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Many people try to forget about their past because it is to painful to think of. Some try to forget, attempting to blow it off as though this is the new and improved them…
But the reality is, that we would not be who we are Today if we had not gone through what we went through Yesterday…
A few months ago, I was asked to speak at a UEI graduation and I was asked to speak on business motivation. This college did not even have a Substance Abuse Program – which is my comfort area – they offered programs such as Pharmacy Tech, Medical Assistant, and Business and Administration.
I sat back for a week and thought, “What can an old school dope fiend teach these people about business?” Fear began to grip me. I thought, “OK, maybe there will be 70 people, no problem.”
When I arrived there were way over 300 people in attendance and it looked like a diverse group of characters. But I taught the lesson that God gave me… I talked about how we could take our negative past and turn it into a positive future.
Business Lessons I Learned From The School of Hard Knocks:
The crowd went wild, the students got to their feet! And because of that day I realized that the business mentality that I have is not something that I learned in college or even from a book.
I learned it from my family, my city, my old homeboys, teachers that kicked me out of school, the police that arrested me every weekend, and all the lovely people that hated on me along the way…..
Anybody been there? The School of Hard Knocks
Rick Reyes, CADC II, ICADC
www.interventioncounselors.com
www.myspace.com/interventioncounselors
www.addictionprofessionals.ning.com
Nice post Rick!
Coming from any inner city area grounds you well, but only if you are able to realise that and utilise your upbringing skills for positive gains.
It also becomes a protective factor for oneself particularly when you find yourself out of the zone and in alien territory.
It never leaves you (hey, I’ve been told I’m middle class now..heh heh) and I’d never change my upbringing, the things I’ve learnt, the people I’ve met and the area I came from (sunny Salford) for anything.
Two words stick with me that are essential to building relationships with others, particularly those individuals that have a history of non-engagement
Charisma and rapport
You’ve either got it or you aint!
Hi Rick, a great blogg and reminder! you are so right in that we tend to try and forget the past, like when in Re-hab, group work etc, we very rarely keep in contact with others once we leave.
My past is a constant reminder of where I was and where Iam today, all the hell I endoured is put down to a learning process which is on going and enabling myself to read and reply to your blog.
I admire your strength in speaking to 300 people, “WOW” that is something I just know I could not do, well done.
Best Wishes to you and all.
Fantastic blog Rick – great to remind us that we can’t change our pasts, so why not make the most of our experiences and put them to good use!
I love the way you write – and your attitude to life as well – you overcame a huge hurdle there, and boy did you do it in style!!
Great stuff; to turn your hardest times into your greatest assets; it’s one of the ironies of recovery. I’d love to have been there to hear your address.
What an interesting blog.Before becoming involved in Recovery I worked successfully in direct sales and converted everything I was given,alas degeneration of the spine meant I couldn’t drive as much as I used to hence now counseling suits my needs.
How was I so successful in management and selling? well I concentrated on why I was not going to close a sale.Why people don’t buy things.This brings me to why some people don’t recover,well they don’t do their homework and explore every avenue.I cannot cure anyone ever, the person can be given the tools then must take a responsible attitude towards their own recovery empowerment.
Management in business is a performance based thing making money out of meeting peoples needs.If a product meets the needs and has scientific proof of performance it sells itself.In recovery I sell the difference between pain and gain.Like a salesman at the top of his game needing to constantly be on the ball.
