Becoming Who You Are Meant to Be . Using Adversity to Reach Your Goals
By Brian Norris

I was an atypical 6th grader. Detentions. Weekly fist fights. No friends.

Avid entrepreneur.

I wasn't the coolest, best dressed or most sociable boy to attend Apollo Middle in the early 80s. But even at the ripe age of 10, I already had the makings of an entrepreneur. I didn't know it, but a passion for business ran through my veins.

While other kids spent their weekends at the mall or at the arcade playing Pac-Man, I was at the local pharmacy, buying inventory for the week, selecting the perfect combination of candies based on their resell value, popularity and ease of transport. Then, it was off to the record store, where I'd buy pins, posters and fluorescent Cindy Lauper bracelets to sell to the girls. I'd even sell the Michael Jackson centerfold inserts found inside Mom's Star or Enquirer.

Come Monday, the kids would gather around me, a.k.a. The Candy Man, away from the watchful eyes of nosy, detention-happy teachers. The quarters and dollar bills flowed as the cool kids and geeks alike gladly parted with their lunch money to buy handfuls of Bazooka Joe, Double Bubble, Red Hots, Blow Pops, Boston Baked Beans, Now-n-Laters and homemade cinnamon toothpicks.

Sure, I got caught. And yes, my inventory would occasionally be confiscated. But that only fueled the flames, making me more innovative and more determined to sell my goods. By the time I was in the 8th grade, the teachers realized that detentions weren't doing the trick. Despite warnings and notes to Mom and Dad (some of which never saw daylight), I was still breaking the rules -- and loving every minute of it.

Enter counseling.

When I was twelve I remember going to a group counseling session for problem kids. I got out of 2nd period, affectionately remembered as the math class from Hell (can you imagine my elation?). The counselor, Ms. Bhetty, tried to help the six of us "come out of our shells" by making us focus on our future goals.

Ms. Bhetty looked at each of us and asked the question of questions: "What are you going to do with your life?" I don't recall what the others replied. My answer, though, is etched in my mind.

"I'm going to write a book." I said matter-of-factly

Ms. Bhetty looked at me incredulously. "You're going to write a book? And how old will you be when you write this book?"

"Yeah. I want to be a writer, Ms. Bhetty, and I'll be." I hesitated to come up with a plausible number, "I'll have written my first book by the time I'm 23."

Ms. Bhetty forced a nod and a smile. Still, I detected one of those, "who are you to write a book?" glances. I could tell she had her doubts. And I'm glad she did, because doubt is a powerful motivator.

Had she looked at me and honestly said, "Brian you can do anything you put your mind to" or "I believe in you, and can't wait to read your book" The dream of becoming an author may have always been just a dream. Why? Because there would be no one to contradict. Instead, the challenge of proving her wrong (and myself right) burned brighter and brighter.

In the weeks, months and years to follow, my passion for language and writing, and ultimately speaking, grew. I discovered how the written word opened portals to other realities, allowed me to express my feelings about various issues in the world and established instant credibility. Building upon that marvelous discovery, I started my own copy writing business in 1990 while working part-time as a waiter.

Three years ahead of schedule, I wrote my first "book" at the age of 20, called, "How to Make $25,000 a Year as a Server" for a local steakhouse.

In 1998 I launched Passion Power Online, a marketing ezine for entrepreneurs and business owners. In 1999, I self-published "How to Build a Marketing Machine for Practically Nothing."

By the time I was 27, My copy and PR had appeared internationally. I'd written articles, guest commentaries and columns for newspapers, magazines and web sites across the globe. I'd spoken to audiences around the nation.

In 2001 I began using the Internet to publish "Passion Power: How to Live, Love and Lead the Life You Deserve" and you're reading a snippet of it now.

The universe acts upon our intentions and desires. When I said I would be an author, I believed it, and the universe help set into motion the next 18 years of my life. Fortunately, the process never ends. To this day, I am still becoming the entrepreneur AND the author... the person I was intended to become.

If only Ms. Bhetty could see me now.

I'd say thanks to her and to the other well-meaning folks who inadvertently inspired me, through their lack of discernible faith. They were just as important as the deliberately genuine, positive colleagues and mentors who have been there for me at life's most critical junctures.

You see, personal motivation and inspiration look like plain lumps of coal to the untrained eye. I challenge you to instead find the diamond within every piece of coal that comes your way. If someone says "you can't", or "it won't work" prove them wrong. That goes for your relationships, your business and all of your crazy dreams and ambition. Find the power that can come from every cynic's disbelief, every hypocrite's ill wishes and every adversary's grudge. Let it drive your passion.

And then, when you've done just what you said you would, be sure to say thanks.

Brian Norris, is an internationally known author and professional speaker. He brings businesses and buyers together by facilitating relationships based on passion, communications and soul-to-soul connections. Find out more by emailing info@BrianNorris.com or by calling 414-899-1905.

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