What's Your Personal Development Status?

Many people ask me why I think and speak the way I do - my answer is simple - I read - ever since I picked up my first copy of "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill my life hasn't been the same. I love to share my knowledge and thoughts w/ others. Based on the great feedback I've received from my status updates on FaceBook, I've put together a collection of them to share here as well. I’ve copied and pasted them as they are so the short hand & bad grammar is intentional. Enjoy!

your rituals are what you reap... when i wake up & b4 i go to bed i read my success statement (as instructed in chap 2 of T&GR by Napoleon Hill) i also spend a mini 2 hrs a day on Personal Development... why? b/c ur income will only grow to the extent that u do. success comes to those who are success conscious & that happens by "washing ur brain" clean & rebuilding ur subconscious.

whatever you focus on you'll find - even if it's not there... u must change ur physiology & focus. what do you feel most proud of in your life today? how do u breathe, walk, talk when u feel proud?

big picture thinkers don't let the grind get to them b/c they never loose sight of the all important overview. HERE'S THE KEY PART: "if u want to be a big picture thinker u hav to go against the flow of the world" - John Maxwell -> that's how David Tepper made $7 Billion during the stock market crash. they havent stopped making money, u just stopped thinking big enough to get it!

when u feed ur subconscious mind w/ personal development information - u can't help but win because u become a different person & attract successful people in ur life. the more u feed urself healthy things the better ur physical appearance will look, feed urself garbage & u'll gain weight & get sick. personal development is ur mental diet...what are u feeding urself? eat right! :o)

who u are determines what u see AND how u think. big picture thinkers realize there's a world out there besides their own, & they make an effort to get outside themselves to see what the world has to offer -> who are u & how do u think? i am a powerful woman so i am a powerful thinker. fly high eagles! :o)

"when the will comes n conflict w/the imagination, the imagination invariably carries the day" - Emile Coue' -> so true! when ur will (ur rational logical self) comes n conflict w/ ur imagination (ur creative, right brained self ) ur imagination always wins. imagination always trumps will. imagine urself successful! see u at the top! :o)

opportunities and blessings come to those who embrace an abundant attitude. abundant thinking multiplies, magnetizes, & magnifies whatever is focused upon. to "out-picture" abundance we must repeatively "in-picture" a mental state of abundance. why? b/c ur state of mind creates ur state of results...u must step out of ...the frame so u can see the picture! fly high eagles! :o)

nature is totally abundant but not discriminating. when the rain falls it has to go somewhere, right? if one part is dry another is wet. here's the truth: if somebody isn't willing to receive his/her share, it must go to whoever will. the rain doesn't care who gets it & guess what - neither does money. -> there's some T.Harv Eker truth for ya! i love it! :o)

are u weak or strong mentally? when faced w/ur break-THRU do u run scared & break DOWN? so many times u pray & beg for something different, but when the something different shows up b/c it's different, u run scared! u tuck n ur tail & climb back n ur shell & go back to doing the very thing that got u n the situation ure n! why? here's the truth: ure NOT a true winner. winners always find a way & winners BELIEVE!

i learned a great principle of success: it doesn't matter what your background is or what you have or haven't done in life thus far... all that matters is that you recognize when your moment has arrived :o)

"Women will always be dependent until she holds a purse of her own" - Elizabeth Cady Stanton, women's rights activist (1815-1902) -> ladies we all want a successful man, but in the midst of enjoying the luxuries he showers you with be in a position to provide that for yourself as well - it'll make his that much more enjoyable ;o) girl power! now go get 'em cougars! lol!

personal development tip of the day: never take advice from someone you wouldn't trade places with. -> so true! their advice got them where they are, so unless that's where u want to be - no matter who they are - don't listen... a person can only take you as far as they've gone! let's get it! :o)

"Don't let your learning lead to knowledge. Let your learning lead to action" - Jim Rohn successful people develop positive daily 'habits' that help them grow and learn. to apply new info u receive ask urself 3 ques: 1. where can i use it? 2. when can i use it? 3. who else needs to know it? via John C. Maxwell now get to work! :o)

Integrity or Image?: Are you the same person no matter who you're with or what you're going through? Image promises much but produces little. Integrity never disappoints. - John Maxwell -> so true! you can't fool everyone all the time, you will soon be recognized for who you are vs. who you appear to be. go get 'em! :o)

some people are open to change only if it doesn't inconvenience them or cost anything. I call that lazy! change threatens our habit patterns & forces us to think, re-evaluate & unlearn past behavior which scares many people. form your habits - don't let them form you. keep winning! :o)

6 word formula for success: think things through - then follow through -> so true! the fortune in your future is ALWAYS in the follow through. what good is it to have an idea if you never put it into action? that's a wasted vision! get out there & raise the B.A.R. (belief, action, results)...don't jus talk like u want success work like u want it! to the top! :o)

when u avoid risk u risk what's important - John Maxwell -> the longer u wait to pay the price the greater the price will be. to hav success u must be willing to make a trade off, it's like interest that compounds. u invest so much w/out seeing a return, but b/c u were consistently investing into ur success & u PUSHed ...through u finally get ur success payday - retro included. now go shake the bank! ;o)

don't just acknowledge your set backs EMBRACE them. fail early, fail often, but fail FORWARD - thomas edison failed 10,000 times b/4 he made history! most ppl would've quit after the 1st few! there's ALWAYS a method to the madness & mess w/in the MESSage. don't work "to" the end work "through" the end & to the top! fly... high Eagles! :o)

When you don't reflect & evaluate your experiences you're getting nowhere fast. 25 yrs go by but you don't gain 25 yrs of experience. You gain 1 year of experience 25 times! U need knowledge & understanding, means & meaning, know-how & know-why to get to the top. see you there! :o)

"experience teaches you nothing, evaluated experience teaches you everything" - john maxwell. -> i've experienced a lot in the past few months w/ the last 48 hrs being the most intense of them all, looking forward to transforming the adversity of 2009 into extreme success for 2010. planning for the future helps to get ...through the present - my calendar is booked & i'm ready to roll!

checking bags at the airport is so symbolic to life. the "heavy bags" cost you extra for a reason! we all need to travel light and learn to off-load before we can reload, be willing to GIVE up (people, bad habits etc...) before you can GO up. that's the only way you'll be able to fly high w/ the Eagles and reach your destination. let's get it! :o)

"sometimes we overestimate the event and underestimate the process. every fulfilled dream occurred because of dedication to a process." - John Maxwell -> wanna know if you're making progress? check to see how many times you've failed. failure along the way means growth & its all part of the process - you HAVE TO be willing to go through it. to the top! :o)

people's purpose in life is always connected to their giftedness. you are not called to do something that you have no talent for, the problem is most people haven't spent enough time developing themselves to fully understand their capabilities. the networking virtuoso's advice: an hour a day puts success in your way - go get 'em! :o)

a winner knows how much they still have to learn, even when others see them as an expert. a loser wants to be considered an expert before they learned enough to know how LITTLE they know. never stop being a student. to the top! :o)

positive and negative emotions cannot occupy the mind at the same time. one must dominate the other - Napoleon Hill -> my question to u is which is more dominate in your mind? the answer will expose the "why" behind your success or lack thereof. form a habit of positive thinking & remove anything/anyone that causes negativity. go get 'em! :o)

"any man is educated who knows where to get knowledge when he needs it, & how to organize that knowledge into definite plans of action." Napoleon Hill on Master Minds -> that's very true...the people you follow can only take you where they are...so who are you following? i'm following "One Voice" let's get it! :o)

change doesn't come until change is made, if you want to soar like an Eagle get out of the chicken coop! make today count! :o)

#15 of 31 Major Causes of Failure via Napoleon Hill: "Wrong selection of a mate in marriage" --> Uh oh! this is true though if you're not in harmony and equally yolked in all the things that are important to you, then there will for sure be some conflict. especially if you're in business together. choose wisely! :o)

"u can't entirely control ur subconscious mind but u can voluntarily hand it over to any plan, desire, or purpose" - Napoleon Hill -> so true! u believe u more than anyone, so what are u telling urself that u can or can't do? That will lead u to why u have/have not reached ur goal(s). Go get 'em! :o)

loving this amazing thing called life...one decision backed by belief, led with action, will change the most important world there is - yours. truly amazing :o)

"the only break anyone can afford to rely on is a self-made break. these come through the application of persistence. the starting point is definiteness of purpose" - Napoloen Hill --> if you want success you must prepare your mind to attract it & persistently work at it until it is a fixed habit. let get it! :o)

when u reach a cross road in life there are 3 things to expect: 1) a personal decision is required 2) it will cost you something 3) it will influence others -> make a decision, pay the price, and help someone else....simple formula for success...let's get it! :o)

when you're interested in something, you do it only when convenient. when you're committed to something you accept NO excuses, ONLY results. have an Attitude of Domination and bull doze your way straight to the top! let's get it! :o)

"The heights by great men reached and kept, were not attained by sudden flight...but they, while their companies slept, were toiling upward in the night" - John Maxwell

Persistence is an essential factor in the procedure of transmuting desire into its monetary equivalent. -> Napoleon Hill. Definiteness of purpose. Burning Desire. Faith. Specialized Knowledge. the list goes on! NEVER quit, doubt, or give up. Belief is the key, Persistence is the lock, open the door of Faith and walk into your Destiny. let's get it! :o)

"any man is educated who knows where to get knowledge when he needs it, and how to organize that knowledge into definite plans of action" - Napoleon Hill -> knowledge isn't power - applied knowledge is power (Put Opportunity Where Everyone can Reach)...let's get it! :o)

Follow through w/ your commitments & make sure the tongue in your mouth matches the one in your shoes...to the top! :o)

#17 of 31 Major Causes of Failure via Napoleon Hil: "Wrong selection of associates in business." we emulate those with whom we associate most closely, so pick someone that is worth emulating. maintain the quality of ur business & keep your standards high, know ur worth & be thankful when some partnerships aren't made - there's typically a good reason why! to the top! :o)

#9 of 31 Major Causes of Failure via Napoleon Hil: "Lack of Persistence." we always want everything to happen yesterday - so when it doesn't we slack up & throw doubt in our minds. arrest that thought & keep pushing! there is no substitute for persistence, failure can't cope w/ persistence. ur breakthrough is due - be ready for it. let's get it! :o)

"the turning point in the lives of those who succeed usually comes at the moment of some crisis, through which they are introduced to their otherselves" -Napoleon Hill -> dig deep to the 'inner you' to find the 'other you'... for once in your life, put it ALL on the line and fight. no matter what, go get it! :o)

#26 of 31 Major Causes of Failure via Napoleon Hil: "Possession of power that was not acquired through self effort." perfect example are "some" lotto winners. instant wealth makes them uncomfortable so they blow it to get back to where they were comfortable - broke. they just bought a ticket to get it so there's no strong bond. success is a tough cookie - one that i'm happy to chomp my way through :o)

The After Affect

July 2009

There are many reasons why I speak for Monster.com's Making It Count Program, and while the personal gratification is great, there’s nothing like the transferring of that personal gratification to the students. To have “MY” passion spark passion in others is a blessing and a gift I don’t take for granted.

I travel to many schools with Making It Count and have reached 10’s of thousands of students, and as I come upon my one year anniversary with the organization I experienced what I’ve heard many seasoned MIC Speakers share they have – the “After Affect”.

I've been sent out to south Texas a lot for the past semester – Harlingen High, McAllen High, Ray High and many more. I went there many times to many schools to deliver Making College and Career Count for seniors and Making Your College Search Count for juniors. I get there and everything is great, the students are excited and I’m delivering the info with passion, connecting with everyone, getting great feedback from counselors and students – everything is just wonderful.

Well I never put a lot of thought into the After Affect because for some reason it seemed far fetched, something that I figured I’d experience years down the road. I thought about the high school students hoping they’d take what I’ve shared with them to heart, hoping they’d change their lives for the better, and aim high to reach their goals, but that was the extent of it. A thought.

I recently traveled to the University of Texas at Brownsville to deliver MIC’s new program Monster College Advantage. I’ve been in the high school circuit, but this was my introduction to the college circuit so I was nervous but very excited to take the dive.

My first presentation there was in June right after certification - and before I even spoke the Dean of students was excited to have me, and shared she couldn’t wait to get my help and how she loved MIC Speakers because we always delivered quality information – so I knew it was going to go good.

It was the beginning of school so the students were going through their orientation or “Scorpiontation” as they call it. I hit the stage – knock it out. My delivery was comical, real, and down right fun, so I was elated to return, especially when I got an email from the Dean sharing with me how the students did a survey about all of their orientation and said the “Monster Speaker Lady” was their favorite part!

Since they have many orientations throughout the summer on into August, I was scheduled to return in a few weeks. Well due to personal reasons I couldn’t make the second presentation, so another speaker was sent in my place – he’s great so I knew he’d knock it out. I returned yesterday to rock it again and the minute I get to campus the first thing the orientation leaders share with me was that they missed me and the students were looking for me the last time because of all the buzz that was created during my first visit.

At this point, I’m elated, overwhelmed and ready to roll – thinking what could be better than that!? Well as the students start to fill up the lecture hall, I walk down to the stage to get in position, and I look in the crowd and hear this voice “Hey! I remember you!” It was a young girl. I said, “Cool! Were you here last time I was here?” She said, “No you came to my school!” I stood there trying to figure out if she was in the crowd the last time I was there and she said “I went to Harlingen High School”. Then it clicked! That was one of the schools I visited the previous semester to deliver Making College and Career Count to seniors. She was one of the seniors in the crowd! I didn’t meet her then but little did I know – she would remember me!

Of course the high pitch “OMG’s” women do took place and I told her it was good to see her and I wanted to get a picture with her after. So I delivered the presentation – again – super fun and exciting my energy level was on another level because of all the love they gave me prior to. I glance over at her from time to time and she’s holding on my every word, filling in the workbooks as if it was going to be on her final exam. All I could think about is not letting her down. I think to myself, “Bring it Porshea, she’s counting on you.” The students start to fill out the feedback forms, and I had one guy yell out “Miss Porshea!” I said “What’s up?” He goes, “What do we do if the number we want to rate you isn’t on the page?” I said while laughing, “Well what number are you looking for?” He said, “a 20!”

All I could say was “awwwwwwwwwww I love yall so much!” Because the highest they can rate us is a 10, and they wanted to give me a 20! That’s when I told them how much I love speaking to students, so I asked the young girl to raise her hand, and I shared with everyone it was my first time experiencing the “After Affect” and that it was almost as if she was my little sister because I had a part in inspiring her to take that next step in life. She was the only one in the room who attended a high school I’d spoken at in the past, and here she was in College seeing me again - she was so proud of it because that was our thing, and our connection.

After, she took her camera out and we took pictures. She gave me the biggest hug and said “Thank you for everything, you’ve helped me so much.” I walked out of that lecture hall another person. We call ourselves transformational speakers – and because of the “After Affect” she transformed me.

Presentation - $100. Rental car - $68.75. Watching a student's eyes light up because of the “After Affect” – Priceless.

I spend my life – Making It Count

Why Are You Here?

Originally written 9.2.07 revised 7.21.09

I've been taking time to diligent focus on the things that will nurture, grow, and develop me into what God has called me to do as my definiteness of purpose – my “Why”. I call it "Personal Mentoring". I have been extremely blessed, and it is my mission to utilize the blessings I’ve gained to bless other women.

To determine why I’m here, I asked myself 3 very important, and life changing questions:

1. What is my passion? -- What drives me?
2. What is my purpose? – What is the reason behind my passion?
3. What is my platform? – What is that “noun” to help me make it happen?!

That gives me my personal definition: Your Passion x Your Purpose + a Platform = POWER ™

Equations are made to define something. If you could break yourself down into an equation what would your definition be? What would be the major components to equate to you? Does your life style truly define who you are? Not the ‘you’ on the surface, but the ‘you’ on the inside. When you peel away the hype, what’s at your core? Your core is who you really are. It’s what makes up your definition. If what you’re doing doesn’t define who you really are, or want to become, do something else. Quick.

The best way to determine how you really are (because we all think we are perfect), is to ask two people. Someone you’ve worked with, and someone you’re related to or lived with. This activity will expose you to some things you never knew and like, and many more things you never knew, but will dislike. Regardless, all of it will stay with you for a lifetime, and change you in ways you never imagined possible. It may even turn old partnerships into new and refreshing ones.

My equation adds up to me realizing there's no one who can take me where I want to be but me. The decision I make – and didn’t make are what got me here versus there. There's no one else I can blame for my success or failure but me. Why? Because I have a brain. That sounds simple but in an era where so many people aren’t using theirs, you quickly realize, common sense really isn’t so common. We think we can do it all, and you know what…we can. We can “do” anything, but that doesn’t mean we can do it “well”.

What’s really the cause of success? Drive? Determination? Domination? Knowing someone who knows someone? I say all of it. Life is amazing – we have this great thing called a brain that we get to use. It’s jam packed with tons of information tubes and wires that guides everything we do. It’s amazing how as I type this now my brain knows what to tell my fingers to type, not to mention all the things that go on before the message gets to my finger tips. It’s like a ga-zillion messages going on at once. Powerful right? Yes it’s amazing, but my question is why most people don’t take advantage of it?

It’s almost as if we’re so used to it that it becomes less valuable. You know how it is when you have this strong desire to meet someone famous, and then you meet them talk to them and see they’re really not that different than you so all of a sudden your emotions change and you don’t scream when you see them anymore? In fact, you act like you’re best friends. “Oh, that’s just so and so. We’re cool.” All of a sudden their normal, when just a minute ago you were drooling a hyperventilating over the thought of just seeing them! That's what happens when you don’t use your brain – it’s a “oh by the way I have this” versus an “I must use this” kind of tool. Don’t take it for granted.

Use your brains, and work smart not hard. Of all the books I’ve read there’s one common denominator: Networks. Working smart means to build networks with people who share your vision, and whose strengths are your weakness. In the book “One Minute Millionaire” by Mark Hansen and Robert Allen they talk about H.O.T.S. which stands for Hare, Owl, Tortoise, and Squirrel, they are characteristics used to help sculpt the perfect team. Once you find your fit, do partner with people who fit into one of the others, and you’ll be well on your way to a strong foundation for success.

It’s also important to partner with people who have good ethical values and beliefs. That’s my deal breaker. If they don’t stand for what is right then regardless of how talented, smart, rich, or fun they may be, or how much money we could make together, I don’t do business with them. What draws the line in the sand for you? What’s your deal breaker? You may not realize your deal breaker until after you get to know the person, when you do realize it, I encourage you to stand behind whatever it is, pray about it and proudly walk away. God will soon bless you with the right partner, coach, mentor, and life time friend. This applies to all areas of your life, especially in personal relationships but that’s a whole other story.

When it all comes clear you figure out why you’re here. You soon realize you’re here to either Do something or Go somewhere. Either way there’s action. Who got you where you are right now, who’s taking you where you want to go or better yet, who are you taking with you? We all have people in our lives for a reason; it’s up to you to determine if that person adds, subtracts, multiplies, or divides – to or from you. Knowing that will help determine why you’re here versus there. Where is there? That’s for you to define. It could be as big as reaching your lifetime goal or maybe just a move to another place regardless – you need to know. You need to plan. Plan ahead by preparing for the future, plan behind by learned from the past, regardless – make a plan. That will help you to plan for the now. What got you here today is what you will need to pull from to get you through the day. What choices have you made? What people are in your life? Who have you learned from? Who has crossed your path and given you inspiration?

I want to help you, so ask yourself these questions and answer with humility and honesty:

- What is my passion?
- What are my dreams?
- Am I living the life I've always dreamed?
- What is it that I want that I don't have?
- Do I hate being told what to do?
- Am I dependent upon someone else to take care of me?
- If I could have the perfect life, what would it look like?
- Do I feel at times that the weight of the world is on your shoulders?
- Do I feel at times you are so low that there's no way but up?
- Do I feel confined to you current situation?
- Am I sick and tired of being sick and tired?
- Am I happy?
- What am I doing to change this?

Now ask yourself:
- Why am I here?

I leave you with this: If you can’t fly – run. If you can’t run – walk. If you can’t walk – crawl. No matter what…just keep moving!!

© 2009 Porshea “PorsheaRae” Mitchell

Excerpt: "You Look Good Coming & Going"

...That is an extremely summarized version of my life within the past few years. One thing that kept me sane, even during my suicide phase was prayer. I embraced a great book “Power of a Praying Woman” by Stormie Omartian, to teach myself how to pray better and I recited prayers out of that book everyday all day until I could see, hear, and feel the Holy Spirit take charge of my life. I’d journal all my dreams and questionable events in my life and try to relate them to stories in the Bible to find relevance and meaning. Some I figured out, many I didn’t and to this day still don’t know what they mean – yet. It’s always refreshing to go back and see where I was then and the growth to where I am now. The storm is what I call it, we all go through it, and it’s never fun while in it, but I’ve gotten to the point where I embrace the storm and the struggle because I ALWAYS come out on top.

It isn’t something that I broadcast to everyone, overcoming this storm is between me and God, on the surface you wouldn’t dare know what was going on, because I’m focused on how to get through. I’ve said this for many years “You get what you focus on”, and it’s true, if I focus on where I am, or on what was, then I’ll never get to where I’m supposed to be, that’s not to say that you are to ignore where you are, but regardless if it’s good or bad, regardless of what you may think your purpose is, or how big it may be, know that what God has for you is always bigger – that’s what I focus on.

I focus on providing opportunities for our youth to prosper, to prepare themselves for the real world. The real world isn’t taught in schools, so I’m taking my knowledge of Brand Management and real world Professional networking and using it to teach our youth how to brand themselves in a way that companies do so they can prosper. I’ve studied this since 2004, and I look back at how it’s helped me, then I look back and say what if I’d known all this when I was a senior in high school or during college? I’d be living a completely different life. BUT! Had I known all this then, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to share this information and experiences with you, I wouldn’t have the examples of hardship and struggle that are relevant to my message today. God knew then what He was doing. He was using me and working on me so that He can work through me and groom me to provide platforms and opportunity for others.

So here I am working to regain lost chances and use them to provide an opportunity for someone else. We all have opportunities to make a difference in the lives of ourselves and others. We walk around everyday with a bucket full of opportunities, big and small that are always in our heart and we sit them down and walk away with the intent to get to them later. We leave them unfulfilled thinking someone else will do it, but they are yours to do something with. Here’s what I’ve learned during my spiritual journey (that I’m still on) in order to take full advantage of the opportunities provided to you, you must do 4 things:

1. Be responsive to the call. When you’ve recognized your talent, it’s not so you can just sit on it, it’s so you can do something with it and be a blessing to someone else. Be responsive to it and accept it.
2. Be honest with your fears. This is tough for many people, but in order to overcome your fear you must face it. Confusion isn’t of God, it’s of the devil, and fear & confusion fuel one another because they keep you from walking through your purpose. By recognizing and being honest with it, you are able to do something about it.
3. Be actively obedient. Nothing happens until you get off your behind and make it happen. “Oh I can’t do this because I’ve lost that”. Poor you! Well if you continue to focus on what you’ve lost, you’ll never keep what you have - so you always loose. God’s laid it out for you; it’s up to you to go get it.
4. Be compassionate about ministry. Whether you belong to a church, read the Bible or not, when you speak words to people you’re ministering to them. God is using you as bait to use the opportunity He’s given to you to activate faith and success in someone else.


My Opportunity for you…
Most of the business I do, I do with men. It’s a benefit and also a curse. A benefit because men get straight to the point, are direct, and work off of business versus emotion without holding grudges. My looks have opened doors while dealing with men, but they sometimes only see the physical me versus internal me - my talent or educational qualities and intelligence – which is much more beautiful. Behind the exterior is a business woman – a powerhouse professional who knows how to take care of business and isn’t afraid to do so.

We always seem shocked when things happen to us that are unexpected, or when we feel wronged, but aren’t the signs there all along? When you’re emotional and trying to get to that next level, or anything out of life, many times that emotion clouds your vision and thoughts, and the “signs” that are there – if you’re not paying attention – can pass you by.

I wrote this guide of tales in hopes my story and experiences will help other women recognize the undertone sometimes spoken by men in business. What are their true motives? They know I mean business, but do they care? Why does this professional drama roll into my personal relationships with men as well? What happened to that good & old fashioned, respect and honesty – is that not “in” anymore? Hopefully the tales inside will allow you to recognize the signs we sometimes don’t see, and react better than I did, or at least know how to handle them before they happen.

We have to stick together, I wrote them not just because of the weird encounters I’ve had with men, but because I feel women bring so much value to the world, and there’s nothing more inspiring to me than to see how the young girls look at me with glossed over eyes when I speak. I know what they’re thinking: “I want to be like her. I can be like her.” That brings a lot of pressure to me because I’m not perfect, I’ve made many mistakes, some very stupid ones at that, and have ruined great relationships with powerful people at times in my life because of them.

My message to you – if you’re that young girl reading this - is that my professional accomplishments are definitely something you should aspire to beat. My personal growth is just that – growth. Everyday is a journey and learning experience, use my journey as a guide, not a rule book for your life. Be better than me. Do better than me. Live better than me. Have more than me. I will do my best to provide you with information that I wish I’d known when I was younger, this puts you in a position of strength, apply this knowledge to your passion, work with a sense of purpose, build your platforms, and you will have power.

I’m an example, not the end result. You produce your end result. You’re responsible for your actions. Don’t idolize me because you are all ready more than I am…

Excerpt: You Look Good Coming and Going ™ - © 2009 Porshea “PorsheaRae” Mitchell

Small Town Big Dreams - The Story of PorsheaRae

July 30, 1981 the day a vibrant, strong, and beautiful little girl was born, full of life, character, and personality; her name, “Porshea Cne’ Mitchell”. My childhood was interesting, my parents were average everyday hardworking, and loving people. They met in high school; a story that seems as if it came right out of a high school journal. They married and we lived in Hearne, Texas, population around 5000 and 48% African-American. I was the most active out of all my cousins, which is why I was able to stay strong through the domestic issues my parents had. From hearing my mom get verbally abused, to being pushed around while trying to protect her when she and my dad fought, to standing in between the two of them begging her not to blow his brains out with the gun she had pointed at his head for having me out with him and one of his lady friends. I’ve seen it all. My mother is my rock and as her only child I do my best to protect her at all costs. That’s where my drive came in – from her support and determination.

My parents divorced when I was 5 or 6, my dad left us with nothing. My mom and I lived in an old house, with leaky ceilings, rats, roaches, and a broken toilet - 708 Pine Street, but even though she only had $500 a month to work with, she kept me looking good and very active. Growing up I played all sports – Volleyball (spiker), Basketball (guard), Track (200 and 4x100 relay – first leg), Cheerleading (Co-Captain), Softball (I was horrible!), Skating, Gymnastics (love to tumble) – you name it. I even played the piano for my church! I bounced around a lot with ideas on what I wanted to do; I’d try something and if I didn’t like it, or got bored I’d move on to the next – quick! I’ve never been one to accept what’s thrown at me, I’d always fight for something more, and there she was – my mother – cheering me on the whole way. I was a typical teen, and enjoyed my high school life; I started working at 14 the earliest I could, part of that was because I didn’t want to have to depend on anyone to take care of me. My dad and I fought constantly – he paid child support and felt he didn’t have to do much else. There were times I’d wait for him to pick me up with my bags packed lying at the door, and I’d sit for hours without a sign of him. I’d fall asleep so many times my mom would pick me up and put me in the bed. I needed him in my life, but after being called out a derogatory name or two – or three, for asking him to spend time with me, I’d had enough so I set my sights on my future. Despite our differences, I always kept in contact to try and keep our relationship going, no matter what he’s my father and I love him dearly, more than he knows or understands.

I worked at a fish market, grocery store, and finally in 1998, I made my way to a retail clothing store. I graduated high school with 72 people in my senior class, even though I wasn’t in the top 10% it didn’t stop me, and August 1999 I started college at Sam Houston State University; my mom worked as a Disabilities Coordinator and loved children so initially I majored in Pre-Occupational Therapy with the hopes to become a Speech Pathologist. October 1999 my grandmother dies, and I’m failing Biology, so I decided to change my major to Marketing. I worked three jobs, didn’t have time for clubs, organizations, or extra curricular activities, and it all paid off - my sophomore year I bought my first car – all by myself! It was a Toyota Corolla, brand spanking new; I called her “Rolla”.

I didn’t have good study habits, so I got through college with fairly good grades, a few B’s but mainly C’s. My college graduation day was an emotional one – May 2003. I was the first person on my dad’s side of the family to get a college degree – a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing. I moved to Houston and continued my retail career and in June 2004, beat out thousands of other candidates, and got promoted to our corporate office in Ohio to work in Brand Management. I was 1 in 9 selected, the only person from Texas, and the only African American – no prior experience but worked hard and managed 7 categories in 940 stores generating $1.4 billion in sales for the largest sub-brand for the company. I’d never read much before, but I started reading personal development books, and journaling, that was a vacation for me, a way to me to know there’s a whole other life out there and if I work hard, stay focused and keep the desire, I can have it all with plenty to give back.

June 2005, I’m traveling the country living in the fashion world and tragedy hits my family. My grandfather gets kidnapped and murdered back home in Hearne (see blog for details). The downward spiral starts. I gain 40 pounds, get diagnosed with Hypoglycemia, loose focus at work and by June 2006 find myself back in Houston. Worked a few jobs here and there, did some very successful consulting work, and finally August 2008 I get my break. I sent in a 5 minute video to Monster.com’s Making It Count program, along with a few thousand other people, and was one of the few to get hired on. From there things start to make sense, all of tragedies, the reading, and speaking I did in school, at funerals, and in corporate America made sense – I found my calling. Since traveling and speaking my world has changed, my perspective on life has changed, my network has expanded dramatically, I’ve spoken to tens of thousands of students, for many organizations, and have established myself as a solid and valuable networker and business professional. An Open Networker – Servant Leader who will pay it forward just so I can see someone else succeed.

During my travels I’ve spoken with many students - especially girls - who share with me their personal stories, when I look at them, I see myself. So here I am sowing my seeds back into them just as someone did for me. I’m blessed to be a blessing. My Passion is speaking & networking – I have and will continue to sacrifice whatever necessary so I can do it. My Purpose is to inspire the next generation, empower women & solve my grand father’s murder. My Platforms are OrGano Gold, The Napoleon Hill Foundation, Making It Count, all of the networking & radio interviews I do, connections I make, organizations I join, and most importantly – you.

That gives me Power. The power to Put Opportunity Where Everyone can Reach. Join me on my quest!

2009 Speaking Schedule

January
January 27th Tuloso High School Corpus Christi, Texas
January 27th – Interview on the Dino Herbert Show “Everyday Hero”
January 28th Ray High School Corpus Christi, Texas

February
February 12th Rowe High School McAllen, Texas
February 12th – Interview on “The Wealthy Speaker Show” Blog Talk Radio
February 13th McAllen High School McAllen, Texas
February 20th Sterling High School Houston, Texas
February 27th Sterling High School Houston, Texas

March
March 3rd Oak Ridge High School Conroe, Texas
March 4th Rayburn High School Houston, Texas
March 5th Elsik High School Houston, Texas
March 6th – American Marketing Association Event Houston, Texas
March 10th John Raegan High School Pasadena, Texas
March 11th McArthur High School Houston, Texas
March 12th Jones High School Houston, Texas
March 13th – Interview on “Speaker Talk” on Blog Talk Radio
March 24th Alief Taylor High School Houston, Texas
March 26th Bridge City High School Bridge City, Texas
March 27th Sterling High School Houston, Texas
March 31st Juarez High School LaJoya, Texas

April
April 3rd Spring Branch School of Choice Houston, Texas
April 9th – Featured Guest Speaker - Ohio
April 16th MacArthur High School Houston, Texas
April 17th Sterling High School Houston, Texas
April 22nd PSJA Memorial High School Alamo, Texas
April 22nd Rio Hondo High School Rio Hondo, Texas
April 27th Westbury High School Houston, Texas
April 28th Oak Ridge High School Conroe, Texas
April 29th Law High School Houston, Texas
April 30th Splendora High School Splendora, Texas

May
May 1st Barbara Jordan High School Houston, Texas
May 2nd-3rd Monster DLP Tour Training Dayton, Ohio
May 4th Cuero High School Cuero, Texas
May 7th Waller High School Waller, Texas
May 9th - Interview on "Extra Effort Forum" show on Blog Talk Radio
May 12th Scarborough High School Houston, Texas
May 15th Jones High School Huston, Texas
May 20th MacArthur High School Houston, Texas
May 30th Waller High School Houston, Texas

June
June 5th-7th MIC - Speaker Training Dayton, Ohio
June 17th University of Texas - Brownsville, Texas

July
July 1st University of Texas - Brownsville, Texas
July 2nd DeVery University - Houston, Texas
July 9th-12th MIC - Speaker Training Indianapolis, Indiana
July 15th University of Texas - Brownsville, Texas
July 29th University of Texas - Brownsville, Texas
July 30th - HAPPY B-DAY TO ME! :o)
July 31st - Monster DLP Stetson University Orlando, Florida

August
August 5th University of Texas - Brownsville, Texas
August 12th University of Texas - Brownsville, Texas
August 13th Houston Community College - Houston, Texas
August 15th Houston Community College - Houston, Texas
August 17th Vatterott College - Court Reporting Institute of Houston
August 19th University of Texas - Brownsville, Texas
August 20th Houston Community College - Houston, Texas
August 21st Navarro College - Corsicana, Texas
August 22nd Houston Community College - Houston, Texas
August 24th Huston-Tillotson University - Austin, Texas
August 24th Concordia University - Austin, Texas
August 27th DeVry University - Houston, Texas
August 28th New RRR Conference - Waco, Texas

September
September 2nd Rice University - Houston, Texas
September 9th Northeast Academy of Health Science & Engineering Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
September 10th University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma
September 15th Henderson State University - Arkadelphia, Arkansas
September 16th Central Methodist University - Fayette, Missouri
September 17th Harris-Stowe State University - Saint Louis, Missouri


October
October 2-4 Keynote Speaker for BLACKE Summit Weekend Houston, Texas

TESTIMONIALS
“Porshea was hired as a contract speaker for Monster's Making It Count Programs in August 2008 to deliver our Making High School Count (MHSC) program. Since then, Porshea has expanded her program portfolio within Making It Count to include two additional programs and we are looking to Porshea to add to this repertoire by adding two more additional programs moving forward in 2009. She has maintained consistent scores from both students and counselors alike and is well above average in her delivery of our Making Your College Search Count (MCSC) program. Porshea receives excellent feedback in regards to her relatability and delivery of our programs ... she is energetic, engaging, informative and confident to name a few. She will also be bringing her talent and skills to Monster's Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) as a presenter throughout the summer of 2009. I would highly recommend Porshea Mitchell as a speaker for any event and/or organization!”
-Sara Maxey, Speaker Recruitment Manager, Monster Worldwide

"Dear Porshea,

It was great to have you on campus last week. I have to tell you that many of our evaluations indicated your presentation was their favorite session. I’m happy that we will see you a few more times and I hope we can collaborate in the near future with another visit to campus."
-Mari Fuentes-Martin, Dean of Student University of Texas, Brownsville

“Porshea Mitchell and the Making College & Career Count presentation were a breath of fresh air. Several of our students seemed to open their eyes and minds to the advice that was being given. Students were buzzing about the presentation for days and a renewed interest in going to college was felt. This motivated several of our less responsive students to thinking about their futures.”
- Madeline Williams, College Access Counselor, Jones High School

“Porshea was informative and delivered her information with authority. She was confident.”
– Paulette Clayman, Elsik High School

“Our presenter did a fantastic job! She talked to students about real-life jobs/college applications and processes.”
– Jan Lewis, Associate Principal, Oak Ridge High School

“Student engagement - the delivery of the program; Porshea is what held the attention of our audience.”
– Nelda Garibay, Guidance Counselor, Tuloso Midway High School

“The content was excellent and very appropriate for students. The speaker was great, very motivational”
– Deborah Pace, Head Guidance Counselor, McAllen Memorial High School

“Intelligent, eloquent, and extremely hard working Porshea gets her message across clearly, effectively and with style. Porshea’s messages and words effortlessly motivate across borders and media, in fact knowing no boundaries her words resonate because they are based on her own values and come from her own experiences – this brings a powerful foundation for her great work. This is a person who is well versed with the latest technology, knowing how to use social networks to great effect and I’m sure Porshea is destined for an even brighter future, deservedly so.”
– Marino Orzechowski, IT Consultant, Netherlands

“Doing business with PorsheaRae Mitchell is cause for celebration. She is driven, sharp, smart and good. Her creative and engaged mind seeks and uncovers perfect win-win situations and she illustrates her ideas with grace and enthusiasm. She is one of the most motivational individuals that I have ever met because of two reasons: 1. She sees potential and opportunity (For herself, for your company, for collaboration) 2. She acts upon it. One day, I listened to her describe our company, Energy People Connect. She explained the nuances of our organization and her leadership role with so much vim and accuracy that my own sense of purpose and faith in our success was renewed. I thought, “What a great company! …Oh, that’s ours.” At a practical level, here is a woman that gets things done with determination, ethics and style, something rather rare in today’s age. As a mutual friend put it, “Porshea is a business woman. She doesn’t mess around. People appreciate it.” Expect great things from PorsheaRae. She is a rare gem.”
- Brandy Brazell Obvintsev, President & Founder Energy People Connect, Houston, Texas

"Dear Porshea,

It was a pleasure meeting you today. I was inspired by your speech and attracted to your dynamic and personable style. I hope we cross paths again soon. Until then, thanks for your involvement in making today’s event so spectacular!"

Warm regards,
- Mary Jane Mudd, Principal – Full Tilt Communications & President-Elect AMA, Houston, Texas

“She's very eloquent and has an engaging personality over the airwaves. Porshea has the "IT" factor over the radio, for example leading up to the interview she was very relaxed which is a good sign for an interviewer. Once the show date arrived, I introduced my show, The Wealthy Speaker Show and introduced my listeners and then Porshea. In the radio business we call her a natural, meaning she is very poised and it made for an exciting interview, with my largest listenership to date. That's not all, the interview was so powerful, we lost power at our studio, it was truly and electrifying evening. Mind you listeners from the Philippines and Hungary were on the line listening in and requested Porshea Mitchell back by popular demand as my guest. Not to disappoint my listeners, I invited Porshea back and we had yet another stellar interview and to be honest with you, she is a star in her own right and I expect great things from her on the world stage as a professional speaker, television personality and much more. I highly recommend Porshea Mitchell because she represents the essence of excellence. She's truly blessed.”
-Paul Lawrence Vann CEO, Wealth Building Academy Washington, DC

My Grandfather's Murder - The Purpose for my Passion

Not too long after my move to Ohio in 2005 tragedy struck my family. I was at a friend’s party and my mom called me crying. I couldn’t understand what she was saying to me at first, I told her to calm down then she hit me with a brick….”Your grandfather is missing.”

I immediately asked for more details. She told me he had been missing all day, he drove out of the Church parking lot to travel a block to his house & he disappeared. He never made it home. The family has searched high and low and couldn’t find him anywhere. The police assumed he just wondered off b/c he’s old, but with the fear in my mother’s voice and the connection we have as a family, I knew it was foul play. I wanted to cry, but I couldn’t, as an only child I had to be strong for my mother. I told her everything will be ok, to clam down, and to keep looking and call me back once she hears something.

After hanging up the phone with her I called my cousin and friends back home, crying myself b/c I’m 1800 miles away from home, my mother needs me, and I can’t be there for her. That’s the worst feeling ever, she’s my heart, my rock, in her eyes I could never do wrong, and at the time she needs me the most I can’t be there. The depression sets in.

Days go by and still no sign of my grandfather. I’m absolutely broke. Working 60+ hours a week and broke. I go to my boss and ask if they could send me home on a “business-like trip”, she goes to HR and they make it happen for me. I fly into Houston, get a rental and drive to my roots, Hearne, Texas to comfort my mother. By this time it’s been over a week, and he’s still missing. He’s in his 80’s with no medication and battling the hot Texas summer heat. Although I hoped for the best, I expected the worst. We got news that his car was found in the woods by the old Hearne air base. The Texas Rangers swamped the area, hound dogs sniffed away; they head to the Brazos River, combed it, no luck. By this time I get to my moms, and quickly our roles change, I hold her in my arms and tell her God is in control.

The Chief of Police walks up to the house, he tells us they found him, or what was left. He was found at the air base, less than a mile from his home. Someone left the gate open which is supposed to be locked at all time from the public since it is still being used by private planes. He was highly decomposed, and lost the fight against the animals in the wild. We knew the outcome wasn’t going to be good, but no one could ever prepare anyone for that. You never think it could happen to you. Be blessed; love your family b/c the truth is….it can. We start planning for his funeral, but due to the decomposition they would have to send the remains to Dallas for 2 weeks to process dental work and confirm that it’s really him. Just too much for someone to go through. The worst part of it all is, knowing he suffered. Knowing he had to fight for his life. Knowing he was out there hopeless. Knowing he felt fear, pain, and anger and that he knew his killer.

Hearne is a very small town with a population that’s less than 5000 and is 48% Black. Everyone knows everyone, and is connected in some way, leaving me angry, confused, and confident that he knew his killer. In a place so small and connected my grandfather’s case should be solved by now. Do I blame the Police, partially? They finally get a chance to do their job and they fail. A crime like that is too mature for a small town cop. All they’re used to doing is giving speed tickets to travelers on HWY 6 or convicting innocent people during random drug busts used to get government funding. So I know a lot of forensic details were overlooked. They’ve had leads, but they all passed the lie detector test. When you look at an old Black man getting murdered in a small country town, you can’t help but play the race card. None of the cops were black, so I can't help but wonder - was there some racist prick that did this to him? Or was it another case of Black on Black crime?

Some knew him as Ray Foster, but to me he’s Granddaddy. My grandfather was a solider, he served his country well. He lived across the street from Blackshear Elementary School, the whole towns Alma Mata, the kids called him “Mr. Pretty” b/c he was married to a woman called “Miss Pretty”. For years, even when I was in elementary, he sold Laffy Taffy’s, Now and Later’s, Pickles, Bubble Gum and Soda 5 cents each to kids who crossed the small park to his house after school. A man who did no wrong, the only Grandfather I had. How do you forgive? How do you heal?

God has given me the gift of words and the ability to motivate and inspire people with those words. I use them as tools to spread the word about my grandfather's murder. That's why I call myself "PorsheaRae" - I speak to gain a support system that I will use to help solve his murder, so when I am introduced as PorsheaRae when speaking, my heart smiles because it reminds me of my grandfather Ray Foster, and my mission to solve his murder. It will be hard, but I am a fighter just as he was, I know God will lead me to his killer. I have the faith and will put in the work.

Granddaddy - I love you. I miss you. You didn't deserve to go the way you did, I pray for whoever did that to you. I hope you didn't suffer long, I'm sorry I couldn't get there sooner, but I got there when mama needed me the most. We got the watch you had on, and some of the cash the killer(s) left behind. Mama has it, I'm sure she put it up somewhere. You never wanted to put your money in the bank - didn't trust them - and if you were living now, I'd say that was smart! :o)

I know you know this, b/c I know you're looking down on me, but I've been spreading the word around for you! I will find them. I dream of you all the time, reflecting on the good times. But no matter how hard I try nothing will erase the feeling I felt when mama called with the news. I spoke at your funeral about how you gave back and how you fought your whole life. I talked about your character, your charisma, and your love. Thanks for letting me sneak and drive your car when I was little! That was our little secret ;o) Any who just wanted to drop you a few lines, to tell you I'm fighting for you and I know you're supporting closely. I can feel you near, Grandmama too! I miss her dearly, doesn’t seem like 10 years have passed. Knowing you two, you have gotten back together - handle your business - I'm not mad at all :o) I love you.

~P

The Beltway 8 Boys (True Story written 1.6.08)

They are young, and probably don’t know what it feels like to have. Have a house, new clothes, new shoes, fresh cooked meals. Yet as young as they are, they know very well what it feels like to work, because nearly everyday they stand at the corner of Westheimer Road and Sam Houston Tollway in Houston, Texas during the busiest times of day, pacing up and down the highway, risking their lives.

They walk in between cars that are waiting for the light to turn green; in their hands are green bowls that they use to collect whatever “spare change” the drivers in the stopped cars may have. Risking their lives for change; a penny, nickel, dime, and if they’re lucky a dollar, something so simple to you and me, lunch money, lotto money, toll money. Money that serves no real purpose in our lives, but as the saying goes, “what is one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.

For months I would drive by the Beltway 8 Boys, a group of 6-8 boys, and their male guardian. The boys would walk up and down the feeder road of a major highway intersection, unembarrassed to ask for help, many people ignore them and give nothing, but would make a left to go to the Galleria Mall and waste money on a pair of shoes or designer jeans that they will probably only wear once.

Due to the traffic I would sometimes sit through 2-3 cycles of lights, and just watch people’s reaction to the boys. Some see them coming and quickly look away as if they don’t see them. Some play with their emotions, and pull out a hand full of cash, 20’s, $50, $100 only to dig through it and give them a dollar.

Every time I see them my heart melts. Their guardian is an older man, he looks like he’s in his 50’s, and has a posture of someone who has a real life understanding of the word struggle. He looks worn out, tired, ready to beak down at any moment and jump in front of the passing cars. But he doesn’t, he sits back and encourages the boys to keep moving. I can only image what he says. “Don’t stop, keep walking, we have to get as much as we can”. He is their rock, so he hides his emotions from them and stays strong.

I wonder why they are there, the very first time I saw them one of the boys tried to tell me, but the beat of my heart when I looked into his tiny, youthful, and innocent eyes drowned my hearing. I just knew they needed help, so I gave him my “spare change” and went about my way, saying to myself, “I don’t want them out here doing this”. For days I’d dream about them, and everyday I’d see them I’d give them what I had, the most being $5, because just like the rest of us I have bills to pay, right?

I’d find myself dreaming of being blessed enough to drive up to the light in a brand new SUV, with a briefcase full of money, and keys to a new house. I’d pull up at the light and tell them God sent me to do His will in your life, and then take them to a bank open an account for each of them, and hand them over the keys to the car and directions to their new house. A dream I know in my heart one day will come true.

Last week I received an unexpected check in the mail. I immediately went shopping, spent hundreds of dollars on clothes, and on the way home I was listening to my Dani Johnson CD “Conquering the Financial Kingdom”, which I do daily, and God convicted me. Why did I buy all this stuff? What good will these clothes serve me? How selfish of me! Everyday I pray for God to use me to do His will, and on Sunday January 6, 2008, at 2:20 pm He led me to do just that.

On my way home from Church, I rode up to the corner of Westheimer Road and Sam Houston Tollway, and there they were, my innocent friends. If only they knew how much I thought of and prayed for them. How much I cried for them. As two of the boys walked towards my car, my heart light up with warmth, and my eyes watered up. I opened up the envelope of money I had and gave one of the young boys a $100 bill. He said very softly, “Thank you, miss” and kept walking, not realizing what the bill was. As soon as he did, he ran up to the other little boy who was to my right waving the money. They both look at it in awe, pointing at me, smiling, waving, and their little lips reading “Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! They run up to the rest of the boys and their guardian, as I drive by pointing and waving all yelling Thank You!!

I drive away in tears. Today was a day for first times. The first time the young boy didn’t make it to the back of the line asking for money, the first time I saw all their faces light up with joy, and the first time I really let go and let God use me. One man’s trash truly is another mans treasure. I can’t wait for the day to make my dream come true to that I may bless them. By the look on their faces they’ve probably have never seen a $100 bill, and I never thought I’d be able to be the one to give it to them. However we must not forget that through God, all things are possible. The day will come where the dream I’ve dreamed for them will come true.

Elevator Speech Success Tips

PorsheaRae's Elevator Speech Success Tips

(Presented at the American Marketing Association - Social Media Bootcamp 3.6.09)

Effortless – be relaxed, all you’re doing is sharing them a little bit about the person you know best – you!

Likable – smile and make eye contact

Energetic – be open and welcoming

Versatile – have different versions for different audiences

Actionable – go first!

Timely – elevator rides aren’t that long… a 3 second “hook” w/ a 27 second explanation is a good

start

Organized – have a sense of direction during the conversation

Rapport – make them remember you – in a good way!

Your Passion x Your Purpose + a Platform = Power!

(for elevator speeches...huh? yup! it's a formula!)

Ø Your Passion -- Who am I? What’s makes me – me?
Does your job title define you? If not, think of what does? Your passion is an extension of you, and people will be drawn to you when you speak about it. The person you’re speaking to doesn’t know you, so this is your opportunity to promote whatever you want – most importantly… you!
Ø Your Purpose – Why am I doing the work I am doing?
Do you have a clear reason for doing the work you do? “I am doing this because I want to do that” Your purpose fuels your passion, so it should be carefully thought out. It is your path or plan that drives your passion, and steers the direction of the conversation.

Ø Your Platform -- What tools do I use to do it?
This is the person, place or thing that stimulates your purpose and fuels your passion. This could be the company you work for, an organization you’re apart of, a business associate… it’s the tool.

Ø The Power -- I’m connected!
You leave a positive mark. You exchange information. They walked away knowing you the person, so when you cross paths again, they remember you.

(c) 2009 Porshea "PorsheaRae" Mitchell

What's Your Personal Definition?

Your Passion x Your Purpose + a Platform = Power!

Passion – If money were no object, what is that thing that you would just LOVE to do? You would sacrifice and give up so much to do it? You dream about it… It clouds your head all day… And every time you think about it, you feel complete, you feel satisfied, accomplished, successful, and on top of the world.

· Helen Keller – famous author, political activist, and lecturer was the first deaf/blind person to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree
· The Wright brothers dreamed of a machine that would fly through the air, with the greatest of ease
· Thomas Edison dreamed of a lamp that could be operated by electricity and after 10,000 failures he made it happen, and
· America just elected its first black president.

All of that happened b/c someone somewhere was passionate about something, and they had a reason for it or purpose.

Purpose -- Why do you want to do it? Is it because you want to give back? You want to be wealthy? You want to make a difference in people’s lives? Your purpose it what drives you, therefore it is important to have it clearly defined. It is your unobstructed path, your plan. Your purpose serves as a constant reminder of who you are and why you are doing the work you are doing.

· When Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed African Americans, he new the odds were against him,
· Socrates compromised his personal belief and drank the cup of poison to give people the right to freedom or thought and speech, and
· General Robert Lee, parted ways with the Union to help the South.

These examples show what happens when you have strong purpose or reason why you are passionate about your passion. Is your purpose as great as the many men and women, who stood, fought, lived, and died before you?

Platform – What tools – people, places, things, are you going to use to get you there? Is it joining a club or organization? Going to college? Getting a successful businessperson as your mentor? Your church?

Henry Ford used to catch a lot of flack from colleagues because of his lack of traditional education, however we all know he was pretty smart, not just because of what he did, but because of the platforms he used to do it. He created a “Master Mind” group, which was a group of people that had all the traditional knowledge he lacked, and all he had to do to get to that specialized knowledge was press a button to call them in his office. People with the knowledge he lacked were one of his major platforms.

Power – You have success!!
You’ve probably heard the phrase “knowledge is power”? Well that’s wrong, knowledge is only potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into a definite plan for a definite purpose.

Power is the equivalent of success and your success is what you make it. Many people will try to tell you what success should look like for you, and although they may help you gain insight on success generally, only you and define and create your success specifically.

So I ask again - What's Your Personal Definiion?

(c) 2009 Porshea "PorsheaRae" Mitchell