Three lessons that Barack Obama can teach us

Have you all been following the presidential race in the US? I was thinking about the reaction that people had to the first debate and I realized that there are a few lessons that many of us could stand to learn from Obama. Here are three:

1.    It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. At the first debate Obama was more direct than     Mitt Romney. He answered the questions that were asked and he was honest. But that isn’t what most people noticed. The majority of feedback has been that Obama came across as passive and disinterested. In fact, his strategy going into the second debate was to come across as more passionate. This principle is true in most things in life – whether you are auditioning for a part, giving a speech to a large audience or pitching an idea to a funder, the delivery is just as important as the message itself.  

2.    You get more than one chance to make an impression. Although after the first debate Obama’s numbers began to dip, rather than give up Obama and his campaign team immediately began preparing for the next debate. This is an important lesson for many of us because it is easy to think that we have “blown” it when something doesn’t go our way the first time. It’s also easy to quit and walk away. But it is the ability to make a successful comeback that separates the successful few from those who shoulda/woulda/coulda.

3.    Take nothing for granted. Going into the first debate many people dismissed the idea that Romney would come away the winner. They were convinced that Obama was a better speaker and had more experience in this setting. Clearly, they were wrong. Obama learned his lesson and prepared better for the second debate. It’s important for us to realize that even when we think we have something wrapped up we should always over prepare and never, ever underestimate anyone!

Did you learn anything else from the debates, from either candidate? If so, be sure to comment below and let me know!

I am really enjoying these debates but I’m even more excited about this Saturday’s workshop where we will talk about some of the above, as well as many other tips and life lessons to create and attract success. Only 3 days left to get your ticket! Click here to buy tickets today.      

Samuel L Jackson's new video: Wake the F**k up!

I just saw this new video that was released today and I had to share it! It stars Samuel L. Jackson but it’s actually a political campaign ad in support of President Obama…and it’s not like any other political ad ever before!

So some of you probably heard about the book “Go the F**k Sleep” which Jackson narrated in an audio version last year. If you haven’t heard it it's a satire of a children's book that uses a combination of rhyming sentences and cursing to say what many tired parents probably think when dealing with a fussy child at bedtime. Well, this latest video is a play on that audio except that this video encourages Obama’s supporters to get out and vote.

It's interesting to see that US presidential campaigns have gone so mainstream and in fact, many would argue that this was one of the strengths of Obama's 2008 campaign. That campaign really managed to reach out to people that wouldn’t normally vote or donate money to politics. So maybe this video is an attempt to recapture that fresh feel that has been a bit harder for him to come by this time around. 

It’s obvious that this ad is aimed at all those people who voted for Obama last time, but who haven’t been as involved this time around. With the election in 39 days the campaigns are getting heated and both parties are working hard to get the attention of voters and supporters. So do you think that this video is going to work at getting people out to vote?

Samuel L. Jackson plays his part so well…he’s the perfect fit for the part and he’s a pretty vocal Obama supporter. It’s pretty funny and it’s definitely the most interesting political ad I’ve seen in a long time! What do you all think? Check it out here and let me know what you think!

Michelle Obama's 2012 DNC Speech

What a speech made by Michelle Obama last night .

There were so many quotable moments throughout her entire speech.  For a woman who wanted to stay away from the political limelight, she sure is making her presence known over the last 4 years and especially last night at the convention.  She painted President Obama in a light that we (the public) never see.  She made mention of their early years, where they had nothing but love and a dream.   She talked about her husband pulling his favorite table out of the trash and wearing shoes that are a size too small when they didn't have much.  These stories makes him seem more 'real' (whether you think he fits the title of president is besides the point.)

Let's face it, no matter who is elected, they have huge shoes to fill and years upon years of misguided choices to repair, but there is something about our current first family that is electric.

She said something in her speech that really stood out to me:

"Today, after so many struggles and triumphs and moments that have tested my husband in ways I never could have imagined, I have seen firsthand that being president doesn't change who you are – it reveals who you are." 

It's so true.  Being in the spotlight only exaggerates whatever you have inside of you.  Your character is on display for all to see under a microscope.  And President Obama has been thoroughly tested.  It's never easy being the first to do something.  And as the first Black President he had a lot weighing on his shoulders. But I think he stayed true to who he was and is.

I don't know if he'll get re-elected for another term.  But I think he needs to be, because there is no way anyone could have made the amount of change people expected of him in that short period of time.

I would love to hear your thoughts about her speech and what you think it means to the presidential election.
Please refrain from attacking any presidential candidate on a personal level.  But instead lets talk about the issues at hand and start a meaningful dialogue.


In case you missed it, here's a video clip of her speech.

Also, Ebony.com has transcribed her speech and you can read it here:

 Michelle Obama's Speech Transcribed