Recently I listened to the 2007/2008 President of a National Organization give a rousing presentation to a room full of professional speakers. When he was done, he received a standing ovation.

Why?

Because he allowed himself to be vulnerable. He ?stepped up? in front of a room full of professionals and exposed himself, *warts and all, as the saying goes.

At one point in the presentation, the speaker, Mark, asked the potentially loaded question:

?How many of you are gamblers??

About one fourth of the room, rather hesitantly, raised their hands.

Mark, seeing the hesitant response in the room, asked the question again; this time louder and with more force: ?How many of you are gamblers?? he boomed.

This time, about ? to ? of the room raised their hands; some of the hands went up proud and high, while others were still a bit inquisitive and fearful when they raised their hand.

But even with the higher participation the second time around, it was obvious that everyone in the room didn't understand the power of the question enough to raise their hand.

? In fact one man I noticed from across the room seemed in a ?fog? about what was going on?..

Of course, Mark, as any good speaker will do, read the audience and sought to bring those in a fog, out of their confusion by ?outlining? the 4 BETS we each place every day.

We bet:

Our Time

Our Energy

Our Money

And our Creativity.

Don't we?

Isn't Mark right?

--- Don't we ALL gamble with these 4 things, each and every day?

As you plan the execution of your day, ask yourself the following questions:

?What shall I do today that will have a greater likelihood of getting me what I want??

?How should I spend my time??

?How will this activity bring me closer to what I want??

?How should I spend my energy??

?What specific projects should I give my energy to??

?What will bring me closer to my goals??

?What will render the highest value to those I serve??

?How shall I invest my money today??

?What shall I bless - as I invest my money- and send it (money) along its merry way??

?Where shall I trust (& gamble) that my money will do the most good, with the positive ?intention? of it (the money) making the world a better place??

And my creativity?..

?How can I show up, be vulnerable and expose my creative voice -- and ?gamble? that I will be rewarded with abundance, strength, and prosperity??

?How, and where, can I ?gamble? that the message I share today will empower and enrich the lives of others??

Yes, we are ALL gamblers of these 4 Strategic Powers:

Time. Energy. Money. Creativity.

How will YOU gamble with yours?

What questions will YOU ask of yourself?

What will YOU hold yourself accountable to?

What will YOU do today to ?better? the universe we are all connected to ---- and the lives YOU have the capability of touching?

Where will YOU ?show up? and ?expose? your purpose and your passion?

Where will YOU allow yourself to be ?vulnerable? ----so that YOU can receive the standing ovation that YOU deserve??

Final Thoughts:

There is a greatness within you that has not yet been revealed!!

--- In other words, there is more to you than meets the eye.

I KNOW it.

I FEEL it.

I BELIEVE - IN YOUR POWER.

Step up.

Take risks.

Be a gambler.

Be vulnerable.

Let your voice be heard.

Gamble your time, your energy, your money, and your creativity,

and watch your winnings grow!!

Success IS action,

Cindie Jackson

*I have no knowledge of the speaker having ?warts? --- it's ?just an expression? implying that the speaker was willing to expose his (real or potential) weaknesses, ---for the good of all!!