1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
Dr.Tony O’Donnell,
I was a sickly child, growing up in a family of 11 in my native Ireland.
Once I discovered the true essence of what life and health were all about and what I needed to put in my body to give me the abundant, robust health that I and everybody deserved and needed, I was on a mission to write books and create superfoods. I did that to impact the world from a conscious level, a behavioral, and a well-being standpoint.
I’m very grateful for my health, my family, friends and, of course, my freedom here in America.
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Many people have influenced me. Tom Brady has been a great inspiration to me. Being turned down so many times in the NFL and then winning seven super bowls is incredible. The late Kobe Bryant has inspired me for his ability to grind things out with tenacity, drive, and determination.
My parents were my first role models. They showed me what was possible. A good family, role models, mentors, speakers, and authors, have all influenced me, but certainly, my mother provided me with a roadmap.
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
The opportunity to serve. The chance to make a difference and to pay it forward. To be mindful in our approach to our life, our health and what we eat, and our choices. We do not judge anybody by the color of their skin. We are loving and kind, and respectful in every aspect of our life and everything we do.
So, this year has taught me to slow down and take it easy. To be loving, kind, and more respectful and compassionate towards myself and others.
4. WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR BUSINESSES STARTING TODAY?
• Often, the answers to what we’re looking for are right underneath our own two feet. Because whatever you are seeking is also seeking you. We have to be mindful of that.
• Goals give your life meaning and purpose. If you don’t have goals, meaning, and purpose that you can pay forward, you’re just like a boat without a rudder, without a sail.
• If your dream is big enough, then the odds don’t matter.
Ph.D.
Les Brown
Company: Les Brown Enterprises, LLC
Position: CEO
Profession/Field: Exceptional Motivational Speaker and Trainer
Website: www.lesbrown.com
You have to continuously maintain a regimen to retrain your thinking, create new synapses to expand your vision beyond mental conditioning and circumstances. Constantly raise the bar for yourself and set goals beyond your comfort zone. To do something you’ve never done, you’ve got to become someone you’ve never been. Look at your relationships and upgrade them continuously. Look at your relationships and practice the principle of letting go or being dragged. There are some people you need to let go of; otherwise, they will drag you down.
Put your money where your mouth is. Once you open your mouth, you tell the world who you are.
www.sonjaannjones.com • https://imdb.me/sonjaannjones https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonjaannjones
1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
I am most grateful for my husband. He is my rock. We call ourselves Team S. His name is Scott.
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
My husband, Scott Jones, has been the most supportive of me. He supports all my career endeavors, from my
sales role in technology to my acting and producing career. He is the best husband and friend anyone could hope to have.
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
Never take anything for granted and continue to work hard for everything you want. Also, just enjoy life and do your passion! Life is too short. Spend time with your family and friends and embrace everything you enjoy!
4. WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR BUSINESSES STARTING TODAY?
• Everything is temporary, so never give up and go for your dreams! Make it happen.
• Trust the universe and the process, sometimes things don’t come right away, but if you continue to work hard at it, it will come to fruition!
• Everyone goes through hard times; you are not alone. Just re-strategize, be creative, work hard and come out of it stronger!
Dr. Deanna Murphy, Ph.D.
Company: DecisionLab Global Position: Founder
Profession/Field: Leadership Website: www.YourDecisionLab.com
If you can monitor what you feed your mind, and granted, our mind is shaped by our environment, our upbringing, and society, there are still ways that you can live on purpose. Shape your mind and transform it to create for you whatever you want. I follow this principle, which is found in Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That means renewing your mind to the word of God.”
It’s all about mindset. You have to discover whom you want in your circle of influence, then every day, you have to be diligent and dedicated to verbalize it and confess it. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Dream outside of your comfort zone.
1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
I’ve been thankful for the increasing resiliency needed to face the various challenges and adversities that have occurred during this time. Problem-solving skills and creativity have also helped me during this time. Developing the mindset to find solutions to overcome these challenges has been paramount! Never give up! Even when you have a hard day, don’t let that keep you down. Strategize and find a solution to that particular challenge. There is nothing more significant than finding a solution to a problem that has been giving you difficulty. It is all within you!
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
My family and friends have been very supportive. Just knowing that they are there for me is very special!
Christopher E. Powell PRESIDENT AND
CEO
https://www.overcomeyourlimits.com http://www.mathtutoringexperts.com College Park, MD
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
Resiliency and problem-solving skills will serve me well going into 2022!
4. WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR BUSINESSES STARTING TODAY?
• Create personal time each day to study your finances. Set savings and debt reduction goals every three months.
• Find books to read that are aligned with your goals and desires.
• Create a habit of physical activity (20 minutes is all you need) and meditation to lower stress.
Tom Ziglar
Company: Ziglar Inc.
Position: CEO
Profession/Field: Personal Development, Corporate Training, Speaker Training Website: www.ziglar.com
Success is several things. From a spiritual standpoint, success means glorifying God in the process, not in the result. Think of it this way; when I interact with people or when I do something, it is how I do it and why I do it that’s important. I can only control what I can do and how I do it.
1.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
The grief I felt from a barrage of adversity in 2020 was massive and delayed. It showed up in 2021 and often seemed out of the blue. I’d endured a tough battle for my life with aggressive cancer, the death of my mother, and the deaths of two other family members, all during the worst of the pandemic. I was fortunate to win the fight against cancer, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
The extreme chemo treatment and surgery cost me my hair, bladder, and what felt like the last shred of my youth and beauty. I was consumed by dealing with the challenges of those crises to process this grief. The crushing sadness of the sudden death of my mother showed up at unexpected times and with surprising intensity. I didn’t know that the last time I would see my mother was December, the year before. None of us could visit her. She died entirely alone, with only the kind Hospice nurses tending to her in their hazmat suits. It was heartbreaking.
After my diagnosis in January of 2020, I got a second opinion in March that saved my life. I am incredibly thankful that I’ve had access to some of the best cancer care in the world and am alive and thriving because of it. I am eternally grateful for my amazing husband, my loving children, and a fantastic group of friends to support me through these awful times.
Margo Wickersham
I realized that focusing on my “why” provided me with the strength to keep going and thinking about all the people I love helped me get through the most challenging moments.
Journaling daily about gratitude helped me shift my focus to happier thoughts. Once I felt positive, I could make a list of fun experiences I wanted to have and goals I wanted to achieve, which helped me feel even better. When none of these techniques were accessible because I felt so sad, I practiced self-compassion and gave myself space to feel what I felt. And that was hard and helpful.
William R. Patterson
Company: The Baron Solution Group
Position: Chairman & CEO
Profession/Field: Wealth and Business Coaching
Website: www.baronseries.com
Life is short, and for it to be meaningful, you need to leave a legacy, which is why I wake up every morning, and I ask myself this question: Is this the most significant value and benefit that I can deliver to the world? That is the question I challenge everyone to ask themselves. If it’s not, you want to step up and pursue that passion.
1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
With everything shifting online, from office chats to family gatherings, I wasn’t sure why I was starting to feel low in spirit and disoriented on a mental level.
So, I decided to finish the book that I had been writing after researching and studying the psychology of giftgiving. Within the first week of launch, it became an Amazon #1 Global Bestseller ranking #1 in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.
What keeps me grounded and what I am the most grateful for is the feedback and support that I received from people around the world.
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Kartik Mahajan - the illustrator of Unearthing the “Gift” and the Chief Design Officer of Gift A Feeling, Inc. Since the beginning, Kartik has been the brains behind the look and feel of the book.
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
I made no money from my book and will never take a single penny from it in the future. I invested all the money, time, and resources that I gave to charities every year into writing
Vinayak Mahajan
CEO, GIFT A FEELING, INC.
and launching this book with a pledge not to take even a single penny of the profit. As we advance into 2022, I plan to utilize the profit and my next year’s share of donations to do something similar - helping people in other innovative ways!
4. WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR BUSINESSES STARTING TODAY?
Calling your friends and family. I believe conversations with old friends and family members is still irreplaceable. Have empathy. If you see a kid crying on the streetside, help them, don’t just call 911 and wait. Emotional intelligence is highly regarded in today’s world, but I believe it primarily roots in actions through experiences. Don’t fall prey to marketers. Since gifting is my topic of expertise, I understand that most people procrastinate their gift search to the last minute. Psychologically speaking, a perfect gift is something that becomes indispensable, both in memories and in daily life - not only because it is valuable or practical, but because it provides a feeling, an experience, some personalized uniqueness, and long-term satisfaction.
Lisa Nichols
Company: Motivating The Masses, Inc.
Position: Founder & CEO
Profession/Field: Renowned Motivational Speaker and Trainer website: www.motivatingthemasses.com
There are a few ways you can make positive changes in your life even when you’re surrounded by negative people. Number one, my grandmother says, “Other people’s perception of you ain’t none of your business.”
They’re not in your life to be your visionary partner. They’re in your life to be your anchor. They’re in your life to keep you setting healthy boundaries, to help you grow up or to help raise the children. Let them be who they are in your life, and quit trying to make them your fan.
Number two, sometimes your greatest truth does not come served with warm cookies and milk. You’ve got to take it straight, no chaser. When people around you are not cheering for you, or you are the only person in your community who gets your vision, recognize this, because I call him God. You call him whatever you choose.
I’m not here to impose my belief system on anyone, but recognize if you’re the only person to get your vision, it’s because God didn’t give your vision to anybody else but you.
When I got that one, I thought, “I can sleep at night now.” Your vision is yours.
You are a unique, unrepeatable miracle with that vision. That vision for you is like your fingerprint. It’s unique and it’s only yours. Will people come by and agree with it? Yes. Will people come by and disagree with you? Yes. Will people come by and support it? Yes.
Number three, recognize there is a tribe out there, a community that’s waiting to support you. Most of the time, they’re not your biological tribe, given to you by God as your family. They’re the tribe that you need to hunt and find.
They will be there. So go where like-minded people are; those are the unicorns like you. Go hunt for your tribe, the community you know is going to hold you to your greatness. You don’t want someone holding you to your smallness, keeping score in your life, expecting the 2012 version of you to show up. You want someone holding you accountable to the future version of yourself.
1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
Iva (Emily Samson Tepe)
I’m grateful for the connection I share with others through music. During the pandemic, my colleagues and I bonded together and continued to create new music even when it was hard for us to perform. I also had the gift of being with my voice students and doing something beautiful together over Zoom. Music helped me transcend the gloom by giving me the good feeling it always does when I make it. I am fortunate.
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
I’ve had support from many people, especially from my father. We’ve been helping each other during the pandemic as we lost my mother to an aneurism in November 2019, a few months before it began. I also see my friend and colleague Camille Natta daily as we decided to do a vocal warmup online first thing in the mornings. It wasn’t easy to keep our motivation going when we couldn’t perform. She and I both feel fully seen and understood when we show up for each other.
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
I’ve learned to better accept and adapt to forces that are out of my control. I also learned to fully experience my uncomfortable feelings, letting the grief for my mother and the loneliness of lockdown move through me. It wasn’t easy, but I’ve grown a great deal.
4. WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR BUSINESSES STARTING TODAY?
Create a team of people that you trust and ask for their help and expertise. No one is an island. When your values are aligned with your colleagues’, you can grow and even transform yourself and your business.
Dr. George C. Fraser
Company: FraserNet, Inc.
Position: Chairman & CEO
Profession/Field: Education and Training
Website: www.frasernet.com
You must love, give, serve and add value. That is the purpose of life. First, you have to understand the purpose of life. You must live by that purpose, and all that is due you will come to you. The purpose of life is not very complicated because God doesn’t make anything complicated. If you want to be remembered, serve people. Give first.
1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
So many people have lost their lives, and many more are still suffering from health issues. I am most thankful for good health and the gift of life.
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
During the lowest point in my life, I stumbled upon an interesting audio cassette, which I found at a public library in Auckland. The cassette tape had Zig Ziglar’s name on it, and it cost $2 to rent. So, instead of using that money to eat, I invested my last two dollars and did not regret it. My education in sales and business started right there with that first audiotape. Ziglar’s thoughtprovoking words and charisma were exhilarating, and I knew what I needed to do for the rest of my life.
I eventually met him, and he became my mentor.
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
Pivot quickly. Be flexible and be willing to change.
Melvin Pillay
4. WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR BUSINESSES STARTING TODAY?
• We must break out of our comfort zones and connect with people of all backgrounds and walks of life. Building winning relationships are vital to success in our personal and professional lives.
• Always have a side hustle. Sell something to someone. There will always be people who are waiting to hear from you.
• Your attitude will indeed determine your ultimate altitude. Keep focused on the goal ahead and never become comfortable. Reflect often on your life and how you overcame the many obstacles to get where you are right now.
• We do not get to the top by ourselves. It is always in conjunction with others that we do. We must stay motivated. The easiest way to do this is to encourage and inspire other people daily. I have found that when you spend your life encouraging others and refreshing their souls, you will automatically feel inspired and energized. I have a list of a hundred names, and I send a personal text message with some insight, inspiration, or thought to each person once or twice a week. I have made more friends and grown my business exponentially this way.
Know the truth of who you are and that you are a truly amazing being with infinite potential. The infinite potential lies within your imagination, in the inner vision, and in your ability to envision a thing before it exists. If you can see it, keep seeing it, and believe it, and you’ve got a feeling, a sensation of what it’s like to experience that thing, it is said that you will unleash a whirlwind of life into the universe.
Barry Johnson
1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
The thing I’m most grateful for is the closeness of my family. We were able to unite and bring our hopes and visions together to move on to something new.
We got rid of the busyness, and we learned who our true friends are, the ones that will stick by us during these challenging times.
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
I have to say it’s a team of people. A team with a small core close to me has been the most supportive, impacting, and believes in me and my new vision to go forward during these times. I had to make a shift. I had to make a change. I had to have some challenges on which I had to make decisions.
Only through their encouragement and the grace of God was I able to make that shift and change my approach to something that will touch the world, not just my local community, but the world.
Trish Steele
FOUNDER AND CEO, WOMEN CROWNED IN GLORY, INC./ SAFE PASSAGE HEALS
https://trish-steele.mykajabi.com/ Oak Park, CA
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
The lesson I’ve learned is not to fear what’s happening around the world and not get bummed out from hearing about everything that’s happening. Take time out for yourself and find out what God is saying to you.
You’ve got to spend some quiet time alone with God and ask, “What can I do?”
4. WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR BUSINESSES STARTING TODAY?
• First, take time out alone and find out who you are for this time and day. What is your purpose right now? Be willing to change.
• Step two, you’ve got to write your vision down, so you can run with it, study it, and plan it day by day. Create a vision board. The more you see your vision, and the more you believe it, the more you’re going to follow through.
• Thirdly, surround yourself with like-minded, positive, and influential people that see and appreciate your vision.
• Finally, you’ve got to package and update yourself. That includes your character, plans, and purpose. You’ve got to update everything to draw people to your passion.
Jeff Gitterman
Company: Gitterman Wealth Management, LLC
Position: Co-founder
Profession/Field: Wealth Management, Asset Management Website: www.GittermanWealth.com
I believe if your focus is just on what you can do for yourself, then it’s difficult to be prosperous. If your focus is on what you can create for the world, then it’s much easier to become prosperous financially, spiritually, and emotionally.
1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
This past year forced me to confront my thoughts on mindset, belief, and self-worth. So, I’m grateful that I’ve been able to cultivate a way to train my mind and control my thoughts. That has been challenging, especially in coaching, where I’m constantly helping people get results in different ways. It made me much more aware of how I needed a selfcare routine to reset my mindset and work ethic.
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
The most supportive people have been my business coaches. They’re world-class and are intentional about their clients and students setting up a routine that helps them thrive in their work. They genuinely cared and were quick to give me a nudge when they felt like I was either riding on burnout or when I needed a “check” to get me to refocus again.
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
It’s the imposter syndrome. The Harvard Business Review
Adrian Ceja
as “a collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. ‘Imposters’ suffer from chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence.”
Despite my successes, experience, and competence, there are times when I don’t feel like I’m reaching my fullest potential, and I feel “inadequate.” I’m learning now, more than ever, that I need to remind myself that although I’m not exactly where I desire to be yet, I’m not where I once was, I’m on track, and exciting things are coming.
4. WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR
prioritizing the time to write down your goals. Set some goals that stretch you but are also realistic.
routine that positions you in a way that aligns with those goals. Don’t take your time for granted.
rest time and self-care. View your rest time as recovery time. We rest well so that we have greater longevity for
Jose Guzman
Former Major League Baseball Pitcher, Texas Rangers Founder, The Guzman 23 Foundation Website: www.guzman23foundation.com
God never denies. God sometimes delays things a little bit. You may often hear people say, “Why me” or “What happened?” God watches over you, and he’s holding out for a while. That does not mean he denies you. He’s just delaying it for a while to test your strength and faith. You’ll become a stronger person for it.
1. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN MOST THANKFUL FOR MOST DURING THE PAST YEAR?
I’ve been most thankful for the opportunities that came to me in a time when it felt like there would be none. I took advantage of every opportunity, no matter how big or small it was, whether I got paid or not. My music has always been a driving force in my life. In these times, I didn’t think I’d be able to do what I like to do best which is play music for people. For example, I played at coffee shops with my dad. As things began to shut down, I thought it was the end, but people started reaching out and asking if I could play at their house, party, or restaurant. Anywhere they’d let me play, I’m thankful for that.
2. WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST SUPPORTIVE OF YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT SUPPORT POSITIVELY IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Besides my fans, my family has been my ultimate support, from my brother learning bass to my dad being on stage with me since the beginning, to my mom being the best “momager,” to my
Ernando Recendez
SINGER AND SONGWRITER
girlfriend being my number one fan. The best support is in having a team, and I know I have a great team.
3. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED THIS YEAR THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS WE MOVE INTO 2022?
One thing I learned this year is to roll with the punches and learn to understand myself. It took much selfreflection to know what it means to be myself and to love myself. Getting a better understanding of who I am and what I want enabled me to achieve so many goals just this year alone. It’s exciting because I have no idea what will happen in my life, but I’m grounded in my beliefs.
WHAT ARE THREE TO FIVE TIPS OR ADVICE ON IMPROVING PEOPLE’S LIVES, CAREERS, OR BUSINESSES STARTING TODAY?
Love yourself first. You can’t love others when you can’t love yourself. You can accomplish the most when you’re at your best.
Give your all in whatever you do, regardless of the outcome.
When people bring you down, doubt you, or don’t believe in you, prove them wrong.
Levente Egry
Renowned Composer, Producer, Performer, and Pianist Website: www.leventeegry.com
Cherish those who have touched your heart in some way and appreciate the sacrifices others have made for you. Appreciate the beauty that life has to offer. Living life through patience and time will present extraordinary opportunities you never thought possible. Patience is not only a virtue, but it is necessary for our pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. Give of yourself, and you will be richly rewarded.
Jamie Wright
Company: The Wright Law Firm Position: Attorney Profession/Field: Employment Law Website: www.jamiewrightesq.com
The world is much bigger than the four corners of the walls that you’ve boxed yourself in. Start taking down those walls, one at a time, so you can see the beauty of the world and how you can manifest your destiny in it.
Be an active participant in life. Do not rest on your laurels and watch life pass you by, period. Be active. Be engaged.