I recently had the distinct pleasure to listen to a great speaker at a conference.  I thought it would be the same, blah, blah, economic or business update.  Boy, was I surprised.  The speaker's name was Anthony Robles and he was a wrestler at Mesa High School with a 96-0 record, a 2-time Arizona State Champion and a high school National Champion. After high school he walked onto the Arizona State University wrestling team to prove to them, and the world, anything was possible. Through trials and hardships, both on and off the wrestling mat, he finished as a 3-time All-American and the 2011 NCAA National Champion in his weight class. It sounds impressive, doesn't it?  What you don't know was that he was born with only one leg.  Do you think he had some challenges in his life?  He wrote about his experiences in his book titled, "UNSTOPPABLE".  I took notes from his speech as I tried to relate it to my business and personal life. 

On a personal level, he had some bigger challenges than I had to overcome, but I had my share as well.  I started to see a trend in the advice he was giving about what it takes to win with what I tell my clients concerning what it takes to become a successful investor over a lifetime:

• You have to make a commitment to do the right things
• You have to practice the fundamentals over and over
• It is a long-term commitment
• You have to surround yourself with people (that's us) who have your best interest in mind
• You have to have a coach (also us) who will help you when times are good and bad, and have the courage to tell you the truth
• Never quit
• There are no shortcuts

I could go on and on regarding the similarities.  I did ask him if he thought he would have won the NCAA Championship had he had two legs, his answer, "I don't deal in what-ifs or things I can't change".  Great words to live by.

I know many of you are going on vacations starting in May.  Please take lots of pictures, so we can see the fun you had!

Anthony Robles and Bill Cummings

Sincerely, 

William "Bill" Cummings, CPA
Cummings Financial Organization   

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