No 52 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, December 26, 2014
New Year’s Arthur Murray Resolutions!
My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She
said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and
worked hard and done the best that is within you. Success is being
praised by others. That is nice but not as important or satisfying.
Always aim for achievement and forget about success.– Helen Hayes (b. Brown) (1900-1993) American Stage/Film Actress
Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage
unless you’re scared.– Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973) American Aviator and Business Executive
The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity.
Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a
section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.– Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) Military Commander and 34th US President
What do I want in 2015? I want to be a better person and be able to help others achieve their goals. I have been given to ability to train, teach, write, motivate, dance, organize and generally have so much energy that I think sometimes I’m going to burst!
I know how to set goals and make them come true. These 39 wonderful years with Arthur Murray I have been surrounded by the best dancers, instructors, franchisees, and overall mentors that call our company home. Now, my circle of mentors are all the greatest leaders, advisers, and motivators in the world. All I have to do is look around in a circle and I am surrounded by those who say “Yes, you can realized your dreams” Believe and your will achieve your goals” “Work hard, train hard, and enjoy great success” “Give back to others and become a mentor to others”.
My New Year’s Resolution first to take better care of my health, so that I may be of better service to others. Secondly, to watch what enters my mind and thoughts and realize that my thoughts become my realities. Thirdly, to continue studying the great motivational works of others and continue learning leadership from their example. Lastly, to live my life through a life of service and giving back with the great gifts that have been entrusted to me.
On Christmas Eve, I had an epiphany. I realized that all the many, many masses that I have attended that had blessed me so, that there was an army of volunteers making sure my experience was perfect. There was someone who provided a clean and comfortable place to worship, someone who greeted me at the door and gave me a song sheet and ushered me to a seat. Someone who passed a basket for my offering and then “magically” was a steward of that money. There was a choir, there were musicians, there were lectors and Eucharistic Ministers. Someone (a couple of hundred) had decorated the church. There was a homily given and someone somewhere led me to communion. There was someone at the door to give me an inspirational booklet, a smile, and a special salutation.
For decades of my life I took all that for granted, and now I am called to serve and be a leader. That calling is not just for worship, but to serve at our Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, lead our fantastic Arthur Murray Dance Center in Santa Monica, be the best Guest Director for Arthur Murray Int’l, Inc.! The need to be an example for young people is critical in today’s world. Young people are looking for answers and they need to see leaders who not only have the answers, but are examples of how to live as leaders.
These goals start today. I am calling you to switch from that person sitting in the pew where I sat for years. Stand up, look around, find the leader who is in charge and walk up to them. Say this “May I help out?” and your world will change, this I promise you. Thanks Dan Schwala, my brother!
Thanks,
David Woodbury
Next Week: Have the Greatest Year in Your Life!