Continuation of Andrew Carnegie "Power of Persuasion"

Carnegie drafted his letter to his nephew and signed it and then added a post script that he was enclosing a check for $10. But he did not put in the $10 check. Shortly thereafter he received a reply from his nephew stating the check was not enclosed in the letter he received from his uncle. Carnegie showed the letter to his sister who paid off her debt to her brother. Andrew Carnegie then sent the $10 to his nephew.

Of course, one hopes they never need to trick loved ones into communicating with them. But if you ever need to persuade someone to do something a certain way, remember that self-interest is one of the most effective motivators.

Teddy Roosevel Jr continuation from newsletter

Teddy Roosevelt Jr landed on Utah Beach leading his troops. He was using a cane and had a pistol. Learning his landing craft was a mile off position he evaluated the situation and gave his famous words "We'll start the war from right here!". And, he did and they did. Five Star General Omar Bradley, another hero of WWII, when asked his thoughts on who was the bravest person he ever saw in battle he replied in five words, "Ted Roosevelt on Utah Beach".

Teddy Roosevelt also suffered from heart problems and died in France from a heart attack a month after his landing at Utah Beach. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on D-Day, he had already earned a Distinguished Service Cross for service in WWI. He also in the two wars was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre (French) and numerous other medals and awards.

Ted Roosvelet Jr was not a hero because of his famous father who also received the Medal of Honor (only one other father son earners of MOH was Arthur and Douglas MacArthur) but he was a fearless leader, great communicator and example of courage in face of danger and therefore a hero in his own right.

Ted Roosevel was inspiring. In military and civilian life he shed the cloat of being the son of a famous father by being himslef and reaching out to make the world a better place. He was one of the founders of the American Legion after WWI as well as being part of the start of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Ted Roosevelt did not need to put himself in harms way in two wars and could have just been the son of a President and Spanish American War hero but he chose to be an inspiration himself.

We should all be full of gratitude for those like Teddy (as he was called in his younger years) who gave of themselves in WWI and WWII so that our country might remain free. And, thank those like him who inspire us to do better in our lives.

TFTD - Personality Trait

"More than any other personality trait, optimism is a matter of practice" - Kathleen McCown

TFTD - Preparation

"The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." - Joe Paterno

TFTD - Preparation

Preparation in life is vital. Not trying to learn how to swim until your ship begins to sink will certainly get you in water over your head - literally. Ron Graves, May 27, 2009

TFTD - My personal quotes

"A curve in the road usually means a straight stretch is awaiting" - Ron Graves, May 26, 2009

Memorial Day, May 25, 2009

Remember those fallen and with much gratitude for their service be thankful that there were those willing to give their lives that each of us can live our lives in freedom.

TFTD - My personal quotes

"Adversity is a weed in life waiting for the opportunity to bloom into a beautiful flower." Ron Graves, May 22, 2009

TFTD - My personal quotes

"Even the darkest cloud cannot keep the sunshine hidden forever." - Ron Graves, May 21, 2009

TFTD - My personal quotes

"Anyone can be born into poverty, but it is up to them whether they die in poverty" - Ron Graves, May 20, 2009

TFTD - Perseverance

Fall seven times, stand up eight -- Japanese Proverb

TFTD - Perseverance

"The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places." - Author Unk

TFTD - Perseverance

Difficult things take a long time, impossible things take a little longer Author Unknown

TFTD - Perseverance

"With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable." - Thomas Foxwell Buxton

TFTD - DOING YOUR BEST

"When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another." - Helen Keller

TFTD - Enthusiasm

"Enthusiasm is a state of mind, an emotion, which you control. By control, I mean you can create it. If you want enthusiasm right now, this very second, you can create it. To start, just think about the work or service you like to do best. Can you feel a change, or maybe a smile on your face? Now take that positive feeling, and transfer it to your definite goal." - Thomas D. Wilhite

TFTD - DIRECTION

"Men and women, like nails, lose their usefulness when they lose direction and begin to bend." - Walter Savage Landor

TFTD - Courage

"Whenever you see a successful business someone once made a courageous decision." - Peter Drucker

TFTD - Determination

The difference between the impossible and possible is a person's determination. Unknown

TFTD - Teamwork

"We must indeed all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." - Ben Franklin

TFTD - Teamwork