Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | John Salkowski ~ Leadership in the Line of Duty™

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Nick Saban: What makes this Great Coach, Mentor and Leader Tick?

December 3, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 3 comments

“It’s not going to get fixed until everybody takes responsibility for it. Like one of those old West Virginia proverbs that I always talk about. A man benefits directly from a mistake, relative to how much it bothers him. I can tell you I didn’t sleep very much, so it bothers the hell out of me.” ~ Nick Saban

If you want to figure out what makes Nick Saban tick, start with the little things. What really separates Saban from the crowd is his organizational modus operandi. Nick Saban calls it, “The Process”. It’s an approach he implemented first in turnarounds at Michigan State and LSU and seems to have perfected “The Process” at Alabama. He has a plan for everything. He has a detailed program for his players to follow, and he’s highly regimented. Above all, Saban keeps his players and coaches focused on execution – yes, another word for process – rather than results.

Thank “The Process”, which involves an almost inhuman work ethic, relentlessness and energy level.

“You see how he works day in and day out, every day,” says strength coach Scott Cochran. “And then you see how exhausted you would be, or you are, at that time and he’s still going hard, he’s still attacking. It doesn’t matter whether he was up all night or had to take a recruiting trip and come back. He doesn’t have a tired side. He doesn’t have a down side. And I’m the strength coach, so you think I can have one? No way!”

“Nick is all about focus –on one thing,” Belichick writes of Saban. “Whether it is the next opponent, the next practice, or the next recruit, he has the ability—at any given time to devote his absolute attention and energy to solving the problem or challenge at hand before moving to the next one.”

What amazes me about Saban is the process he uses for recruiting the top blue chippers in the country. He uses a precise mathematical equation for each recruit, their position such as their height, speed, flexibility and strength. Here’s an example: His offensive lineman have to be a certain height, weight and strength to be even considered. However, what is most important is the drills he puts his recruits through. If the recruit is in a 3-point stance and his heels are not on the ground, he doesn’t recruit them. No matter how good they are, he will not recruit them because of their flexibility.

Saban is a brain surgeon in a college head coaching role. Simply brilliant!

My research of Nick Saban reveals these top qualities that make him an All-Time Great Leader on and off the field:

1) Intelligent ~ Studies and masters at becoming great.

2) Relentless ~ He never gives in or gives up.

3) Intense ~ Losing is no option

4) Demands Accountability ~ Respects only those that take responsibility for their actions.

5) Driven ~ Wants to be the greatest of all-time.

6) Focused ~ Is all about his modus operanti.

7) Disciplined ~ Gets things accomplished at whatever expense.

What really separates Saban from the crowd is his organizational modus operandi. There you have it, follow in the footsteps of this great leader and start building your leadership qualities today!

About the Author

John R. Salkowski is a retired Police Officer after an impressive 15 year career who is now a Highly Sought-After Leadership and Motivational Speaker and Trainer. John can speak for crowds ranging from 20-20,000 sharing his unique leadership strategies in his signature presentation:

“Leadership in the Line of Duty”
Lessons for Making Split-Second Decisions from a Cop Who Has Been in Life and Death Situations

John regularly speaks for a variety of leaders (ranging from entry level to experienced executives) for corporations, business groups, associations, colleges, universities, youth groups and sports organizations. Pulling from his 15 years of real world, in-the-trenches (and even life and death) Law Enforcement situations, John now teaches leaders one of the most important key components of leadership (that is often overlooked):

“How to make split-second leadership decisions when the direction and success of your organization depends on it!”

John has received numerous distinguished awards for Bravery, Merit and Unit Citations. He has also received several employee recognition awards for serving as a leader within his community, including being featured in the Philadelphia Magazine as one of the area’s Top Business Leaders.

Any organization that wants to develop their people into becoming “Extraordinary Leaders” needs to hire John for a keynote and/or workshop training.

To request John to speak at your next event, please email his office at John@JohnSalkowski.com

Design your own life or someone else will

November 12, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” ~ Jim Rohn

You have a better chance of your life turning out the way you want it to rather than leaving it in the hands of someone else.

I love the image of an architect designing a building by first laying out the blueprints. Or a writer, like I did, outlining a book by starting with the table of contents of what chapter titles you want to write about. The ability to create something from scratch is a powerful feeling.

The best way you can start your own life’s blueprint is by first writing down the things you want to accomplish. Let’s think about this for a minute? Everything that is built today started with a blueprint. Every pilot that is flying to a destination has a flight plan. A starting point and an ending point. A blueprint of a building and a flight plan for a pilot is one of the same. Laying it out on paper before you start is the best way to accomplish your life’s goals and design the life you’ve always dreamed of.

I’ve created 6 tools I think everyone needs to design the life they’ve always dreamed of.

1. Blueprint

The blueprint for your life should be like an architect’s building design, the author’s table of contents, or a pilot’s flight plan. You set out certain goals and map out a plan or a course of actions on how you will accomplish each one of them. A blueprint should be used in all aspects of your life from your personal life, relationships, friendships, children and whatever else you have in store for yourself.

2. Focus

After you’ve created your blueprint, and before you take action, you need to get into the right mindset. The power of your thoughts, your positive mindset, your committed focus on your goals and your plan will improve your chances of success in each area you take action in. You must believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your goals. You must become aware of your thoughts and maintain the ones that will support your getting what you want. You must eliminate distractions and negativity and focus on the end result. Start with the end in mind.

3. Action

With your blueprint in place and your mind set on success achievement, you’re ready to take the actions necessary to build your life as you desire it. Do the things necessary that will bring you closer to achieving your ideal life. You must keep following the action steps you have outlined in your blueprint.

4. Maintenance

Actions need to be monitored regularly to check on your progress. Keep monitoring your progress toward your goals so you can stay motivated. Celebrate the small successes on your way toward your bigger goals. Each success is one step closer to your ultimate life design.

5. Repairs

Make corrections, adjust for change, re-examine your actions and your goals. As you hit obstacles, find a way around them, through them or over them. Do not allow obstacles to stop you. Hitting obstacles should make you hungrier. Continually re-assess your goals to make sure it’s what you really want. Then establish some new actions steps that will get you back on the path even if it’s a different route. Never, ever give up!

6. Support

The architect designs the house; he or she doesn’t build it. He or she has a team of professionals that help accomplish this goal. As you design your life, your team should include coaches, mentors, teachers, trainers, associates and whoever else can help you achieve your goals and get you from where you are to where you want to be.

As you start working your plan, review it on a regular basis, adjust for changes, and always reward yourself for your progress. With these tools in your toolbox, you’re on your way to designing your own life. Good luck. You can do this! Stay on course, never give up and follow your plan!

About the Author

“Leadership in the Line of Duty”
Lessons for Making Split-Second Decisions from a Cop Who Has Been in Life and Death Situations

Pulling from his 15 years of real world, in-the-trenches (and even life and death) Law Enforcement situations, John now teaches leaders one of the most important key components of leadership (that is often overlooked):

“How to make split-second leadership decisions when the direction and success of your organization depends on it!”

Any organization that wants to develop their people into becoming “Extraordinary Leaders” needs to hire John for a keynote and/or workshop training.

To request John to speak at your next event, please email his office at John@JohnSalkowski.com

Relentless Pursuit of Your Life’s Passion: 6 Tips to Achieve Your Dream

November 5, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

“As long as we are persistence in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time.” Denis Waitley

Believe In Yourself

It all starts with believing in yourself and your ability. It’s the first step to success. Without the faith and confidence in your own ability, fear sets in. Once fear sets in, people tend to stop pursuing their dreams and goals. The best way to reduce fear and to build your confidence is by taking action. As soon as you do, you’ll gain the experience and knowledge to continue onward. Everything is hard the first time. Everyone that is a master of their field was once a rookie. No one ever started as an expert. They worked their way to mastering excellence. Start off with baby steps and you will eventually build up your confidence until the fear of failure is manageable.

Have Clear, Specific Goals and be Committed to them

The ability to set goals and make plans for their accomplishment is the “master skill” of success. We become what we think about most. If you have a burning desire to be more and achieve more you must be committed to writing your goals and creating a blueprint for your future life and business.

The average people, the 97%ers as I like to call them are not committed to achieving great results. You must be committed from the onset that you will no longer accept being in the 97% tier. You must commit yourself to being in the top 3% of all successful people. Being committed takes focus and self-discipline which I’ll describe in my next tip.

Be Focused and Self-Disciplined

To be in the top 3% in your chosen profession it takes laser focus and iron-clad self-discipline. When your laser is on target, you’re able to burn your way to success far more efficiently and effectively than you otherwise could. Those with a natural inclination for self-discipline are generally able to put their heads down and plow through whatever it is that needs to get done, regardless of whether they feel like it or not. Self-discipline is a skill that can be improved with training and coaching. It’s like a muscle, with exercise you can build it.

Accept Failure

In order to succeed you must accept and embrace failure. Failure is an inevitable part of success. You learn far more from failure than you do from your successes. You will fail along the way, however you must learn from it, persevere through it and don’t quit as a result of it. Greatness is achieved through failure.

Study and Master Your Passion

To become an expert in your field, everyone starts at ground zero. Anyone that’s at the top of their game was once a rookie. To achieve greatness and make it to the top, it takes thousands of hours and years of studying and mastering what you’re passionate about. Don’t wait, the clock doesn’t stop. You must begin now.

Leave a Legacy

Your goal should be to leave a legacy, not only for your loved ones but for the people that you’ve touched along the way. Leaving behind something that is tangible, like a book or a journal can leave a stronger impression, longer shelf life because you can refer back to it over and over again. This is a great addition to the memories you’ll leave behind.

About the Author

John R. Salkowski is the Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com™, Retired Cop, Survivor of PTSD stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident that eventually ended a successful 15yr career. He is an expert on Leadership, Success & Overcoming Adversity. John is a successful Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author of 3 books: Leadership in The Line of Duty™: 50 Leadership Lessons for Making Split-Second Decisions from a Cop Who Has Been in Life and Death Situations, Leadership in The Line of Duty™: Success Thoughts and Quotes for Leaders and Amazon.com Best-Seller, Nothing But Net: Top Secrets to increase your bottom line, Health, Wealth & Success.

To have John speak at your next event, email his office at John@JohnSalkowski.com.

Professional Speaker and Leadership Expert, John R. Salkowski, Hits Amazon Best-Seller List

October 4, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

Professional Speaker and Leadership Expert, John R. Salkowski, Hits Amazon Best-Seller List

John R. Salkowski, Leadership Spokesman, recently hit five separate Amazon.com best-seller lists with the new Health, Wellness and Success book, “Nothing But Net.”

Orlando, FL – October 3, 2012 – John R. Salkowski recently joined a select group of the world’s leading speakers, trainers and entrepreneurs to co-author the book, Nothing But Net! The World’s Leading Speakers, Trainers and Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Top Secrets to Increase Your Bottom Line Health, Wealth and Success!. The book was released by CelebrityPress® – a leading business book publisher.

Nothing But Net: The World’s Leading Speakers, Trainers and Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Top Secrets to Increase Your Bottom Line Health, Wealth and Success was released on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 and features proven secrets and strategies from some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs. These experts share new methods how to realize maximum sales and profits in an uncertain and changing economy. John R. Salkowski contributed a chapter titled “Top 10 Steps to Achieve Greater Success, Overcome Adversity and Win the Game of Life.”

On the day of the release, Nothing But Net! Reached best-seller status in five Amazon.com categories – reaching #2 for Direct Marketing. The book also reached best-seller status in the Marketing, Communication Skills, Entrepreneurship and Small Business & Entrepreneurship categories.

John’s approach to business is dedicating himself to helping others succeed. John founded his own company, www.JRSRealtyGroup.com in 2008. He has built a reputation as a motivated professional with unwavering integrity and honesty. As one of the top realtors in the country, John contributes a lot of his success to offering both buyers and sellers watertight guarantees.

John is a retired Police Officer after an impressive15- year career. He’s also a survivor of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from a shooting incident that eventually ended his career. John has been diagnosed with this illness since 2000. He has received numerous Distinguished Awards for Bravery, Merit and Unit Citations.

John has been featured in Philadelphia Magazine as the area’s Top Real Estate Expert several years in a row. John’s true passion is speaking. The topics he covers are on leadership, overcoming adversity, inspiration, motivation, success, and finding your why power. John speaks to business organizations, law enforcement agencies, colleges, high schools and youth groups. In 2010, John founded www.AchieveSuccessAcademy.com where he shares his passion in helping others find theirs. He is also an avid blogger. John also has two other books on leadership success that will be published in late November. In his free time, John enjoys exercising, reading, writing, blogging, traveling, and spending time on the beach with his daughter, Alexa.
To contact John for a speaking engagement please email him at John@JohnSalkowski.com

From CelebrityPress®:
Regardless of whether or not you are an experienced speaker, trainer or entrepreneur or you wish to review the most contemporary concepts in today’s health, wealth and success, the ideas that these Celebrity Experts bring to the table will be worth their weight in gold when you read and incorporate them into your daily life.

After such a successful release, John R. Salkowski will be recognized by The National Academy of Best-Selling Authors®, an organization that honors authors from many of the leading independent best-sellers lists.

To order a copy of the book, please go to http://www.celebritypresspublishing.com/publications/nothing-but-net.php

To learn more about John R. Salkowski, visit http://www.AchieveSuccessAcademy.com To have John speak at your next event, email him at John@JohnSalkowski.com

About Celebrity Press®:
Celebrity Press® is a business book publisher that publishes books from thought leaders around the world. Celebrity Press® has published books alongside Brian Tracy, Jack Canfield, Dan Kennedy, Dr. Ivan Misner, Mari Smith, and many of today’s biggest experts across many diverse fields.

If you’d like to learn more about Celebrity Press™ or to see if we’re a good fit for your book project, please visit http://www.celebritypresspublishing.com/contact-us

Keywords:
John R. Salkowski, Speaker, Leadership Expert, Leadership Success, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Bravery, Merit, Blogger, Achieve Success Academy, Overcoming Adversity, CelebrityPress, Nothing But Net, business book, marketing book

To Achieve More, You Must Become More

September 10, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

“If you want to have more, you must become more” ~ Jim Rohn

Do ever feel like you are running as fast as you can yet you never feel like you’re getting anywhere? Have you ever thought about how you look at yourself and your life? Something very powerful rests at the core of all this: the lens through which we view our lives is known as our paradigms.

Old paradigm: Do so you can have so you can be. New paradigm: Be so you can do so you can have.

The old paradigm indicates that the belief we have determines who we will be. Have you ever met or even known someone that doesn’t have very much, yet they are the happiest and most fulfilled person? Have you ever met or even known someone who has an enormous amount of money and material goods, yet their life is hollow and unfulfilling. We all do.

How can someone have everything they’ve ever wanted and yet be so empty and unhappy? And how can one have so little and yet be so happy and content? Happiness and fulfillment are not created by material wealth or possessions alone but rather by whom we are being and what we are doing.

I’m not suggesting that we all take a vow to be poor. There’s nothing wrong with having things. The problems arise when we sacrifice who we are for the sake of having more. When we do that, we will never ever have enough.

The new paradigm embraces the belief that when our life choices are informed by who we are being (our values and vision), what we do (our mission) is a natural extension of this, and what we have (our possessions) is enough. When you operate under this new paradigm—be so you can do so you can have—you make a shift in your entire belief system. You are no longer willing to negotiate who you are being so you can have more.

“Everyone has a purpose in life, a unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.” ~ Deepak Chopra

In November 2011-June 2012, when I began to write my first book, I ended up writing 4 books, all while operating 3 companies. I couldn’t get beyond writing the outlines. I continually tried and tried to carve out time to write my books, and yet nothing ever came of it. I was so determined to do this that it kept me up at night. I would have a note pad and pen sitting on my night stand and when I would awake with a thought, I’d write it down. I finally discovered that the reason I was having difficulty in writing my books was because of the way I was being (overwhelmed, unbalanced, poor time-manager) which was not congruent with the core message of my book. Once my life focus shifted from doing more things to being in peace, harmony and balance and aligning with my life purpose, my thoughts to keyboard started to flow so very smoothly. I blocked out every day from 5am-9am, 7 days a week until the book was complete.

Looking back, the past 4 years were huge personal development years for me and I was inspiring up a lot of my own beliefs. I was in the midst of making a huge paradigm shift. By November 2011, I felt compelled to write my book and I could not stop! I sat down at the keyboard and effortlessly downloaded the words from my brain onto my computer and I am proud to say that the one book turned into 4 books. If I can do this, so can you!

The power of making this shift applies to everyone, whether you are writing a book or building a business. Who are you being right now? If you are not currently living the life of your dreams what do you need to do right now to start?

Here’s a powerful question to ask yourself right NOW: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years with your health, business/profession, marriage/relationship, family, finances, emotional/spiritual life etc.) If you continue to do what you are doing and being who you’re being right now?

Here are the Top Strategies to Achieve More, You Must Be More:

1) Planning Your Future- If you don’t know where you are going then any road will get you there. Your planning must be specific and measurable. You must take time to examine the details of every aspect of your life, personal and professional, to achieve unified success and happiness.

2) Decide the Who, Not the What- Decide who you want to be, not what you want to be doing. If you know who you want to be, you can detail what to do and the resources you will need.

3) Consider the Tools around You, Old and New- Every resource is important.

4) Be Honest with yourself- You’ll need to challenge yourself constantly to get to the truth of who we are and who we wish to be. Be honest with yourself.

5) Ignore the Naysayers- Constructive criticism is okay. But outside perspective that is baseless (think dissatisfied family or friends) is destructive for achievers. Put these people in a box where they can’t distract you from your ambitions. Find people who get it, and put them in your corner. Engage them in your chosen future, and help them achieve theirs.

6) Don’t Settle for Mediocrity- You should push yourself to the limits of your potential. Too many people settle for what is easy rather than engage their energy and creativity to create something different, significant and meaningful. Resolve to pursue the Awesome Experience.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com™, Retired Cop, Survivor of PTSD stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident, Expert on Leadership, Success, Overcoming Adversity, Fear & PTSD, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author of 3 books; Leadership in The Line of Duty™: 50 Leadership Lessons for Making Split-Second Decisions from a Cop Who Has Been in Life and Death Situations, Leadership in The Line of Duty™: Success Thoughts and Quotes for Leaders and Nothing But Net: Top Secrets to increase your bottom line, Health, Wealth & Success.

Nothing Great was ever Achieved with a Negative Attitude

September 2, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 4 comments

Nothing great was ever achieved with a negative attitude ~ John R. Salkowski

Limited Belief System

Have you ever been around someone with a negative attitude and limited beliefs on just about everything? Sure you have. I know I have. Did you notice any changes in your attitude? You heard the expression, “You are who you associate with.” Being around negative people will most definitely limit your beliefs, change your attitude and ultimately limit your success.

The main cause of a negative attitude is wrong beliefs about life, work, relationships, money or certain aspects of each one. You see your life through your beliefs or through the beliefs of others and if your beliefs are negative, you will see your life as negative, worthless, unhappy or downright pointless. So to change your attitude you need to change your belief system.

Negative family/friends or associates

It has been said that no one can change your attitude but you. I agree and disagree with this. I truly believe that who you associate with can change your attitude and influence your behaviors. I know this may seem unreal to those who hear it for the first time, but you and only you can decide how to react to anything that happens to you. If you allow others to decide your attitude, you allow them to have control over you. This, my fellow achievers, will ultimately limit your success if you allow others to choose for you.

We have two choices. Those choices are positive or negative. I, personally have family members and friends that have the “glass half empty attitude.” I choose to limit my time and conversation with them. If their attitude is really that bad, I refuse to go anywhere near them. In order for me to stay positive and stay on my flight plan for achieving success, I refuse to allow them to reinforce any negative beliefs and thus cause my attitude to become negative. Remember this achievers, you were attracted to your friends for a reason, therefore you have the power to attract ones with more of a positive, success oriented attitude.

Limited beliefs=Limited successes ~ John R. Salkowski

Negative environment

You have the power to attract what environment to be in. We all know right from wrong. If your environment is negative and is making your attitude run the opposite way of success, you need to change it now. There are no accidents when it comes to what environment you choose to live in. Change your negative environment and attitude, you change your life.

Unfortunate circumstances

If you find yourself complaining about your unfortunate circumstances you were dealt, it’s exactly the reason why you have such a negative attitude. It may be hard at first to understand and accept this, however the quicker you do; the quicker you will be able to change your life for the better. Your complaining alone can and will keep you stuck in those circumstances. To change your circumstances you should stop complaining now and start working on changing your life for the better.

Let me give you a taste of the unfortunate circumstance that I was allowing my life to spiral out of control like a skydiver with no chute. In the line of duty in 2000, I had to make a split-second decision that would change my life forever. That split-second decision was to shoot or don’t shoot or get killed. I chose to shoot and terminate my life threatening situation. However, the aftermath of this shoot and kill incident was so horrific, I began to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The nightmares, anxiety, stress, cold-sweats, vomiting, diarrhea, suicidal, homicidal thoughts were overtaking me and my life. In order for my life to change, I had to make a change. I had to change my negative attitude. You’ve heard me say this before, “You attract and become what you think about most”. I had my daughter to think about. So, I changed my attitude by determining what my biggest “Why” was. My “Why” was a little girl that needed a role model? That little girl is my beautiful daughter, Alexa. What’s your biggest “Why”?

A negative attitude will not only limit your success in life, it will also shorten your life span, creates an unpleasant future, harms others and produces negative effects in your life.

You can and will change from negative to positive if you commit yourself, however it won’t be easy. You must take baby steps with consistent progress each and every day. Here are some of the tips that I have used in my own life over a 6 year period: Turn off the television and pick up a self-help book, read a book a week, disassociate with negativity, turn off the car stereo and use your car as a traveling university by listening to cd’s that will assist you in reaching your goal. The sooner you start changing, the sooner you will reap the benefits. People will start treating you differently and you will notice opportunities everywhere you go. You will start seeing the world as full of happiness and possibilities. This, my fellow achievers, will pave your way to a more successful, positive life with endless possibilities. You can do it!

Fear, Adversity Holding You Back? Stop, Look, Listen & Overcome Fear of Failure

August 26, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. ~ Nelson Mandela

Did you ever hear the phrase, Stop, Look & Listen when you become afraid of something? Have you ever heard a noise that made you stop dead in your tracks, than made you look around to see where it was coming from, than listen to see if you could hear whatever it was that you heard again? This same phrase applies to the fear that’s holding you back from achieving your dreams, accomplishments, goals, desires & under takings.

Fear stops success dead in its tracks. It stops you from taking action. It stops your ideas and thoughts from growing larger.
The fear of failure is perhaps the strongest force holding people back from truly reaching their potential. The world we live in is full of uncertainty, a weak economy, and countless misfortunes happening all around us. It really is easy to see why most people are inclined to play it safe. But playing it safe can be deadly.

Playing it safe and failing to risk the uncertainties has enormous repercussions on success. If you never face your fear, or face whatever it is that is holding you back, your chances of succeeding are zero to none. See, what most people fail to understand is that failure is a huge part of succeeding. Failure is good. Failure makes you hungry. Failure should make you angry. Failure should keep you up at night thinking of and creating news ways to overcome it. Most people give up after their first failure. Most people underestimate their merit and ability to recover from failure, leading them to pass up on valuable opportunities. This, my fellow achievers, is the death of success. The ability to fail big and fail over and over again has been the pinnacle mark of the spectacularly successful throughout history.

These following tips will help you put risk and reward in perspective so you can overcome the fear of failure.

1) Take Action Now- The best way to reduce fear, build your confidence is by taking action. As soon as you do, you’ll gain the experience and knowledge to continue onward. Everything is hard the first time. Everyone that is a master of their field was once a rookie. No one ever started as an expert. They worked their way to mastering excellence. Start off with baby steps and you will eventually build up your confidence until the fear of failure is manageable.

2) Consider the risk of missed opportunities- The biggest risk that most people fail to consider is the benefit they lose by avoiding high risk/high reward opportunities. There is a saying, “You always miss the shot you never take”. Without taking risk, you can’t exploit any opportunities. You can live a happy, normal life, but you are unlikely to create something new, and you are most certainly unlikely to make your mark in this world.

3) Understand the benefits of failure- As Ralph Waldo Emerson said so eloquently, “What you constantly see, you stop seeing! You forget the wonders of your spouse, the reliability of your car, the warmth of your home, because you experience them too often. This is just a reminder, to stop, and marvel and the things you wouldn’t want to live without life”. Each failure is an experiment and an opportunity for growth.

4) Conquer something new daily- It has been said that if you are not doing something on a daily basis to overcome your fears you have not learned the secret of life.

I will leave you with this quote from the famous Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist, poet, and philosopher from the mid-19th century: Life is a battlefield; to succeed you must “divide and conquer.” Conquer your fears daily; stretch yourself daily. Do something you don’t want to do, something you’re afraid of doing because you might get rejected or you might fail. Do that thing today, and then conquer another fear tomorrow. If you can create the habit of conquering your fear, you can move from the land of impossibilities to the land of possibilities.

The 5 Most Powerful Habits for Taking Action Now

August 23, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

Action is the real measure of intelligence ~Napoleon Hill

Have you ever wondered why some people achieve success faster? Have you ever wondered why some people achieve financial abundance quicker and sometimes easier than others?

People that climb the latter of success and that are sitting on top of their profession share one distinct quality – they take action. This distinct quality supersedes intelligence, talent, and connections in determining the size of their bank account and the speed of your achievement.

Despite how simple this may sound there is an enormous shortage of people who excel at getting results. The reason why people fail at getting results is because they fail to take action. The action habit is the habit of implementing certain disciplines and ideas and putting them into action now. This is the most essential habit for achieving great success and financial abundance.

It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action and discipline that enabled us to follow through ~Zig Ziglar

Here are 5 ways you can grow the action habit now:

1) Be a Doer and a Go Getter the same time: Practice walking the walk instead of talking the talk. Take action on things now rather than thinking about them. I had this very problem. I wanted to write a book and become an author so badly. So, one day I sat down, drafted an outline of the book I wanted to write. The outline sat and sat for months. Months and months had passed and no book. Why? Because I failed to take action. The longer an idea sits in your head without being acted on, the weaker it becomes. After a few days or weeks the details gets hazy. After a week it’s forgotten about completely. So, I decided to become a doer and walk the walk. So this is what I did: I blocked out every morning from 5am-9am to work on my book. I did this 5-7 days a week for over a year. My first book, “Nothing But Net” was published several weeks ago and I am proud to say it hit 5 best seller lists on Amazon. Now, I am not only an author, I am a best-selling author. Over the course of that year, I wrote 3 more books. Two of which are in the editing stage and will be published in late November of this year.

2) Taking action cures your fear: I have a saying, “Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.” During my childhood, teenage and college years I was deathly afraid of public speaking. It has been said that public speaking is a greater fear than dying. I knew that if I wanted to become successful I would have to overcome my largest fear. So, what I did was put myself in situations where I had to speak in public. I am very proud to say, I love speaking in public especially when you are making a huge impact on others’ lives and success.

3) Its never the perfect time: There is no such thing as perfect timing. There are always conditions, obstacles and hurdles you will be encountered with. Go through, jump over or go around and create your own conditions because the time will never be right.

4) Success is in doing, not thinking: It has been said that the average human has over 100 ideas that could make them a millionaire. The reason there aren’t more inventors and/or millionaires is because people fail to act on their thoughts or ideas. Everyone always says, “Someone already has that idea” or “I’m sure that was already thought of” or “there must be something wrong with it if no one has bought that already”. Does this all sound too familiar?

5) Be Disciplined: There are days we just can’t get motivated. We all have these days. However, what separates the winners from the losers is the will to win attitude which takes discipline. Discipline is doing what must be done, when it needs to be done whether we feel like doing it or not. This, my fellow achievers, is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Entrepreneur, Retired Cop, Survivor of PTSD stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident, Expert on Leadership, Success, Overcoming Adversity & PTSD, Author of 3 books; Leadership in the Line of Duty: 50 Leadership Lessons for making split-second decisions from a Cop who’s been in Life & Death situations, Leadership in the Line of Duty: Success Thoughts and Quotes for Leaders and Nothing But Net: Top Secrets to increase your bottom line, Health, Wealth & Success.

My New Book Comes Out Tomorrow! And so do your bonuses!

August 21, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

Dear Achievers,

As I announced yesterday, over the last 9 months I have been working on a book with some of the world’s leading speakers, trainers and entrepreneurs. The wealth of business information from Celebrity Experts ® make it a must read. By sharing knowledge from these proven business experts you will shorten your journey to success. They will help you avoid the mistakes they made along the way and move you towards your goal quicker than you could ever do on your own.
The great news is the book that we co-wrote together “Nothing But Net” comes out tomorrow!

Just for purchasing the book tomorrow on Amazon.com, and helping us get off to a great start, I’ve put together a huge bonus package for you!
I will send you a link to buy the book tomorrow on Amazon, but here’s a sneak peak at all the great stuff you’ll get JUST for spending $19.95! Click here to check out the bonuses!

Just for purchasing the book tomorrow on Amazon, and helping us get off to a great start, you’ll get all of these great bonuses!
I will send you a link to buy the book tomorrow for just $19.95, and once you buy it, just email your Amazon.com receipt to bonus@celebritypresspublishing.com and they’ll send the bonuses right over to you!
Until Tomorrow!

My New Book, “Nothing But Net” is about to be Launched!

August 20, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

Bigger bottom line? !!

Yes, we’re all looking for bigger bottom lines. In today’s economic times we’re all struggling to find solutions to become healthier, wealthier and wise. This is your chance to get advice straight from the experts who have built their careers and triumph over insurmountable times.

During the last 9 months I have been working on a book with the nation’s leading experts on Health, Wealth and Success, including James Malinchak of ABC’s “The Secret Millionaire”. The great news is our new book “Nothing But Net” will be release this Wednesday August 22^nd. If you help us get the book off to a great start we will give you an awesome bonus package as our thank you!

I appreciate your support and I’ll get back with you in a couple of days to remind you about the launch and to tell you more about the bonuses I’m putting together!

Stay tuned!

John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Entrepreneur, Retired Cop, Survivor of PTSD stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident, Expert on Leadership, Success, Overcoming Adversity & PTSD, Author of 3 books; Leadership in the Line of Duty: 50 Leadership Lessons for making split-second decisions from a Cop who’s been in Life & Death situations, Leadership in the Line of Duty: Success Thoughts and Quotes for Leaders and Nothing But Net: Top Secrets to increase your bottom line, Health, Wealth & Success.

The Leadership Success Factors! Do You Possess it?

July 23, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

The most successful people in the world get more accomplished before the average person gets out of bed. ~ John R. Salkowski

The most powerful leadership success factor of both personal development and lifelong success has to do with the “golden hour” of your day. So, what is the “golden hour” you ask? The “golden hour” is the time you spend in the morning before doing anything else which consists of flooding and feeding your mind with goal writing, reading or listening to positive, influential information. By doing this each morning, you start your day off in the right successful direction.

I once heard this saying, “You become what you think about, most of the time.” Whatever you think about most you attract into your life. You become the result of the information, associations, ideas and impressions you feed your mind, from the time you awake in the morning to the time you retire at night. However, what will have the strongest impact and influence on your mind is what you do during the “golden hour”.

Personal Development and Self-Improvement

In order to be successful, you must have good habits. Literally 95% of everything you do or say is determined by your habits, good or bad. Successful people have good habits that lead to being more productive and positive which in turn improves their overall personal development throughout their lives. People with bad habits are unsuccessful for they created bad habits that lead to under achieving, indecisiveness and ultimately failure.

The Leadership Success Factor

The #1 success factor you can develop is taking advantage of the “golden hour” each and everyday day. By doing this every day, you create good habits. Did you know that it take 21 days to make or break a habit, whether good or bad? Therefore, start your day off by feeding your mind and body with positive, productive skill sets that will ultimately lead to greater success in your life.

By implementing these habits into my life over past several years, it has created a life that I could only imagine of. Before you pass judgment on whether this will work for you, start by trying it yourself for 21 days. All I’m asking of you is to do this for 21 days and I assure you that your life will change in a more positive direction beyond your wildest dream.

Change Your Mind-Set in Just 21 Days

1. Starting tomorrow set your alarm for 2hrs before your normal wake up time. Invest the first golden hour in yourself and in your mind. Remember, your brain is a muscle. With use, it grows, without use it shrinks.

2. Before you do anything, take 30-60 minutes and read something motivational, inspirational and/or educational. Be sure that the first thing you put into your mind in the morning is positive, healthy and consistent with the kind of life you want to lead.

3. After you have completed your morning reading, take a spiral notebook and write out your top 10-15 goals in the present tense, exactly as if you have already achieved them. Write goals such as, “I earn $100,000 per year”; “I weigh 150 pounds and in the best shape of my life”; “I drive a brand new grey BMW”; “I live in a beautiful 3000 square foot home” and so on. Rewrite your list of goals every morning without referring back to the goals you wrote the day before. This is a very important success factor for you to practice in order to achieve your goals.

4. Plan every day in advance. After you have read something motivational, inspirational and/or educational, rewrite your goals, make a list of everything you have to do that day, and then organize the list by priority, value and importance.

5. Begin immediately to work on your most valuable and important task, before you do anything else. Focus single-mindedly on that one task until it is complete. When you start and finish your major task first thing in the morning during the golden hour, you will experience a surge of energy, elation and confidence that will propel you into your other tasks, and dramatically increase your overall productivity for the rest of the day.

6. Listen to educational audio programs as you drive around. Leave the radio off. Turn your vehicle into a University on wheels. Continually feed your mind with high quality mental nutrition that uplifts and inspires you to do your best. This is a great way to improve your personal development throughout your entire life.

7. Finally, develop a sense of urgency. Pick up the pace. Move quickly from one task to the other. Don’t waste time. The faster you move, the more energy you will have. The faster you move, the more you will get done, and the better you will feel. The faster you move, the more in control of your life you will feel, and the more you will like and respect yourself.

The “Golden Hour”

The golden hour is the most important time of the day. It sets the tone for the rest of your day. When you awake early and invest that time into yourself, you will be amazed at the difference in the way your feel and the results you’ll achieve. You will gradually overtime change the way you think of yourself and all that is possible for you. You will become a magnet to success and begin to see your whole world change before your eyes.

Do You Have What it Takes to Make Important Split-Second Decisions?

July 23, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

The better your skills and critical thinking are, coupled with training and quickness, the more prepared you will be to make sound split-second decisions.~John R. Salkowski

Making Split-Second Decisions, Do You Have What it takes?

Making split-second decisions in life and in business is a requirement. There are several important factors that must come together in order to accurately and quickly articulate your present situation. Your knowledge, experience, education, training, intuition, confidence and common-sense are all factors that play an important role in making split-second decisions.

When you are called upon to make a split-second decision what happens? Do you freeze? Do you panic? There are situations, such as life or death, which we may be encountered with where you cannot afford to freeze or panic. Split-second decision making requires all of the above factors to come together in order to make the right decision.

There will be times that you will be faced with an important decision where there is no room for error. You must make the right decision at the right time to avoid a catastrophe. Here are some examples: avoiding a car crash, pilots with mechanical failure, military combat, Police Officer faced with an armed and dangerous suspect or anything else requiring immediate decision making. You may think these examples are extreme but let me tell you this, if you are not prepared when that time comes, you are dead on your feet. You will be required at one time or another to make a blink of an eye split-second decision in your life.

Making split-second decisions requires “razor sharp” skill sets. You must continually work on your skills to better prepare for the “blink of the eye” split-second decision. What better way to prepare for situations such as this is to face real problems, facing the risks, making irrevocable decisions head-on. Stop avoiding these situations. Making important, split-second decisions separates the successful from the unsuccessful, leaders from the followers, etc. You get my point. Below, I will put split-second decision making into perspective for most of you.

Most likely everyone reading this has a child or a loved-one that they cherish. What better way to teach that person to make important decisions that could possibly affect the rest of their life is by honing your skill sets on making important, critical, blink of eye split-second decisions. We, as parents cannot be with our children 24/7. There comes a time when we must allow them to spread their wings and fly solo. What better way to prepare yourself for that moment in time is to face your most important decisions head-on so you can teach from example.

The 14 Most Impactful Tips to Achieve a Millionaires Belief System

July 17, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen~Muhammad Ali

A Millionaires Belief System

What is your belief system on achieving what you want in life? Did you know that values and beliefs go hand in hand? Your belief system is the building blocks of all your decisions making, your behavior and actions. Your beliefs will essentially determine the actions you take or refrain from taking when faced with adversity. Your beliefs will shape and mold you as you travel through life’s experiences. Your belief system can and will strengthen you if you allow it too.

It has always been my belief that a man should do his best, regardless of how much he receives for his services, or the number of people he may be serving or the class of people served~Napoleon Hill

Here are what I believe to be The Top 14 Belief Systems you must possess in order to be successful.

1) Believes anything is possible.

2) Believes that anything and everything is negotiable.

3) Believes in leading the pack.

4) Believes in trust.

5) Believes in integrity.

6) Believes in action over hoping.

7) Believes in respect

8) Believes in doing no harm.

9) Believes that business is fun and creative.

10) Believes in mentoring people.

11) Believes in being polite and honest.

12) Believes in leverage.

13) Believes in bending the rules and regulations.

14) Believes in creating your own destiny.

There you have it, the top 14 belief systems. Do you possess these? What would your life be like if you did?

Remember to work on your inner world before you project these beliefs out into the external world.

The Most Powerful 18 Success Secrets You Must Master To Achieve Great Things!

July 10, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy One comment

If you do exactly what other successful people do, you too will get the same results-John R. Salkowski

Have you ever wondered why some people are more successful than others? Have you ever driven by a mansion and said; “Wow” I wonder what that person does for a living? I have and I’m sure you have too. The study and mastery of self-made people is among one of my top interest. Meeting new people and learning about them fascinates me. However, what really gets my juices flowing is meeting someone that has started from nothing and has built an empire. This is what “self-made” means to me.

Now don’t get me wrong. The word “self-made” has a variety of meanings but for this article we are talking about self-made millionaires, multi-millionaires and even billionaires. Many of you reading this will say, “Money is not everything” and you’re right, but keep reading.

What’s amazing to me is that there are so many variables that must come together to reach that status of “self-made.” Below, I am going to explain what I believe to be the top 18 secrets that must come together to reach the status of “self-made.” But first, let’s not forget what it takes to get to this level. The mastery of these 18 secrets must mesh together with your mission, vision, values and goals.

The Top 18 Success Secrets You Must Master To Achieve Great Things:

1) Stepping outside Your Comfort Zone- You must continually step outside your comfort zone to face different and unique challenges that test your discipline, expertise and resolve.

2) Facing Problems Head-On- When a problem arises you must immediately and aggressively face it head-on to avoid it from getting larger. You must make sure that small problems don’t turn into big problems from the get-go.

3) Open To Change- You must be constantly aware that change will occur. Change is inevitable. Therefore, you must be open to changing your perspective and viewpoints in order to attain your goal and objectives in a more efficient and effective manner.

4) Making Every Second Count- You must be aware that every moment that goes by is an opportunity to do things better, to improve a process or to take the next step towards a bigger objective. Therefore, make every second count by mixing business with pleasure.

5) Be On the Hunt for New Opportunities- You must be on the look-out for new opportunities and ideas that will give you an edge over your competitor.

6) Ask Questions- You must constantly ask solution focused questions that clarify your thinking and help you overcome the challenges that confront you on a daily basis.

7) Challenge Yourself- Whether in business or life you must constantly challenge yourself. You must see everything as an opportunity to strengthen your resolve, expertise in order to grow your empire.

8) Enjoy Life to the Fullest- You must constantly seek out new exciting endeavors, adventures and experiences. In order for life to be lived to the fullest potential you must do this.

9) Have Fun- Turn things into a game. Lighten up and have fun.

10) Meet New People- You must be a passionate networker and people person. You have to find people interesting. It’s about them, not you. Find out what makes them tick. Build relationships that are reciprocal.

11) Try New Things- Step outside your comfort zone. Try something new and exciting.

12) Enjoy Your Work- You must mix work with things that bring you pleasure. By doing this, it will lift your spirits and strengthens your motivation to work for extended hours throughout the day and night.

13) Carry a Journal/Note Pad- Carry a notepad with you in order to capture ideas for new projects, gather feedback from customers and employees, and to write your goals, thoughts and experiences on paper. This will clarify your thoughts and provides you with guidance throughout the day.

14) Surround Yourself with Great People- Surround yourself with business coaches and mentors who act as sounding boards — helping to guide your decisions. Surround yourself with reliable colleagues and co-workers who have similar goals, values and interests. In addition to this, surround yourself with supportive family and friends who believe in your mission and vision.

15) Take Calculated Risk- Take calculated risks in your business and life. You must understand where the boundaries lie and be careful not to over-extend your personal and professional capabilities and capacity to move intelligently through the emotional roller coaster.

16) Take Time to Read and Learn- You must fully understand that lessons are often learned through mistakes and experience. However, lessons can also be experienced within the pages of a book. And it is these book-experiences that will save you an ample amount of time, energy and money.

17) Take Time to Re-Energize Your Body and Dream- You must do what you need to do in order to re-energize your body and mind. Like me, I spend time on the beach daydreaming about my passions. This invigorates my creative mind and strengthens the flow of new ideas.

18) Take Time to Think- Set time aside to plan new projects and create new ideas.

If you implement and master these 18 success secrets, you too can be a “self-made” person.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Entrepreneur, Leadership/Overcoming PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Expert, Author and Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity. Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident. Passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and leaving them better than I found them.

Are You Truly a Grateful Person? 10 Lessons for Living a More Grateful Life!

July 4, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 2 comments

In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy ~Unknown

Are you grateful?

Have you ever sat quiet for a few moments or even a few hours to let your mind wander? To reflect on things? What do you think about? Do you wish you had a bigger home, nicer car, money in the bank, better job, being thinner, more vacation time, larger salary and the list goes on…right?

Some of my best thinking is done on the beach watching my little girl have the time of her life? Watching her make friends, running into the water, boogie boarding or body surfing. As I sit there watching I allow my mind to wander, “Wow if I only had my daughter’s life when I was growing up.” What if I did? Where would I be now? Have you ever thought about this? We always want a better life for our children than what we had. Do you ever remember being grateful for what you had instead of what you didn’t have?

I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual… O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment ~Henry David Thoreau

We all know someone that has to keep up with the Jone’s. Is it the society we live in to always want something that someone else has? Have you ever noticed someone’s attitude change when they see someone that just may have more than them? Why do people begrudge someone that has more than them or something a little nicer? Why not be happy for someone that may be more successful, richer, better looking or all the above? Instead of begrudging someone for what they have, how about we abjure and are happy for them. Give credit where it’s due! When you show people that you are genuinely happy for them, it comes back to you in more good ways than one.

When people look back on your life, what do you want to be remembered for? This is the question you must have on the forefront of your mind at all times.

Here are 10 tips to help you live a happier, healthier and more grateful life!

1) Realize how truly blessed you are- Be happy with you. Accept yourself as you are. You’re born into this world the way you are. Be grateful for what you are and have, you will end up having so much more!

2) Surround yourself with positive people- It will be hard to be happy and grateful if you associate with negative people. So NO to the Losers and YES to the Winners!

3) Maintain a “Gratitude” journal- Take 15 minutes each night to write what you are most grateful in your life. For example, I’m most grateful for my health, my family and friends, my career, my spirituality. It’s okay if you repeat yourself over and over again.

4) Look for the good in people- We as a society are drawn to the drama and negativity of others misery. Stop that at once! The small things in life matter. Start doing them more often. Turn off the radio and television.

5) Realize the good health and prosperity you have- Our standard of living is by far the best in the world. Treat your body like the temple it is! Eat right, exercise more often, drink enormous amounts of water and get the proper sleep.

6) Realize how rich you really are- We often think that we need more money. This is one of the main reasons why we are not grateful. But do you realize how rich you are now? Just go to Global Rich List, enter your annual income, and see the result. Chances are you are richer than billions of other people. In fact, you most likely sit in the top tier of the world’s richness ranking.

7) Practice how grateful your are- In order to be really good at something you must practice, practice, practice. Take a few minutes each to think about all that is good in your life.

8) Realize you are free and live in peace- There are countries that are being bombarded with bombs. There are people that are scared to death to walk outside of their home. We are blessed that we don’t live in fear and misery.

9) Be a giver instead of a taker- By focusing on giving it just makes more sense that you will be more grateful. Your mind focuses on what you have instead of what you don’t have.

10) Commit today to be more grateful- The above 9 tips can only help you become a more grateful person but in order to be truly grateful you must commit yourself to changing. It starts with you. It starts today. No one can do this for you. If you resolve today to make a commitment on being a more grateful person, your life will change for the better forever!

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Entrepreneur, Leadership/Overcoming PTSD Expert, Author and Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity. Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident. Passionate about leaving people better than I found them.

Do you possess the Success Attitude? Do you have what it takes to truly be successful?

June 26, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. Thomas Jefferson

Do You Possess the Success ATTITUDE?

What is your attitude like? Is it positive or negative? Is everything a disaster in your life or is everything a success in your life? You determine what attitude you wake up with. You’re either a positive or a negative person. Being positive is so much easier. I believe being negative takes work. Let me explain: Being negative puts you in an angry mood. Think about this for a minute: negative people generally are bitterer and less successful. I can honestly say that out of all the successful people I know, not one of them looks at the glass as being half empty. It just feels good being positive. Having a positive attitude makes you happier which in turn attracts better things in your life.

I can remember back in the early 2000′s, after my shooting incident, my attitude started getting worse and worse. I became more cynical. Everything was an uphill battle. I hated being around people. I felt my life spiraling out of control. Nothing was going my way. I knew that if I wanted to crash and burn, I had to change something and I had to change it fast. So, I committed to working on my attitude. I began to slowly weed out everything that caused my attitude to be negative. Let me give you some examples of the things that gave me a negative attitude in a blink of an eye. Watching television, reading the news, watching the local/national news, being around people that were negative. Once I cut these things out of my life I started feeling better, more positive, and healthier. I consider these things that I just described like cancer. It was eating me from the inside out.

Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character. Albert Einstein

In order to be a positive more optimistic person you must surround yourself with positive people and things. I know, you’re probably thinking easier said than done, right? Wrong! If I can do this, so can you. Below are lists of things you must do in order to change your negative, unsuccessful attitude into a positive, Successful Attitude.

1) Negativity- Whatever makes your attitude negative, stop it at once. If you feel your attitude changing for the worst, for example watching the news or hanging with a friend whose always crying about their problems, cut them out of your life immediately.

2) Do things that make your happy- Whatever makes you smile, do it more often. If it’s buying someone behind you in line at your local coffee shop a cup of coffee, do it.

3) Exercise- Just about everyone hates to exercise. Exercise is a prerequisite for a happier, healthier life. Start out slow and work up to your pace. You will see almost instantly what this does to your attitude.

4) Get 8hrs of sleep- If you want to be refreshed and feel alive you must get enough sleep. Sleep is as important to your attitude as a boat is to water.

5) Stay Hydrated- Drink a lot of clear fluids. No soda, coffee, tea. This is okay in moderation but you must drink plenty of water throughout the day. It will keep your brain hydrated and make you feel energetic all day which in turn will make your attitude more positive.

6) Eat Healthy- You must eat a rainbow a day. You must eat plenty of vegetables along with a protein at every meal. Eat your biggest meal in the morning. The saying goes like this, eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince and eat dinner like a pulper. Eat nothing after 6pm but do drink water.

7) Love what you do- You must love your profession. You have to wake up every day knowing that you are doing what you are passionate about. Do not choose a career for the money. Choose a career that you are so passionate about and believe me the rest will follow.

8) Read/Watch positive things- Take 30 minutes when you wake up and 30 minutes when you call it a night to read something that makes you happy.

9) Have a gratitude journal- Take 15 minutes each night to write in a composition book of all the things you are grateful for. Remember, it’s the small things in life that matter.

10) Write down your goals- Before you begin to read something positive when you awake each morning, be sure to write down your goals on the things you want to accomplish, short term and long term. By writing your goals each day, you have something to look forward too, something to work towards. By doing this, you’ll see your positive attitude and success go through the roof!

Suicide! Why is it becoming more prevalent among Pro-Athletes?

May 4, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 3 comments

The doors fly open when you’re a professional athlete~ Dennis Rodman, Retired NBA Player

As a retired defensive football player myself, you can’t help not notice such players like Lyle Alzado, Junior Seau, Ray Lewis, Jack Lambert, Dick Butkus, Brian Urlacker to name a few that play or have played professional football. Great athletes with size, speed and talent.

I played in high school and college but it wasn’t in my deck of cards to get to that level. The man upstairs had another plan for me. I dreamt about it at as a kid to play in the NFL just as so many other kids do. The fame, the fortune, the lifestyle seemed all so attractive to me. The chances of getting to that level are so slim however having a 6’3″; 250lb frame with some athletic ability does help. The only thing I didn’t have was the height. My high school coach once told me that if I was 6’2″ or taller I would have played on Sundays. Well, do I really agree with that? I’m not too sure if I do. There are some, not many, playing in the NFL at 5’11″ at the Linebacker position. Again, we are put on this earth for a reason and playing in the NFL wasn’t meant to be for me.

You’re on this beautiful planet for a short time. Nothing last forever. Enjoy every minute of it with the people that matter most to you. ~John R. Salkowski

Thinking about mortality is not what young people do. Young people feel invincible like they will live forever. Thinking about mortality hit me when I turned 40. Having a child and watching her grow up so fast. Life goes by so fast. When I hit 40, I realized that I had already lived half my life. It just amazes me what people do to their bodies. We are only on this earth a short while, so why not take care of the only one you get. It’s reported that the average life expectancy for an average adult male is 78 while the life expectancy for an NFL player is 50-55. Why is this? Is it the trauma their bodies go through, is it their lifestyle, it is the pain medication they take to get back on that field sooner? It amazes me that playing in the NFL cuts 30yrs off their lives.

With all the hype about concussions and head trauma in the NFL today, you can’t help and wonder what the long term affects are to these athletes and their long term health. I’ve had several concussions over the course of my life and I will tell you that they just get worse after each one. It takes longer to recover. I’m not sure what the average number of concussions an NFL player gets over the course of his career but I have to stop and think how the hell can a concussion in a contact sport be prevented? Tackling with your shoulder and not your head can help but how can the NFL prevent them all together? Maybe the NFL is not trying to prevent them all together but taking the necessary measures to prevent most of them.

There are two types of collisions in football. The player hitting its target and the player’s internal organs hitting their body. The latter is what causes the concussion and/or injury. Being a retired police officer and investigating hundreds if not thousands of vehicle accidents over 15yrs, the one impact that kills people the most is the internal organs slamming against their body. It’s the same premise in football.

Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle ~Napoleon Hill

With the recent headlines of the future Hall of Famer, Junior Seau committing suicide, one must wonder what’s going on with the increase in suicides amongst professional athletes. Seau had fortune, fame, 3 children, and great personality and to take his own life at the age of 43 with so much more ahead of him, simply blows my mind.

We may never know what drove Junior Seau to take his own life but there are talks about the physical trauma of pro football that leads to so many brain injuries and early deaths. Last year another retired NFL player, Dave Duerson also committed suicide in the exact same way Seau took his live. Duerson left a note behind indicating that he wanted his brain examined after his death. The examination revealed that he did in fact suffer from neuro-degeneration. The NFL is under attack from lawsuits filed by some 1,500 former players that are alleging the NFL concealed the links between concussions and permanent brain injury.

There is also talk about Seau not being able to cope with life outside the limelight. Going from being a rock star from his college days to his incredible 20yrs in the NFL with 80,000 screaming and cheering fans, getting ask over and over again for his autograph is a culture shock when that stops to say the least. When you no longer have that adrenaline rush, history tells us that the loss of that defining part of your life leads to destructive personal behavior. Thoughts and acts of suicide haunt people from all walks of life and all corners of society. Sadly, football players do not hold a monopoly on tragic lives that end early. We shouldn’t pretend that they do. Maybe Seau was haunted by issues and problems that had little to do with his career in the NFL.

I know that when I was at the peak of my suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the thoughts of suicide and homicide often crossed my mind. The depressive state that you get into sometimes is irreversible for some. There were times I would be sitting in my patrol car, isolated and tucked away so no one could find me with my hand on my gun. The thought of ending my torment was such a great feeling. No more suffering and dealing with the everyday bullshit I was faced with. The very one thought that kept me from pulling that trigger was my daughter. That very little special beautiful girl that lite me up like a Christmas tree when I would see her made me not do it. My relationship with my daughter means more to me than anything on this planet. She is why I continue to press on-ward and up-ward, face challenges head-on, struggle through my failures, fight to overcome adversity and fear. She is my WHY power.

I wish for so many people in this world to find their why power? Everyone on this planet has a reason and a purpose to live. Our struggles are temporary not permanent. They’re only permanent if we allow them to be.

It’s the small things in life that matter most. It’s not the fame, fortune, autographs that make us who we are. It’s our WHY that makes us who we are!

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity. Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident.

A Great Leader Never, Ever Quits and Here is Why?

April 23, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy One comment

Before success comes in any man’s life, he’s sure to meet with much temporary defeat and, perhaps some failures. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and the most logical thing to do is to quit. That’s exactly what the majority of men do~Napoleon Hill

“Leaders Never Quit”

Leaders never quit. They persist through any challenge they are faced with. Great leaders have the ability to stick with a difficult task or situation and work through it. They cope with the frustration that is brought upon by challenges.

The importance of never quitting and persisting through difficult times is one of the most important qualities a great leader must possess. They take every measure to bring their challenges to fruition. We are all faced with the naysayers who tell us to give up or forget about it and move on. This can be very demotivating. We cannot allow ourselves to be faced with people like this. These are the people that do not belong in our lives. We are better than this. We must persist and never quit.

“If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.” — Bill Clinton

Achieving success through leadership cannot be done overnight. It takes long hours and tons of hard work. There will undoubtedly be hurdles and obstacles that we must overcome. We, as great leaders, must hold the vision of our destination in mind and inspire others by rolling up our sleeves and continue to work on making progress. Someone must lead so why not let it be us.

Never quitting and persisting through difficult times takes a positive attitude, strong belief system and the confidence to continue our fight. Great leaders realize that without these qualities one can never be a great leader.

What separates a Great leader from others is the will to never stop persisting onward and upward. Great leaders do what the others won’t. Continuing to push and fight through the difficult times will take will power. The stronger your resolve, the more you will persist and the greater chances of your success.

“Never, never, never, never give up.” “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense” ~Winston Churchill

Below are some of the qualities that a Great leader should never quit or stop persisting at:

Integrity is the integration of outward actions and inner values. A person of integrity is the same on the outside and on the inside. Such an individual can be trusted because he or she never veers from inner values, even when it might be expeditious to do so. A great leader must have the trust of followers and therefore must display integrity.
Honest dealings, predictable reactions, well-controlled emotions, and an absence of tantrums and harsh outbursts are all signs of integrity. A leader who is centered in integrity will be more approachable by followers.

Dedication means spending whatever time or energy is necessary to accomplish the task at hand. A leader inspires dedication by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step toward the vision. By setting an excellent example, leaders can show followers that there are only opportunities to achieve something great.
Magnanimity means giving credit where it is due. A magnanimous leader ensures that credit for successes is spread as widely as possible. Conversely, a good leader takes personal responsibility for failures. This sort of reverse magnanimity helps other people feel good about them and draws the team closer together. To spread the fame and take the blame is a hallmark of effective leadership.

Leaders with humility recognize that they are no better or worse than anyone else. A humble leader is not self-effacing but rather tries to elevate everyone. Leaders with humility also understand that their status does not make them a god. Mahatma Gandhi is a role model for Indian leaders, and he pursued a “follower-centric” leadership role.

Openness means being able to listen to new ideas, even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking. Great leaders are able to suspend judgment while listening to others’ ideas, as well as accept new ways of doing things that someone else thought of. Openness builds mutual respect and trust between leaders and followers, and it also keeps the team well supplied with new ideas that can further its vision.

A great leader never, ever quits, however he or she must remain integral, dedicated, magnanimous, humble and open.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity. Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Why You Need a Mentor to Improve Your Life

April 17, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is becoming an epidemic amongst cops and military personnel. You see it all over the news, in the newspapers by our returning heroes. This disorder is affecting hundreds of thousands of lives across this country and we as a society need to do something about it before it becomes worse than it already is.

Too often when someone experiences the symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) they turn to different avenues of trying to overcome it. Let me give you a few examples of what I mean: Turning to self-medicating or drug abuse: whether prescription drugs, alcohol or any other illegal drug to soothe the feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, irritability and any other feelings they are experiencing. Self-medicating doesn’t help. It makes the symptoms worse which in turn leads to the person acting out. What do I mean by acting out? The self-medicating or drug abuse only enhances the feelings that one is going through. This leads to the next epidemic of PTSD sufferers. Committing suicide and often homicide. Why?

Why are Police Officers, war veterans and military personnel not seeking help from the powers to be? The command staff, human resources department, mentors. Because we are trained that asking for help is weak? We are trained to act as if we have no emotions. Nothing is supposed to bother us. Who are they kidding? This thought process makes me sick. Makes me want to vomit! The machismos, the egos in these professions need to be checked at the door. We are human beings for Christ sake. Things do bother us? When they bother us, we need to be trained to seek help and not be afraid of what people will think of us. Instead, they throw you out like a bag of trash in a dumpster. They get rid of you. It’s easier to turn your back on a problem then face it head on. This mentality is for the cowards of the world. Police Officers and Military Personnel are there to help, correct? There to serve our communities and country, correct? Then why is it that when one of us needs help, they turn their back on us?

Don’t rely on help or assistance within these organizations. Why rely on them for help when they need help more than you do. My advice to you is to seek out a mentor or a mentoring program. A person or place you can go to confide in to helping you through your road bumps or adversity. Seek out a person or program that you can trust. Use your gut instinct, listen to your inner-voice when seeking out a mentor or a mentoring program. Seek out someone who has been there and done that is now in a place where you want to be. Seek out a mentoring program that has proven results. If you’re afraid of what people may think then keep it to yourselves. It takes a man to admit we need help. It takes a man to admit that you are at your breaking point. It takes a man of courage and strength to admit this. Don’t let anyone tell you different and if they do turn around and walk away. This type of person you don’t need in your life anyway.

Trust me on this please. You are important. You matter in this world. There are people who love and care about you. For all you parents out there, do it for your kids. They need you more than anyone or anything. Do it for them.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com™, Retired Cop, Survivor of PTSD stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident, Expert on Leadership, Success, Overcoming Adversity, Fear & PTSD, Entrepreneur, Professional Speaker, Author of 3 books; Leadership in The Line of Duty™: 50 Leadership Lessons for Making Split-Second Decisions from a Cop Who Has Been in Life and Death Situations, Leadership in The Line of Duty™: Success Thoughts and Quotes for Leaders and Nothing But Net: Top Secrets to increase your bottom line, Health, Wealth & Success.
Copyright © 2012 Achieve Success Academy™. All Rights Reserved.
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Top 10 Tips to Overcome Adversity and Achieve Your Goals

April 17, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

You will live the rest of your life with regret if you give up on your dream, your goal, and your mission. This is what I live with every day of my life. I had a one in a million chance of playing football for the University of Alabama from 1989-1993. For those of you who know me, you know I was a walk-on under Coach Bill Curry as a Linebacker. I was one of the 5. They said that their walk-on program was one of the hardest in the country amongst Division 1 teams. I was told,” You have everything against you son, size, height, speed”. I was told.” these are men amongst boys out here”. There were 50 young men from all over the country who attempted to earn one of the 5 spots on the roster. The 5 week program was Killer to say the least. They were dropping like flies, carried out on stretchers, walking away. Quitting! Giving Up!

I gave up on my dream the second year under Coach Gene Stallings. I walked away. I went home. I Quit! I said, “I Give Up”. I regret it every single day. Don’t allow yourself to live the rest of your life with regret!

Here are 10 ways to help you achieve your dreams, your goals, and your mission:

Talk to someone you can trust in the field: Explain how important this goal is to you. Explain how you are feeling. Ask for their advice if they were faced with X. I didn’t have this. You NEED to do this before you give up.
Ask your family, friend(s) who know you and know how you are for their opinion. Stay away from the Nay-Sayers, Negative Nellies, and Jealous Jackie’s.
Take a step back: Take the time you need to think about the consequences if you stop pursuing your goal/dream. What will the outcome be if I stick with this? What will the outcome be if I walk away?
Practice Positive Talk: I can do this! I can make it! I am important! I am a great person!
Learn everything you possibly can: Seek out someone that has accomplished what you want to accomplish. Take them out to lunch and learn from them.
Commit to goals, short term and long term. Start with the end in mind – long term goal – and work backward when writing goals.
Work on your dream every day of your life. Fill all the minutes and hours you’ve allotted with serious determination one day at a time.
Give it all you can. There will be days when you don’t feel like giving it your best. Give it your best anyway for that day. Do not cheat yourself by not pursuing your dream. Give it everything you’ve got. If you have to walk away, know that you gave it your all. Live with NO Regrets!
Keep a journal. Write down what you accomplish every day. Just a few words will do, or else you will create yet another job, which you don’t need.
Celebrate your achievements! Reward yourself with pre-determined gifts. Treat yourself. For your ultimate goals, give yourself the greatest reward. And then set new goals. You CAN achieve more!

Associate with people like yourself who enjoy the same kinds of pursuits. During your friendships, offer support to your peers. They will then be there for you when you need it.

Without dreams we have nothing to look forward too~John R. Salkowski

Live your LIFE with NO Regrets!

Tips for Achieving Success Faster than You’ve Ever Thought Possible

April 17, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

What does it mean to you to be successful?

Don’t worry about society’s standards for success. Just consider how you would define success — for yourself. Based on your own definition, are you successful? Are you living up to your own values and ideals? Are you fulfilling your true potential? If you’re truly successful by your own definition, there shouldn’t be any doubt or hesitation. You could answer with an easy and obvious yes. Maybe other people would consider you successful. Maybe you’d like to think of yourself as successful. But do you really believe that about yourself? Do you feel you’re living up to YOUR potential? Are you doing your BEST? Before we can grow beyond this point, we have to admit the truth to ourselves first. It’s okay if it’s an unpleasant truth, but we still need to face it. Denying the truth WILL NOT help we grow. No truth, no growth, right? The truth is that most of us actually end up living pretty mediocre lives. We know we could be doing much better, but we constantly slack off. We distract ourselves. Most of us regret tomorrow before we’ve even lived it.

Barriers to Success
Success can be very rewarding, but it’s not an easy path to take. There are many obstacles and problems to confront along the way. Some of these problems are in fact getting worse.
Do you find it difficult to focus? You’re not alone. You may have noticed a major increase in distractions in your life within the last few years. There are more things clamoring for our attention than ever before. Another challenge is that we have more opportunities than ever before. We live in a time of rapid change, and change brings opportunity. From all of these possibilities, how do we pick something to focus on? How can we possibly feel confident that our decisions are correct? These challenges can be overwhelming at times. So quite often, we check out. We distract ourselves. We spin our wheels and run in circles. Life passes us by. And we wonder where all the time went. With each passing year, you may feel you’re slipping further and further behind, relative to where you’d hoped to be. There’s a gradual feeling of dread that builds over time… a sense of loss and regret — and maybe some guilt as well. If only you’d made better use of your time while you were younger… One year you have a job. The next year you’re trying to start a business. You don’t find the work very fulfilling, but it pays the bills. University students often have this problem as well. They switch majors like they’re changing their clothes. First it’s psychology, and then a year later it’s engineering, then philosophy. What’s the point of paying for school if you’re not going to finish what you start?

The 3 Key Challenges of Success

Let’s clarify the 3 critical challenges of success — challenges that everyone must face if they wish to become very successful.
Here they are:

1. You need to figure out what to do with your life.
If you don’t decide what to do with your life, chances are you’ll end up working for someone who does. You can run your own life, or you can have someone run it for you. Most people end up having their lives ran by someone else. They spend most of their lives working to achieve someone else’s goals. Is that you?

2. You need to COMMIT to being successful.
You don’t need to commit yourself to any particular path forever, but you must at least stick with your projects long enough to make serious and meaningful progress.
You can’t keep starting and stopping. You can’t keep quitting. You can’t keep distracting yourself.

3. You need to get yourself to take action repeatedly.
If you want the results of success, you’d better get used to taking a lot of action. No action, no results.
Most people fail the first challenge miserably, so they never even make it to the second and third challenges because they give up. But even those that do have a clear idea of what they want to do rarely get very far with it. Suffice it to say that mediocrity is a LOT more common than success.
Why is that?

Because Success is hard, very hard.

I think you deserve to know the truth. It’s not that easy to succeed. It can be a serious struggle at times. Very successful people know this, and they know it well. At least in the short run, it’s easier to be mediocre. If you want the easy path, you’ll have to settle for mediocrity. Trying to succeed will only frustrate you. You’ll find it too difficult. If you aren’t fully committed to success, you’ll give up too soon. I’m not here to serve the people who are okay with mediocrity. I want achievers. Achievers are people who want to better themselves. They want to grow.
But here’s the good news: It’s definitely possible to improve. Success is both learnable and teachable. You don’t have to settle for a mediocre life. Yes, success is harder than mediocrity, but it’s not impossible. Great success is achievable if you commit yourself to it. You really could be doing better. You could be succeeding much faster than you are now — and in a much bigger way.

Having vs. Being
There’s a difference between having certain results and being an achiever. Try not to get too riled about the having aspects. That isn’t a good place to root your self-esteem and self-worth. Money and possessions are nice, but they won’t fulfill you by themselves. When it comes to success, the being part is much more important. What does it mean to be successful? Success is a certain feeling you have about yourself. It’s a very positive, energetic, motivating feeling — a feeling of ambition, drive, determination, confidence, and forward momentum. You look in the mirror and feel happy and excited. You feel motivated to get going. You’re inspired to take action… lots of action. For many people, days like this are few and far between. Some people can barely recall a day when they felt inspired and motivated. That’s truly sad and disappointing. Conscious human beings can do better. When you’re at your best, life flows with passion and possibility. Your goals and projects are motivating and energizing. You take lots of action because you’re inspired to act. It wouldn’t feel as good to delay. When you end a successful day, it’s a great feeling. You barely want to go to bed because you’re enjoying such wonderful flow. When you do go to bed, you sleep restfully and peacefully. Real success is a state of being, not a collection of possessions or a number in a bank account. You can tell when you’re in the flow of success or not. If you’re not sure, then you’re not in the flow. Being in the flow is undeniable. When I’m in this successful flow state, the having part largely takes care of itself. When I do my best work, I create value for others. This can create an abundance of income for you, which makes it easy to pay your bills, meet your needs, and enjoy the experiences that make life worth living. Resolve today to commit yourself to be an achiever!

The Top 3 Qualities That Are Essential For Your Success

April 17, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

In order to be successful, these three words are paramount to your success. If you don’t live and breathe by these three words, your success is virtually impossible.

Here they are: Passion, Push, and Perseverance

Passion:

Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you ~ Oprah Winfrey

My definition of Passion is the burning desire you have inside you to achieve more, be more and do more. Whatever you are passionate about should keep you up at night. Whatever you are passionate about should be on your mind 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. Passion wants success just as bad as you need the air you breathe. This is Passion.

Push:

I always wanted to be the best I could be at whatever I did. I didn’t want to be the number one golfer in the world. I just wanted to be as good as I could be. I work hard, I push myself hard, and I probably even expect too much of myself ~ Greg Norman

You must push yourself to the breaking point when you want to achieve something. If you want something so bad you must be willing to run through a brick wall to get it, achieve it, and accomplish it. Sounds crazy, huh. Well guess what, if you don’t feel this way then you is leaving it all on the table for someone else to grab. If you cheat yourself one time, this will carry over into everything you do in life. For example, if you are in the gym and you have a goal of doing 30 minutes of cardio and you quit after 20 minutes, you just cheated yourself. Cheating in the smallest task will carry over in to all you do in life. To push you need discipline. By cheating yourself, you are failing to create discipline in your life. In order to succeed in anything you do, you must have the discipline to push through the feeling of giving up. It takes 21 days to create or break a habit. Over the next 21 days, push yourself to the limit in everything you do and watch and see what happens in your life.

Perseverance:

Football is like life – it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority~ Vince Lombardi

Perseverance is the steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. You must possess the mentality that failure is no option. You must encourage failure. You must persist through failure because failure is guaranteed along your journey. Learn from it, embrace it and persist through it. If you lack perseverance you will never be successful. Did you know that Thomas Edison, the world’s greatest inventor failed over 10,000 times. Where would this world be had he quit.

6 Steps in Overcoming the Fear of Success

April 17, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy One comment

Fears are nothing more than a state of mind. Napoleon Hill

The one quote that resonates with me that has changed my mindset in overcoming fear is, “Do the thing you fear & the death of fear are certain. We all have a fear of something. The majority of the population fears success. Why? I believe people fear success because it not only takes hard work, discipline, dedication and perseverance it also takes courage to overcome the 6 Fears of Success. Below are the 6 Fears that play an iatrical part in NOT achieving great things. Follow the solutions, work on them, implement the strategies and encourage failure. You will fail along the way but know that failure is a stepping stone to your success. Once you conquer the 6 Fears of Success, your success is virtually guaranteed.

The Six Fears of Success and How to overcome them.

Determine which Fear is holding you back and resolve to take it back.

1. Fear of Failure. This is the greatest of all fears. Fear of failure keeps people from trying new ventures. The fear that they may fail therefore choosing not to take risk.
Solution: Do your homework, however do not over analyze to where it causes paralyzes. Once you learn more about it, be decisive in your actions. It requires a reframe that failure is a normal stage in achievement.

2. Fear of Embarrassment. People who fear embarrassment have typically experienced a time in their childhood that was humiliating in which they filed the memory and said to themselves, “I will never feel that way again or put myself in that position.” Solution: Practice self-talk, self-affirmations. “I can do this, I can accomplish this, I can achieve this”, are a few examples.

3. Fear of Rejection. People who fear rejection have experienced the feeling therefore resulting in low self-esteem. Solution: Realize that rejection is about the other person. It’s about their own insecurities. Know that you are a great person and that rejection is a part of life. Do not let rejection stop you from achieving your dreams. It takes a healthy ego to know that rejection is a normal part of life.

4. Fear of Hurting Others. There is a saying, “If you fail to plan, your plan will fail.” Solution: People who fear hurting others need to plan so that they can continue to meet the needs of others and still pursue their dreams. Make sure the people in your life know how much your Goal(s) mean to you. Do your homework.

5. Fear of Success. Some people have low self-esteem for whatever reason and may fall into the category that they aren’t worthy of success. They fear how their life will be different if they succeed. They decide to stay in the same old place to avoid their own potential for greatness. Solution: Positive Self-Affirmations, Self-Talk can do wonders in reprogramming your thoughts and mindset.

6. Fear of the Unknown. I call these people the “half empties”. There glass is always half empty as opposed as half full. People who fear the unknown usually catastrophism and fear the worst instead of counting on the best. Solution: I am a true believer of what will be, will be. Things happen for a reason. Place your fears in the hands of a higher power and understand what is meant to be will be.

Was Captain Edward J. Smith a Natural Leader?

April 16, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

A tribute to Captain Edward John Smith that marks the 100th Anniversary of the Titanic’s Fateful Voyage.

What Makes a Natural Born Leader?

“The Olympic is unsinkable, and Titanic will be the same when she is put in commission.” He continued, “Either of these two vessels could be cut in halves and each half would remain afloat almost indefinitely. The non-sinkable vessel has been reached in these two wonderful craft.” “I venture to add,” Concluded the Captain, “that even the engines and boilers of these vessels were to fall through their bottoms, the vessels would remain afloat.” ~Captain Edward John Smith

Captain Smith was viewed as the stereotype of how a brave captain should act, working to the last to save lives before going down with his ship, yet he is also blamed by many for causing one of the worst maritime disasters of all time.

So why does the public continue to be fascinated by the captain of the Titanic, Captain Edward John Smith?

The son of a pottery presser and grocer rose to become ‘the millionaire’s captain’, the number one choice for the aristocrats of the day, many of whom chose to sail with him because of his reputation for safety and affability.

Captain Smith rose through the Edwardian social classes which was seen as an achievement in itself but he went on to captain some of the biggest ships of the day, including Titanic’s sister ship the Olympic.

Forceful Leader

“Confidence was quickly restored; all being convinced that the Titanic could not founder. Captain Smith nevertheless appeared nervous; he came down on deck chewing a toothpick. ‘Let everyone,’ he said, ‘put on a lifebelt, it is more prudent.’ Soon after midnight, Captain Smith gave the order to prepare the boats, but still no general alarm was raised.” ~Captain Edward John Smith

There were several books written about the Titanic Captain. Among the many myths surrounding the captain, the most famous and ominous is that he ignored ice warnings.

However, ice warnings were just that, simply warnings that ice was seen at X coordinates at a certain time which Smith may have registered rather than reacted to.

Captain Smith was undoubtedly a forceful leader who pushed his ships hard in conditions that may have scared other captains, it was a fact of history that the weather was calm and clear that very fateful night – it was not unusual for any captain to sail ships into ice regions at high speeds and several captains from other shipping companies testified to this.

I believe Captain Smith lived up to the stereotype, perhaps one that he himself helped to create, as to how ships’ captains should behave when disaster strikes, namely that they should stay with their vessel and either be the last man off, or go down with it.

Captain Smith’s actions were not far from the thoughts of many observers when the Costa Concordia cruise ship ran aground on January 13th off the western coast of Italy with more than 4,200 passengers and crew.

Its Captain, Francesco Schettino, now faces possible charges of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning a ship in which 32 people were either killed or are missing.

Captain Smith’s leadership taught us all something. He left a yardstick not only for sea captains to live up to but for all leaders to live up to.

There’s no doubt that Captain Smith made mistakes. However, in the end there is one thing you cannot take away from him. He did not skirt his responsibilities or try to weasel his was out of them. He did what any great leader should do. He went down with his ship. In fact, there was witness testimonial that he dove into the frigid sea as the bridge went under water. Captain Smith paid the ultimate price as a result. How many of our leaders today would be prepared to do the same?

How Leaders Get Things Done

April 11, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 2 comments

It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off the fence. You cannot make progress without making decisions. ~Jim Rohn

Of all attributes of leadership, the one thing that leaders do more often than anything else is make decisions. Harry Truman once said, “The buck stops here.” This ultimately applies to every leader. You’re in charge, and after all is said and done, you will be judged by the decisions you make.

Analysis Paralysis

Analysis paralysis is where you can’t take any action due to over thinking about the details or over planning and is one of the best “action” killers we can possibly find. Planning definitely helps when you are starting a new project but it should not be to the extent that it overwhelms us and causes us to fail to make a decision and take action.

Vision and Goals

If art is to nourish the root of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him ~ John F. Kennedy

The best way to improve your decision making ability is to keep focused on the vision and goals that you want to accomplish. We know that things happen and plans change. Stop worrying about making perfect decisions. Stay committed to your vision and goals is the most important aspect of decision making.

Did you know that when pilots fly across the ocean, they reach something called, “the point of no return?” This is the point over the ocean where the combination of the fuel they have on board, the weather conditions, the condition of the aircraft, and other factors that play a role are such that continuing toward a destination is easier than turning back.

This same principle should apply to you when making decisions. Seize the moment. Be decisive in all you do. This is what successful leaders do. They make decisions.

During my tenure as a Police Officer, I was called upon hundreds if not thousands of times to make quick and accurate decisions. It could have been responding to a burglary in progress. Do I respond surreptitiously, potentially causing a traffic accident or do I respond with lights and sirens on risking giving myself away to the perpetrators on scene. The decision I made at the time was to use lights and siren, intermittently so I make it through traffic safely. Upon arriving on scene, do I direct Officers responding to certain locations around the perimeter of the property or do I have them take up positions at nearby intersections with hope of intercepting the perpetrators leaving the scene. The decisions I made could have potentially put Officer Safety in jeopardy. My point is, that making decisive decisions is the most important thing we do as leaders.

Making a decision and having it turn out to be the wrong one, is still better than making no decision at all.

Here are some of the top tips I have used in helping me make quick and accurate decisions:

1) Experience Counts

Experience plays a vital role in decision making. As you grow, so does your experience and knowledge. I believe life experience is the best teacher. There will be a time when you will encounter something similar or know someone that has experienced the same thing.

2) Preparation, Planning and Mentorship

Being prepared and having a plan is also vital to decision making. Ben Franklin once said, “Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Do your homework, read and study the topic, talk with people that have been in your shoes or have made similar decisions. Seek advice from someone you trust with all your heart. If you have no one in your life that you can go to, seek out a mentor to help and guide you in the right direction. Follow your passion, vision and goals.

3) Go with Your Gut (Inner-Voice)

Use your common sense, intuition and instinct to make quick and accurate decisions. Your gut is 100% right all the time. Take it from someone that has used his gut to make life and death decisions. Your inner-voice will let you know when that something feels right or wrong. When you get that feeling, move in that direction. Do not procrastinate. Be decisive, articulate and seize the moment.

Great Leader’s Take Sincere Interest in Others

March 29, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

“Taking interest in others is a sure way of making friends faster and building long lasting successful relationships” ~John R. Salkowski

Law of Attraction:

Do you believe in the Law of Attraction? I certainly do. The Law of Attraction will attract the people and things you want into your life if you put it out there to the universe to see and hear. I’ll tell you a story why I believe the Law of Attraction works for me.

My life changed forever on January 10th 2000. On this very day, I was involved in an on-duty shooting that involved me taking another man’s life. This incident stemmed from a Robbery incident where it eventually would turn fatal.

Following the years ahead, I felt my life spiraling out of control. I was acting in such a way that no one wanted to be around me let alone even know me. I was isolating myself from society because I began to hate people and just about everything out there. I looked through a glass that was half empty. This wasn’t me, however I allowed myself to be like this for years. It affected my life in such a way that if I didn’t do something about soon, I was headed down a tragic path. Unbeknownst to me, I was suffering from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This carried on for 3yrs before I committed myself to making a change.

I began to read books on personal development like it was going out of style. I began to research people that were living a life that I could only dream about. So, I began to study people that basically came from nothing and had built huge empires for themselves. I studied self-made men and women. Books like, Think and Grow Rich, Laws of Success, The Secret, Anger Free, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Goals, Missed Fortune, Eight Steps to Seven Figures, A Christians Life Manual, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Little Book of Big Bible Promises and so many others. These books have changed my life. My attitude toward life, people, success, relationships with friends, family and loved ones began to change. With the help of these books and cutting out all negative things in my life that were affecting my attitude like the local news, newspapers, negative people, Television in general, my life began to prosper.

The Building Blocks of Leadership Success

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these”. ~ George Washington Carver

I once read a quote from Gandhi, “You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist”. When I read this it hit me like a ton of bricks had just fallen on me. How true was this, I thought?

I have learned that one of the most important keys to a better life, if not the most important one, to building successful relationships is your ability to show a sincere interest in the lives of others. Not only to that person but also to the things that are most important to that person. By expressing genuine interest in someone’s qualities, background, stories, hobbies, career, family, children or anything else closely connected to that person, you will give them a gift- a sense of importance, wellbeing and value.

Here are a few things that I have learned over the years by studying Leadership, Success and Inspiration:

1) When Meeting Someone New or Running into a Friend~When you meet people for the first time or run into them again, you have an opportunity to make a positive impression on them. The key here is to take 10 seconds and make them feel like they are the most important person on this earth. Look them in the eyes with warmth and authenticity and offer them a friendly greeting. If appropriate, give them a firm handshake and/or hug.

2) Call Them by Name~ In all of your communication, written or verbal, first time or repeated, make it a point to use a person’s name. This is very hard for me at times, because I am one to forget a name but never forget a face. When I read Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People it said if you want to win friends, make it a point to remember their name. If you remember their name, you make an impact on them which indicates that they have made an impact on you, adding a sense of importance.

3) Look That Person Directly in The Eyes and Listen Intensely~Have you ever met someone and while talking to them, there looking around at what’s going on around them. Literally paying you no mind. This is not only ignorant but very rude. It makes a person feel unworthy. By looking them in the eyes, this shows the person that you respect them and respect what they are saying. In order to get respect, you must give respect.

4) Inspire and Encourage Others~By inspiring and encouraging others, you lift their spirits, enhance their self-confidence and add fuel to their motivational fire. Perhaps more than anything you give them hope and inspiration. If simple words of encouragement can do so much to enhance someone’s life, why don’t we all do more of it? How long could it take? 10-20 seconds?

5) Acknowledgement~When you acknowledge people, you recognize their value and importance. How about hugging your child(ren) before they go off to school? Or saying “Good Morning” to your co-workers as you walk through the office? Or saying hi to an acquaintance you see dining at another table in a restaurant. When you go out of your way to acknowledge people you will make a positive impression on them.

When you genuinely show an interest in others, they too will show an interest in you. Make it your priority today to Take Sincere Interest in Others!

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) stemming from a shoot and kill robbery incident, Author, Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity.

Leader’s Leave People Better Than They Found Them

March 28, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 2 comments

“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.” ~Marvin J. Ashton

Be the One Who Inspires Others

It’s a great feeling making someone’s day. Have you ever just wanted to make someone feel good? I believe, for the most part, most people want to make other’s feel good. Making a positive impact in someone’s life inspires me beyond belief. I truly believe with all my heart and soul that I was put on this earth to make a difference in the lives of other’s.

You know the feeling you get in your gut when you love doing something so much that you would do it for free. That’s the feeling I get about leaving someone better than I found them.

So what is Inspiration?

Inspiration is about finding things that inspire us (amazing ideas, people, and nature), having that inspiration breathed into you and then taking action on it. Creating, doing, and inspiring others to ACTION.

If you’re looking for inspiration you can find it almost anywhere. The key to being inspired is to keep your eyes open. See everything around you as a possible source of inspiration. We are so busy thinking about other things that we miss out on inspiration.

You need inspiration on a regular basis as it isn’t just a one-time thing. When you practice the above method – allowing yourself to breathe in that inspiration by staying in the present and keeping your eyes open to everything – you get better at it. It becomes a skill you can use at any time, and you’ll use it often.

Here are some tips to keep you inspired:

Read daily – mix it up, from success stories, to blogs, to books and magazines of all kinds.

Go outdoors – being in nature is one of the biggest inspirations. Like seeing a rainbow after a storm, or the fiery colors of a sunset.

Get to know new people – they’ll always expose you to new ideas or interesting things, if you’re open to it.

Find time to meditate – creating time to sit and be silent can be more inspiring that you know.

Work with and spend time with inspiring people – find creative, positive, and energetic people that kick you into Action!

Break your routine – take a new route home. Go to a new coffee shop or restaurant. See things from a different perspective.

Exercise – or at least get out for a brisk walk. It helps get ideas moving around and the blood to circulate.

Inspiration isn’t a onetime thing. It’s just like bathing; you must do it every day!

Take Action!

Channel all that inspiration you get and turn it into something amazing. Take this new found inspiration to move you forward, use it, and do something to inspire others.

A Traffic Stop to Making a Difference

“The world is not interested in what we do for a living. What they are interested in is what we have to offer freely – hope strength, love and the power to make a difference!” ~Sasha Azevedo

Back in the early 2000′s, I was still patrolling the streets of Lower Merion Township. While on patrol, I was monitoring traffic at one of the busiest intersections on my beat. I was observing the flow of traffic checking vehicles for expired inspection stickers. In Pennsylvania, as in many other states, each year you have to get your vehicle inspected by a certified Inspection Station. To pass inspection, the mechanic would check your brakes; exterior lighting etc. to make sure everything was in safe working order. I noticed a black Chevrolet coupe with expired inspection stickers. The stickers expired the end of September and we were in the first week of October. Not a huge violation, but I wanted to stop the vehicle to make the driver aware.

I stopped the vehicle and approached the driver from the driver’s side door. As I approached the driver, I noticed through the driver’s side mirror that the young lady driver was crying. I reached the driver’s window and identified myself. I immediately told the young lady that she didn’t need to be upset that I was only making her aware that her inspection stickers had expired a few days.

The young lady had her driver’s license and registration card already waiting for me. I began to ask her if she was okay. The young lady told me that she was just laid off from work by her employer after almost 10yrs. She told me that she hadn’t missed a day of work in 10yrs and that she loved her job more than anything. She said that they didn’t give her a reason other than they decided to downsize. The fee ling of sadness along with a sick feeling in my stomach overcame me. I felt so bad for her.

Instead of discussing her minor violation, I began to ask her about her job and what she did for 10yrs. As she explained her job, you could see the joy on her face as she described it. You could just tell she loved her job. Not many people can say that.

I said, “May I ask you a question”. She said, “Of course Officer” in the politest and sweetest voice. I said, “Do you believe things happen for a reason”? She said, “I do”. I said, “You may not understand it at this very moment or even over the next few days but this was meant to be”. She said, “How do you mean Officer”? I said, “This chapter in your life was meant to be”. “The good Lord upstairs has something better in store for you”. “When one door closes, a much better door opens”. You could see her tears coming to an end. Her face began to brighten up and her smile began to shine. The young lady thanked me and told me that “I just made her day”. Before she went on her way, I told her, “To stay positive and to focus on the next door that’s about to open for her”. I felt deep down that something much better was in store for her. She thanked me again and began to drive off. I told her, “To drive safe and remember to stay focused and positive”. I stood there in the road for a few seconds, watching her drive away. I was very sad for her but I truly believe the short talk we had made a difference in her life.

So remember, true leaders leave that special someone or the person you just met, better than you found them.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) from a shoot and kill robbery incident, Author, Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity.

Military Scrambles After Staff Sgt. Robert Bales’ Shooting

March 26, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy One comment

U.S. Government Officials Scramble

Just nine days after Staff Sgt. Robert Bale’s shooting in Afghanistan, a Top-Level Pentagon Health Official orders a widespread, emergency review of the military’s use of a notorious anti-malaria drug called mefloquine.

Mefloquine, also known as Lariam, has severe psychiatric side effects. Side effects of the drug include psychotic behavior, paranoia and hallucinations. The drug has been implicated in numerous suicides and homicides, including deaths in the U.S. military. For years the military has used the weekly pill to help prevent malaria among deployed troops.

The U.S. Army nearly stopped the use of mefloquine entirely in 2009 because of the dangers, now only using it in limited circumstances, including sometimes in Afghanistan. In 2009 the Army said soldiers who have suffered a traumatic brain injury should not be given the drug.

Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, accused of murdering 17 of men, women and children suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq in 2010 during his third combat tour. According to statistics, repeated combat tours severely increases the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Staff Sgt. Bales’ wife, Karilyn Bales, broke her silence in an interview Sunday with NBC. “It is unbelievable to me. I have no idea what happened, but he would not — he loves children. He would not do that,” she said.

On March 20, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Jonathan Woodson ordered a new & urgent review to make sure that troops were not getting the drug inappropriately. The task order from Woodson, orders an immediate “review of mefloquine prescribing practices” to be completed by the following Monday, six days after the order was issued.

“Some deployed service members may be prescribed mefloquine for malaria prophylaxis without appropriate documentation in their medical records and without proper screening for contraindications,” the order says. It notes that this review must include troops at “deployed locations.”

The sudden violence and apparent cognitive problems related to the crime Bales is accused of mirrors other gruesome cases.

A former Army psychiatrist who was the top advocate for mental health at the Office of the Army Surgeon General recently voiced concern about Bales’ possible mefloquine exposure. “One obvious question to consider is whether he was on mefloquine (Lariam), an anti-malarial medication.” This drug is still used in Afghanistan.

“This medication has been increasingly associated with neuropsychiatric side effects, including depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation.”

In 2004 in the United Press International stated that use of the drug by six elite Army Special Forces soldiers who took mefloquine then committed suicide. (Suicide is relatively infrequent among Special Forces soldiers).

“You’re ready to take that plunge into hurting someone or hurting and killing yourself, and it comes on unbelievably quickly,” said one Special Forces soldier diagnosed with permanent brain damage from Lariam. “It’s just a sudden thought; it’s the right thing to do. You’ll get a mental picture, and it’s in full color.”

UPI report showed how mefloquine use was a factor in half of the suicides among troops in Iraq in 2003 -– and how suicides dropped by 50 percent after the Army stopped handing out the drug.

In a case that mirrors the Bales’ case, that year the Army dropped charges against Staff Sgt. Georg-Andreas Pogany. Pogany had been the first soldier since Vietnam charged with cowardice. Like Bales, Pogany faced a possible death sentence. The Army dropped the charges after doctors determined that Pogany suffered from Lariam toxicity, which affected his behavior in Iraq.

In 2002, three elite soldiers, who took mefloquine in Afghanistan, returned to murder their wives and then commit suicide. These soldiers were described by friends, family and neighbors after taking the drug as incoherent, strange and angry.

What Does This Mean For Staff Sgt. Robert Bales

Does this mean, Bales’ charges will be dropped like that of Pogany’s? Does Bales’ suffer from a Lariam toxicity? Something affected his behavior that very day. He was pushed to a limit of no return. Was it the Four tours he served or was it the Lariam?

I certainly hope the truth comes out and this soldier gets the help he needs. Giving him the death penalty will not solve the problem. This is not the first case of homicide or suicide among our soldiers. What you read above is evidence that this is a reoccurring problem and this problem needs to be fixed.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) stemming from a shoot and kill Robbery incident, Author, Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity.

What Caused Staff Sgt. Robert Bales to Commit Murder?

March 23, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 3 comments

If you watch the news, have read articles I’m sure you’re familiar with Staff Sgt. Robert Bales. Staff Sgt. Bales is being charged with 17 counts of murder, assault and a slew of other charges from what’s being called a massacre of Afghan villagers by U.S. officials.

Staggering Statistics from Studies and the Veterans Affairs

Did you know that 1 in 5 returning Afghan and Iraq war veterans suffer from PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Major Depression according to VA (Veterans Affairs).

Nearly 20 percent of military service members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan — 300,000 in all — report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, yet only slightly more than half have sought treatment, according to a new RAND Corporation Study.

In addition too, researchers found about 19 percent of returning service members report that they experienced a possible traumatic brain injury while deployed, with 7 percent reporting both a probable brain injury and current PTSD or major depression.

Many service members said they do not seek treatment for psychological illnesses because they fear it will harm their careers. Being subject to ridicule. Being considered unfit for duty. But even among those who do seek help for PTSD or major depression, only about half receive treatment that researchers consider “minimally adequate” for their illnesses.

In the first analysis of its kind, researchers estimate that PTSD and depression among returning service members will cost the nation as much as $6.2 billion in the two years following deployment — an amount that includes both direct medical care and costs for lost productivity and suicide. Investing in more high-quality treatment could save close to $2 billion within two years by substantially reducing those indirect costs, according to RAND study.

Here’s another staggering statistic. Suicides among returning soldiers are up 26% according to the VA (Veterans Affairs). There are an estimated 30,000 suicides in this country alone and 20% of those suicides are committed by our veterans according to the VA.

We Have an Epidemic on our Hands

We all know that there is a major health crisis facing those men and women who have served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unless they receive appropriate and effective care for these mental health conditions, there will be long-term consequences for them and for our nation. Unfortunately, there are many barriers preventing them from getting the high-quality treatment they need.

Researchers concluded that a major national effort is needed to expand and improve the capacity of the mental health system to provide effective care to service members and veterans. The effort must include the military, veteran and civilian health care systems, and should focus on training more providers to use high-quality, evidence-based treatment methods and encouraging service members and veterans to seek needed care.

Since October 2001, about 1.6 million U.S. troops have deployed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with many exposed to prolonged periods of combat-related stress or traumatic events. Early evidence suggests that the psychological toll of the deployments may be disproportionately high compared with physical injuries.

The epidemic that is running wild among our returning troops is PTSD and Major Depression. More of our troops are suffering mental illnesses than physical injuries. This is not the first time you have heard one of our returning soldiers committing homicide, suicide, turning to drug & alcohol abuse, marital problems, unemployment, homelessness, committing crimes etc.

Is Staff Sgt. Robert Bales a Killer or a Victim of War?

Is Staff Sgt. Robert Bales a murderer? Is he really a cold blooded killer? Is he a true menace to society? Or is he a victim of circumstances? Did he wake up one morning and say, “I’m going on a murder spree? Who knows? Please understand something, I’m not condoning what Robert Bales did by no means, however you have to stop and think about something. There is definitely something going on with this soldier. You have just read the staggering statistics above. This is a man that has done numerous tours in Afghanistan & Iraq. To be exact, Staff Sgt. Bales served (1) tour in Afghanistan and (3) tours in Iraq. This is a man that has seen more violence, been in involved in more violence than anyone you can imagine. Yes, there are thousands of others that have been exposed to what Robert Bales has been exposed too as well. However, everyone is different, therefore what they experience and how they handle that experience is different as well.

This is a man that is a victim of our war. A victim in the sense that he suffers a major case of PTSD and/or a traumatic brain injury. He was experiencing stress beyond explanation. This is a man that was pushed to his breaking point. Yes, he turned to committing murder on innocent Afghans. People that didn’t deserve to die. But what if Bales would have taken his own life? Would he be considered a hero or another victim of circumstances? This is a man that should not have done (4) tours of war.

As a retired Police Officer and suffer of PTSD myself for shooting and killing a man in the course of a robbery & defending my own life, I can only imagine what Staff Sgt. Bales and the rest of the troops have experienced. I was second guessed, Monday morning quarterbacked, my past picked apart just as Bales’ past is being picked apart. This is unfair. Bales served his country in war not just once but four times. Enough is enough. There should be limits and guidelines on how many tours our troops serve. Where are our Commanders, our Leaders? There in the background not doing what the front-line is doing. Their not in the trenches like they are. Do they really care about them? One can only wonder what their mindset is. Understandably, the job needs to get done but it shouldn’t be at the expense of our fellow men and women. It not only affects them, it affects hundreds of thousands of others. Their families, friends, co-workers.

Staff Sgt. Robert Bales is not a killer. He is a victim of war.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and Author, Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity.

I can be reached via email at John@JohnSalkowski.com

The Top Skills You Must Possess for Leadership Success

March 21, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy One comment

“It is a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations.” – Winston Churchill

Successful leaders understand that one of most critical keys to success is possessing a positive self-image and outlook on life in general.

Feeding you mind daily with positive materials such as success quotes, leadership development training and self-development books and audio-tapes/cd’s will enable you to stay determined and focused.

Quotes have an amazing way of hitting the right nerve at the right time. They are short and pithy, making it easier for us to make our decisions of our day with more clarity and purpose.

“Affirmation without self-discipline is the beginning of delusion” ~ Jim Rohn

1) Self-Discipline~ In order to succeed in any facet of life you must possess and master the skill of self-discipline. Discipline is doing what you must do whether you feel like it or not.

“One cannot manage too may affairs: like pumpkins in the water, one pops up while you try to hold down the other”~ Chinese Proverb

2) Time-Management~ There is no such thing as multi-tasking. You simply cannot do two things at once and do them effectively. Have you ever tried to chase two rabbits at the same time? It doesn’t work. Create a list. Work on the most important task first and work your way down in order. All else should be delegated.

“Indecision Breeds Mediocrity” ~ John R. Salkowski

3) Decision-Making~ Nothing else like indecision breeds mediocrity. In order to be a successful leader you must be decisive in your decision making. You heard the saying analyses paralyses, right? Don’t over analyze. The key to a successful decision is to make sure your thought is well reasoned and thought out properly.

“Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go” ~ William Feather

4) Accountability~ Accountability plays a very important role in your leadership success. If you want to be respected and admired, you must take full accountability of not only your successes but your failures as well. This is a form of confidence and self-belief which is a major ingredient to your success.

“He can who thinks he can, he can’t who thinks he can’t” ~ Orison Swett Marden

5) A Positive Attitude is Everything~ Being positive in all you do is essential for your success. A positive attitude is entirely self-determined and can be helped by accentuating the positive in everything you do. Don’t see the problem, see the solution.

“You need a system to succeed. Talent is never enough.” ~ William Shakespeare

6) Self-Presentation~ If you truly want to be successful you must learn how to present to others. Not the way YOU want to present but the way THEY want to be presented too. The radio station you must tune into when presenting to others is “WIFM”. WIFM means “What’s In It For Me” meaning what’s in it for your prospect. If you learn how to present to others, you’re success is virtually guaranteed.

Leadership success will be yours to take if you follow and master these top skills.

How Leaders Overcome Obstacles

March 19, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

“Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way.” ~Les Brown, World Renowned Motivational Speaker who was born out of wedlock, delivered on a front porch of an abandoned home and put up for adoption with his twin brother.

Facing Challenges

Have you ever experienced a setback, faced adversity or a challenge that you could not overcome or at least thought you couldn’t overcome? We have all experienced that at some point in our lives.

As I look back on my life, in particular my childhood, growing up in a blue collar town of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania located 30 minutes west of Philadelphia nothing ever came easy to me.

I wasn’t the smartest, the best looking, and the most athletic kid out there. I struggled my way through or shall I say fought my way through. I was a timid kid. Always picked on by bullies. Totally opposite of who I am today.

I grew up poor. I lived in a row home with my father, mother and three sisters up until I was 10 yrs. old. My parents received food stamps and we had a welfare medical card for our health insurance. The only real vivid memory I have of my childhood was playing on the sidewalk in front of our house with my younger sister, Kelly. My sister and I were best friends growing up. We didn’t have much but we did have fun with what we had.

At the age of 10, my mother moved us in with our Aunt Jane who lived 3 blocks down the street. My mother had decided to leave my father to get away from the physical abuse and alcoholism. Needless to say, I had to grow up fast.

Growing Up Fast

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

I lived with my Aunt Jane for 2 years before being kicked out of the house for drinking the last of the orange juice. Literally, I was kicked out of her house at the age of 10 for drinking the last of the orange juice. Her reasoning was because she had important medication that she had to take and could only take with her orange juice. My mother was at work so I had to take matters into my own hands.

I filled a trash bag full of my clothes and walked 2 miles to my friend Harry’s house. Harry lived with his mother, 2 brothers, sister, grandmother and uncle in a 3 bedroom home.

I had to negotiate with his grandmother if I could stay there for a while. I agreed to sleep on a cot in a bedroom with Harry and his two brothers. We negotiated $10 a week in rent and I had to buy my own food. Sounded good to me. What did I know being 12yrs old?

One day, I was playing football in the street out in front of Harry’s house with some friends when this rich man, who I’ll call John, driving a brand new black Lincoln Continental stopped to say hello. I knew him because my mother waited tables at his bar. Nice man. Seemed to be pretty wealthy to me. He told me to stop up and see him. He had something he wanted to talk about. I got on my bike and peddled to his home just minutes up the road.

I arrived at his home to find him and his wife sitting at their kitchen table. I sat down and they began to tell me what they were hearing about the living conditions I was experiencing. He had heard that the house was infested with mice and roaches. He then asks me, “Is this true?” I said yes but it was fine. He explained to me what diseases these rodents and insects carry. What did I know, I was 14.

He asked me if I would consider moving in with his family. I agreed immediately. Nice home, in-ground swimming pool. No brainer right? Home cooked meals instead of macaroni and cheese, canned raviolis, hotdogs, frozen pizza etc. Life was looking good.

My Life Got Easier or So I Thought

“It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

From the age of 14 to 18 should be the time of your life, right? School, girls, dances. For me, these 4yrs was living as a slave. Which meant missing out on my high school years? Missing out on proms, dances, school trips. Years I would never get back. I found out real fast that in order to have home cooked meals, a clean house, in-ground swimming pool, washed clothes; I had to work my ass off. I wasn’t afraid to work for my keep but it went to extremes beyond anything I could have imagined.

I worked year round for John. Not at his place of business but at his home. I did everything from cutting the grass, pulling weeds, cleaning the pool, taking out the trash, cleaning off the dinner table, running errand after errand, planting trees, building retaining walls, digging up the garden, putting up fences, washing the cars. Not just his car but his entire family and neighbors cars. I was a modern day slave.

I was an unhappy teenager. I hated those years of my life. I look back and get pissed off because I should have been doing what other teenagers were doing. Instead, I was at the mercy of another human being so I could have food and shelter. I thought, never ever again, would I ever have to depend on another human being for anything in my life time.

Even though I hated my teenage years, I truly believe that the adversity and challenges I faced sculpted me into the man I am today. The adversity I faced in my teenage years gave me the hunger and edge to want a better life, to be self-reliant, to accomplish more than the average person, to be my own boss, to be a leader.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Author, Speaker on Leadership, Success and Overcoming Adversity.

I can be reached via email at John@JohnSalkowski.com.

Are you a Leader?

March 13, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy One comment

“The price of greatness is responsibility” ~Winston Churchill

Responsibility

Leadership is about embracing responsibility whether you like it or not. It’s not just about accepting responsibility when it suits you. Some of our toughest leadership challenges are right in your own backyard, your home, your communities, your schools, your institutions, and your personal life.

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is a person who suffers from a disease I call Excusitis. They have an excuse for everything. They never take ownership for anything they do or say. They always point the finger at someone else. It’s always someone else’s fault. Are you serious? How are you going to learn from your mistakes? How are you going grow as a person? How are you going to grow as a leader of your own life? Do you know anyone like this? Are you like this?

“It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” ~J. W. Goethe

Sizing Yourself Up

Whether you believe this or not, we are all Leaders. You lead yourself, your children, your colleagues, your friends, your relatives. In order to lead others it begins with taking a personal inventory of your own strengths and weaknesses and then assessing the opportunities and threats that are likely to present themselves.

Leading yourself begins the same way; think of it as having one promising follower who deserves your best guidance. Sit down with a piece of paper and list all the things you’re good at, including what you’re not good at.

Do you consider yourself being world-class at anything? You better! I know I do! If you don’t consider yourself world-class then you need to sit down and start a list of all things you have accomplished. You need to give yourself credit where it’s due. You don’t have to be world-class to have real accomplishments but thinking you’re world-class will make those accomplishments feel that much better.

How hard or easy you are on yourself is a reflection of how tough and compassionate you’re likely to be as a leader; both qualities can inspire trust.

Stop pointing the finger at others. Take that finger and point it at your chest. Take responsibility for the things you do or don’t do. Admitting this will be the first step in becoming a better leader as well as a better person. Look yourself in that mirror and know that you take full responsibility of everything that happens in your life. Kiss your kids goodnight knowing that you are leading them to be the best human beings they can possibly be. If you can do this, you are a Leader!

I can be reached via email at John@JohnSalkowski.com

A Leader Breaks The Silence Code

March 5, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

Absolute silence leads to sadness. It is the image of death~Jean Jacques Rousseau

It’s a Job, Not a Lifestyle

Leadership is the most human imperative. Without leaders how would our society exist? Leaders bring purpose, motivation, inspiration and direction to society and organizations across the globe. In this reading, I am referring to Police Officers.

I was a Police Officer from 1993-2006. During my tenure, I experienced more in my 13 years than the average person, let alone the average Police Officer would experience in a 30 year career. What do I mean by this? I was involved in more and have seen more tragedy, serious crimes/offenses than your average Police Officer. Please keep in mind, I am not referring to our Heros/Heroines that have fought for our country. I am talking about the Police Officer that patrols your streets and handles the day in, day out work that keeps your society safe. By no means am I minimizing this profession.

Whether you like and/or respect Police Officers, you have to admit that it’s a thankless job. Very seldom will you make someone’s day for the better. Very often you make someone’s day for the worse. Police Officers deal with everything from pulling a dead animal off to the side of the road to potentially having to take someone’s life. The span of responsibility is overwhelming and yes, very stressful.

Police Officers, as I would explain them are a different breed. This profession usually attracts the confident, egotistical, arrogant, cocky, macho, controlling type personality. We have all dealt with one at one point or another in our lives.

What makes someone attracted to this profession? What attracted me was being passionate about making a difference in the everyday lives of people. Serving my community to the best of my ability and making a difference. I once heard this saying, this job is like having a front row seat to the most exciting show on earth. Boy was I right and wrong at the same time.

Breaking The Silence Code

Let us be silent that we may hear the whispers of the gods~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The ultimate responsibility of a Police Officer is using deadly force against another human being. If you know a Police Officer ask them what question they have been ask the most. They will tell you, “Have you ever had to use your gun”. Hearing this makes me cringe. When I was ask that question, I cringed. No Officer ever wants to be in that position.

On January 10th, 2000, I was forced into that position. I had to use deadly force on another human being to prevent my life from being taken. I know, I had to do what I had to do to save my life. I agree 100%. However, being in that position is life altering. A position that no one every wants to be in.

The aftermath, the investigations, being Monday morning quarterbacked, being judged about your charcter, integrity, honesty, your personal life stemming all the way back to your childhood days, the decisions you made in the past, the things you have said in the past. Do you get my point? This went on for more than 5 years.

For years, I have struggled with the psychological shock, the uncertainty of operating within the “culture” and the usual burdens of struggle and conflict. I worked extremely hard to maintain my effectiveness as a compassionate and charasmatic leader but at a high personal cost. I was struggling with PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In the early 2000′s very few knew what PTSD was. Most studies on PTSD rarely dealt with the condition among Officers due in part to a bias that do not admit its existence.

The psychological aspect of a traumatic event, the emotional devastation it leaves among anyone especially our returning troops has been slowly recognized and formalized as PTSD. However, there is little mention among Officers because of how we are trained. We are trained to never flinch or to show weaknesses. The Officer who shows a weakness will be deemed a coward or unworthy or unfit for duty. Therefore, Officers remain silent.

I spoke out! I shared how I was feeling! I shared what I was experiencing! I shared what I was going through! I could no longer hold the silence! It was like a cancer eating me from the inside out! I lived through tortune for years! I knew I was a plane spiraling out of control nose diving to earth! I had to do what was good for me!

Do what is best for you and your family. No one cares about you like you and your family. The organizations look out for their best interest. What’s good for them. Not you! Their thinking is that you can and will be replaced. They don’t care about your mental or physical well-being. You must step up and take control of your life. No one else will! Now is your time!

True Leaders do what is Right! They break the silence!

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Leading Authority on Leadership, Overcoming Adversity & Fear.

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You Can Do anything you want if You Believe You Can

March 2, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy No comments

Everything Passess At Par, Temporarily; Truth Alone Remains Permanently~Napoleon Hill

“You Can Do It If You Believe You Can”

Are you self-confident? Do you believe in yourself and your abilities? You must because no one else will. It all starts from within you. With out self-confidence no one can become an efficient leader or take the self initiative in any great undertaking without the belief in yourself.

The Power of Initiative

There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity~General Douglas MacArthur

Initiative and Leadership go hand in hand. Leadership is essential for attaining success and Initiative is the foundation upon which Leadership is built. Initiative is as important to success as the wings to an airplane.

Initiative is that rare quality which impels a person to do what ought to be done without being told to do it. This is what Initiative is to me. Do you possess this quality? You must because it’s paramount to your success.

A powerful example of initiative is found in one of the greatess successes of all time. Founders of Microsoft Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Two individuals that were so obsessed with programming the computers we have today that they thought of nothing else.

A great philosopher once said, “Initiative is the passkey that opens the door of opportunity.”

Becoming a Person of Initiative and Leadership

What helped you over the great obstacles of life was asked of a highly successful man? The other obstacles, he replied.

Are you a procrastinator? The habit of putting off until tomorrow what should have been done yesterday, last week, last month, last year will hold you back from true success. You will not accomplish anything until you eliminate this deadly disease of procrastination.

Would you like to know how to overcome procrastination? This, well-known and scientifically tested principle is called Auto-Suggestion. I want you to copy this formula, put it in a conspicious place in a room where you will see it upon retiring for the evening and arising in the morning.

If you do this, this will start forming a habit of you taking action each day that will carry you one step closer to attaining your Definite Chief Passion or DCP.

Here is it: The Lesson for Eliminating Procrastination

I know that procrastination is a deadly disease of all who want to become leaders in any undertaking and I will eliminate this very bad habit from my personal being.

1-Doing that one thing each day, that very something that ought to be done without anyone telling me to do it.

2-Finding that one thing that I can do each and everyday that I have not beeen doing that will bring value to others without exceptation of reward or payback.

3-Sharing this habit with at least someone in your life that you trust of the value of practicing this habit of doing something that ought to be done without being told to do it.

The muscles of the body become strong with repeated use. Understand that the habit of Initiative also becomes strong with repeated use. It takes only 21 days to make or break a habit. You CAN DO THIS!

I can reached via email at John@JohnSalkowski.com

Leadership In The Line of “Duty”

February 27, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 9 comments

Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be. Ralph Waldo Emerson

D=Desire, Drive, Determination & Dedication

Desire

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential. These are the keys that will unlock the doors to personal excellence~Confucius

Drive

We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way~George S. Patton

Determination

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand~Vince Lombardi

If you possess these 4 words, there are no limits for what you can achieve. You must believe in yourself because if you don’t no one else will.

U=Understanding Others Through Mastery of Personalities

Peace can not be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding~Albert Einstein

Understanding the personalities of those you influence is a huge component of how successful you will become. It will dramatically increase how you present and how they receive. I would suggest you study the DISC Personality chart to get a better understanding of how one’s personality works. If you master this skill, your success is virtually guaranteed.

T=Trust Your Training & Talent

Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit~Aristotle

My mother once told me that I have two ears and one mouth for a reason. She told me to listen more and talk less.

If you want to be a successful leader and/or entrepreneur it all starts by trusting your training and talent. Morale starts at the top. Allow your people to work independant without looking over their shoulders. Leaders should manage the systems they have in place, not their people.

Y=You Matter

I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being~Confucius

The only one that will look out for you is You! No one else can be depended on for your success. My saying is this, “I’ll see you at the top or from the top”. The only one that will get you there is You. You have to commit yourself to wanting success more than you want the air you breathe. If you are not willing to sacrifice this, you will stay in the same position in the same location. Resolve today to want success more than you want the air you breathe. Your success will be virtually guaranteed if you live your life with this in mind.

I hope you enjoyed this blog on Leadership In The Line of Duty. Duty=Desire, Drive, Determination & Dedication, Understanding Others Through Mastery of Personalities, Trust Your Training & Talent and You Matter. My goal is to inspire the talent with-in you, to assist you in bringing out your WHY power, bringing you to the next level so you too can experience the success you so truly deserve.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of AchieveSuccessAcademy.com, Leadership Expert, Author, Speaker, Retired Police Officer, Survivior of PTSD and Self-Made Man.

I can be reached via email at John@JohnSalkowski.com

Top 10 Must Have Characteristics of a Great Leader

February 21, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy One comment

A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better~Jim Rohn

Do you have what it takes to be a great leader? I bet you do. I believe everyone can attain the great qualities and characteristics needed to be an effective leader. The objective behind being a great leader is this: Helping people and/or organizations who are doing poorly to do well. Helping people and/or organization who are doing well but want to get better. The whole idea of great leadership is to get results. To bring them to a whole different level of success.

The task of leadership is not to put greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the greatness is there already~ John Buchan

Being a great leader means bringing out the best in people. Everyone wants to be the best they can be. It’s our job as leaders to do that. We need to find and focus on the strengths of people not their weaknesses.

In my previous career of Law Enforcement, I was surrounded by good and bad leaders. The good leaders focused on making people better while the bad leaders would focus on making people worse. It was astounding to me that the bad leaders would come to work everyday and do nothing but negative leadership. What do I mean by negative leadership? They would focus on the mistakes of people. Instead of making them learn from their mistakes they would punish them and never give good advice and/or training to make that person better. They would lie in wait like a lion hiding from a zebra getting ready to attack. This would happen day in and day out. Just waiting for their people to make mistakes. Being totalling reactive instead of proactive. They would focus on the negatives and not the positives in people. This type of leadership is a sinking ship. This will make any organizations morale go into a tail spin. And if you were ever part of an organization withe horrible morale, you know exactly what I mean. If you want a successful organization, no matter what industry, you need to have great leaders that focus on the strengths and not the weaknesses. To learn, grow and achieve results a great leader must focus on making their people successful by focusing on their strenghths.

Leadership: the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it~Dwight D. Eisenhower

Here are the TOP 10 Must Have Characteristics of a Great Leader:

1) Be a Role Model- You must lead by example. You should never ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself. You must be seen by your people, and the public as being an expert in your field and an expert in leadership.

2) Have a Mission-Leaders know what their mission is. They know why the organization exists. A great leader has a well thought out (often written) mission describing the purpose of the organization. That purpose need to be descriptive, clear and understandable. Every employee should be able to identify with the mission and strive to achieve it.

3) Have Vision-Where do you want your organization to go? A vision needs to be descriptive enough to encourage people to imagine it but concrete enough for followers to see it, understand it and be willing to climb onboard to fulfill it.

4) Be Goal Oriented-How is the organization going to achieve its mission and vision and how will you measure your progress? Like a vision, goals need to be operational that are specific and measurable. If your output and results can’t be readily measured, then it will be difficult to know if you have achieved your purpose.

5) Have Integrity- Do the right thing all the time. Not sometimes but all the time.

6) Be Passionate in all you do-You must love what you do. You must want success for the organization and the people more than you want the air you breathe.

7) Be Compassionate-Successful leaders are comfortable relating to other people; they easily create rapport and are more extroverted than they are introverted. These factors help leaders seem approachable, likeable, and comfortable in their position. Those qualities contribute to staff wanting to interact with their leader. They also help motivate employees to do a better job. When workers can relate to their boss, they believe that their boss is more concerned about them, with their performance, and with their output. Furthermore, they believe that they can go to their boss with problems they encounter on the job without fearing consequences for not knowing how to resolve issues.

8) Great Communicator-It does little good to have a strong mission, vision, and goals if the leader cannot easily and effectively convey his ideas inside and outside of the organization. He must regularly be in touch with key individuals, by all forms of communication. Of course, the best way to ensure other people receive and understand the message is with face-to-face interactions.

9) Be Inspiring-Employees need someone to look up to for direction, guidance, and motivation. A great leader needs to be that person. Nevertheless, there are times, when many employees need the boss to inspire them by word or action.

10) Be Ambitious-Nothing builds a picture of success more than achievement, and achievement is the number one factor that motivates just about everyone across all cultures. When employees see that their leader can lead and direct, has a clear vision and attainable goals, and actually gains results in a timely manner, then that person’s credibility increases throughout the organization. Great leaders must modestly demonstrate their skills to give their constituents valid reasons to appreciate and value their efforts.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of Achieve Success Academy, Leadership Expert, Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Retired Police Officer and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Survivor.

I can be reached via email at John@JohnSalkowski.com

Achieving Success: Is PTSD Paralyzing You? Here Are The Top 13 Tips On How To Cope More Effectively.

January 31, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy One comment

Difficulties strengthen the mind, as well as labor does the body. Seneca

What is PTSD?

Everyone is different. Therefore, everyone reacts differently to different experiences one encounters. Researchers suggest this disorder affects 5% of the U.S. population or 13 million Americans. By contrast, 3% of the population have cancer. It is expected that 8% of the U.S. population will suffer from or experience some form of PTSD in their life time.

Once associated mainly with the horrow of combat, PTSD has stretched to take in more frequent swerves along life’s road such as car crashes, house fires, sudden death of a loved one, witnessing a disaster. PTSD has broadened the model of mental illness to cover disturbances set off solely by external events, outside the mind. Anyone can be vulunerable.

PTSD has always existed, however we are hearing more and more about it with our returning heros. Hearing the experiences they are going through.

So how does PTSD affect us? I know from personal experience that PTSD caused me to distance myself from everyone, family, friends, co-workers, social events, caused me to isolate myself in all situations, caused me to have nightmares, anger and irritability issues, confusion, difficulty concentrating, flashbacks, suicidal and homocidal thoughts, thoughts of relieving pain with alcohol and drugs. I stopped being the fun-loving, happy go lucky, over-achiever I was. My life stopped dead in its tracks.

Below I wish provide you with some positive and negative coping methods. You obviously want to stay away from the negative ones. I did myself a major disservice by staying quiet for over 5yrs. I internalized everything which was causing me to implode. My life was like an airplane that instantly lost its rudder and was heading for earth in a nose dive. Don’t allow this. If you follow these steps, I assure you, you will overcome the adversity you are faced with. Your life will soon ascend to greater altitudes, which in turn means greater success, happiness, loving relationships and living a more meaningful, fulfilling life that you so deserve.

Look up and not down; look forward and not back; look out and not in; and lend a hand. E. E. Hale

Positive Coping Methods

* Learn as much about PTSD as you can. Do not avoid it.

* Talk to others that you trust and admire for support.

* Talk to your Physician about PTSD.

* Practice relaxation methods and techniques. Relieve your stress with exercise.

* Increase positive activities. Do things that give you joy.

* Stay away from and stop watching negativity. Turn off the Television (News) and pick up and self-help book that will assist you in becoming a better human being.

* Set positive goals for yourself. Example: To read a book a week, to surround yourself with positive, successful people.

* Take prescribed medication to tackle PTSD. Listen to your Doctor.

* Join a PTSD support group

Negative Coping Methods-STAY AWAY From

* Use of alcohol and drugs to relieve your pain. It only enhances it!

* Social Isolation

* Continued Avoidance

* Anger-Like Isolation

Be the change you want in your life. Focus on being a positive role model for your children, support group, co-workers.

You can do this! You can accomplish anything you put your mind, heart and soul into. If I can do this, so can you.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of Achieve Success Academy, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Leading Authority on Conquering your fear, overcoming your adversity, achieving greater success in your life, Speaker, Entrepreneur and Self-Made Man.

To contact John, email him at John@JohnSalkowski.com. To invite John to speak at your next engagement please enter speaking engagement in subject line.

A Must Have Value of a Successful Person

January 20, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 3 comments

Achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness, not pain or mindless self-indulgence, is the proof of your moral integrity, since it is the proof and the result of your loyalty to the achievement of your values.
Ayn Rand

Integrity is a value, like persistence, courage and industriousness. Even more so, it’s the value that guarantees all the other values. You’re a good person to the degree for which you live your life consistent with the highest values that you espouse. Integrity is the quality that locks in your values and causes you to live consistent with them.

Integrity is the foundation of character and character development is one of the most important activities you can engage in. Working on your character means disciplining yourself to do more and more of those things that a thoroughly honest person would do, under all circumstances.

To be impeccably honest with others, you must first be impeccably honest with yourself. You must be true to yourself. You must be true to the very best that is in you, to the very best that you know. A person who is living consistent with his or her highest values and virtues is really living a life of integrity. And when you commit to living this kind of life, you will find yourself continually raising your own standards, continually refining your definition of integrity.

You can tell how high your level of integrity is by simply looking at the things you do in your day-to-day life. You can look at your reactions and responses to the inevitable ups and downs of life. You can observe the behaviors you typically engage in and you’ll then know the person you are.

The most important rule you’ll ever learn is that your life only becomes better when you become better.

Your life should be lived from the inside out. At the very core of your personality lie your values about yourself and life in general. Your values determine the kind of person you really are. What you believe defines your character and your personality. It’s what you stand for, and what you won’t stand for. That tells you and the world what kind of person you really are.

Napoleon Hill, in his book, The Master Key to Riches, tells about how he created an imaginary board of personal advisors made up of great figures of history. He chose people like Lincoln, Jesus, and Alexander the Great. Whenever he had to make a decision, he would relax deeply and then imagine that the members of his advisory council were sitting at a large table in front of him. He would then ask them what he should do to deal effectively with a particular situation. In time, they would begin to give him answers, observations, and insights that helped him to see more clearly and act more effectively.

You can do the same thing. Select someone that you admire very much for their qualities of courage, tenacity, honesty or wisdom. Ask yourself, What would they do in my situation? You will find yourself with guidance that enables you to be the very best person that you can possible be.

Your integrity is manifested in your willingness to adhere to the values you hold most dear. It’s easy to make promises but very hard to keep them. However, if you do, every single act of integrity will make your character a little stronger. As you improve the quality and strength of your character, every other part of your life will improve as well.

Integrity has to do with your commitments to others. Always keep your word. Be a man or a woman of honor. If you say that you will do something, do it. If you make a promise, keep it. If you make a commitment, fulfill it. Be known as the kind of person that can be trusted absolutely, no matter what the circumstances.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of Achieve Success Academy, Retired Cop, Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Leading Authority on Overcoming Adversity, Finding Your WHY Power & Achieving Greater Success. Entrepreneur, Speaker and Self-Made Man.

I can be reached via email at John@AchieveSuccessAcademy.com for Speaking Engagements.

Achieving Success: Top 6 Steps in Overcoming The Fear of Success

January 2, 2012 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 2 comments

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Fears are nothing more than a state of mind. Napoleon Hill

The one quote that resonates with me that has changed my mindset in overcoming fear is, “Do the thing you fear & the death of fear is certain. We all have a fear of something. The majority of the population fears success. Why? I believe people fear success because it not only takes hard work, discipline, dedication and perseverance it also takes courage to overcome the 6 Fears of Success. Below are the 6 Fears that play an intrical part in NOT achieving great things. Follow the solutions, work on them, implement the strategies and encourage failure. You will fail along the way but know that failure is a stepping stone to your success. Once you conquer the 6 Fears of Success, your success is virtually guaranteed.

The Six Fears of Success and How to Overcome them.

Determine which Fear is holding you back and resolve to take it back.

6. Fear of The Unknown. I call these people the “half empties”. There glass is always half empty as opposed as half full. People who fear the unknown usually catastrophize and fear the worst instead of counting on the best. Solution: I am a true believer of what will be, will be. Things happen for a reason. Place your fears in the hands of a higher power and understand what is meant to be will be.

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of Achieve Success Academy, Real Estate Entrepreneur, Leading Authority on Achieving Greater Success and Overcoming Adversity, Retired Cop and Survivor of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

I can be reached via email at John@JohnSalkowski.com for questions and Speaking Engagements.

The Top 3 Qualities That Are Essential For Your Success

December 27, 2011 AchieveSuccessAcademy.com Achieve Success Academy 4 comments

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In order to be successful, these three words are paramount to your success. If you don’t live and breathe by these three words, your success is virtually impossible.

Here they are: Passion, Push, Perseverance

Passion:

Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you ~ Oprah Winfrey

My definition of Passion is the burning desire you have inside you to achieve more, be more and do more. Whatever you are passionate about should keep you up at night. Whatever you are passionate about should be on your mind 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. Passion is wanting success just as bad as you need the air you breathe. This is Passion.

Push:

You must push yourself to the breaking point when you want to achieve something. If you want something so bad you must be willing to run through a brick wall to get it, achieve it, accomplish it. Sounds crazy, huh. Well guess what, if you don’t feel this way then you are leaving it all on the table for someone else to grab. If you cheat yourself one time, this will carry over into everything you do in life. For example, if you are in the gym and you have a goal of doing 30 minutes of cardio and you quit after 20 minutes, you just cheated yourself. Cheating in the smallest task will carry over in to all you do in life. To push you need discipline. By cheating yourself, you are failing to create discipline in your life. In order to succeed in anything you do, you must have the discipline to push through the feeling of giving up. It takes 21 days to create or break a habit. Over the next 21 days, push yourself to the limit in everything you do and watch and see what happens in your life.

Perseverance:

Football is like life – it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority~ Vince Lombardi

Perseverance is the steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. You must possess the mentality that failure is no option. You must encourage failure. You must persist through failure because failure is guaranteed along your journey. Learn from it, embrace it and persist through it. If you lack perseverance you will never be successful. Did you know that Thomas Edison, the worlds greatest inventor failed over 10,000 times. Where would this world be had he quit?

I’m John R. Salkowski, Founder of Achieve Success Academy, Businessman, Entrepreneur, Motivational/Transformational Speaker, Real Estate Expert, Retired Police Officer, Survivor of PTSD (Post traumatic Stress Disorder) and the World’s Leading Authority on Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Success.

I can be reached via email at John@JohnSalkowski.com

To Your Success,

John

John Salkowski ~ Leadership in the Line of Duty™

"Split-Second Leadership Decision Breakthroughs Revealed that All Top-Performers & Self-Made Millionaires Need To Know"™

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