Gerard Evans

I learned the game of Chess at age 10. By Junior High I was playing in school tournaments. We would practice at lunch daily and the top player in my school was Gerard Evans. Each time we played he would beat me unmercifully, then laugh and brag about it. Rather than quit, I was determined to learn the game and beat him. My mother would get frustrated with me because I would carry my chess set and chess lessons home daily, but leave my homework in my locker.

By eighth grade, I had become a very good chess player and ready for the school tournament. Gerard was the top player and I was at the lower level. As the tournament continued, players were eliminated. I beat some very good players and made it to the championship against who else but Gerard Evans. Our match lasted a month. I notated every move, studied the board, and was a different player from our first matches in sixth grade. Students and teachers watched our match. After our lengthy tournament, I beat Gerard Evans and became the Grand Master of our school. I would later meet Gerard on the football field in high school as our teams were rivals. We would split contests during my four years in high school. Still competitive. Good sportsmanship and much fun.

The game of Chess teaches many valuable leadership lessons. Among them are resiliency, focus, discipline, patience, and critical thinking. I became a good business leader by applying these principles to leading companies, managing teams, and making profitable business decisions. Most important, I learned never to quit or give up. There is no challenge so great that it cannot be overcome.

I am not a person to speak prophetically about what the new year will bring. Each new year is only as profitable as you make it. Success comes with hard work and determination. Progress comes with focus and steadfastness. Great outcomes are achieved through great planning. There are no shortcuts. You can have what you desire if you are willing to put the work in and deny yourself some of life's sensational pleasures. Ambition moves mountains. Arrogance builds them.

As we approach the beginning of a new year, make it new. Avoid the mistakes of the past. Be determined to overcome your personal and professional challenges. Make good choices and wise decisions. Be determined to achieve your goals, one day at a time. Don't quit. Never give up. Be realistic and patient. Don't add more to your plate than you are able to digest. Surround yourself with high value people and high level talent. Love people genuinely and be the person you want others to be for you. Do the small things well and you will be off and running to having the best year of your life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!