The day had finally arrived. As I looked out the scenery was breathtaking. The butterflies in my stomach were fluttering. My heart was beating faster too. I had made the decision and believed it was the right decision. I was determined to stick to it. The time was now here and I was going to make the jump. So here I went.



What a view! It was better than I ever expected it would be. Ah! The feeling of perfect freedom was so exhilarating. That confident feeling now swelled in my chest even more than before. I was getting closer & closer to my target now. I was sure everyone would eventually accept my decision to take on this challenging experience.

It wasn't long before I had my feet solidly planted on the ground. The applause was unbelievable. I had reached my target. I was confident my decision would eventually enhance my life dramatically. I had finally reached a goal I had planned for a long time.

Did you really think I made a parachute jump? No I didn't. This was some part of a 5-minute speech I made at the National Convention of the Dale Carnegie Organization several years ago. I don't know if it were the exact words or not. But it is the best I can remember.

The speech was an analogy of my decision to leave the family florist business and pursue a sales career. All the words I used and the incidents I described were very realistic to the challenging decision I made. I really believe I left the audience mesmerized. The emotions I expressed were very convincing. I did explain in the final minute of the speech what it was all about however.

But the day turned out a little disappointing. I lost the contest. My speech went over the time limit by 2-3 seconds. It was the agreement of the judges I only lost because I went over the time limit. I was so emotionally involved in that speech that I didn't pay enough attention to my wife and a couple of other people giving me time signs from the back of the room.

I did learn a valuable lesson that day and it was this. Defeat is very disappointing but it's never permanent. I try to spread those words to anyone whose ever had any disappointment in life. I encourage them to not give up. I tell them if they will just hang on and keep at it sooner or later success will come their way.

In the years that followed I did win some local and regional speech awards but I never got the chance to enter another national contest. I did become a graduate assistant with the Dale Carnegie organization eventually. I was required to present sample speeches to the new members of the course each week. I had a lot of fund and enjoyed working with the insructor.

I eventually joined tne National Speakers Association with the goal to become a professional peaker. I did get some contracts for speeches and made some money from them. However I never realized my big dream. But I think I finally found my niche in life when I became a sales supervisor training a team of salesmen. This was one of the most exciting and profitable times of my life. It was gratifying to see how I was able to help them develop profitable territories.

I believe you have to come to realize that your life doesn't always turn out the way you expect. It's been my experience that being persistent. Then having a stong passion to achieve your goals.. And initiating a well devised plan daily. That eventually you will create your ideal lifestyle. Just go for it and see if that's not true.

Copyright (c) 2007 Sonny Julius