Many times during movies, books, or sporting events, a key moment changes our momentum. These turning points may result in positive or negative effects, and while some may be minor, others may create radical changes.

Each of us has had and will continue to have these turning points. They may result from a promotion, a loss of a loved-one, a near-death experience, a novel idea, or even deciding to lose 20 pounds.

History is filled with these events. On the road to Damascus, Saul (later Paul) had a vision of God speaking to him, telling him to stop persecuting and actually killing followers of Christ. This singular event propelled Paul to become the greatest evangelist of the Gospel the world has ever seen.

Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team, which motivated him to practice day after day to eventually make the team. Through this sheer determination, Jordan became the greatest basketball player of all time.

Jordan related that the feeling of walking into the gym with his high school team before a game, not dressed out, and carrying towels and water for the players, was a feeling that he never wanted to experience again, and this drove him to seek perfection.

Actress Michelle Pfeiffer was an awkward, rough and tumble schoolgirl with no confidence but with a dream to be a performer. One of her grade school teachers stopped her after class one day and told her how pretty and talented she was, and asked if she wanted to be in a school production.

Years later, after being in countless films, Pfeiffer related that this singular event, a complement from a teacher, to be the turning point for her to realizing the goal of being an actress.

So what can we learn from turning points?

First of all, it may not be the event that is important, but rather our positive or negative response to this occurrence. It may be difficult for us to recognize these turning points at times, and they may come and go without us knowing.

Secondly, our actions and our words may be turning points for others. A compliment, an observation, even a criticism may be enough to make people change something about their lives. But remember, these turning points can turn out for the better or the worse depending on one's resulting interpretation or actions.

All of us have our own unique turning points. Think of your life and the paths down which it has gone. What may have precipitated one route rather than the other? We all need to try and use events in our lives to make us better human beings, and to help others do the same.

This week’s Success Thought, submitted by guest author Dr. Brad Ward of The Center in Bend, Oregon, is particularly applicable as we head into the wild ride of the holiday season. I believe valuable information comes to us in many forms each day. The sad part is that most of us are too busy or moving too fast to accept or act upon this data. Thanks to Dr. Ward for this focus this week! Take it to heart. Listen to what may turn you into a new direction this week.

Have an enlightening week and enjoy your discoveries!

Ann

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Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week for November 16, 2005" so long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC, 541.385.8887, 1972 NE 3rd St, Suite # 307 Bend, Oregon 97701, www.GoldenVisionsSuccess.com