Building a Bigger Picture
Building a Bigger Picture
by Mike Scogna
Imagine spending a couple of hours with one of the most accomplished entertainers, business people and philanthropists of the past 100 years. Art Linkletter, at 95, shared his life lessons with me as we discussed his failures and successes on a flight from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon. After we had been chatting two hours Art said:
"Mike, do you work in television?"
I laughed. "No Art I don't work in television."
"Well Mike you should work in television."
"Art I don't understand."
"Mike, I've been in national television since 1941. You are a great interviewer and you can reach and help a lot of people with television. You should do television."
As we land in Portland, my mind is racing. I am stunned and confused.
I didn't sleep for two nights thinking about my discussion with Art. So I call him and say:
"Art, I want to interview you for a TV program that shares how people like you live rich, meaningful, active lives beyond their 70s, 80s, and 90s."
"Mike, that's a great idea. Let's tape it in my Beverly Hills office."
Two weeks later we did the interview and I began an amazing adventure that is still unfolding. I also interviewed Bob Proctor (from "The Secret"), and Mark Victor Hansen (of Chicken Soup for the Soul). John Wooden at 97 has agreed to interview but is very, very busy right now! We are contacting Mel Brooks, Neil Armstrong, Les Paul and many others. I've been interviewed on radio and am lining up sponsorship and production partners for a TV pilot based on the interviews.
What did Art do?
He saw something inside me that I didn't consciously recognize. He challenged me to build a bigger picture of what is possible and believed in my ability to do it--even when I didn't believe it yet. I then believed in his belief in me.
Would I have started this project without Art's prodding and belief that I could do it? No.
Leaders have learned to see things in us that we hide from ourselves. Things we may be afraid to express. Powers that scare us. Although we must decide and move toward what it is we want to do, be or have, leaders often see that flower emerging from deep within the soil...before we believe in that beautiful picture of ourselves. They can help us unlock those powerful ideas that are larger than our current self.
Think about your life. Who has helped you build a bigger picture of yourself and helped you move beyond what you thought you could do? We all have this ability. It's like a muscle; we must use it daily and it grows stronger.
You can be a leader and a light to those in your life by looking for what is great in them. Help them build a bigger picture of themselves and believe in their ability to do it.
You can check out the interview with Art at http://www.buildyourbliss.com/shopcontent.asp?type=2nd_Prime_TV
For 15 years, Mike Scogna has been helping people and organizations in over 40 countries, from start ups to Fortune 500 firms, realize revolutionary results. Through his keynote speaking, writing, consulting and videos, Mike helps you understand your mind and transform your thinking so you can achieve your goals and live your passion: creating a life worthy of you.
Learn how to create a life worthy of you at www.BuildYourBliss.com.
© 2008 Mike Scogna. All rights reserved. You may use or forward this article in its entirety to anyone you wish. Please include the byline, bio, website link, and copy right info.