WILL POWER

I'll be filling in as co-host on my husband's Cleveland radio show this month (Q104). As much as I look forward to "playing" on the air, timing is everything. I was NOT there in November when one of my favorite actors, Will Smith, was in studio - darn!

Will Smith with Cleveland's Q104 Morning Show Host, Allan Fee

I love this guy. His appeal for me is not so much his acting, but his positive spirit. If we could catch a little of this man's positive outlook, there's nothing we couldn't accomplish! He is the epitome of high emotional intelligence. He is very aware of his likability factor, how he affects others, and how to share his contagious spirit.

But, he's not just all about positive thinking - he's a man with a plan. When it came to transitioning from a TV star to making movies, he and his agent researched the top-ten grossing movies of all time. Here's what they found:

• 10 out of 10 had special effects
• 9 out of 10 had creatures
• 8 out of 10 had a love story

So, Smith set out to make movies that included these three proven success factors. Remember, "Independence Day" and "Men in Black"? There's a huge lesson here. When it comes to the field in which you want to be a success, document what other successful people do and DO IT. Seems so simple, but I find many clients get stuck trying to recreate the wheel. Someone, somewhere has walked before you. Find the most best example you can of the success you desire and become it.

Ask yourself, how does a successful person in my field speak? Dress? Behave? Think? What habits does he have? Who does she surround herself with? What books or education does this person possess? You get the idea. This applies to anything you want to achieve: healthy relationships, weight management, personal satisfaction, or career success.

For a little added inspiration, here is one of my favorite interviews with Will Smith when Steve Kroft profiled him on 60 Minutes in 2007. Part one contains a great story about a brick wall - how would you have responded to this challenge? Part two discusses his financial blunders and subsequent rise into movie stardom.