Reaching the Stars

On the 21st July 1969 Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. In 2001 I was fortunate to see him present to an audience on Broadway, New York, where for one hour he spoke about his adventures. This is not something he is known for doing, so priviliged we all were. What stuck in my mind since actually watching the moon landing at the age of 8 and then seeing him at the age of 40 has been the incredible achievement that can be reached if only we believe the impossible is possible. I am living life like this now.

Last weekend I passed the Dale Carnegie endorsement to become a trainer and although that was excellent for me, it was the participants of the programme that showed me anything was possible. A small excersise I ran asked the class to lay down and visualise taking off from the earth and landing on the moon. What would be the first words you spoke if you had been Neil Armstrong? I placed a step ladder from the hotel in the centre of the room and the responses were inspirational. Everything from "women were first to the moon" - "this human made it so can everyone else" and one of my favourites was "I can hold the whole world in my hands". This reminded me of when Neil Armstrong spoke of how beautiful but fragile our planet looked.

If in two days we can develop our ability to stretch our capabilties further then there is no reason why Humans will not be able to send a craft of some description to the stars.

The mind has the ability to visualise anything, try imagining achieving something you thought impossible for you and see how much nearer that becomes for you to actually try. After my back operation I imagined climbing mountains to raise money for poorly children and now I actually do it. Do something amazing today and shout from the rooftops when you achieve it. We all want to hear you. The stars are part of us so reach for them and you will do the impossible.

Frank Steggall
Consultant

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

Peruvian Attitude

Challenges come in all shapes and sizes with differing degrees of difficulty.

Raising funds for a children's Hospice in London is for me one of the most worthwhile causes to support and nothing is too great a challenge to help them.

A team of 14 people, 3 guides and 21 porters trekking the Inca Trail in Peru meeting with Tarantula spiders, Scorpians and Bees that can disarm a Tarantula in seconds. Eventually these dangers became the norm and we could focus on the surrounding beauty of the mountains. The incredulous drops of over 1000 feet either side of the trail left no room for error. With Condor's and Parakeets gliding across the tree tops, the mind could only believe the wonderment of their freedom. What Bears? luckily they were in hibernation although Willow our guide teased us with glee to be careful round the next corner.

Experiencing the healthy diet of the mountain people who's average age is 80 years gave us the energy to cope with the exhausting and tiring trek at high altitude. Fun, laughter and tears were shared along the way. As altitude sickness kicked in, all inhibitions were lost. The support and friendship gained will always live on in all of our memories. Today the team are in constant contact, the support continues.

Reaching Machu Picchu, emotions flowed, time stood still, gazing on one of the worlds wonders, life for us humans has been but a short time on this fragile and beautiful planet, yet so much has been achieved.

Acheivement is gained from believing you can do the impossible. Attitude is key and when you challenge yourself to do something never attempted before and success is won, the attitude changes within you growing the self belief in our abilities.

Today do something or start something to stretch you and feel the difference.

Frank Steggall
Consultant

www.london.dalecarnegie.com