Rose DuBois - Success Perfect

We would like to dedicate this book to leaders of all ages who aspire to make a positive impact on those whom they lead. We desire to create confidence, passion, and hope in individuals, families, schools, businesses, and communities so that people may look forward to an exciting and promising tomorrow.

I would like to thank my husband Richard for being so patient while I spent endless hours sitting at the computer putting this book together. His English degree came in very handy when I needed help with editing! His support and encouragement kept me going during difficult times. I am blessed to have him as my beloved husband.

My mother was such a positive influence while I was preparing this book. Parents are usually our worst critics and she was so inspiring throughout the entire process. If she only knew that her comments usually have the greatest impact on me.

My children, Melissa and Austin, have made my life so rewarding and complete. Their success in academics and athletics has helped them become respectful young citizens. My life is so fulfilling because of them.

Randy Hagen has been such an inspiration to my family. My daughter was fortunate to have him as her gymnastics coach. Randy possesses all the tools needed for producing champions (i.e., knowledge of the sport, respect for athletes, moral and ethical behavior, and a desire to continue improving at all times.) Working and teaching with Randy has been a delight and he has given me so many tools to use in education.

During a difficult time in my life I was encouraged by a friend to read the One Year Bible. Its inspiring teachings changed my life forever. I thank God for always bringing me back to the right path.

I would like to thank all my family members, friends, instructors, and coaches throughout my life for one of the most exciting adventures ever. What a ride this has been!

Lastly, I would especially like to thank Bob Fink of Educational Resources, MN, for convincing us to write this book. It is because of his encouragement and support that this book evolved and became a reality.

Rose DuBois

I would like to thank my wife, Betty, for her support and encouragement. Your wisdom has been a guiding light in helping me keep life in perspective. To my daughters, Melissa and Serenna, I want you to know how much I love you and how much I appreciate the sacrifices you have made for my coaching. Thank you to my grandson, Sage, for bringing to me a new appreciation for life. You are a true champion. I want to thank my parents, Don and Vicky Hagen for instilling in me the positive character qualities that have been the foundation for my success. Dad, thanks for all your sacrifices you made for me. When you came home from work tired, you spent countless hours teaching and coaching me about life and sports. Last but not least, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is through His word and example that I have truly learned what it means to be a champion.

Along the pathway of life I have been blessed with many people who have shaped my philosophies and molded my character. No person becomes a success by themselves. I would like to say thank you to these people. My college football coach Jim Kretchman helped me to believe beyond the possible. It was his influence that began to shape my philosophy for teaching and coaching. To my father-in-law, Bart Berndt, who coached for 30 years at the collegiate level. The heart-to-heart talks we had about coaching and life and your encouragement have helped me to believe in myself. I would like to thank Rose DuBois, who has been a colleague and a true friend for 15 years.

With a grateful heart, I want to thank these people. Words cannot express how much I appreciate all you have done for me. The greatest gift a person can give is to help another human being. It is my purpose to extend this gift to others so they may experience life to its fullest.

Randy Hagen

Randy Hagen and Rose DuBois have a combined 56 years of experience in education, coaching, and motivational speaking. Their experiences have enabled them to take notice of the positive attitudes, behaviors, and character traits of successful individuals and observe what special ingredients those individuals had in their makeup that elevated their performances and allowed them to be successful. The antithesis of this was to observe the struggles and failures of those who, though willing, never seemed to experience the thrill of victory in their lives.

What is it that our youth, and people in general, are missing that would help them maximize their potential? We all have been inundated with programs for success. As human beings we are frantically looking and hoping for the easy program that will require little or no effort on our part, yet provide the success for which we so eagerly yearn. Society has duped us into thinking that these formulas for instant gratification are as simple as placing life into a microwave, setting the timer for two minutes, and when the bell rings instant success!

Our passion as educators and motivational speakers is to be able to give you more than just information, another formula, or a program to follow. We passionately want to challenge you to develop your attitude and character. These two traits may seem insignificant, but they are powerful attributes that when harnessed and trained, have unlimited possibilities. These two keys, attitude and character, will help you unleash the untapped potential that lies within you.

A study done at a major university showed that 92% of why a person is successful is due to their attitude, and only 8% of a persons success comes from innate ability and technical expertise. Another study showed 85% of why people get a job, keep that job, and progress in that job is because of attitude. Only 15% is a result of technical skills and knowledge. Are we minimizing the importance of acquiring an education? Absolutely not, but all the talent in the world and all the knowledge you possess doesnt mean a whole lot if you dont have the right attitude.

If attitude is so important, you must do more than just define it. You must have an intimate understanding of what it is and how it can work to your benefit, so it can be developed into a powerful influence in your life. The foundation for developing a strong, healthy, positive attitude is embracing and choosing the words that you want to dominate your thinking. Words have the power and ability to alter the course of your life beyond your wildest dreams. The type of words you allow to dominate your thinking will set into motion the course of what will happen in your life. How attitudes are developed is very simple. Words are the medium of exchange by which you communicate and how you learn.