Focus on the Big Picture!

I received an email a couple of years ago with some information about an African American man named Henry Sampson Jr., who was noted in the email as the person who invented the cellular phone. I am totally in favor of passing knowledge and information onto others. Before I forward this type of information, I like to do a little research, so I am not spreading around facts that are not necessarily true. My search did not confirm that Mr. Sampson invented the cellular phone. However, I found out even more amazing information about Dr. Sampson.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1956. He went on to the University of California, Los Angeles where he graduated with an MS degree in engineering in 1961; He received an MS in 1965 and a PHD in 1967 in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Sampson also worked as a research Chemical Engineer at the US Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, California from 1956 to 1961. He then moved on to the Aerospace Corp in El Segundo, California. His titles include: Project Engineer, 1967-81, Director of Planning and Operations Directorate of Space Test Program. He was a Co-inventor of the gamma-electric cell. He holds patents related to solid rocket motors and the conversion of nuclear energy into electricity. He also pioneered a study of internal ballistics of solid rocket motors using high-speed photography. He was also a producer of documentary films on early black filmmakers and films, a member of the board of directors of Los Angeles Southwest College Foundation, and a technical consultant to Historical Black Colleges and Universities Program.

Dr. Sampson's Awards and Honors include:

Fellow of US Navy, 1962-1964

Atomic Energy Commission, 1964-1967

Black Image Award from Aerospace Corp, 1982

Blacks in Engineering, Applied Science, and Education Award, Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers, 1983

 

These are outstanding achievements!!! I'm sure his achievements can be encouraging to anyone, especially young African American men and women.

 

The email I received years ago gave the impression that Dr. Sampson's invention of the cell phone had been hidden from us because he is African American. The email urged the recipients to pass on this information. In my opinion, the focus of this email was totally off.

 

I believe that we should be inspired by all of the accomplishments of Dr. Sampson. What he has been able to do in his life should be the focus. We should let it inspire us; encourage us; and motivate us to be just as successful in our own lives. Please realize that it is possible for you to be just as successful as Dr. Sampson, if that is your desire.

 

Whether you believe Dr. Sampson invented the cell phone or not, I hope that his accomplishments have encouraged you to create a successful life for yourself as well!

 

What actions will you take in your own life based on this information? Is it encouraging you to further your education, start your own business, or create something that would help make the world a better place? I sincerely hope so. You most certainly can!
 

New Goals for a New Year!

What type of goals did you make for the new year? The usual goals are to lose weight; quit smoking; start a business; find your ideal partner or buy a house. These are wonderful goals!   However, these goals usually end up on the same person's list year after year. I know several people who make a resolution to lose weight every year. There can be many contributing factors as to why some of us do not end up accomplishing the goals we make. 

I have learned that the secret to accomplishing goals is to accomplish inside goals first. Success happens first on the inside! I would like to offer you 5 goals, along with affirmations to repeat daily, to support you in achieving the goals you already have.

1. To constantly be aware of my greatness

 

Affirmation: I realize that I am the one who makes the choices to live the way I do! Greatness is a choice. -- I choose to let my greatness shine through!

 

2. To be positive

 

Affirmation: I choose to be positive and speak positively. I know that being and speaking positive can only benefit me and others.

 

3. To pray daily

 

Affirmation: My form of prayer gives me hope and allows me to let go of any worries or concerns I have while I am on the road to fulfilling my dreams.

 

4. To have absolute faith

Affirmation: There is one powerful source in the universe that governs everything. I am connected to that source. Through my faith, I trust that I will be provided with everything I need.

 

5. To take consistent action towards my dreams

 

Affirmation: I know that taking action brings results. I will take consistent action towards my goals until they are accomplished.

 

Unlike the goals you make on a yearly, monthly, weekly basis, these 5 inside goals are really daily goals. My hope is that you take a good look at what issues you believe may be standing in your way of success and come up with your own inside goals. Remember, you have the potential for great success! Live Your Potential and Succeed!