Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. big dreamer. lady in red.

Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking deep questions and living a life of meaning. Today she's launching Shape House, an urban sweat lodge, a place to melt away fears and fat. [www.shapehousela.com]

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He's a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

drive

Benjamin Roman Benjamin Roman pop star. mentor embracer. dream pursuer.

After surviving in L.A. doing everything from being a celebrity personal assistant to dancing on a box for tips, recording artist Ben Roman is also the Special Events Manager of the world-famous Magic Castle. [www.benromanonline.com]

In my early 20’s, I made the decision to leave a stable job, move to Los Angeles, and pursue my dreams. Things got tough. At my lowest point, I was working several random jobs that weren’t even making ends meet, and I didn’t have much drive for anything else.

Meanwhile, I was dating someone who really had his life together. At first I felt inadequate, but then a light went on in my head. It was my turn to get to that place.

Through hard work, networking, and a guardian angel, I found a career that let me pursue all of my passions. Four years later, I was promoted to head of my department. Now I’m out of debt and have a rewarding career. Most importantly, I’m able to give back to my communities with my time, talent, and treasure.

So often we get in our own way and prevent ourselves from leading meaningful lives. We all have fears of failure, insecurities, and things passed down from our parents that keep us from pushing forward. We stifle our drive and become too afraid to take the chances that could lead us to the life we desire.

I’ve learned that finding a mentor is the best thing we can do to get past our own insecurities. When I was new to this crazy city, I met a successful voice-over actor. He had built an amazing life, career, and close inner circle of friends, while also being an activist, and humanitarian. He took me under his wing and showed me first-hand the hard work, dedication, and drive that it takes to make it. He has been my mentor, my lifesaver in tough spots, and, all throughout, my dear friend. His life and work have inspired me to have a meaningful, driven, and abundant life of my own.

We are who we are because of teachers and examples that influence our lives. So befriend or start a dialogue with someone you admire. Who lives a life that you’d like to see reflected in your own. Pick their brains. Ask their advice. See what they say and how they say it. Practice mimicking their drive, their choices, and their reactions.

Then, once you’ve started down your meaningful path, invest in others. The more we invest in those around us – make them better and build them up – the stronger our sense of purpose, drive, and accomplishments grow.

– Benjamin Roman

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Katherine Woodward Thomas
    Katherine Woodward Thomas Katherine Woodward Thomas bestselling author. transformative educator. creator.

    Katherine Woodward Thomas is the bestselling author of Calling in "The One." She's a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, transformative educator, and co-creator of the Feminine Power Global Community. [www.femininepower.com]

     
  • Dennis N. T. Perkins
    Dennis N. T. Perkins Dennis N. T. Perkins insightful author. curious explorer. obstacle conqueror.

    Dennis N.T. Perkins is the author of Into the Storm and Leading at The Edge. He is CEO of The Syncretics Group, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders and teams thrive under conditions of adversity, uncertainty, and change. [http://www.syncreticsgroup.com]

     
  • Jen Whalen
    Jen Whalen Jen Whalen adventurer. guide. life-lover.

    Jen Whalen is an enthusiastic life-lover, guide, and the founder of True North Adventures – a soul-centered business with an experiential approach to fully engaging in the adventure of life. [www.seektruenorth.com]

     
  • Stan Slap
    Stan Slap Stan Slap international consultant. bestselling author. mr. fabulous.

    Bestselling author Stan Slap is President of the international consulting company slap, specializing in achieving maximum commitment in business cultures and making the business case for humanity. [www.slapcompany.com]

     
  • Tessa Williams
    Tessa Williams Tessa Williams ivy leaguer. playwright. core friend.

    Recent Yale grad Tessa Williams has written numerous award-winning plays. Currently, she's working as a writer's assistant on an ABC television show. [www.facebook.com/tessaleighwilliams]

     
  • David Allen
    David Allen David Allen author. speaker. productivity guru.

    David Allen is a consultant, international lecturer, bestselling author, and the founder of the David Allen Company. [www.davidco.com]

     
  • Miss Kristin
    Miss Kristin Miss Kristin songwriter. producer. elephant groover.

    Miss Kristin is a prolific songwriter/music producer and the CEO of her own music label, Big Fuss Records. Kristin thrives when extending her hands to help others reach their dreams. [http://misskristin.com]

     
  • Dina Martinez
    Dina Martinez Dina Martinez comedienne. connecting diva. good will hunter.

    Dina Martinez, a transgendered, joke-telling renaissance woman, knows that if we are not given the life we want, it is up to us to create it. [www.dinamartinez.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Allen Klein
    Allen Klein Allen Klein humor circulator. choice maker. passionate author.

    Jerry Lewis has said that Allen Klein is "a noble and vital force watching over the human condition." Klein is an award-winning speaker and author of 18 books including The Art of Living Joyfully. [www.allenklein.com]

     
  • Peggy Drexler
    Peggy Drexler Peggy Drexler mother. author. dog lover.

    Peggy Drexler, Ph.D., is a research psychologist, assistant professor of psychology at Cornell, and author of two books about gender and family. She's currently working on a book about the impact of wealth on childrearing. [www.peggydrexler.com]

     
  • Stan Deland
    Stan Deland Stan Deland platoon commander. flower essencer. unraveler.

    After returning home from being an Infantry Platoon Commander in the Marine Corps in Iraq, Stan Deland and Geoffrey Greenspahn launched the flower essence company Siddatech. [www.siddatech.com]

     
  • Susan Chapman
    Susan Chapman Susan Chapman devout writer. outdoor meditator. lover of life.

    As an adopted person, Susan Chapman believes anyone can be her family. She explores and communicates this dynamic philosophy through her personal relationships and her work as a writer and Primordial Sound Meditation instructor. [www.themagicproject.com]

     
  • Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben
    Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben beauty seer. abundance recognizer. world inheritor.

    Life By Me is partnering with Insight University to bring you a week of giving thanks and giving back in support of Giving Tuesday. Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben are now young adult graduates of Teen Insight. [www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university]

     
  • Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke
    Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke new energy guide. rebel with a cause. now pioneer.

    Chief Dreamer at dailygreatness, Lyndelle Palmer-Clarke ignites passions for staying true to yourself and following your dreams. She strives to find the extraordinary in the ordinary on a daily basis. [www.dailygreatness.co]

     
  • Arielle Ford
    Arielle Ford Arielle Ford publicist. author. soulmate attractor.

    Arielle Ford has spent 25 years living and promoting consciousness through all forms of media. [www.arielleford.com]

     
  • Chuck Longanecker
    Chuck Longanecker Chuck Longanecker web advisor. experience shaper. digital telepath.

    Chuck Longanecker founded Digital Telepathy, which builds products that make the web easier to use. He's advised web entrepreneurs and companies like Hard Rock, Mozilla, and MySpace. [www.dtelepathy.com]

     
  • Stephanie Angel
    Stephanie Angel Stephanie Angel filmmaker. writer. word maker-upper.

    Stephanie Angel is the founder and Executive Director of Angelight Films, a non-profit production company that helps children with brain tumors express themselves by creating their own short films. [www.angelightfilms.org]

     
  • Benjamin Salka
    Benjamin Salka Benjamin Salka story pirate. avid learner. people person.

    Benjamin Salka is the co-founder and CEO of Story Pirates, which celebrates the words, ideas, and stories of children, encouraging and empowering young people to invent big ideas for a new generation. [www.storypirates.org]

     
  • Kelley Raleigh
    Kelley Raleigh Kelley Raleigh leader. education producer. essence expresser.

    Kelley Raleigh founded Leading by Example, a multi-media company that showcases young people who are doing good – through local and international service projects, comedy web series, coaching, and workshops around the country. [www.leadingbyexample.co]

     
  • Ilchi Lee
    Ilchi Lee Ilchi Lee brain educator. mountain meditator. mother earth conduit.

    Educator, innovator, and bestselling author Ilchi Lee has developed many mind-body methods, including Dahn Yoga and Brain Education. He has written 33 books. [www.ilchi.com]

     
  • Sam Freedman
    Sam Freedman Sam Freedman athlete marketer. avid sports fan. family man.

    Sam Freedman has a passion for sports. He works in Athlete Marketing at Fritz Martin Management, a boutique sports marketing agency. At 22, he has his dream job. And, yes, his family is very proud. [http://fritzmartin.com/]

     
  • Laurie Grossman
    Laurie Grossman Laurie Grossman educator. director of funding + outreach. life changer.

    Laurie Grossman co-founded Mindful Schools, a public/private partnership program (one of the largest in the country), sponsored by Park Day School in Oakland, California. [www.mindfulschools.org]

     
  • Brian Hilliard
    Brian Hilliard Brian Hilliard avid meditator. awareness expander. soulmate.

    Brian Hilliard has developed, managed, and invested in commercial real estate, telecommunications, publishing, and entertainment. Currently, his primary focus is on humanitarian projects and assisting non-profits with fundraising and hands-on participation.

     
  • Sharyn Wynters
    Sharyn Wynters Sharyn Wynters worldly healer. nutrition advocate. gifted gardener.

    Sharyn Wynters is a naturopath who spends her time deciphering the fears that other doctors have put into people's heads. She's the author of three books in the fields of health and wellness. [www.wyntersway.com]

     
  • Mark Reinfeld
    Mark Reinfeld Mark Reinfeld chef. entrepreneur. tuning fork.

    Mark Reinfeld is an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and author specializing in vegan and raw food cuisine and recipe development. He offers vegan cuisine workshops, trainings, and retreats internationally. [www.veganfusion.com]

     
  • Jenny Shih
    Jenny Shih Jenny Shih coach. belly follower. superhero.

    Jenny Shih is a coach and consultant for right-brained, creative entrepreneurs. She helps "big idea" people implement their world-changing visions. [www.jennyshih.com]

     
  • Mimi Knoop
    Mimi Knoop Mimi Knoop skateboarder. artist. stirrer of the pot.

    Mimi Knoop is a professional skateboarder and multi-media artist. She has won five X-Games medals in women's vert and is a co-founder of The Alliance, a non-profit organization of female skateboarders. [www.actionsportalliance.com]

     
  • John Mackey
    John Mackey John Mackey natural manager. innovator. love tuner.

    John Mackey, Chairman and CEO of Whole Foods Market, is a leading practitioner of empowerment management. He co-founded FLOW, a think tank focusing on "Liberating the Entrepreneurial Spirit for Good." [www.wholefoodsmarket.com]

     
  • Mary Anne Radmacher
    Mary Anne Radmacher Mary Anne Radmacher author. artist. gifter.

    Author Mary Anne Radmacher has been writing to make sense of life since she was a child. She's written in the gift industry for 30 years and her licensed work is distributed around the world. [www.maryanneradmacher.net]

     
  • Ken Torino
    Ken Torino Ken Torino change encourager. appreciative friend. fresh starter.

    Ken Torrino is a web relations specialist for Elliman, brokers for New York City real estate. [www.elliman.com/new-york-city]

     
  • Susannah Charleson
    Susannah Charleson Susannah Charleson wondering author. canine specialist. student of shirley.

    Susannah Charleson is the author of New York Times bestseller Scent of the Missing and, recently, The Possibility Dogs. She is a flight instructor, canine search-and-rescue specialist, and service dog trainer.

     
  • Frank Gjata
    Frank Gjata Frank Gjata armor penetrator. tattoo trendsetter. bliss follower.

    Frank Gjata is a writer, coach, and bliss activist dedicated to creating fun, unique, and effective tools that guide people toward a world of bliss. [www.blississippi.com]

     
  • Eric Buterbaugh
    Eric Buterbaugh Eric Buterbaugh flower man. beauty crafter. traveling buddy.

    Designer and world traveler Eric Buterbaugh is the owner of Eric Buterbaugh Flower and Event Design – creating floral masterpieces daily. [www.ericbuterbaugh.com]

     
  • Julia Cameron
    Julia Cameron Julia Cameron author. poet. aritistic guide.

    Julia Cameron has been an active artist for more than 30 years. A bestselling novelist, playwright, songwriter, and poet, she has multiple credits in theater, film, and television. [www.theartistsway.com]

     
  • Hiro Boga
    Hiro Boga Hiro Boga writer. teacher. intuitive alchemist.

    Teacher, writer, and intuitive alchemist, Hiro Boga believes in the power of love and truth to transform the world. [www.hiroboga.com]

     
  • Sarah Taylor
    Sarah Taylor Sarah Taylor actor. re-inventor. mind wrangler.

    Sarah Taylor is an actor, comedian and meditation teacher who continues to discover daily how to get in and out of her own way while helping others with the same. [www.sarahtaylor.org]

     
  • Desmond Tutu
    Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

    Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

     
  • More

Connection


© 2010-2023 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)