Success, Opportunity, Carl, and Kenny G

A couple of weeks ago I celebrated my anniversary by taking my wife to see one of her favorite musicians - Kenny G.

Now, I have to be honest, I was dreading the event. It was a surprise and I was doing this solely as a gift to my lovely wife. I was willing to suffer and endure anything to make her happy! Okay, so I'm laying it on a little thick here, but suffice it to say, I was thinking about what it would be like to listen to two and a half hours of saxophone! I mean I was seriously considering smuggling in a radio and an earpiece so I could listen to the radio (of course I would have placed the earpiece on the side away from my wife)!

But I didn't. I went and decided to "make the most of it."

Now there are a couple of lessons I learned. First of all, don't judge a book by its cover. Sure enough, we get in there and I'm looking the crowd over and thinking "Yep, this is going to be a tame crowd." You have to understand, this concert was being promoted by a radio station that calls itself (insert deep, breathy voice here) "Smooth Jazz." Wrong! They were whooping and hollering. It was a pretty lively crowd.

The second thing I learned was that this was completely a great concert! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would highly recommend that you go if he is ever in your area. See, we never stop learning, do we?

Ever the person looking for success lessons, it was easy to get the first one. Kenny G is obviously an extremely talented individual who is reaping the reward of countless hours of diligent practice. That is a lesson for all of us.

But the greatest lesson I learned that night came at a moment most people probably overlooked. I call this lesson the "Success, Opportunity, Carl and Kenny G" lesson of success.

About midway through the concert Kenny G began introducing his band. He started with his piano player who has been with him since high school. Next, he introduces the keyboard player, Carl. Kenny G explains that Carl is the newest member of the band. He has been with them for only two years. Before that, for nine years, he was the guy who set up the piano and keyboards for the piano player! No one even knew that Carl could play the piano. They simply thought he was an electronics and sound wizard.

One day, after everything had been set up at a concert, the rest of the band left to get ready for the show but Kenny G stayed behind to work through some parts for that night. Suddenly he hears the piano and keyboards behind him and assumes it is his piano player so he keeps playing along. When he decides to ask a question, he turns around to find - Carl the sound guy! So Kenny G says, "You know how to play the piano?"

"Every chord of every song you do, all the way through the concert," replies Carl.

So Kenny G auditions him right there and guess what? Carl is now a part of the band! Kenny G also noted that Carl's pay increased 8000 percent! Officially now, Carl is my new hero!

What did I learn from that about successful people? A few things:

One, humbly perform the duties you currently have. Nine years Carl worked at a job that isn't known for its high esteem. Thankless, long hours and low pay come to mind. But with humility, Carl did his job with pride. That is a lesson for all of us.

Two, constantly work hard to increase your ability, even when it isn't being rewarded. While you are going about a low level job, work hard all of the time to get better and smarter. Become more highly skilled. Work at it more than anyone else. If Carl had given up playing because he thought he was as high as he would go, he could have never stepped to the plate and hit that home run that changed his life!

Three, when your door of opportunity opens, walk boldly through it! It will happen. There will be a time when the door of opportunity swings widely open for you. The only question is whether you will be prepared and bold enough to walk through it successfully. You have to be good enough to deliver, and bold enough to try. Are you?

In review, here are the lessons I learned from Carl and Kenny G:

1. Don't judge a book by its cover.

2. Two and a half hours of saxophone isn't so bad.

3. People who listen to "smooth jazz" can holler too!

4. You can find success stories anywhere, even at a Kenny G concert.

5. Humbly perform the duties you currently have

6. Constantly work hard to increase your ability, even when it isn't being rewarded.

7. When your door of opportunity opens, walk boldly through it!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

---

The Way of Attraction - Walking the Path

"Slowly, slowly, walk the path and you might never stumble... Read More

Transformational Counseling - Part Two

Once one becomes present to his or her self-limiting belief,... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Use Attraction To Build Your Business

Most business people would rather have customers seek us out... Read More

Your Default Settings

Buy a computer--any computer--and it comes loaded with software automatically... Read More

Releasing Your Potential

In life, few people ever step up to live their... Read More

Small Steps And Golden Stones

It was a long walk but someone had to do... Read More

Releasing the Illusion of Control

It's amazing how easy it is to convince ourselves that... Read More

Whos World Is It? The World Is Yours - Invite Success

Who's World Is It?Who's world really is it? Is it... Read More

The Pearl Story

I'm going to tell you the story of one of... Read More

The Art of Possibility

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams.... Read More

God Doesnt Say No...YOU Do!

There are a couple of things you've probably heard said... Read More

The Magic of Breathing

So, what is magic? Is it an illusion or is... Read More

How to Start a Conversation Effortlessly

The ability to converse effortlessly with those you encounter is... Read More

Complete Self Acceptance

One of the most important parts of Personal Mastery is... Read More

How to Create a Thriving Prosperous Life

You only have to look around you at your friends,... Read More

A New Beginning With The People At Work

There's a big opportunity here! The holidays bring a change... Read More

Who are You Listening To?

Have you ever noticed that there is no shortage of... Read More

How to be Successful in Life or Small Business!

Not everyone is programmed to be a successful businessperson, many... Read More

5 Practical Shyness Tips That Work Everytime

We all experience a little shyness at times with people... Read More

Closing the Feedback Loop

In earlier articles, I've often spoken about the supreme importance... Read More

You Too Can Have Charisma

Do you know anyone that everyone seems to be drawn... Read More

How to Tame the Destructive Ego

Polly's story Polly had a four year old... Read More

Your Gut Instincts & Ability to Get Along Quiz

How well do you understand how gut instincts ? yours... Read More

Relationships - 9 Never-Changing Rules

In a relationship, your ability to understand and respond to... Read More

Create a Climate for Success by Mastering Your Total Image - Part 1

Your Total Image is made up of several essential components:?... Read More

More For Me Means More For You

How would you like to have what you want AND... Read More

The Number One Secret to Success in Business

Clarity!If there is such a thing as a "secret" to... Read More

9 Exercises to Enhance Your Self-Expertise

Personal Self-Expertise is an invaluable tool that transforms the way... Read More

Make the Eat and Earn Connection

If you've ever thought about wanting to increase your physical... Read More

Be Not Afraid, Ye of Midlife

Millions of people face huge changes in their lives during... Read More

Heal Thyself First

As I connect with more and more women I am... Read More

Respect Is A Four-Letter Word

One of the most important needs for every human being... Read More

Listening Is As Important As Speaking

While engaging in conversations with friends and co-workers, how often... Read More