Legends and Giants aren’t born, but they grow through experience. Legends to me are people like Napoleon Hill, Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, and Charlie “Tremendous” Jones. They are all gone, but their work lives on.
The Giants that walk among us, just to name my top ten, are Anthony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Bob Proctor, Chris Widener, Connie Podesta, Darren Hardy, Dennis Waitley, Les Brown, John Maxwell, and Steven Covey. Who are you top ten?
Brian Tracy is one of the giants in the personal development business. He is the top selling author of over 50 books, that have been translated into dozens of languages. His bestselling audio video program, “Psychology of Achievement” has been translated into more than 20 languages. He has travel around the world delivering positive and effective lectures on leadership, selling, goals, strategy, and success psychology that brings immediate changes, with long term results.
Brian developed himself, and learned a lot about himself, and the world. He was born in Canada from a family that struggled financially. I was born across the river and over the border, in Detroit Michigan. He dropped out of high school and started his career as a labor. I finished high school and labored on the automotive assembly line. This was back during the time that the Motor City was booming with four car manufacturers.
Brian left Canada to travel the world. He drove to the United States and got on a ship to England. Then he cycled to France, Spain, and Gibraltar. I joined the US Air Force to get off the line, and went to Germany after a brief stop in Tripoli Libya, where the US was forced to close down the military base there because of Col. Muammar Graddafi.
In his early travels and adventures he worked with the famous Dr. Albert Schweitzer, and he trained with martial artists and earned his Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. I only earned a Brown Belt in Shotokan, and I worked for the famous combat fighter pilot, “Chappie James”, who became the first African American, Four Star General for the Air force.
Everybody, is influenced by someone. There is such a great power in a well written book or audio program. Guess where to find some of the best? Go to the Success Store? Brian Tracy mentioned two books from the legends and one from a master. If you study, research, write and lecture to millions for 30 years I would call you a master also. It’s more than the money, but the impact you have on people’s lives.
What are you doing to leave a lasting legacy? If you don’t write your story who will? I decided that I would like to finish my book before it gets to late, the titled – “Standing In The Shadows, Listening To The Greats.” Special thanks to Gerry Robert author of “The Millionaire Mindset” for giving me a different the track to run on. If you commented, it may become part of the book; a marketing idea, from Gerry’s training’s. This has been straight talk, beast mode.
H.G.M.
Internet comments
Jenny Weeks
Earl, once again, you have amazed me and touched me. Very powerful post. I am not surprised you worked for General “Chappie” James. I knew there was something special about you. You are humble yet you rise above others. I love your post and always, ALWAYS come away with something profound and ever so valuable. Thank you, Earl.
Earl Hackett
Thank you for your kind words. I’m just thankful that I took those steps to broaden my horizon and that I found some great mentors along the way (some were in books, many were on audio tapes, and a few were in person).
When I met Col. Daniel “Chappie” James he was the base commander at Wheeler Air Force Base in Tripoli Libya, North Africa and they were closing down the base. When he spoke to our little group I knew he was someone special (a true American Patriot). It wasn’t until later, that I realized he was also, a trailblazer.
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