Has there been any one person in your life who has left an impact BIGGER than life itself? For me, that person was Mr. Lou Tice (1935-2012), Founder and President of The Pacific Institute in Seattle, WA.

I met Lou and Diane Tice in the summer of 1990 and that was the beginning of a new career for me. I immersed myself into their critical thinking skills programs, trained as a Master Facilitator – as well as contracted to market and sell the programs. The 10 years that I worked directly with The Pacific Institute were, without a doubt, THE best 10 years of my working life.

The Pacific Institute has an international reputation for offering the most practical and enlightening programs ever to come out of the field of cognitive and self-image psychology and high-achiever research. I had the honor and the pleasure of working with leaders and individuals in all sectors – private, p ublic and non-profit. The most profound impact, however, was on my own personal life. I had access to the top research psychologists in the world – through the regularly scheduled in-services provided by The Pacific Institute, as well as at the annual Global conferences. And I am an implementer! Teach me something – I will take action.

On that note, I want to share some of the key things I learned from Lou Tice, the impact they had on my life/business and how you, too, can effect change for you.

1. “When you change the way you think, you act”. Our conditioning is so very powerful. I grew up in a French Canadian Catholic Military home – I learned to think in a certain way about what was possible for my life – for my career – for my relationships. Lou often spoke about how employees often went off-site to take courses and learn new skills. They, then, returned to their work environment and the ‘old folks’ would tell them ‘how it is around here’ –the environment is stronger than the individual. When it came to my own life, I needed to examine my thinking – implement and apply some of the concepts I was learning – and make changes based on what I really did want to have happen in my life. And so I did! I made major life changes. In fact, I wrote the book: “Who Am I Now?”

   Question: Where have you locked on to the way you do certain things? Set a goal to explore new and different options and see what a difference that will make in your results.

2. “People act in accordance with the truth as THEY believe it to be”. This really hit home for me, especially when it came to setting goals and big dreams. I had limited exposure (growing up on military bases) as to what was possible for my life. I learned, from Lou, that most people set their goals based on their present perception. He also said ‘it’s not the loudness of the information, it’s the VALUE!” Wow. Big smack on the side of the head for me! I learned to surround myself with new and different people – to watch them – to model high-achieving behavior. I loved it! It was like a light was turned on in my brain – and my ‘dream gene’ really began to grow and develop. And I liked it – I really, really liked it. When I implemented these particular concepts, everything changed for me – I left my marriage, I started a b usiness, I wrote books, I have appeared on TV, I travel the world by private plane every year (for free – great story here!) – I live a full and happy life – and there’s more to come.

   Question: Who are 5 high-achieving people that you know? Why do you think they are?

3. “Attitudes are not negative or positive until you set a goal!”. Another smack on the side of the head! Really? Really! I applied this concept when it came to my money consciousness. Growing up, we never ‘had’ money – as I worked in the corporate world, I worked ‘hard’ to make more money. I had an attitude about people who had lots of money – where did that come from? When I changed my attitude, and started to spend time with high-achievers and people who were really successful, I was able to shift my own thoughts about making a ton of money and, therefore, being able to make a huge difference in the world. I have applied these concepts in my business when it comes to attracting ideal clients, charging what I am worth, working with high-level coaches, and so much more.

   Question: Where have you been offered a growth opportunity but your habits and attitudes prevented you from being successful?

4. “You self-regulate at your belief, not at your potential”. This is huge, people! The key to success is inside of you – not outside of you. “The competition is inside of you – not outside of you” Lou would say. One of the techniques Lou taught me was to control my self-talk to be positive, uplifting and forward thinking. Our beliefs are formed by the way we talk to ourselves. I have mastered this technique – and am experiencing great success in my business as a result. I constantly assess where I am holding myself back when it comes to business opportunities – and I self-correct when I am getting in my own way. You can, too.

   Question: Where does your negative self-talk hold you back from being massively successful (and/or happy)?

5. ‘Don’t compare the inside of you to the outside of anyone else”. Lou would often speak of the fact that people with low self-esteem would not allow people with high self-esteem to rise above them. I took this to heart – and took a really good look at the people around me – the people with whom I was spending time. I still do this – both in my personal life and in my business. I surround myself with high-achievers and with people who will support me, encourage me, nurture me and teach me. You only need ‘this stuff’, Lou said, when you start growing. And I grew!

   Question: Where do you have low self-esteem? Where does your opinion of yourself hold you back? (time for some self examination!)

And I could go on and on and on. I learned so very much from both Lou and Diane Tice – my life has improved for the better – my business continues to grow as a result of all that I learned – I am a better person – I am a happier person – I am living my legacy – and I continue to be ‘a work in progress’.

The difference between you and me is that I have the tools – I have implemented them – I continue to apply the concepts that Lou taught me. I am forever grateful! Thank you Lou! I know I have another angel in heaven watching over me.

Who has had a major influence in your life? Tell me about it……