As a young boy, I never had much self confidence or belief in myself. That was for good reason. I was a weakling, basically unhealthy with a severe asthmatic condition, not really very good at anything, including school, and things I enjoyed like sports, music etc. I was one of those kids everyone thought was unlikely to succeed in life. I heard it everywhere I went, right through my high school years, and began to believe it myself. Once that seed of doubt creeps in, it’s difficult to make go away. I would try hard but but never seemed get anywhere. My mom would do her best to pick up my spirits when I was feeling low, telling me that giving a strong effort is what counts the most to her. I think  “Effort” was the only good grade I landed in school in those days. 

When I was much older, I ran across a book about the life of Walt Disney, that stressed that you needed to develop a positive attitude and believe in yourself to realize your dreams and accomplish your life’s goals. Reading those pages inspired me to work even harder and set my sights higher. Walt never gave up chasing his dreams, and went on to archive great things in his lifetime revolutionizing the entertainment industry. He believed anything is possible with a positive attitude, and I started to adapt Walt’s philosophy to my own life. That’s when everything changed in my world, and my failures started turning into successes. By chance during a trip to Sedona Arizona a few years later I ran across another book entitled “The Path To Success Is Paved With Positive Thinking” by Wally Amos. Wally’s words of wisdom reinforced my new-found beliefs and inspired me even a greater level. It was like a new beginning. The door to the future opened up wide and I walked through with a confidence I never felt before! 

Since then my life’s accomplishments have been far beyond anything I thought remotely possible. Through hard work, perseverance, and believing in my untapped potential I proceeded to start up my own lumber company (that just celebrated its 30th anniversary and won a business of the year award), became an innovator in the Forest Products industry, and am now an award winning songwriter, as well as a mentor to others. Having a positive attitude was the key element to these accomplishments. 

—

I eventually decided to write down and share my thoughts/insights on  Positive Thinking, how it changed my world, hoping it might help others as well. I even conducted a seminar at the IBMA World Of Bluegrass on the subject. Here are my notes, they have become the blueprint of my life. Editors note: These notes are forthcoming.