Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Dave Feamster visits PPP


Dave Feamster recently shared his philosophies about success with students at Pikes Peak Prep. Dave is a retired American ice hockey player who played for the Chicago Black Hawks. He was picked in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft after coming through Colorado College and made his debut in 1982. He retired in 1985 and currently owns seven Little Caesars pizzerias in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

Growing up wasn't easy for a Dave who was a small kid from Detroit. Life could have turned out much differently for had he not discovered his passion for skating when he did. This passion brought him serenity, which in turn gave him the ability to focus on his dream of going pro despite his smaller-than-average size.

"What is your passion?" Feamster asked the members of the audience. He Refers to the interviews on CNN's "Larry King Live" show with the CEO of the Ford Motor Company helped him identify the three key ingredients that are critical to success in any endeavor.

1.) Ability to focus. If you can't focus on the problem, an employer will hire someone who can. Your heart is the game changer and your desire to work will get you to the next level. It's important to step out of your comfort zone and take risks.

2.) Self-Discipline is the ability to "do the right thing when no one is watching". The prisons are full of smart people who have made bad decisions. The highest form of correction is you correcting yourself. Feamster asked, "Do you want a high, an average, or a low grade?" It's your choice. You must give yourself the chance to stand out.

3.) Attitude is more than wanting to win, he stresses. It's believing you can, but being able to lose with dignity - and being humble enough to learn from losses, as well. If you don't have a good attitude the other two (focus and self-discipline) don't count. If you can't work with people, you won't be successful. Each of us can change the molecules in the room with our attitude. People either want you on their team or they don't.

Feamster emphasized "If you apply these traits to your dream, anything is possible."

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