EVERYONE CAN BE A SUCCESS

Ken Simon

Growing UpOne of seven

Mother graduated high school as valedictorian in 1948

Father a Pentecostal preacher

Roger Williams projects in Mobile, Al Two-parent families Psychological imprisonment Stigma of living in projects

A Time for Change1964 Civil Rights Act passed

1970s brings change-of-government litigation

Sam Jones becomes Mayor

Lawyers become involved in community and fight for change

Profound impact on entire family

A Time for ChangeFamily moved out of the projects

Mother graduated with honors from Bishop State and the University of the South – the first black USA graduate

Recognized as Mobile County’s Outstanding Reading Teacher

Inspired to become a lawyer ……but how?

Escape Is A ProcessAccepted at University of South Alabama

Joined debate team

Involvement in student government

Inspired and motivated to serve others

“Was I good enough?”

Letter to my English 101 ProfessorOctober, 1991

First composition assignment

Disappointment in writing skills of class

Braced for grade….

Received an A-

And powerful message

“Educate thyself brother, and you

will go far.”

Impact of WordsConfidence boosted

Self-worth affirmed

Inspired to do well at South

Attended law school

Practiced law in Mobile, Washing D.C. and now Birmingham

“You never know, brother, what

your words can do for others.”

Guiding Principles of Successful PeopleSet Goals

Plan a Strategy

Develop a Value System

Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Initiative = Leadership

Guiding Principals of Successful PeopleUse Good Judgment

Develop a Sense of Mission and Purpose

Discover a Source of Inspiration

We Must Serve Others

What do you care about?

Think BigTalent – recognize and accept your God-given

talents

Time – learn the importance of time

Hope – anticipate good things

Honesty – speaking the truth each time makes life amazingly simple

Insight – listen and learn from others

Think Big

Be nice to people…..ALL people

Knowledge – the key to independent living, your dreams, hopes and aspirations

Books – good reading habits like champion weightlifter

In-Depth Learning – don’t cram for exam, learn for life

God

10 Things That Can Hinder SuccessWrong Thinking

Negativity

Self-Doubt

Laziness

Selfishness

10 Things That Can Hinder SuccessComplaining

Ignorance

Stubbornness/Inflexibility

Lack of Self-Awareness

Lack of Faith