What Qualifies You to Follow Your Dreams?

After learning that I decided to become a Motivational Speaker, someone close to me posed the following question to me: “What credentials do you have and how many courses have you completed in motivational speaking? Have you received any designations yet - how many do you have?

Before I share with you my answer, understand this … Be wary of those who seek to challenge your dreams or demand that you justify yourself to them. Stand your ground. Justify yourself only to those who control your future. Those who stand beside you (peers) or behind you (people in your past), are not worthy of such justification. With that said ...HERE IS MY ANSWER TO THOSE QUESTIONS:

I am building my knowledge base while gaining experience when and where I can. This is not necessarily something one needs to have a particular degree in. Motivational Speaking is a lot like swimming in that you can't learn how to swim in a classroom. You've got to get into the pool.

I am not professing to be the best in the business, therefore I have no need for cute little initials after my name to justify I am qualified to speak my mind. For example, Les Brown does not have a college degree, nor does Anthony Robbins, but they are extremely successful Motivational Speakers. Michael Dell, founder of Dell Computers is a multi-billionaire; as is Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft & Windows, yet they do not possess college degrees. Russell Simmons is also a multi-millionaire who does not possess a college degree. Shawn Carter was once a drug dealer, but is now one of the most successful entertainers in his industry AND president of the most prolific record label in the genre of hip-hop music. Def-Jam Records/Entertainment is for my era what Motown was for the 50's & 60's.

I do not possess a college degree, yet I know that I made more money this year in my profession than every single teacher in this township who all possess Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees. Now, I do not say this to brag. I say this to stress that success is not measured by the cute little initials that follow one's name. Though measured in many different ways by many different people, to me … success is measured by how well people can do for themselves by setting goals and working hard to achieve those goals.

I am successful in part because of the foundation of my upbringing; however, the things I have accomplished in my adult life only I can take credit for. On the flipside, when I err, I hold myself accountable before anyone else can. I do appreciate the help I have received along the way, but no one else was with me doing those push-ups, or running in pain with shin-splints in both legs, staying up late studying, etc. No one else is along with me reading the books I read (13 last year and 10 - so far - this year). No one else is writing my speeches and when I speak, no one else is at that lectern speaking for me. People will succeed on a much greater scale when they realize they need to hold themselves accountable more and seek to place blame elsewhere less. I know I began to succeed in my life when I did.

My blogs are my speeches, and my speeches are my feelings. My insight was gained in part from my childhood, but more so from the lessons I have learned in MY LIFE, on MY JOURNEY. Again, you don't have to get it or understand it – THAT'S TOTALLY OKAY!!

When I read your questions, I felt as though you were asking me what qualifies me to be a Motivational Speaker. I do not say this to obtain an apology as I am certain this was not your intent; however, allow me to answer your question by saying that the fact that I am who I am, qualifies me. The fact that I have lived THIS long (as a black man in America), and the fact that I know I have the ability to get into people's hearts and minds and inspire them to do better for themselves is what qualifies me. My credentials lie in the students who were knuckle-heads headed nowhere, but are now in college qualifies me. The fact that I inspired my wife to turn a hobby into a successful business of her own, which has thus given her a new outlook on life and inspiration to be her own boss, is what qualifies me.

Ultimately, the fact that I know that in order for me to have more and to be more I must be willing to DO more is what qualifies me. The secret to being able to do something a million times over is to just prove you can do it ONCE. The first speech I ever gave was only 20 minutes long. I made $150.00 for giving that speech. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS … just for speaking AND for ONLY TWENTY MINUTES … THIS is what qualifies me! I am JUST BEGINNING now; however, as I increase my knowledge base through massive reading, and increase my skill and technique via continuous speaking engagements, I will continue to become an even more effective communicator, and in time, one who will be in great demand.

You see, the most successful people in the history of the world have not necessarily been the most "educated." The most successful people in the world have been those who were the most DRIVEN. You cannot learn DRIVE in school. You cannot learn PASSION in a classroom. College cannot teach a person SUCCESS as we live in a world filled with educated derelicts – WE LIVE IN A COUNTRY RUN BY ONE!"

HRJR Enterprises" exists because I SAY it does. It shall be the vehicle I use to better myself, my family, and those who I can reach and inspire to achieve success for themselves as I have achieved success for myself – and you know what? You don't have to get it or understand – THAT'S TOTALLY OKAY!! I even tell people, "This is what has worked FOR ME. Take what I'm telling you like you're shopping at the store. Try it all on to see if it fits. Take in what does and discard the rest. Wear it when the weather gets cold and see it if doesn't keep you warm and secure."

This is something I am committed to, and I do not seek justification or validation from anyone as I am capable of validating myself. My success is manifested in the success of those who I have been able to positively influence ... just by talking to them. When someone says to me, "You know, I never thought about it that way ... I'm going to try your approach," THAT is a moment wherein which I have succeeded ... and I have "succeeded" often.