Tip of the Week: Dear Hero

This week’s Escape Plan challenge (aka our Tip of the Week) is #12: Dear Hero: Write a letter to a childhood hero (real or fictional).

Last summer a group of us from Kim & Jason went to Milwaukee for a Get Motivated Seminar. It was an unbelievable experience. Not only did we get the opportunity to hear the perspectives of highly respected leaders like Suze Orman, Colin Powell, and Ed McMahon, we were also treated to hearing some snippets explaining “how he got to where he is today” from everyone’s favorite TV dad, Bill Cosby. What a guy! The highlight for most attendees, though, was the wisdom shared from the motivation guru himself, Zig Ziglar. Overcoming insurmountable odds, Zig grew up to be one of the leading motivational speakers of all time. Among many other things, he is known for talking about the importance of maintaining an “Attitude of Gratitude.”

Of all the ‘attitudes’ we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing. – Zig Ziglar

He maintains that so many people are “fault finders,” looking for the bad in every situation, as if they’re going to get a reward for finding it. This leaves them with an advanced case of “Stinkin ‘Thinkin’.” Sounds a lot like someone riddled with Adultitis, doesn’t it?! Instead we need to be “good finders.”

One simple way to do that this week is to say a simple thank you to a childhood hero. Whether you mail the letter or not, the important thing is to exercise changing your attitude towards a state of gratitude, as Zig encourages. No one is a “self-made man.” We are all the product of countless encouragers along the way. Pick one of your childhood heros and let him/her know how much impact he/she has had on your life.

Share with us in the comments of the Escape Plan Blog who you wrote your letter to and why.

Enjoy this classic video, giving you a taste of Zig’s perspective on gratitude.