“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

– Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)

A man of many talents best known for his inspiring speeches while leading the United Kingdom during World War Two.

What is success on the Ballroom Dance Floor? Is it winning? Is it dancing the hardest and best steps and routines? How about having the most innovative and entertaining routines? All the above are great answers, but my thought is this. Success on the dance floor is being the very best the YOU can be while dancing. I have known dance students who did not have all the ability and talent needed to win, but they had desire and passion to dance. Guess what? They became champions because they created talent and used practice and persistence to be their best.

I have seen dancers with natural talent who did not use it or develop their skills. Then, there are the true champions. They work hard with courage, they dance hard with focus and passion, and they deliver their best talents on the dance floor. They don’t really know how truly good they are. They are also very happy in the moment and they love the challenge of getting better with their dancing. They dance with joy in their hearts.

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”

– Babe Ruth (1895 – 1948)

Home run king in American baseball. Also, strike out king.

Ask any couple who are dancing at the top of their game. They have not always won first place. In fact, in the beginning of a new couple’s dancing career, they might not have made a final. They first win Rising Star, then after many dance competitions, make it to the final. They work and work, and inch up from 6^th and then finally the glorious moment comes and they win 1^st place and they have arrived. They knew that every competition was bringing them closer to realizing their dream.

Have I ever struck out in my life? Don’t get me started about all the wrong things I’ve done, said, tried and the things I did that flopped. I’ve made nearly every mistake possible and I’ve had a lot of lows and failures. On the other hand, I’ve had a few successes and I’ve made, with the help of many friends and mentors, some good decisions. I always knew that every strike was bringing me closer to a home run!

I’m very luck to have some fearless friends in my life. They are so busy reaching for their goals, that when they fall, they jump right up and get immediately back in the game. They love the hard work, the practice, the focus and vision it takes to succeed. There is an old saying, “Surround yourself with people you want to become like.” I am surrounded by leaders, mentors, teachers, trainers, people of great service. They are my constant circle of friends and I love, treasure, admire, and support them. These great people are always full of hope, faith, energy, light, life, and positive energy. I only pray that I may be more like these great pillars of motivation who surround me.

Try this exercise. The next time you are at an event, look to see who is overseeing and say these words, “May I help you?” These words just might change your life, and they may change the life of the person you ask! Go out and hit your home run!

Thanks for reading!

David Earl Woodbury

Keep on Dancing!

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