” “The Eagle’s Secret—Success Strategies for Thriving at Work and in Life,” and “The Push—Unleashing the Power of Encouragement.” His co-authored book, “Be Your OWN Brand,” is used by many business schools to address the importance of building a strong personal brand. McNally’s books have been translated into 12 different languages and developed into corporate training programs that have been released in more than 20 countries. TransForm works with organizations to develop purposeful leaders who build inspired organizations and iconic brands. Clients include Ameriprise, Areva, Conway, Delta Airlines, Pulte Homes, and Thrivent. For more information, visit www.davidmcnally.com or e-mail info@transformcorp.com.
