Willie Sutton was one of the most notorious bank robbers of the 1920's and 1930's. Born in New York City in 1901 as the fourth of five children, he would impersonate police officers, mail carriers, and maintenance workers to pull off heists in broad daylight. Known as ‘Slick Willy', it is believed that he stole more than $2 million and spent more than half his adult life in prison.

He is most famous for the response he gave to a newspaper reporter who asked him; "Why do you rob banks?"

Rather than justify his criminal behavior, he replied: "Because that's where the money is."

How It Relates to Your Definition of ‘Success'.

While none of us has any experience robbing banks, British entrepreneur Peter Thomson argues that  it raises some great questions about how we pursue what we want in our own lives. If you translate ‘money' as ‘success' or ‘true joy' or ‘happiness', you get some new ways of seeing things:

Are you pursuing your life ‘where the money is'?

Why do many people avoid the biggest opportunities? It's like the time you felt scared about calling on a big potential client and opted not to. Or the time you didn't ask out the attractive potential date that you were interested in.  I know I've done both of these. For all his flaws, Sutton had courage - the number one quality of top sales professionals, according to Thomas J Stanley. Consider these questions:

•1.       What are the actions you've been afraid to take in your life?

•2.       What are 5 things you've always wanted to do but haven't yet?

•3.       Who is the ‘money': Is there a client you've always wanted but haven't contacted?

•4.       Who is the personal ‘money': Is there a personal connection you've not yet plucked up the courage to make?

•5.       Where is the ‘money' - what are your best opportunities?

•6.       Are you seeking new business where the money is?

•7.       Are you spending your personal time doing what is most rewarding and enjoyable to you?

If you find you are backing away from some of these opportunities, you might have a fear of success. If you're curious to hear more, this topic will be explored in next week's eZine.

Action Plan:

Take a few minutes for a gut check time and do what most adults do not do any more: think and reflect on questions of substance! Remember: if you want a hard life, only ask yourself the easy questions (like: what shall I have for lunch? What movie should I watch on TV tonight?). If you want an easier life, ask yourself the hard questions (listed above)!