Commentary

Commentary

Personal Reflections on My Dream Journey

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Get-Real Flava)

This post could have been about one of the movers and shakers whose story we love. There’re names like Magic Johnson, Diana Nyad, Tyler Perry or Serena Williams. But every so often we take a break from regular blogging for a little ‘get-real flava.’ This time it’s more personal reflections on my dream journey.

It started after leaving the corporate world as a computer engineer to pursue my entrepreneur’s dream full-time. Things haven’t all been a bed of roses. There’s a mix of highs, lows and everything in between. When you decide to go for your dreams it seems like life stretches you first before turning on the magic.

The list of Top-5 things I’ve learned along my dream journey is crucial.  Humans show up with three traits for making it great. They’re a calling, purpose and passion that help dreams come to fruition. Just know that one can bring pain, one usually brings praise and one brings pure ecstasy with or without the money.

Many achievers I follow on twitter give tips on what to do to make it through. Some say you gotta prepare the dream along with sowing the seeds. You have to work the dream like how a farmer works the soil. After a while you’ll see results that are not always about ‘show me the money.’ It could be about a vision.

While the vision is taking shape you have to fight through fatigue.. that’s rejection fatigue. You will have the testing of your faith. This feels like going through a maze filled with lots of twists and turns. But the plus is that I’ve found out something new and gotten to learn more about what I’m made of at every turn.

You also have to fight through ‘the feeling.’ What feeling? It’s not feeling sick in the stomach or head. It’s more like feeling sick in the gut. Maybe this is where spirit and stomach connect. That’s a place that can guide your next ‘make or break’ move. You just have to let the butterflies in your stomach fly.

The journey has groomed me to be a ‘dreampreneur’ to many including the forgotten and downtrodden. At times I’ve taken the road less traveled up the mountain. It’s been one of reaching new peaks. So, sure hope to see you on the mountaintop when we get there and please excuse the noise if you hear me roar.

Footnote: Thanks to those of you (past, present and future) for following this blog and sharing it with your network or on social media. I appreciate your support and feedback. This has helped me stay afloat in knowing that people like you make dreams come true.

Dr. King’s Speech and Life Have Set the Gold Standard to Inspire Unsung Dreams

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

The headline in the Jamaican paper said “Church Ended Early to Watch Bolt Run.” 50 years ago the headline in the U.S. paper might have said “Church Ended Late to Hear King Speak.” What Bolt is today on the track, Dr. King was back-in-the-day at the mic. He set the gold standard to inspire unsung dreams.

His example showed that making it great is not about your race but about your content. The content of Bolt’s get-up has made him the fastest man ever. 50 years ago Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech made the point that was like saying content is to character as yeast is to bread. It brings rise to the occasion.

Bolt’s come a long way from small-island to global reach. This reminds us that making it great is not about your current place but about your vision space. Dr. King might have put it this way; “Don’t worry about how far behind you are in world-rank. Be happy how far ahead you see around the block or river-bank.”

Even if you’re almost next to last, Dr. King would have echoed words like “the last shall be first.” Making it great is more than your race or current place. It’s about what you dream. Imagine, 50 years ago a kid named Al Sharpton was inspired by Dr. King. Now he’s leading Realize the Dream with Martin L. King III.

Bolt may be the most God-gifted athlete to grace the planet. Dr. King was one of the most God-gifted orators to grace a podium. They are among the champions past and present. King’s legacy shows how persistence & patience can take unsung dreams from bottom of the charts to breaking the glass ceiling.

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The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

“Church Ends Early to Watch Bolt Run.” Evening news in the island sun. “Church Ends Late To Hear King Speak.” Years ago could’ve been a headline leak. Dr. King at the mic any given day. Was like Bolt on the track winning anyway. Never a dull moment out of the gate. The gold standard for making dreams great.

Showing it’s not about being judged by race. But about the content of your grace. Bolt’s get-up makes him the fastest for sure. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech with content to endure. Kinda like saying content is to character as yeast is to bread. Rising to the occasion, things not going to your head.

Bolt’s a star in his speed game. From lil’ country start to global fame. Care not so much about your place. But about how vision biggups your space. Take a page from King’s speech bank. Don’t worry where you are in world rank. Be happy on this side of the clock. See farther ahead of the riverbank or block.

Even if you’re almost next to last. Use as fuel lessons from the past. “The last shall be first,” echoes of Dr. King. Believe that… it has a nice ring! So, let’s move beyond what you face. Put your dreams in its rightful place. Imagine, 50 years ago Sharpton as a kid inspired. Now leading Realize the Dream no ways tired.

Bolt could be the most gifted non-cheat. These days seems so hard to beat. King’s one of the most gifted of orators. Among our everyday motivators. Stories of starts and finishes. Historic speeches and wishes. Showing persistence and patience go a long way. From unsung dream to break the glass-ceiling payday.

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Tip: Upping your game means turning what you’re made of into more than what you’ve dreamed of.

Talkback: If you had to write today’s “dream headline” for Dr. King, Bolt or someone like yourself, what would you say?

Lee Daniels’ The Butler Pulls Together 5-Star Cast to Re-tell an American Story

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Can you imagine going back in time to the 50’s when urban style was still ‘under construction?’ This was also a period when American civil rights took hold. Some say we’ve grown-up while others say, “not there yet.” The jury is still out. But Lee Daniels’ The Butler pulls together a 5-star cast to re-tell an epic story.

It’s based on the life of Eugene Allen who served as Butler over eight presidential terms. It’s a throwback to when un-equal was in, diversity was out and unrest was on-the-ready. It’s directed by Lee Daniels who wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, even from Oprah. It tells a story within a story, a dream within a dream.

Forest Whitaker’s lead role gives a glimpse into the everyday human struggle. Oprah’s role as his wife gives us a look at the social juggle. But the movie also has role players that help to give it crossover appeal. The story bridges the gap between young and old, rich and poor, old-school and new-school.

So, how far have we come? That’s the reality-check question of the day. We’ve made it to the top in some ways but close to the bottom in others. We’re better off in some respects but written-off in other surveys. We’ve gotten a taste of the American Dream but wonder if things are slipping back to a nightmare.

Some will see the movie as stoking the fire of discontent, others as a history lesson for the ages. But consider the takeaway based on the hopes of those who came before us. Yes, make money while the sun shines but also serve a larger good because even when it rains there’s purpose in the moment.

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The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Let’s go back in time. To the 50’s when urban style not yet prime. A period when civil rights was under construction. And a few wanted to televise the revolution. We’ve grown-up now some will say. Not there yet, room for equal pay. Jury’s still out on civic duty. But Lee Daniels’ The Butler re-tells an epic story.

The life of Eugene Allen, hero unsung. Who served over eight Presidents at the bottom of the rung. A throwback to when un-equal was in, diversity was out. Where unrest was on-the-ready and used as clout. Directed by Lee Daniels with Oprah in the mix. A story and a dream closer to a modern-day fix.

Forest Whitaker’s role of everyday human struggle. Oprah’s role as wife dealing with the social juggle. Many supporting actors with crossover appeal. Giving an insider’s look at how people did feel. Bridging the gap between young, old, rich and poor. Across blurred lines of ebony, ivory and racial uproar.

So how far have we really come? Survey says room to go some? At the top in a few ways. Still hard to find the glory days. In some respects we’re better off. In another context still being written-off. We’ve gotten a taste of the American Dream. But the American nightmare is to be left off the team.

Some will tag it as stoking discontent. Others will be happy to pay the rent. Maybe a lesson for the ages. Or a refresher on civil rights stages. But there is a larger story to see. During a chat over coffee or ice tea. Yes, make money while the sun shines. Even when it rains the purpose of the moment makes things fine.

Tip: Upping your game takes some struggle and juggle but pays off with purpose in the hustle and bustle.

Talkback: So how far would you say we have or haven’t come in this American journey?

#TrayvonMartin Didn’t Stand a Chance Dead or Alive

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The verdict came in after a day and a half of jury review. ‘Not guilty’ of Second-Degree Murder was the ruling. It seems the charge of Manslaughter was dropped from discussion. Even though Zimmerman went with basic self-defense over Stand your Ground, Trayvon Martin didn’t stand a chance dead or alive.

This case showed how hard it is to prove without reasonable doubt someone’s ill intentions. Zimmerman might not have left his house with the intent to cause harm. But his actions that evening lead-up to the tragedy. The Prosecution must have known the risk of not going with Manslaughter as the main charge.

It’s like leaving home to run an errand and getting a traffic ticket. No one leaves home saying “today is a good day for a ticket.” Even with the best of intentions it can happen. The officer will likely give the reason for the summons. Well, investigation at the scene of this case was influenced by Stand Your Ground.

Stand Your Ground gives someone the right to defend their space. The law is a ‘step-child’ of the Castle Doctrine argument where an individual has the right to use deadly force against a home intruder. Maybe Stand Your Ground and Racial Profiling have gone from ‘step-child to problem child’ in the justice system.

Some on CNN are asking the difference between criminal profiling and racial profiling. Criminal profiling does not always introduce race as a factor. However, racial profiling as a step-child of criminal profiling is where by using race you can cause real factors to be overlooked and assumed factors to be overplayed.

Trayvon Martin

Zimmerman made some assumptions about Martin based on past incidents. The legal experts and social scientists have to figure-out whether racial profiling is insensitive or an injustice. If emotion should take a backseat in legal arguments then racial profiling is an injustice as it brings a form of bias to the front-seat.

Many feel we’ve been here before. The justice system seems to play hardball with certain groups of people. Why is that? Well, we know that the system is imperfect. It is based on laws written by imperfect people. The problem is that the system’s imperfections tend to throw certain groups ‘under the bus.’

More often than not, these groups end up being treated unfairly by the system. Sometimes due to reasons like mandatory minimum drug laws or the inability to hire high profile Attorneys. These are not always matters of racial discrimination. But at a minimum they are examples of legal system dysfunction.

Martin was doing nothing wrong that fateful evening. He was just a normal teenager, being profiled by a neighborhood watch volunteer, who was carrying a loaded semi-automatic and was familiar with the Stand Your Ground law. A sadder reality beyond the verdict is Martin didn’t stand a chance dead or alive.

Tip: Equal justice and racial justice are not always the same due to legal system dysfunction.

Talkback: Which played a bigger role in this case, racial profiling or stand your ground?

Mohammed Morsi’s Social Revolution Was Like a Flashmob for Change

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Another official is sent packing! Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s first elected President was removed by the military after one year in office. It seems the Egyptian people lost their patience. Some say it was a coup while others see it as course correction. In our social media age, a flashmob is easier but change is hard.

It’s easier to be a witness than an agent of change. In Egypt we watch as the country makes change a reality. First they got past the fear of dictatorship. Then they moved beyond the doubt that change was even possible. But making change stick means getting past the bad habits of status-quo military rule.

Consider the gun violence situation in Chicago. People feel like they’re under siege in some neighborhoods. While Egypt’s revolution coverage was easier, the events in Chicago may need change coverage. Let others see life is like a boomerang. What you put out comes back without a doubt.

Social change is not just rallies and speeches. It’s about shifting the mindset that’s blocking change. That’s how 12-step programs work. Gil Scott-Heron once said that “the revolution will not be televised.” Let’s just say change happens more by kicking bad habits than by having an addiction to revolution.

The Arab Spring saw demonstrations in Egypt’s Tahrir Square. The Chinese protests in ‘89 happened in Tiananmen Square. Maybe these say something about the power to change. At times change is more ‘square than round.’ It takes one or more shifts to see a change in direction or course correction.

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The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Another official sent packing! Egyptians think he was slacking. Mohammed Morsi got the pink slip. People lost patience, no longer seen as hip. Some say this was a military coup. Others see it as a course correction from old to new. In this the social media age. Flashmob is easier but change hard to stage.

Ready to be an eye-witness. Than to demonstrate change fitness. We watch as Egypt comes around. To a new reality that seems sound. Getting past the fear of dictatorship. And even past doubt by assuming ownership. What’s it gonna take for change to stick? Subtracting bad habits, that’s gotta be the trick.

Consider gun violence in Chicago central. Not simply by those gone mental. Some areas already under such stress. Feels worse than a living mess. While Egypt receives revolution coverage. Chicago needs to apply change leverage. Let peeps see life’s like a boomerang. What you put out comes back bang-bang.

Social change, a lot it teaches. Not just rallies and long speeches. Shifting the mindset to unblock change. That’s how 12-step programs flex your range. “The revolution will not be televised,” that’s what Scott-Heron said. You change by kicking bad habits and not letting revolution go to your head.

Arab Spring demonstrations in Tahrir Square. On TV it felt like you were there. Tiananmen Square and other places too. Some spots where social change began anew. At times change more ‘square than round.’ By shifts in direction and course correction from the hog pound.

Tip: Upping your game by embracing change means kicking bad habits and avoiding an addiction to revolution.

Talkback: From Flashmobs to Occupy Wall Street, how has social media changed the revolution game?

Supreme Court’s Ruling Could Take Civil Rights Branding to Another Level

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

It was the news of the day as the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) gave its opinion. Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act would be struck down. Section 5 could also be affected by default. Not what many in the Civil Rights arena hoped to hear.  Maybe Civil Rights Branding needs to go to another level.

Some believe the ruling is like a dagger to the civil rights legacy. But what if it was really a trigger to reset our laws? The SCOTUS ruling in effect sent the case back to the lower court. The expectation is that Congress will have to rewrite sections of the Voting Rights Act to reflect the current day situation.

This should apply to other cases like the Mining Law of 1872. Yes, some things have changed, but some things remain the same. Maybe the SCOTUS ruling can be a trigger to reset our politics. It has become more “win-lose-draw,” where some politicians win, others lose but the citizens feel like nothing changed.

50 years later what would Dr. King think? Well, that’s hard to know. Maybe this is a trigger for us to reset our advocacy. Could this be a time for “I Have a Dream 2.0?” Our focus should be as much about what we’re doing to (or not doing for) ourselves as about what others are doing to us.

Most business leaders will tell you that every now and then you have to reinvent yourself or the business. What used to generate revenue no longer does. The SCOTUS ruling has unnerved many who know the struggle. But before all is said and done, this might just be a tune-up for how we reset our game.

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The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Twas the news of the day. Many tuned in to what SCOTUS had to say. Section 4 of Voting Rights struck down. Section 5 untouched but still others frown. Not what folks in the struggle were hoping for. Feels like SCOTUS kicked Civil Rights to the floor. Maybe Civil Rights Brand needs to go big even more.

Some believe ruling is like a dagger. But suppose it’s really like a trigger. Civil Rights legacy remains in tact. But other laws need to change, that’s a fact. Ruling, in effect, sends case back to square one. Congress will have to rewrite law to get it done. So that it applies to current day situation under the sun.

Mining Law of 1872. Another one that needs review. Yes, some things have changed even in name. But other things seem to remain the same. Maybe SCOTUS ruling will help reset our politics. To involve less dog-and-pony tricks. Enough of their win-lose and we draw. Leaving citizens grasping the straw.

50 years later what would King think? He’d probably pause and give a wink. Maybe he’d say it’s time to upgrade our advocacy. While the Fed tackles issues of foreign diplomacy. Could this be a time for “I Have a Dream 2.0?” Well, hard to say or even know. Our focus should be on how we shift and grow.

Most biz leaders would admit. To reinvent yourself you have to commit. What used to generate revenue no longer works. A healthy business means retooling the perks. SCOTUS ruling has upset many. No where near anything funny. Before all is said and done. Might just be a tune-up for Civil Rights’ next run.

Tip: Upping your game means resetting the way you process the good, the bad and the ugly.

Talkback: How do you think the SCOTUS ruling will affect Civil Rights past, present and future?

Breakout Star Henry Cavill Reboots Superman Sales at The Box Office

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Had enough of Superman? Well Warner Bros. Pictures didn’t think so. They released the latest movie with a new market identity. “Man of Steel” as he’s being called, still has the same job to save the world from destruction. Breakout star Henry Cavill helps reboot Superman sales at the Box Office.

Why not do the same for our jobs, businesses, communities and country? Some might start by looking at the history of Abraham Lincoln or the legacy of Dr. King. It’s been 150 years since Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. August makes 50 years since King gave his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

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Rebooting the ideals of Lincoln and the passions of King calls-out for a new organizing identity in the community. How about Urban Change Now: Jobs, Brands and O-P-P? This might help set some untapped resources free. Lincoln was about slave freedom. King was about liberty and justice for all.

King’s famous speech gives us clues for urban change now. His “paper napkin” speech outline must have been drafted around economic evangelism, social activism and hope over skepticism. This is kinda like Superman’s own mandate. Taken together, their agenda was big-time stuff.

After lots of Superman films, the franchise is still making money. Even 50 years after King’s speech the O-P-Portunity model can still make history. Whether gun violence, missed-education, unemployment or financial decisions, let’s reboot the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in ways that say “There’s an App for That.”

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The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Had enough Superman on the go? Warner Bros. Pictures didn’t think so. With the latest marvel comics movie. “Man of Steel” brings a new market identity. Mission to save the world from destruction. Story continues after a recent intermission. Henry Cavill the new breakout star. Box Office sales off the radar.

How about doing the same in biz with our 9 to 5? Communities and country sure to come alive. Some looking at Abraham Lincoln’s history. Others looking at Martin Luther King’s legacy. 150 years since Emancipation Proclamation. 50 years since King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ declaration.

Lincoln’s ideals ready for rebooting. King’s passions worthy of retelling. Calls for a new organizing identity. That works for business as well as the community. Let’s try something like Urban Change Now: Jobs, Brands and O-P-P know-how. Setting untapped resources free. With justice for all, add in liberty.

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King’s famous speech gives us clues. For urban change now to pay its dues. His “paper napkin” speech outline might have said. Let freedom reign to inspire your daily bread. Economic evangelism. Social activism. Hope over skepticism. Like Superman’s own mandate stuff. Getting to where enough is enough.

After lots of Superman flicks. Franchise still pulling money tricks. 50 years since King’s speech modeled O-P-Portunity. Still has the vision for making history. Whether it’s gun violence or missed-education. Unemployment or financial decision. Let’s reboot the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech for today’s generation.

Tip: Upping your game means rebooting a new market identity for work, play and the every day.

Talkback: Who’s your favorite Superman actor and what’s your favorite King speech?

Beyoncé Keep Growing Her Bank Account with Style & Wow Appeal!

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’

Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

 

Beyoncé is taking 2013 by storm! Her recent magazine photo spread is turning heads. She’s also set for an Inauguration appearance and Superbowl halftime performance. After taking a break to do some mothering, she’s turning up the heat and growing her bank account with style and wow appeal.

Her success comes through hard work. She keeps growing her brand, which puts more money in her hand. Listen closely and she’ll tell you it’s about growing your vision. It’s like buying that new HD or 3-D TV. You gotta grow your vision from 1-D to 2-D, 2-D to 3D or No-D to HD. That’s High-Def baby!

She can be seen on the sidelines with Jay-Z during Brooklyn Nets games. It’s not as if she needs to mix and mingle. She knows that growing your net worth is about growing your social network. Having a HD TV or the latest smart phone is cool. But it’s the network behind the device that gives it a global reach.

Some things these days go viral, others go global. Beyoncé has done both. With music, movies and the fashion runway under her belt, what else is there? Well, she took some time off to grow her purpose. This means upping your game is growing more use of your skills and talents to create more flow and mojo.

Beyoncé is showing us “love on top.” The love she brings has put her on top of the world. Some are not happy about her endorsement deal with Pepsi. Others are not happy about losing ground on their New Year’s resolutions. So, if true, Beyoncé might say “use love to beat fear and up your game this year.”

Beyonce

The Year of ‘Growmance’

Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Beyoncé takes 2013 by storm. With a comeback that’s true to form. For a 2nd Inauguration appearance. And then Superbowl halftime performance. See her magazine photo that’s turning heads. No more baby-bump just curves instead. After taking a break for some mothering. Growing her wow appeal to top billing.

Success comes through building her brand. Which puts lots more money in her hand. Listen closely and she’ll tell you the reason. It’s about growing your vision this season. More like buying that new big screen TV. With a clearer picture for all to see. Move your vision from 1-D to 3-D or HD. That’s high-def baby!

Catch her on the sidelines with Jay-Z. Brooklyn Nets games in the place to be. Not that she needs to mix and mingle. She’s long done with being single. Growing your net worth by growing your social network. Don’t get caught being a lurk. Having a smart phone might be cool. But the network gives you global rule.

Some things tend to go viral. Others takeoff and go global. Beyoncé has had both dealt. With music, movies and the fashion runway under her belt. What next some might wonder? She took a break to grow her purpose with time to ponder. Upping her game, creating more flow. And getting a new lease of mojo.

Beyoncé shows us ‘love on top.” No time to flip or to flop. Puts her on top of the world stage. An example for boys and girls any age. Some want her to drop the Pepsi deal. While others say they’re not for real. So, if you’re losing ground on your resolutions. Use love to beat fear and up your game as the solution.

Tip: Upping your game means growing the flow of new skills and the mojo to reach new thrills.

Talkback: What do you think is the ‘it-factor’ that gives Beyoncé such mass appeal?

Transitions: How Celebs Makeover Their Careers – In 90 Days

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(A sneak peek of a developing radio series, more on FB and Twitter @OperationJump)

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Trivia: What do Donald Trump and Halloween have in common? (See answer below)

What do Oprah, Leno, and Letterman have in common? Yes, they’re TV personalities but that’s not all. They once co-produced and starred in a Superbowl commercial. They are also celebs who know something about reinventing their careers. Starting over professionally can be a scary thing.

A few years ago Oprah announced that she would leave her talk show to start the OWN Network. Remember how Leno returned to his late-night gig after his primetime comedy show was canned? Careers in media, entertainment and pro sports go through changes like this all the time.

In other professions some people get laid-off due to no fault of their own. Others sense the thrill is gone in their work-life. These situations cause some to step-up their education, start a business or even take a sabbatical. The light at the end of the tunnel is having more market value and being more fulfilled.

A transition or career makeover is not just in wardrobe. Sometimes it’s about changing jobs, shifting careers or connecting vocation with occupation. It takes a leap of faith, some calculated risks and visioning, by looking at yourself in the way that you could be. Then stepping into what you should be.

The process takes building the case or building-up your cred for a better job. Is your passion being used to the utmost? Are you networking in your transition area? Your results go from visioning to building to networking to living. The sense of satisfaction you get is similar to what happens when you dine-out.

The next time you go, take a closer look at the menu. It lists appetizers, entrées and desserts. Each entrée has a main dish, maybe chicken or beef or pork or fish. That main dish is supported by one or more sides. A great meal is about the food’s look and cook as well as the overall service.

A ‘new and improved’ career is built around your main skills or market appeal. This can have a few ‘sides’ that are different options for getting paid and being fulfilled. Plus, having a sense of purpose in your career makes you good at serving-up the best in you. Then you get to enjoy life’s desserts!

Answer: Boo…the illusion of a scary thing.

Brian Banks Hopes to Play on the NFL Gridiron Someday

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(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (Old-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

It started with a kiss, which later became a rape charge. That is the sad part of the Brian Banks story. He’s a one-time high school football standout who went to prison on false accusations. He spent five years there before the accuser changed her story. Now Banks hopes to play in the NFL someday.

This was not how things should have gone. Banks was set to play for USC. But he lost his scholarship and had his reputation damaged. He maintained his sanity while waiting for the nightmare to end. Banks can now reinvent his game and refresh his name because he knows what he wants to achieve.

He’s always dreamed of playing in the NFL. There’re at least four teams that have some interest. The Seattle Seahawks have already invited him to tryouts. So Banks has been getting in shape and losing some weight. He shows how reinventing your game is about building on your skills and talent.

Pete Carroll, the Seahawks Head Coach today would have been Banks’ USC coach back-in-the-day. Carrroll says “making the team is a long shot but he’s willing to give him a chance.” It’s as if Carroll knows that reinventing your game and refreshing your name is about going after what you deserve.

Banks is moving past his jail time career derailment. For some people the hurdle to overcome is of a layoff. Banks’ determination is a powerful example for living your dreams. You can make it through anything by knowing what you want, working what you have and going after what you deserve.

(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Refresh Your Name: (New-School Flava)
Celebrity Profiles of Success in Business, Career and Community

First it started with a kiss. Then came a rape charge diss. That’s what makes the Brian Banks story sad. Somehow he’s gotten over being mad. As a one-time all-star football jock. He was college scholarship stock. Spent five years in prison before being set free. Now hoping to play in the NFL for a fat fee.

This was not supposed to be. Banks was set to play for USC. Lost his scholarship due to false accusation. It was enough to damage his reputation. But he held on to his sanity. This nightmare could have been a calamity. Banks can now again believe. Reinventing his game by what he wants to achieve.

He’s always dreamed about the NFL gridiron. At least four teams interested like the Lions. The Seahawks looked him over in tryouts. As he’s getting in shape losing weight in workouts. Banks is showing guts and inner will. Reinventing himself by building on talents and game skill.

Pete Carroll, the Seahawks Head Coach today. Would have been Banks’ USC coach back-in-the-day. Says “making the team is a long shot.” But he’s willing to see Banks’ career be hot. Maybe Carroll’s thinking about him as a reserve? Well, reinventing yourself is about going after what you deserve.

Banks moving on from this derailment. Looking past jail time to higher attainment. For some the hurdle is of a layoff. In trying to find their new blast-off. Banks gives us a powerful reason. Of how living your dreams has its season. You can still make it if you try. Going after what you deserve will make you fly.

Tip: Reinventing your game means knowing what you want, working what you have and going after what you deserve.

Talkback: What more should society be doing to help those affected by a bad job market?