The Power of Focus and Asking for Help

Introduction

• Speaker: John
• Audience: Mostly college students
• Purpose: To tell a memorable and meaningful story

Background

• Born in Miami, Florida
• Attended Gulliver Preparatory School
• Chose University of Miami for non-academic reasons

College Years

• Initially not serious about college
• Avoided classes, prioritized social activities (e.g., fishing, drinking)
• Resulted in a 1.6 GPA

Lesson: Positive Reinforcement for Negative Behavior

• Negative habits can be reinforced by peers who are also failing
• Misery loves company

Turning Point

• Expelled from University of Miami
• Father's prestigious connections (e.g., Order of the Iron Arrow, Board of Directors, building named after him) didn't help

Humiliation and Realization

• Rejected by the University of Florida due to poor transcripts
• Moment of emotional breakdown
• Decided to turn life around and become successful

Path to Success

• Enrolled in Santa Fe Community College on probation
• Received guidance from Economics Professor Roger Strickland

Three Key Lessons for College Success

1. Read the Books
   • Answers and critical information are in assigned readings
2. Ask for Help
   • Seek assistance from professors, TAs, peers
   • Overcoming the fear of asking for help is crucial
3. Start Study Groups
   • Form groups for mutual support and collaborative learning
   • Led to better performance and ease in studies

Results

• Graduated from the University of Florida as one of the top students
• Hired by the Rockefellers
• Became CEO of an international foundation at age 26

Core Lessons Learned

1. You Become What You Focus On

   • Your thoughts, readings, and associations shape your future
   • Importance of being proactive about mental and social inputs

2. Ask for Help

   • It's a sign of strength and intelligence

Final Thoughts

• Life is about love and meaningful relationships, not material possessions
• Focus on loving others and being loved will be what people remember at the end of your life

Conclusion: Live a life of love and be mindful of your focus and associations.