I recently came across an article written by Michele Combs, who works with Verl Workman and the Pinnacle Quest Consulting team, and I was so impressed by her article that I decided-with her permission-to post it here on ObeoSphere.

Her article, ‘Are You a Diamond in the Rough’, teaches some important principles about reaching our true potential, but also teaches another subtle principle worthy of noting. The old adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover” was never truer than with the example of Paul Potts.

Paul Potts spent most of his life feeling ‘insignificant’. Bullied at school for being ‘different’, he realized growing up that he had one true friend and that was his voice. Singing was his escape. But day-by-day he simply carried on with his regular jobs stacking shelves in a supermarket and selling mobile phones, never coming close to his true potential.

If you have never seen the video below, stop what you are doing and watch it right now! Since I first “discovered” Paul about 6 months ago, I have watched this video dozens of times and it never ceases to amaze me how it makes me feel. There is so much good in all of us, but sometimes we prejudge one another or think less of someone because of how they look or act or talk.

Speaking of his experience on Britain’s Got Talent, Paul said, “It has changed my whole life. I used to feel so small and insignificant. But now I know I am someone – I am Paul Potts and this is what I do.” Thank you, Michele, for a great reminder that great things are possible from each of us; we just need to polish that diamond in the rough.

Brent Gray, COO

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Are You a Diamond in the Rough?

by Michele Combs

I was searching for something new, something motivational to share with our clients this week and came across an amazing video.  It’s a clip from television, but it touched that “never ever give up” place inside me. At first I was ready to flip to another video, thinking that there was nothing spectacular here, but I held on just a little longer, and I’m so glad I did.  Soon, as the video rolled on, I found myself cheering out loud with the crowd, while a rash of goose bumps raised to attention.

You’ve got to see this video:

Paul Potts – A Diamond in the Rough

You know, we all have our obstacles and our own fears that hold us back. We get knocked down by trials, challenges, lack of support, and our own inner thoughts, but you see, that’s really where greatness begins. That’s the seed of opportunity for grandeur.

The people we all admire most didn’t give up in spite of all the negative things that seemed determined to hold them back. It’s that man whose son was born a paraplegic, so he carried him in his triathlons instead; it’s the athletes from the hood who end up going pro; it’s ordinary people like Helen Keller or Thomas Edison (yes, they were once considered ordinary) who inspire us. But those stories are being built every day.

In our crazy real estate business inspiring stories abound, from a single mom showing homes in a car with no doors, who later went on to achieve one million GCI per year (back in the early 90′s), to the a couple that was about to lose their home, had serious health issues, and went on to do $35 million a year in closed transactions. It’s even the guy that had three weeks to come up with $30,000 to pay back-taxes or go to jail, who allowed that to be the catalyst to go from mediocre production to being a mega producer.

“That which does not kill me makes me stronger,” wrote Friedrich Nietzsche. I believe that. I do. Because those super tough things in life are what steel your faith, they are what hone your self-talk, and what show you what you’re made of…and who your true friends are when it counts. That way you can learn to be unaffected by outside things, and how to stand on your own through any storm.

Soon you become like a church built of solid stone. When you sit inside you find peace, solace, abundance and hope, without even a whisper of the booming thunder and storms just outside. Oh, it still exists, it’s just that you’ve found a place unaffected by the noise of the world — a safe place where anything is possible!

We all have obstacles, but it’s what we do with them that separates us. Are you a diamond in the rough? Then revel in it! Your time is coming…just don’t give up!

Copyright 2008 Pinnacle Quest Consulting. All rights reserved. No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.