"By focusing on positive, healthy motivations and letting the more negative ones pass, you can purify the source of you imaginative power."
Denis Waitley
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Heeeeeere's JOHNNY!
By Ron White
One of my fondest childhood memories is watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. When I was seven years old, I would get a tape recorder and put it against the television and record Johnny's monologue. I remember running into my parent's room because I wanted my mom to come and listen to the 'funny man.' When she walked into the living room, she did laugh. However, it was not at Johnny Carson - instead she laughed that her seven year old son was convinced he had discovered Johnny before anyone else in the family!
Perhaps it should be of no surprise that, decades later, I make my living delivering monologues, much like my childhood mentor. Although, I am a keynote speaker and not a comedian, I did originally try to be a comedian...but everyone just laughed at me! :-)
As I listened to Johnny's friends after he passed away, they all talked about what people from age 7 to 97 loved about him. Do you know what they said? They said that he:
- Let others talk (In other words Johnny was the star by not always manipulating the spotlight to himself. He let others shine.)
- Listened (Not only did he let others talk, he also listened!)
- Made jokes but never at the expense of his guests.
- Saw the value in bringing the common man on his show.
- Wanted to see others succeed.
- Was almost funnier when his jokes bombed because he just rolled with it.
Johnny Carson understood that if his guests were successful and funny that made him a star. He spent his interviews letting others have the spotlight.
Here is the life lesson:
Understand what I call the 'Carson Principle.' This principle says that if you want to make your life successful then make those around you successful.
Spend time to listen to the least among you. The 'Carson Principle' also goes on to say that if you spend your efforts to draw attention to yourself it will actually backfire and focusing on others will catapult you to success. This may not be monetary success but it will surely mean relational success. Finally, the 'Carson Principle' says that it is okay to fail and don't take your failures too seriously.
Mr. Carson, I still have your decades old monologues on cassette tape. Although I was not aware of it at a young age, you taught me a lot about life and success. Thank you and I bid you a heartfelt farewell.
Goodnight Johnny...
*************************************************
"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing that's why we recommend it daily."
Zig Ziglar
***************************************************
Your direction
It may take months, years or even decades to get where you want to go. Yet you can begin moving toward that goal in an instant. You are where you are right now, and nothing will change the path you've already traveled. Yet you can most certainly and most completely change where you are going.
Choose to follow a positive direction, and whatever your current situation may be, it is instantly and significantly improved. Once your focus is on creating a positive reality for your world, that reality begins to take shape.
Though the challenges ahead may be many, they are no match for the power of your intention. To activate that power right now, point yourself in a positive direction.
The next step you take is yours to decide. And whatever that next step may be, it is the step that will determine your direction.
At any time, no matter what the situation, your direction is yours to choose, and becomes real the instant you act on it. Make your direction a positive, fulfilling one, right now, and always.
Ralph Marston
***************************************************
"You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things - to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals."
Edmund Hillary
Denis Waitley
*************************************************
Heeeeeere's JOHNNY!
By Ron White
One of my fondest childhood memories is watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. When I was seven years old, I would get a tape recorder and put it against the television and record Johnny's monologue. I remember running into my parent's room because I wanted my mom to come and listen to the 'funny man.' When she walked into the living room, she did laugh. However, it was not at Johnny Carson - instead she laughed that her seven year old son was convinced he had discovered Johnny before anyone else in the family!
Perhaps it should be of no surprise that, decades later, I make my living delivering monologues, much like my childhood mentor. Although, I am a keynote speaker and not a comedian, I did originally try to be a comedian...but everyone just laughed at me! :-)
As I listened to Johnny's friends after he passed away, they all talked about what people from age 7 to 97 loved about him. Do you know what they said? They said that he:
- Let others talk (In other words Johnny was the star by not always manipulating the spotlight to himself. He let others shine.)
- Listened (Not only did he let others talk, he also listened!)
- Made jokes but never at the expense of his guests.
- Saw the value in bringing the common man on his show.
- Wanted to see others succeed.
- Was almost funnier when his jokes bombed because he just rolled with it.
Johnny Carson understood that if his guests were successful and funny that made him a star. He spent his interviews letting others have the spotlight.
Here is the life lesson:
Understand what I call the 'Carson Principle.' This principle says that if you want to make your life successful then make those around you successful.
Spend time to listen to the least among you. The 'Carson Principle' also goes on to say that if you spend your efforts to draw attention to yourself it will actually backfire and focusing on others will catapult you to success. This may not be monetary success but it will surely mean relational success. Finally, the 'Carson Principle' says that it is okay to fail and don't take your failures too seriously.
Mr. Carson, I still have your decades old monologues on cassette tape. Although I was not aware of it at a young age, you taught me a lot about life and success. Thank you and I bid you a heartfelt farewell.
Goodnight Johnny...
*************************************************
"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing that's why we recommend it daily."
Zig Ziglar
***************************************************
Your direction
It may take months, years or even decades to get where you want to go. Yet you can begin moving toward that goal in an instant. You are where you are right now, and nothing will change the path you've already traveled. Yet you can most certainly and most completely change where you are going.
Choose to follow a positive direction, and whatever your current situation may be, it is instantly and significantly improved. Once your focus is on creating a positive reality for your world, that reality begins to take shape.
Though the challenges ahead may be many, they are no match for the power of your intention. To activate that power right now, point yourself in a positive direction.
The next step you take is yours to decide. And whatever that next step may be, it is the step that will determine your direction.
At any time, no matter what the situation, your direction is yours to choose, and becomes real the instant you act on it. Make your direction a positive, fulfilling one, right now, and always.
Ralph Marston
***************************************************
"You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things - to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals."
Edmund Hillary
