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Success Stories

Finding the Man of my Dreams

In the early summer of '95, my life was in deep personal crisis. The one glimmer of practical hope occurred the day I spent going through a Personal Catalyst. I remember the kind of day it was, the light in the room, and how I felt at the end--a huge sense of relief that I had "gotten myself on track" and everything would work out for the better if I just worked on my own personal strategic plan. In hindsight, how I managed to take the time or even decide to take that time is somewhat beyond me, because I was in such distress going into it.

The results in my case were dramatic. I am well educated, but I had made some poor choices that jeopardized nearly everything and everyone I held dear. The Catalyst put me on a much higher plane. I was able to visualize where I really wanted to be in just five years and jettison poor decisions in the process. It became much easier to make better decisions because my priorities were crystal clear. And they were in writing.

Well, it's now five years later, and what a different place I'm in today. This is going to sound overly dramatic, but it's all true. I found literally the man of my dreams, while pursuing work close to my heart and meeting new people in an area of the state I had never been. I traveled to Europe a couple of times with him for the first time in my life and we married there last summer at my family's estate. I work on a Main Street in a small city, no longer home-based, and sublet property to artists. Recently, I received word that the federal government will fund my small business to carry out a highly innovative proposal I developed for over a year, acting on my highest priorities and goals.

Slowly but surely, I've been instituting healthier habits to reduce my risk of heart disease and enhance my chances to live a very long life. I've become a much better role model for my two daughters and feel that they, too, are turning out well as they move through adolescence.

The Personal Catalyst is the most powerful and efficient tool for harnessing one's will power I've encountered. It leads to concrete, positive results and is of particular value in working through personal crises with energy and hope. Thank you, dear Michael, for this invaluable invention for personal growth and achievement!

-Janet

Successful Job Search

Life's been very exciting on this end. I'm moving to Modesto, California to work with Harris Moran. I have an exceptional offer with a great job from the third largest seed company in the world. I start July 10th. Got to tell you a big thank you not only for the confidence building, but if I hadn't taken that interview with Vilmorin, this position never would have happened -- you do great work. By the way, I've passed your business card to a colleague. Most of all, thank you for helping me with my success.

-Ken

Moving Up and Out

I thought you'd get a kick out of the note that I just sent to my class from the Center for Creative Leadership - "Remember me - the one who was thinking about leaving corporate life and moving on to something different...........what's that saying about a woman's prerogative to change her mind? I have accepted a promotion to be the VP of R&D for the Latin America Region for Johnson and Johnson (a 2-3 year commitment), and will be moving to Sao Paulo, Brazil at the end of September. It's probably the best company in the consumer division, and a wonderful job primarily due to the strength of J&J in the region and the incredibly talented people in the organization. While I'm excited about the job, I'm really thrilled about the chance to live and travel in Latin America. It has to be more exciting than New Jersey! I'll let you know how to reach me, and if anyone is in the neighborhood, please let me know. I'm hoping for lots of visitors - especially any who speak fluent English....." I'm really happy about this. I think the "epiphany" happened when I realized that J&J takes a while to get used to, but all in all, is actually a nice place to work. I still hate living in NJ though. This job is a big "plum" - a VP position in the best company we have, working with talented, warm, and friendly people. I sold my house (in less than a day) and I've rented an apartment in the swankiest section of Sao Paulo and am looking forward to having a fun personal life and traveling in the region. I decided I can wait a few years to get to that small house near my family - for now this is perfect. I'll keep in touch and let you know how things come out............ I hope all is well with you.

-Margaret

A Couples Story

This year we decided to revisit our goals and make a new plan for our life. Irv spent the previous nine years mostly traveling for his job, while I spent most of this time living alone or traveling with him. Now he has a new job. As a result he has been at home more lately and it has been very nice. He took all of his vacation days this year for the first time in nine years! I am now teaching in the Women’s Studies Program and really enjoying the connection to a few women students each semester and the Women Studies faculty enjoying my re-found connections with my old community. My coaching role has expanded, giving me more opportunity to be involved in some longer-term relationships, which I find much more satisfying. We have spent more time with family and friends, and have found lots of time to walk and exercise enjoying the beautiful outdoors. When we were writing our vision statement the hardest part was deciding where we wanted to live, but this has now been decided. We have sold our house and will be moving into a new house that is being built for us nearly. It fits much of the description in our vision statement. We are excited to have our first NEW house!

-Helen and Irv

A Coaches Story

The Catalyst™ worked well for me as it allowed me to concretely identify what my true personal goals were, where I was at the moment in meeting those goals, and what I can do to move forward. I can proudly say that without it I wouldn't be where I am today- more focused, energized, enthused and determined to achieving my private victories.”

-Donn Tantengco Darwin, Australia