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By Rob Severson on September 10, 2014
Synopsis: “Achievers: Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things” is a collection of stories from ordinary people demonstrating that all people are created equal and have different skills, talents and interests, that when used to the best of their ability, make the world a better place. These are but a few of the millions of achievers who have used their gifts to serve others and make a living. Thank you to all who shared their stories so others may see how they too can make it in the world.
Critique: One of the chief values of this outstanding collection of true stories is that it reveals to the reader how they too can ‘make it in the world’ regardless of their past and current circumstances. As inspired and inspiring as it is informed and informative, “Achievers: Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things” is deserving of the widest readership possible and highly recommended for community library collections. It should be noted that “Achievers: Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things” is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.00).
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/
Posted in General | Tagged attitude, careers, christian books, entitlement, financial prosperity, jobs, life priorities, make a living, Midwest Book Review, prosperity, success |
By Rob Severson on August 30, 2014
One school has purchased copies of my book to be used in their AVID program this year. AVID is a national college readiness program that is designed to prepare kids for a post high school education, college, trade schools and the like. It was created especially for kids who may have cultural backgrounds that make it difficult for them to identify with the academic work that is essential to their future. (Paraphrased from an AVID manual) The African American principal of the school quickly picked up on my idea that stories of ordinary people will provide examples, and maybe even role models, for all kids who are seeking their futures. As an African American principal he understands the problem much better than me, especially in that community. But it isn’t limited to African americans either. He understood the power of stories of real people and how they will resonate with kids more so than the stories of the rich and famous that tend to be out of reach for most of us. This is not to motivate kids to be average; it is to motivate kids to be achievers and when they become achievers the sky is the limit!
In the process of marketing I have talked with several civic and non-profit leaders around town. Generation Next is an organization headed by RT Rybak, former mayor of Minneapolis. They have a goal of improving the graduation rate in Minneapolis schools from around the 75% level to 100%. I am a volunteer with that organization and have met many interesting people at meetings. I was highly encouraged by one of Rybak’s senior staff who picked up on my idea very quickly. He even went so far as to suggest that I don’t let my volunteer work with Generation Next get in my way of promoting my idea and book to schools. Everyone I have talked with believes the idea is good and has given me good ideas to make it happen. That is very encouraging to me!
Achieve Minneapolis, where I volunteer as a mentor, is a member of Generation Next that focuses on encouraging kids to complete high school and enroll in some kind of post high school education program. I agree that education can be the key to getting out of poverty or improving one’s options of getting meaningful, profitable work someday. But achievement only in education doesn’t go far enough in my opinion. The gap I have seen is the “why” part of it for the students. Why should I go to school? Most of the people in my neighborhood and family dropped out. Why should I try to make something out of myself? My friends and neighbors say the system is rigged and futile for most people. Why should I try to do something with my life and for others? No one ever did anything for me. It is my belief that the stories of people in my book can fill the gap of some of the “why” question. They can read about people like them who have “made it”. And the people in the book are a diverse group of people with mostly humble beginnings that students can relate with.
So why am I making this effort? I have several reasons. I am a compulsive problem solver and I see this situation as a problem. I see public policy and spending more and more on education not meeting the challenge, recognizing that those efforts are good and well meaning. I believe that if more people are productive that the world will be a better place to live in as more people will be happy. I believe teachers need help, they can’t do it all alone. I believe families would be the solution, but some of these kids don’t have strong families or family role models. Rather than complain or ignore this problem, I hope I can make a difference!
Posted in General | Tagged attitude, careers, financial prosperity, job dissatisfaction, jobs, life priorities, make a living, prosperity, RT Rybak, social injustice, success |
By Rob Severson on August 13, 2014
This has been a hot topic this week with Robin Williams’ passing. I have thought about it quite a bit since I was depressed a few years ago too. I don’t claim to have solutions but I do have some observations. What I am presenting is probably no secret to anyone, but maybe will help someone someday. On pain killers and other mood altering drugs; I had a partial knee replacement several years ago and had the pain that comes with it while my body was working on the healing of the cuts. My doctor prescribed narcotic pain killers we have all heard of to alleviate the pain. I didn’t like them because of the bizarre things they did to me, but I did need them for a while until the pain was gone. But before I proceeded taking them I asked the doc about the risk of becoming addicted as I have an addictive personality. He told me that I should only take them to deal with pain, not just to feel good. He said when one starts to take them just to feel good he is at risk for addiction. I think it is different with mental disorders. Issues such as depression, anxiety, anger and other things are different. Many of us take mood altering drugs to help us cope with these disorders. There are many available that seem to do this for us. The problem is that it seems our minds don’t heal themselves like a physical wound will do over time. In fact, I think the problems continue to grow while we take a “vacation” from it. Many try to take a permanent “vacation”, but even they come down from their trip some time. It is hard to stay high forever, and that is when the risk of other measures comes. Since our body doesn’t seem to heal mental problems over time, we must find a way to deal with them ourselves or through help from others if we truly want to get better. I believe things that help us cope for physical pain or chronic disease is ok for us. If I were to contract a physical disease where I thought drugs would help I would probably try them. This includes medical marijuana although that hasn’t undergone extensive tests that FDA normally does on drugs. If it would help relieve the pain and suffering from a fatal disease I would try it. The corollary is that if we constantly medicate just to feel better we are also at risk for addiction. Many do that too and, ironically; it may bring other mental problems. I don’t know if I am right on this observation, but I do have some anecdotal evidence of it from experience in my life. I will leave it to the pros to decide. The old question still baffles me: which comes first, the depression or the addiction?
Posted in General | Tagged addiction, alcohol, attitude, DEPRESSION, life priorities, marijuana |
By Rob Severson on July 16, 2014
I like the word “achievers”! To me it implies doing something useful with one’s life. I like it because we can all become achievers! We sometimes want to call people successful in their lives. That comes with achieving goals that we set for ourselves that are attainable and measureable. For example, while I was a classic underachiever in school I did have some goals that I achieved. In high school my main focus was throwing the discus and the shot put, and I was in love with the sport. I set goals for myself and came inches away from meeting them. But the process taught me a lot; if I put my mind to something I really wanted to do I could succeed at it. My goal in college was simply to graduate. Looking back, I think it should have been higher relative to grades!! Some people, like me in school, just coast through without any strong desire to be all we can be. The consequences range from not doing anything with our lives to despair. We can change that if we try! Goal setting early on doesn’t need to be complicated or high reaching. Even simple goals that we achieve will help us and give us confidence to set even higher goals as we go our way. They become stepping stones to really making something out of our natural talents that make a difference in the world! And, improving our own lives! The benefits to being an achiever are immense: • Earned self-esteem from achieving goals gives us confidence and courage to step out and do more. • In the case of our work life, achievers make more money, enjoy their work more, and get more opportunities. • Achieving something brings joy to our lives. I experiencde a lot of joy in finishing first in track meets in high school as the result of lots of practice and work. All the achievers I know are happy people! • Achievers get an education that benefits them by creating skills and knowledge that will serve them well in life. They set goals for grades and at the least, for completion of their education. • Achievers use their time wisely, still setting some aside for fun too. The result is a balanced life. • Achievers are not necessarily rich and famous; we can all become an achiever! In Minneapolis city schools the high school graduation rate is very low, just a bit over 50%. I believe that inspiring young people to become achievers and do something useful with their lives will benefit them and the rest of us too! And, indeed, their is something in it for them!
Posted in General | Tagged attitude, careers, entitlement, financial prosperity, life priorities, make a living, MINNEAPOLIS SCHOOLS, success |
By Rob Severson on June 25, 2014
I have been asked what the achievers in my book have in common. I wrote a chapter in my book about it dealing with goals and a definition of success.
They have a few more things in common too that are the reasons they became achievers!
• They are doing something useful and productive with their lives. In their work they deliver goods or services that are needed to serve people’s needs
• In the process, they earn enough money to be as financially independent as possible. They may not be rich, but are happy with what they have.
• They don’t have a sense of entitlement to anything, they have a sense of gratitude for what they have earned
• They like to work although they have some bad days too
• They are passionate about what they do and are passionate about why they do it; to support themselves and their families
• They see opportunity in lots of places and pursue it as they see fit
• They help others with money and encouragement
They are happy!
Posted in General | Tagged attitude, careers, entitlement, financial prosperity, social injustice, success |
By Rob Severson on June 22, 2014
Rob Severson was interviewed about his new book, “Achievers: Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things” on the Jordana Green Show. Click on this link to hear: WCCO-AM.
There have also been stories about the book in the Minnesota Sun Sailor and Lakeshore Weekly Newspapers.
Posted by RMA PUBLICITY, RACHEL ANDERSON
rachel@rmapublicity.comwww.RMAPublicity.com.
Posted in General | Tagged ACHIEVERS, attitude, careers, CBS, financial prosperity, jobs, Jordana Green, make a living, prosperity, social injustice, success, work |
By Rob Severson on June 13, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 2014 Marsh Member Launches effort to encourage young People from all walks of life to do great things (Minnetonka) – What do some of the most successful people in America and right here at The Marsh have in common? They set and achieve goals, are passionate about helping others and work hard to make a living. Please join Marsh member and Deephaven resident Rob Severson at a party in the upstairs conference room at the Marsh on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, beginning at 5:30 p.m. He is celebrating the launch of his new book, Achievers: Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things. “What I discovered when going into schools and speaking on the topic of achievement is that the kids really like hearing about the success stories of ordinary people, someone they could reach out and touch,” he said. Severson is a former bank president who readily admits he began his career as a classic underachiever. “It was thanks to the mentors who saw promise in me that I was able to achieve success in my own career.” Achievers: Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things features the stories of people like Candy Swanson, a martial arts instructor and self-defense teacher at The Marsh, who despite the hardships she faced in life was willing to do whatever it took to provide for her family. “I am deeply grateful for all the people who shared their stories and took their precious time so they could help other people ‘figure it out!’ My goal is to use these stories when I talk with students, and encourage anyone who buys the book to do the same when the opportunities arise. I also hope to get it into the hands of teachers for classes on careers and life planning,” said Severson. Achievers: Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things is accompanied by an online study guide that can be found on the website, www.robserverson.com. Toinvite Rob Severson to speak for your organization or school, to arrange an interview with him, or request review copies of his books,contact Rachel M.Anderson,Publicist, at 952-‐240-‐2513 rachel@rmapublicity.com. More information can be found at www.robseverson.com.
Posted in General | Tagged attitude, careers, financial prosperity, goal setting, job dissatisfaction, jobs, life priorities, prosperity, relationships, social injustice |
By Rob Severson on June 4, 2014
WHY DID I WRITE THIS BOOK?
I volunteered at a city high school last year to teach a class designed to motivate kids to go to college. My class was mostly kids with darker skin than mine, so I wasn’t sure how they would relate to a fat old white man from the suburbs!
The first day the volunteer coordinators suggested we have the kids ask questions of us to learn who we were and what we do. That worked fairly well, but the kids weren’t really in to it until their questions prompted me to tell my life story. Then they sat up and paid attention as I told them about my start in life, the obstacles I had to conquer and my success as well. I became human to them and they could tell I really wasn’t much different from them.
I didn’t finish my story but several weeks later I threw out a question asking, what should we talk about today? One of them shouted out, finish your story! So I did and once again got their attention. Those two class sessions were the best I had with the kids; the others left them bored and uninterested. So much so that many of the kids started skipping the class; not just the one I taught, the other instructors had the same problem.
I concluded that many of these kids were sick of being told that they need to go to college. The ones with plans to do so were already on board; the ones drifting didn’t seem motivated to look in to all the help that is available at schools for getting in to college. Looking back to their reaction of hearing my story, I figured that if they heard other people’s stories that they may get a better view of the value of education as well as the value of becoming an achiever in life, not just a bystander. I think we need to give them a better answer to why they should become achievers and the benefits of doing so.
I believe the best way to answer that is to let them peek into other people’s lives to find out how and why they succeeded and where they are now.
I also believe that they need to hear stories of ordinary people, like me, not the rich and famous that we hear about all the time. I collected a diverse group by race, religion, gender and education background who have succeeded in their endeavors and life in general. I have about 30 stories of wonderful people who shared some personal problems and how they overcame them. How they started in their line of work and how they progressed in it. What their values are and how those values impact their lives in all they do. I believe that any reader will identify with some or many of these stories and will realize that “if they can do that so can I!” Every kid should find someone in the book that has similar backgrounds, and similar problems starting out. I am deeply grateful for all the people who shared their stories and took their precious time so they could help other people “figure it out”!
There are many public discussions about poverty and the working poor that get my attention. What can I do about it? In my own little way, this is my effort to help.
My goal is to use these stories when I talk with students, and encourage anyone who buys the book to do the same when the opportunities arise. I also hope to get it into the hands of teachers for classes on careers and life planning.
Posted in General | Tagged attitude, careers, financial prosperity, job dissatisfaction, jobs, life priorities, make a living, social injustice, success |
By Rob Severson on April 23, 2014
I don’t know where or how they found me, but it is neat to be among the top 11 financing coaches!
Check out link: http://www.badcredit.org/11-best-finance-coaches/
Posted in General | Tagged banking, business finance, careers, financial prosperity, loans, make a living, money priorities |
By Rob Severson on April 15, 2014
Do you want to be an achiever? I hope so and believe you can become one! In my book “ACHIEVERS’ I have collected 25 personal stories of people who have been achievers in their lives. Some are retired and some are still active in their careers. Some are on their way but are achievers already. It is possible for all of us to be achievers! I define achievers as anyone who goes out and does something for the benefit of society and also for supporting themselves as well as they can. Some achieve wealth; some just achieve financial stability and independence. Others achieve success in helping others while still providing for themselves and their families. Achievers are interesting people. They do something useful with their lives! Some achievers had family support when they started out and others didn’t have it. Some went to college right after high school and others went later when they realized they needed an education to move up in their fields. Some never went to college even though they thought they would have been even more successful if they had gotten an education. The stories I have collected all have one thing I common: they started at the bottom! Some took jobs with low starting pay and discovered how they could move up in their organization if they were successful. Like a salesman, their goal was getting their foot in the door and showing their customer (employer) how much more they had to offer. Hard work was a given for these folks, but they all attribute their success to other things as well. Education, people skills, problem solving skills are among the top things they share. And they shared a purpose too; they all had a high degree of serving their customer, their company/boss and their peers. Some had a passion and pursued it successfully. Others weren’t as interested in finding their dream job as they were in finding a way to support themselves and their families. But in the process they also discovered their dream job even though their dreams may have changed along the way. Some started businesses of their own with the purpose of serving needs of others. They found success by meeting those needs and managing their businesses well. These people also learned how to handle money at an early age and be frugal. That is why many of these people are now retired and living comfortably on their savings or retirement dollars they had earned over their careers. This book was written for two primary purposes
• To show young people examples of how others became achievers and lived well in the process • To give folks in transition some ideas to help them get restarted in a new career or business
• Lastly, everyone likes a story, and stories about real people are interesting!
Posted in General | Tagged attitude, careers, entitlement, financial prosperity, jobs, life priorities, prosperity, success, work |
