Chris, project manager for a large general contractor in Bellevue, Washington, told Session 3B of the Leadership Development Lab (LDL):

“It was 1997 and I was working for a company I loved, however, I felt I had become too comfortable in my position. The company was slowing down and actually downsizing. Bored with my position and knowing there were no near-future positions to move up into that would challenge me, I started looking for another position outside the company.

I started exploring my career options and accepted a position with an independent environmental protection company. I was excited. Shortly after I started working for the company, my new boss’s true colors started to show. He would come in every morning and start yelling and slamming doors to try to intimidate people. Mind you, this was not directed at me, he just seemed to be mad at everyone and everything in general. He might have had a fight with his wife the night before or didn’t like the way someone took a message. The slightest thing seemed to set him off.

This went on for weeks, until finally I could not take it anymore and quit, just walked out. I was shocked that I had done this. In some ways, it seemed pretty irresponsible. I had just bought a new home and now had no income coming in.

A week later, the company I had left to work for this new company found out what had happened and

they called me asking if I would be interested in a Project Engineer position in the earthwork and utilities division. I knew absolutely nothing about earthwork or utilities but was definitely up to the challenge. This would give me the growth I was looking for when I left the company. The Vice President of the company spent hours training and explaining every detail, helping both myself and the company grow.

The lesson I learned from this experience is that if I don’t take action to start changing my life, my life will never change. I will be trusting to luck, placing my fate in someone else’s hands. The action I call you to take is believe in yourself. If you don’t, nobody will. Take the calculated risks that are required for you to be in charge of your fate. The benefit you will gain is more self confidence, respect from your peers, more challenges and greater successes in your life.”

If you or anyone you know is a motorcycle enthusiast, they will love the excerpts from Larry’s newest book, Motorcycle Meditations – A Vision Quest to Alaska, which can be found in the June, July and August issues of Twin Magazine. The June issue goes on sale at newsstands May 10th. Pick it up, read it and share it with your friends!

Motorcycle Meditations – A Vision Quest to Alaska has finally arrived!! Get your copy today!