Motivational speakers have a unique power to ignite change, inspire action, and bring clarity to life’s challenges. For me, one speaker stands out above the rest: Les Brown. His words have not only shaped my thinking but also empowered me during one of the most challenging times in my life.
Discovering Les Brown
I first encountered Les Brown in 2018 during a rough and transitional period. My mom, recognizing my need for encouragement, introduced me to his iconic speech, “You Gotta Be Hungry!” Little did I know that a simple YouTube video would leave such a profound impact on my mindset and future.
Les Brown’s charisma, humor, and relatability are unmatched. His ability to blend storytelling with actionable insights is what makes him stand out. Over the years, I’ve delved into his books, speeches, and videos, always finding new pearls of wisdom. Today, I want to share one of my favorite videos with you: Les Brown’s Seven Steps to Control Your Financial Destiny.
The Seven Steps to Control Your Financial Destiny
Les Brown’s message in this video isn’t just about money—it’s about cultivating a mindset for success. Below, I’ll highlight each principle he shares, along with some personal takeaways. However, I encourage you to watch the video to fully experience the power of his delivery.
1. Mindset is Everything
Les emphasizes the importance of developing a millionaire mindset. Success begins in the mind, and this mindset isn’t just about wealth—it’s about believing in your ability to create value and achieve your dreams. One of my favorite quotes from this section is:
“Faith comes by hearing and hearing and hearing.”
By repeatedly exposing yourself to positive thoughts and ideas, you reprogram your mind to focus on possibilities rather than limitations.
Takeaway: Start your day with 30-40 pages of uplifting reading or listen to motivational content. This simple habit can transform your perspective over time.
2. Knowledge is Power—When Applied
In today’s digital age, information is readily available. Les reminds us that it’s not the knowledge itself but how we apply it that creates power. He urges us to take what we learn and put it into action.
Takeaway: Identify one piece of actionable advice from what you learn daily, and commit to implementing it immediately.
3. Build a Strong Network
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” This saying aligns perfectly with Les’s advice on networking. Surround yourself with individuals who challenge you, inspire you, and elevate your thinking.
Takeaway: Audit your circle. Are your friends and colleagues pushing you toward growth, or are they holding you back?
4. Dedication Over Casualness
Les underscores that achieving dreams requires unwavering dedication. Casual efforts yield casual results. His mantra:
“All you can do is all you can do, and all you can do is enough. But make sure you do all you can do.”
Takeaway: Reflect on your daily habits. Are you putting in the effort required to turn your dreams into reality?
5. Follow a Proven System
Success leaves clues. Les stresses the importance of having a structured approach rather than winging it. Whether it’s learning from mentors, adopting best practices, or creating your own processes, a system ensures consistency and results.
Takeaway: Identify areas in your life where you need more structure and develop a step-by-step plan.
6. Energy and Hunger
“You’ve got to be hungry!” This iconic Les Brown phrase captures the relentless drive needed for success. Energy is the fuel that powers your dreams, and maintaining high energy requires taking care of yourself physically and mentally.
Takeaway: Prioritize self-care. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and rest aren’t just about health—they’re critical to sustaining your ambitions.
7. Time Management
Time is your most valuable asset. Les advocates for strategic planning, starting each day with clear action steps. By focusing on the tasks that matter most, you can maximize productivity and progress.
Takeaway: Each night, list seven key actions for the next day. Begin your mornings by tackling these tasks before anything else.
Why Les Brown Matters to Me
Les Brown’s teachings resonate with me not only because of his insights but also because of his authenticity. He’s lived through adversity, yet he uses his struggles as a platform to inspire others. His humor and relatability make complex principles accessible, and his energy is infectious.
Whenever I feel stuck or uninspired, I revisit his speeches. Each time, I hear something new—just as Les says in the video, like watching a movie you’ve seen before but noticing new details. His words remind me of my potential, my purpose, and the greatness within me.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t listened to Les Brown, I can’t recommend him enough. His words have the power to shift your mindset, elevate your ambitions, and help you see opportunities where you once saw obstacles. Start with “Seven Steps to Control Your Financial Destiny,” and let his wisdom guide you.
Les often says:
“You have something special. You have greatness within you.”
It’s a reminder that we all have the power to achieve extraordinary things. Thank you, Les Brown, for helping me—and countless others—unlock that potential.
Now, it’s your turn. Watch the video, take notes, and take action. Your journey to greatness starts today!
Empowering the Next Generation Through My Work
With over a decade of experience as an educator, more than 15 years as a self-taught linguist, and my role as a Life Coach for students, I’ve dedicated my life to helping young people unlock their full potential. Now, I’m channeling this passion into writing books that empower our youth to be all they can be—academically, emotionally, and personally.
If you’re curious about the work I do and the books I’m writing to inspire the next generation, I invite you to explore my bookstore, where you also can hear a free sample of my new audiobook, “Supporters: Real or Fake? Spot the Difference.” Each book is crafted with the goal of making a lasting impact on the lives of our youth.
Spread the Word: Let’s Empower Our Community
As a teacher, my mission goes beyond academics. I strive to empower students not only to excel educationally and build bright futures but also to grow into compassionate global citizens who bridge communities through empathy, sincerity, and love. This goal drives everything I do, and I invite you to join me in this important journey.
My mission is that students not only know what they want to do externally in the world but also understand who they are internally. By helping them cultivate empathy, sincerity, compassion, and love, I aim to guide them toward becoming the individuals they are truly meant to be—people who can connect with others, embrace diversity, and positively impact the world.
By sharing this website with friends, family, and colleagues, you help create a ripple effect. Together, we can build a supportive network dedicated to nurturing the health, well-being, and character of our students and community. Empowering the next generation starts with empowering ourselves and each other.
Explore, Learn, and Connect
Visit my website to discover articles and resources designed to inspire positive change. These resources offer practical advice on health, education, and personal growth, helping students and families thrive. By supporting this effort, you help foster an environment where students can grow into compassionate leaders who make a difference locally and globally.
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Your Thoughts Matter
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I hope it resonates with you and sparks conversations about how we can work together to create a brighter future for our students and community.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—what challenges do you see our students facing, and how can we address them? Are there topics you’d like me to explore in future posts? Your feedback and ideas are invaluable and shape how I can serve you and our shared mission better.
Together, let’s inspire, empower, and uplift. Share these resources, join the conversation, and help pave the way for a more compassionate, connected, and empowered world. Let’s work together to help students discover their purpose, embrace who they are, and create a legacy of love and understanding that bridges communities and unites nations. 🌍
Who is Arnold Brown?
Raised in Louisiana, Arnold Brown graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Spanish and minoring in Mandarin Chinese. Upon graduation, Arnold accepted the opportunity to live for two years in China, where he taught English as a Second Language at the University of Ningxia. Being the only African American male in the city where he lived, Arnold describes his experience as absolutely life-changing. Arnold speaks 4 languages fluently, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin Chinese. Arnold currently teaches Spanish classes online, tutors, and also has very own self-paced Spanish learning online program. If you would like to learn more about Arnold’s background, click here.