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John Foppe was born without arms but he has achieved much more than many of us who don’t have that “excuse”. He went to college and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Service from St. Louis University. John met, and became a protege of Zig Ziglar. The U. S. Junior Chamber of Commerce recognized John in 1993 as one of that year’s “Ten Outstanding Young Americans” for his “positive contributions to society”. No one can fail to be inspired by the presentations of a man that is living proof that his methods work. John’s own international seminar business has him traveling all over the world and speaking to all kinds of business, community and religious organisations. John’s presentations contain many stories that reflect his experiences, including many encounters with people that are meeting a person who is not exactly the same as them for, possibly, the first time. Facing Your Fears He makes the point that many able-bodied people limit or ‘disable’ themselves through their fears. They let, “What if…?” rule their lives. It might be fear of rejection, fear of other people’s reaction if they are seen to do something poorly, or simply fear of failing. For John, there are just two steps that we must take to liberate us from these mental limitations: Locate your fears: The first step in breaking their hold on us is to acknowledge what is holding us below our best. Confirm what accommodations you are making while you are in their hold – what are the costs of you of letting the fear(s) imprison you? Do what it takes: You must finally realize that you have no alternative but to deal with the fear unless you are willing for it to keep you from being your best to an ever-increasing degree. John says that he had acknowledged a fear of diving from the high board at the local swimming pool. That would probably seem to be quite understandable for anyone, but John was determined that it would not hold him back any longer even though he had no arms to protect his had when he hit the water.. But he still remembers that first dive vividly as one of the greatest moments, among many wonderful experiences in his crowded life. Yes, his head got a smack the first time he hit the water but the pain was nowhere as bad as the terrible feelings that his fear had visited on him every time he even though of the high diving board. What if we don’t take those two simple but daunting steps? Our fear will imprison us and affect use more strongly every day until we become unable to ever step up to freedom. Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier, Throughout Your Life I think that not many of us would not like to have to face the difficulties that John has faced and overcome as well as the new ones that confront him at times. So, why do so many of the people I meet worry so much more than John Foppe does? No, he doesn't have a magic pill that he takes each morning that wipes all his worries away. He doesn't take the Alfred E. Neuman approach of ignoring negative events. That will just leave them to maybe have a worse impact later on. He has worries but he deals with them to best of his ability. With the experiences that he’s had, that ability is well above average. One unavoidable worry for John is that he might suffer arthritis as he gets older to the extent that he can no longer use his legs and feet to accomplish the multitude of tasks he uses them for, such as shaving, eating or driving a vehicle. Now that’s a significant thing and no one can be expected to remain unconcerned about something like that. But he’s determined that, though he can’t stop worrying, worry and its effects will never stop him. We sometimes create worry for ourselves by accepting too much responsibility in work or even social situations. Sometimes just saying, “I’m sorry. I’d love to but I cannot take on anything else right now” will save worry and disappointment for us and the other person as well. Sometimes, we get into a crisis and try to handle it on our own, “I don’t want to trouble anyone”. That’s a nice idea but the friend or colleague is probably very willing to help you as you've helped them at other times. They could be upset if they find out you went though something alone and apparently did not have enough confidence in them and your friendship to ask for their help. You are inviting unnecessary stress that will affect you for some time even after the crisis has passed. A trouble shared is “worry that you are spared”. Success Resources: http://www.srpl.net/
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