"This isn't a young man's game or an old man's game...this is an eagar man's game!"

After graduating, it became increasingly harder to catch up with college friends. I am off doing my thing...they are off doing their thing! Its just, flat out, difficult to maintain the depth of relationships you had while in school.

In trying to fix the issue I make it a point to grab lunch or dinner with my friends at least a couple times a month. This gives us an opportunity to catch up on things and chat about what's new...

Most of my friends love to refer back to the "good ole days" of college and talk about what was...

I do have one friend though, that loves to talk business...and what will be! He loves to pick my brain about what's new and I love to grill him with questions regarding his business!

Needless to say...it is always a blast connecting with Robert!

Robert has been in the chemical/oil industry since he graduated and has really made a name for himself in this short time! He, like myself, decided to go into business with his family which gives us another topic to discuss.

We have both acknowledged the task at hand when it comes to stepping out of the shadow of the family name and creating an identity for yourself. We have also recognized that our scenario is not unique to the family business.

Attempting to create an identity is a challenge many young professionals face...

The other reason I love talking with Robert is he has one of the most positive perspectives on life and business that I have ever seen! The guy can recognize a tough situation but focus on the positives better than anyone I have ever seen!

I asked him the other day, "Rob...how's this economy effecting you and your business?"

He quickly fired back with, "I love it! I can't keep people away!"

Not sensing any sarcasm in his voice I wanted more details, "What do you mean? Why is a bad economy a good thing for you?"

He said, "because...in a bad economy people are shopping around! They are looking for value! My current clients aren't going anywhere because we bring a ton of value and the prospective clients are climbing aboard because they see us as a diamond in the rough! They recognize what we bring the table in the short run and long term!"

What a great way to look at this issue?

As we were finishing up lunch today I asked him, "So do you think age and experience play a major role in predicting success?"

He sat there and thought a second, "I would be lying if I said it didn't make a difference but I will say that it is not the difference maker! This isn't a young man's game or an old man's game...this is an eagar man's game!"

Wow! That is the truth!

He could really send me an invoice for a comment that powerful!

It is an eagarness to work...an eagarness to grow...an eagarness to improve...but most importantly...It is an eagarness to compete!

The young professionals that will succeed are the ones that love the heat of battle! They love disproving the current beliefs! They love setting the new standard!

The sad thing is that I think some people feel safe surrounding themselves with people who are self-labeled "victims" because there is minimal ownership in a group like that. With no ownership there is no call to action!

The only prblem is that a true "victim" is someone without control...we have control!

Our mental health is determined by how much we feel we control in life!

How much ownership do you take in your success...and your struggles?

I hope a lot!

...because it is only when we accept responsibility in the result, that we are given the power to improve!

Thanks for the powerful insight Robert...keep up the good work!