It is easy to get inspired. Taking action, on the other hand, is a different story.
Most people are a lot more motivated to change their lives if the inspiration comes from someone who’s been there, done that and walks the talk. A poster boy for not just one, but repeated comebacks literally from the jaws of death, 37-year-old Canadian entrepreneur and leadership mentor, Steve Holbrook, shares some of his most powerful life-changing lessons.
The Power of a Positive Mindset
Holbrook was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 2. In 2009, he had a surgical procedure which involved the removal of his colon, rectum and small bowel. He had to use an ostomy bag during the interim recovery period. In fact, illnesses, surgeries, and multiple medical procedures have featured prominently in his life. Having a positive mindset is what has enabled him to navigate debilitating circumstances and come out stronger than ever.
“Attitude is everything. When you have a good attitude, everything seems to open up. It creates space in your life for new opportunities or stronger relationships with people or having and a healthier mind-set. When you have a healthier mind-set you are less prone to feeling depressed and feeling down. When you have a bad attitude it basically attracts negativity”, he says.
The Value of Hard Work
Holbrook credits much of his success to his parents and the example they set for him. “My dad was a bricklayer. My mom kind of ran the operations of the family business. I saw my parents get up early every day. My dad used to come back well after we were all in bed. They just worked super hard. It was a great example. I owe a lot of this [my success] to them.’’
Holbrook recalls that he started working when he was around 15 years of age. His first job was washing dishes earning about $4.25 per hour working 5 to 6 days a week. After University, he decided to venture into his passion which was entrepreneurship. “I wanted upward mobility. I didn’t want to hit a glass ceiling”, he says. He currently runs a successful insurance business and mentors thousands of people across Canada and North America on mindset conditioning and leadership.
Creating a Positive Community to Fall Back On
“Whenever I’ve set out on a journey to accomplish my goals, I’ve always found it easier to accomplish them with people that want the same things that I do, who want to be around positive people and want to work on themselves.” Indeed, he credits his own multiple comebacks to the power of positive mentorship and the strength of community.
