Nelson Mandela won the Nobel Peace prize in 1993. This is a remarkable achievement for an extra ordinary man. A man who was able to change from within and in doing so change the society that he lived in. He was imprisoned for fighting for what he believed in, his tools of the trade were marked with violence. In prison, he refused to compromise his beliefs and commitment to the cause, and while imprisoned, became the most significant black leader in South Africa.

He was released in 1990 and soon continued where he left off. He succeeded and the world is better for it. What was previously a choice of color now became black and white. He did this by showing a change from within, from previously espousing change thru violence to change from non violence and dignity. He went on to oversee the end of apartheid as President of South Africa, and the transition to a multi cultural democracy.

Nelson Mandela is a man that human society owes a tremendous debt of gratitude. He challenged the status quo and won, using tools that are not associated with battle. Here are some of the lessons that he shared on how he accomplished it.

Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it. – It is ok to be afraid. The key is not to show it. To inspire your followers that they can do it. Acting courageous can lead to courage. Nelson Mandela says, “Sometimes you just need to put up a front.”

Lead from the front — but don’t leave your base behind. –“To achieve great things, It takes a village.” You cannot achieve great things alone, you need to marshal and bring your supporters. Bringing and showing that you had the critical numbers to succeed is very important.

Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front. – A leader does not necessarily always need to be in the limelight. By allowing others to shine, he can inspire them to achieve greater things for him.

Know your enemy — and learn about his favorite sport. – Communication is very important. You should not allow your mistrust of your opponent to burn all communication lines. Looking for a common bond, or interests can go a long way to continuing the discussions.

Keep your friends close — and your rivals even closer – Knowing what your rival’s intentions are will always allow you to “manage” the situation. Identifying their motivations allows you to shape their actions.

Appearances matter — and remember to smile. – Showing and acting will allow people to predict you.

Nothing is black or white.- There are always other choices. Sometimes, you are allowed to choose both options.

Quitting is leading too. – Admitting that you are wrong and cutting losses allows you to move forward.

These are fantastic lessons that we can learn. We can also find hope for our country. If Nelson Mandela was able to change South Africa, a task that the world deemed improbable, change can also happen in our country. Nelson Mandela said, “It always seems impossible until its done.”

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, lets all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.


For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me at stirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit http://www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com/ .

Some time ago, I wrote about turning EGO to WEGO. I wrote about how a healthy sense of EGO is needed to become an entrepreneur. I added, that it is the power to harness and manage other people, developing and leading teams that will allow the entrepreneur to achieve great things, much greater than his individual perceptions or achievements. Hence the title, “Turn EGO to WE-GO”.

I remember when I was a kid, I wanted to blast off into space. I would watch movies like Star Wars and E.T.. I shared young Luke Skywalker’s desire to go into space. Like many, I was very inspired when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, voicing the immortal words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Did we ever think about what it takes to become an astronaut? We cannot imagine what it takes to become members of the elite explorers of our generation. Many of those chosen where already elite pilots and scientist, all recognized as being part of the best, before making the commitment to the space program. Many of them have dedicated themselves to the singular purpose of being able to blast into space and achieve the ultimate feeling of “freedom” from the Earth. It is a superhuman dedication that merits our adulation and respect.

We see glimpses of the rigid training and discipline required from watching the Discovery Channel. We see these individuals training and subjecting themselves to working under extreme stress and highly dangerous situations. They are trained and equipped to represent the best that the world has to offer, with millions of dollars invested in their training and equipment.

What I just find ironic is that, the moment that they are finally strapped in for takeoff, they actually find themselves helpless. All of their abilities, training, and discipline are set aside. They are now in the hands of the people that they will leave behind. If they are successful, these people will be tiny specks in the ground, too little to see. But their lives and the success of their mission are actually now in the hands of the “little” people.

Every little detail becomes important. I can imagine what goes through the minds, “did the engineers check everything? “Did the scientists calculate correctly. “Did maintenance sweep everything free of debris?. “Is everything strapped securely?” “Are the weather conditions ideal?” I am sure that there are thousands of questions that go through their minds.

It must drive the astronaut mad thinking about whether or not others did their job. They have shaped their lives to become precise instruments and examples of human abilities and discipline, but at that precise moment before takeoff, they need to rely on other people and circumstances that they have no control. I remember one shuttle takeoff that ended tragically because of one small chunk of foam. So what is the astronaut to do?

He needs to discover Faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” I cannot imagine what goes through the minds of these brave individuals, but I am certain, that each of them, in their own way, must have uttered a prayer.

Recent financial news have shocked everybody, the failure of a legendary financial institution like Lehman Brothers have led to deep questions about certainties and securities in life. Just like astronauts, these institutions are the leading experts and authority in the financial world. They are supposed to secure our wealth and invest it. What do this financial meltdown and its subsequent painful losses to its investors tell us? They were the best at it, having a track record that lasted more than a century. The lesson : we can lay the best laid plans, hire the premiere experts, prepare for perfection and yet, if we don’t have faith, God may not be willing.

Turn EGO (Self) to WEgo (Leading Others) to goGO (GO GOD). We have done everything that we can Father, the rest is in your hands. We just have to have Faith. Mathew 17:20, “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, let’s all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me atstirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit http://www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com/

A reader Kendrick wrote to me about how he was inspired by Pancake House Group (Pancake House, Dencio’s, Terriyaki Boy) Managing Director Germin Espino’s humble beginnings. I wrote a column on Germin, detailing his start as a counter crew member for Jollibee while working himself through college. He asked if he could be put in touch with Germin to ask for advice, that he could give his cousin, who was about to start work in Mcdonald’s.

I forwarded his email to Germin, and soon after, the latter wrote Kendrick back. I would like to reprint that letter in order to share lessons to others out there who are starting out. Germin wrote, “Tell your cousin what a good start he has working at a fine organization such as McDonald's. The lessons I 'earned' from Jollibee are still the same guidelines I follow to this day.

COMING TO WORK HAPPY. I remember clearly how I am eager to wake up in the morning and leave the house before the break of dawn (5:00 am) so that I can reach Escolta before 6 am. Yes I come earlier than the opening manager many times. The moment I get down the jeep and turn the corner, I can see the face of Jollibee smiling at me. I can’t help to smile back (no kidding). Four hours of work then walk back to school and attend class from 11 am to 5 pm.

TRAIN HARD FIGHT EASY. This is a favorite 'motto' I took from my friends from Domino's Pizza USA. Imaging training in basketball using goals that are 4 inches smaller. That makes the goals tougher to make because of tighter resources. But when you do the real thing and are given a bigger resources, imagine how much easier it will be for you.

STAY IN TOUCH (NOT, ALWAYS GO BACK) WITH YOUR MAKER. All the energy, wisdom attitude and inspiration that I have could not have been achieved just by myself. They all emanate from my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. His presence in me gives me the reason to move on and fulfill my purpose in life - to be a good father, a loving husband, a responsible employee and a nurturing leader. Do I get my share of stress? Absolutely, don't we all? But it’s my faith in God that assure me that "son, you do that and I’ll cover you". What can be most reassuring than your own father backing you up.

DO WHAT MATTERS MOST. There are tons of work to do. Do we have the time to do all of them? No we don't. But the more important question to ask is - "do we need to do all of them"? As we grow through life, we begin to realize and define the 'areas that matter most to us'. They can be God, family, work, self, friends or community. It’s only you who can define what your priorities are. This list of priorities should now determine your "life schedule". We can't say we don't have the time for it, because we do. Sometimes, we just don't want to put time for it.

It's still a constant struggle to balance time with God, family, work, friends and myself. Yes I find 'alone times' and enjoy it very much. What's the trick? Do what matters most to you. A favorite quote I heard goes "our greatest fear ought not to fail, but to succeed in matters that don't count" (beautiful, eh?)

Am i Successful? I thank the Lord that I am. And what made me so compared to others is not just talent, knowledge, experience or good education. Besides God's grace, it’s the attitude that sets me and other successful people apart from the not-so-successful ones.

I'm inspired that you're inspired. Thank you for your interest in my story. It’s an amazing journey if you know your destination. It is even an enjoyable trip if you know you have a guide who is with you all the time. Thanks to Chris, who is as much an inspiration to me as he is to many of his readers. Hope we can hook up someday and also meet your cousin.”

Thank you Germin, for taking the time to encourage others. Germin is a great example of SAXES. I have been writing about the concepts of Struggle, Attitude, Xcitement, Element Human, and Simple life. They form the word SAXES that when read aloud will sound like success. Why the misspelling? I wanted to say that there is no exact scientific formula to achieving success. It’s very definition means different things and expectations to everyone. But you have to be prepared to Struggle, and yet always keep the positive Attitude. You must always gear up to be eXcited, because in doing so, you infect enthusiasm that will always allow momentum to build. The human being in us is always a surprise Element. We are capable of so much if we believe and have Faith in God. Lastly, keep things Simple, life need not be so complicated.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, let’s all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

Isn’t it extremely funny when we think about the phrase, “The Simple Life”, images of Paris Hilton immediately crops up in our minds. Connecting simple with Paris is like connecting the Eiffel Tower with Nebraska. It takes a lot of imagination.

I remember millionaire icons of my youth, MC Hammer, Mike Tyson, or the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. I believe the one thing they now have in common, is that they are literally forced to live the simple life. But at their peak, they were symbols of life lived in excess.

Someone sent me an email about the life of Warren Buffet. In case you are not familiar with him, he is acknowledged to be a financial genius and one of the world’s wealthiest men. He has contributed a staggering total of USD THIRTY ONE Billion to charity and still has a lot left over. Recently, he was ranked the wealthiest person in the world by Forbes Magazine February 2008 issue.

Warren did not inherit his wealth. All of it was self made. One of his first businesses was a paper route at the age of 13. Believe it or not, he filed a income tax return citing his bicycle as an expense. At the age of 15, he and two friends spent $25 to buy a used pinball machine to place in a barber shop. Within a couple of months, they owned three machines in three different locations.

Did you know that he applied for Harvard Business School but was turned down? A great lesson for all of us about never allowing ourselves to be told what we could not do. I want to share with you lessons from the simple life of Warren Buffet.

START YOUNG – “Encourage your children to start some kind of business, and save and invest.” . He was able to buy a small farm with the savings he accomplished from doing his newspaper route. His personal regret was that he could have bought so much more when he was young as things were so cheap then.

PRIMARY NEEDS – “Don’t buy more than you “really need”, encourage your children to think the same.” He still lives in the same house in Omaha that he bought 50 years ago. He says, “I have everything I need there.”

TRUE TO SELF – “You are what you are.” He drives himself, has no bodyguard or driver around him. He owns the world’s largest private jet company but travels commercially, preferring to always look for a more economical way of doing things.

RIGHT PEOPLE – “Assign the right people to the right jobs”. He owns, thru his holding company, sixty three other companies. He writes each individual CEO a personal letter outlining the goals each year. He allows them to do their job and reminds them to focus on these goals. He does not meet or communicate regularly with them.

Warren Buffet is a simple man living a simple life. His enormous wealth and influence dictates that the complicated world has to sit up and listen. He is an epitome of a self made man. He actually calls scions of great wealth, “members of the lucky sperm club.” He backs this up by willing the bulk of his wealth to charity and leaving just enough for his children. He told people, “I want to give my kids just enough so that they would feel that they could do anything, but not so much that they would feel like doing nothing.”

Keep it simple, live a simple life. Warren Buffet believes so, “There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult.” I guess you can’t go wrong following the world’s richest man and acknowledged stock market genius. Just remember, living like Paris Hilton is a lot more complicated.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, let’s all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me atstirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit http://www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com/ .