Who Made That Rule?
16. May, 2010 
3 Comments
By Greg Fullerton
Any success in my life can be traced back to one thing: I didn’t let people impose their rules on me. I created and lived by my own.
I was often told growing up that I was stupid, a nobody, that I would never amount to anything.
At age 21 I was told that I could never start a seminar company because I didn’t have a college degree and I wasn’t a good public speaker.
When my youngest daughter, Carly, was born premature, the doctor told me she wouldn’t live.
Every time someone barfed their negativity on me, my gut response was to think “Who made that rule?”
I co-founded Franklin Quest, the company that eventually became FranklinCovey — one of the most successful seminar companies on the planet.
My daughter Carly lived. She’s vibrant and gorgeous.
I confounded the predictions of naysayers and became the person I always envisioned and trusted.
I didn’t assimilate their negativity. I rejected their flawed rules.
Too few of us cultivate this ability. We accept the perspectives of others, either through fear or because we simply don’t think about it; it becomes a default reaction.
Outside perspectives can become chains that enslave in the dungeon of mediocrity.
Here’s the thing: People’s negative perspectives aren’t truth. They’re simply products of their own experiences, choices, and habits.
If someone tells you that you can’t succeed as a public speaker, it’s highly likely they have the same fear about themselves.
If someone tells you that you can’t succeed in network marketing, they probably failed at it themselves.
The power of self-talk is incontrovertible. Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.
Don’t let others impose their negative outlook and rules on you. Break free from the chains of popular opinion.
Learn to take counsel from your innermost self, your self that knows you can succeed regardless of circumstance.
Guard vigilantly against negative self-talk. When you hear the voices inside telling you you’re not good enough, realize that these are the voices of failure in society — not your own voice.
Make your own rules. Live them fiercely and consistently. Climb them to the top of the mountain of success and take them to the bank.
Thank you Greg, this is very inspiring for all of us who have overcome adversary. If I followed “the rules” not only would I not be in Max, but I would be very sad and very sick. I spent the last two days being told by alot of people that we don’t need supplements, and that I would not succeed at such a business. First of all I believe that Max is a huge threat to these people for many reasons, and secondly I beleive this is their defensive mechanism so they don’t allow themselves to actually try the product and maybe find out for themselves how awesome it is. I stuck to my guns and they had to admit that my believe in our products and company was definitely obvious. This did turn a few heads and the weekend ended with me being able to help several people, and perhaps make the others at least curious enough that they will do their own due dillegence and investigate Max for themselves. I could not do this on my own. I need the support I get from Max International and all the other Max Associates who help me along the way. I cannot express enough how incredible this company is, and I know because I have struggled in the Network Marketing Industry for 21 years. This is the first time I have ever been able to make money so soon. Thanks MAX !!
Ahh Greg … What an excellent post … your wisdom and humor find a way to touch the hearts of everyone you come in contact with … I can’t Thank You enough for the opportunity 2 1/2 years ago when we shared stories @ Max … when just weeks before our meet, the Nero Surgeon told us that our son had 24 hrs to live to due a brian injury … & I’m sure I had that look on my face then of “WHO MADE THAT RULE” … determined to prove her wrong … and WE did, with the help of “faith” & “Max”, we’ve come a long way!!!
Many will benefit & be inspired as I am by your dedication, desire, commitment, passion & love for life … Thank you once again!!
AWESOME!!! Thank you for this!!
Sarah Williams