Inspiration from George Foreman

George Foreman (1949 - ) is a business man, entertainer, preacher, writer, and professional boxer - the oldest boxer to ever win the world championship (at age 45). Find out how George transformed himself from a belligerent youth to the man he is today.

George Foreman (1949 - ) is a business man, entertainer, preacher, writer, and professional boxer - the oldest boxer to ever win the world championship (at age 45).

Success is understanding that lack of education does not have to mean lack of success.  Foreman dropped out of junior high school and reverted to a life of petty theft, before joining the U.S. Job Corps in 1965.

Success often sprouts from unfortunate events.  While in the Job Corps, Foreman was on the verge of expulsion due to his belligerent attitude.  Foreman's supervisor saw promise in George's physical strength and began training George to become a boxer.  Foreman eventually would make boxing history.

Success is knowing your own weaknesses.  "I want to keep fighting because it is the only thing that keeps me out of the hamburger joints. If I don't fight, I'll eat this planet."

Success often stems from turning points.  In 1977, Foreman experienced a self-proclaimed religious awakening, immediately retired from boxing, and was ordained a minister by the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Foreman then established his own church, counseled prisoners, and some years later, started the George Foreman Youth and Community Center.

Success is not always about winning.  In 1991, the 40-year-old Foreman lost a bout for the championship title by decision against Evander Holyfield, but gained a wealth of respect from the boxing industry for his remarkable comeback.

Success is doing the "impossible".  At age 45, George Foreman regained the heavyweight title in a dramatic victory over the 26-year-old Michael Moorer.  Today, Foreman is known for being the oldest heavyweight boxing champion in history.

Success is found in a strong family life.  George and his wife, Mary, have 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls.  Of which, by the way, all the boys are also named "George".  This odd naming convention has nothing to do with success; I just thought it was pretty funny.

Success is knowing the destructive power of negativity.  "That's my gift. I let that negativity roll off me like water off a duck's back. If it's not positive, I didn't hear it. If you can overcome that, fights are easy."

Success does not have to change who you are.  "It embarrasses me to think of all those years I was buying silk suits and alligator shoes that were hurting my feet; cars that I just parked, and the dust would just build up on them."

[Sources: http://www.biography.com, http://www.healthy-grill.com]

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