Success Advice
How I Changed My Environment So That I Could Reach Success

Editors note: I received this great and inspiring story from Sheldon Scipio earlier today, and found that it embodies the truths of how most people become successful in their life.
Successful people are aware that at some point, if they wish to reach success then they needed to shake things up a little and change their environment to take it to the next level. They adjust the sails, follow their compass or take the better lane as they are approaching “that fork stuck in the road”. Sheldon shares the crucial moments and the decisions that he made while he was chasing his dreams of a better life, and how important it is to position yourself in a better environment for success.
Enjoy! – Joel Brown | CEO & Founder of Addicted2Success
Changing Your Environment To Reach Success
“I wanted to grow, not that I did not have a good job, I was now a member of Senior staff, I travelled, I had a small staff report to me, a car, benefits. I represented the company at International Conferences, where I learned lots. But during these Conferences my mind was opened from meeting all these former and present entrepreneurs and leaders, they fuelled my hunger with their stories:
A mind once expanded with knowledge cannot return to its former way of thinking
I found myself seeking new opportunities within the company, and getting cut short at each turn, but I didn’t give up, I expanded within my limits till I was stuck, nowhere to go.
Then, one day I got a casual call for a problem one of my junior staff couldn’t fix, but, it was after hours. I did the usual and started sorting the customer out. Suddenly the customer complained of the time, and asked could we continue tomorrow, I said no problem (tomorrow would take us into the weekend). He agreed to call me when he was set.
The next day at about noon the call came, we had a friendly chat until I solved the problem, It lasted the lunch hour or so. We spoke about my Family, Me, what I had done in life etc. When I solved his problem, he told me his business partner was experiencing a similar issue, could he let him call me this weekend also. I agreed.
Sunday at around 1PM his partner called, the call was similar, relaxing chit-chat etc, problem solved, by that time the call had gone to first name basis. and he invited, or rather demanded that I meet them for a drink after working hours on Tuesday. I agreed that we would confirm at noon Tuesday.
Tuesday, We all met at a popular hangout spot for the more affluent. I was introduced to a few businessmen that I knew from seeing them in the news. We sat had a few drinks, then these men explained the weekend to me. They had been looking to recruit someone to become and Executive, who works beyond the call, had the right attitude, understood the importance of building relationships and conversation, and had a burning ambition, they chose me. If I said “Yes” they would teach me to be an Executive, a Businessman, If I chose “No’ I could now choose from 2 options, get up and leave, or stay around them spend some time and learn, maybe I would change my mind. (I could not afford to hangout with these guys, this place is too pricey even for my salary). I chose to seize the opportunity after I was fully explained the risk.
The risk was “leave your job and help us build this opportunity”, and if it works you will be at the top of the game, if it fails, you will lose everything, except the experience and our friendship. It failed and I lost exactly almost everything, I did gain an insatiable hunger, and invaluable experience, I felt like I completed a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship, Thinking Big, Leadership and Execution.
The old job was there, I turned it down, I started building my own Company, I wanted to be an enhanced version of these same guys. I kept rubbing shoulders with them 3 times weekly.
One day I looked back and realized that everything changed, my perspective, goals, desires, speech, decisions, friends. My optimism was now permanent, my dress (I bought less party clothing), I ate better food, and less food, I stopped going to many parties, and chose carefully what events I attended, I read more books, I began to think, act and behave like one of them, a CEO/Business Owner. Life felt enriched. My older friends treated me a different respect. Most importantly I became more humble, respectful, open-minded and charged to go every single morning, while attracting International business opportunities and friends.
It came full circle when my first venture needed the services of one of these impeccable gentlemen, and over a drink, we arranged for me to meet his CEO. When I arrived that morning, the way I was greeted was my first instalment into my new world, I led the discussion and terms were accepted and agreed upon. We went out for a drink to celebrate the partnership. My friends were there, I secretly asked if they engineered the deal behind the scene, the answer was “No”. They said it was all me, and they saw no need to help, since they admire how I handle myself, and that they consider me as “One of the Boys”. We don’t hangout every week anymore, but once monthly we connect, sometimes laugh at my growth, and praise and encourage each other along our separate ventures, share trade secrets and tips.
The change was natural, and such an important part of the process to my Success. I now own or partly own 2 International Companies, and lead all group negotiations. My hunger, passion, goals grow with the more I learn. I slipped a couple of times, I look around and see that like in the story of Peter walking on water, I took my eyes off the prize, and strayed mentally into the wrong environment, and quickly adjust my GPS.
Many lessons were learned, many more to learn, success is a journey, I am enjoying mine. I did learn that most important to my success was the people I spent time with, I started reading, speaking, thinking like them, and they were all Successful International Businessmen, I learned that if you focus on your goals and commit to them, the Universe will bring you the right people to help you manifest your vision!”
And remember this:
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Career Sidekick
Nov 6, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Truly inspiring. “success is a journey” pretty much sums it up. You don’t know where each decision will take you, but by following your ambitions you can find success and passion in your work and life.
R
Sep 10, 2013 at 10:06 am
Sir, thank you for sharing this encouraging story. Many years ago, I met a wise man who conveyed to me that the key to success is to surround yourself with good people. This story is a testament to this truism and to that “good” man I met 36 years ago–1SG JL Crisp.
Courtney
Sep 9, 2013 at 9:17 pm
This was awesome!! Really motivated me to continue to push my business to the next level
Jonathan Brantley
Sep 6, 2013 at 6:44 am
Oh man! Thanks for this inspirational story. Not only do I learn so much from stories like this one, but my passion & desire to achieve my goals is magnified a million times over!
Mr. Sheldon Scipio, your testimony makes it easier for me to take that initial step towards making necessary changes in my life. Not “easy”, but “easier”. Thanks again!
mcaribbean
Sep 8, 2013 at 12:30 am
You are Welcome Sir
goal
Sep 17, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Overwhelming story!well done
kiki
Aug 26, 2013 at 8:09 pm
This really inspired me
Zanyar Sharifi
Aug 23, 2013 at 4:25 am
Wow what a great story! He worked hard (even at the weekend), took risks, spend time with the right people to become as they are, failed but learned a lot of it, didn’t go back to the old job and most important he enjoyed the journey. These are so-called “secrets” to success!
Bonnie Hayslett
Aug 14, 2013 at 1:07 am
I love your quote,” a mind expanded by knowledge cannot return to it’s former way of thinking.” I had that happen to me this past year when I took an online course in nutrition. I can’t go back to my former ways, my only choice is forward.
Boris
Aug 11, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Fantastic article… Great story, thx for sharing it with us.
mcaribbean
Sep 8, 2013 at 12:32 am
My humble pleasure
Nasrullah
Aug 10, 2013 at 7:44 am
its a great story, and thank you for sharing this!!
Nicolas
Aug 9, 2013 at 10:46 pm
It’s a very inspirational story, thanks for sharing this!
sedikia
Aug 10, 2013 at 12:18 am
il est difficile pour moi.
Chloé
Aug 8, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Great read and very inspirational! I am at the start of my entrepreneur journey and your artical is encouraging. Thank you!
mcaribbean
Sep 8, 2013 at 12:32 am
It is My Pleasure
MpumiNtombela
Aug 8, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Great article and I agree wholeheartedly! What I’ve observed is that while we are in our ‘comfort’ zone with secure jobs, benefits etc, there’s a side of life we do not get to experience. But once you decide to leave the your comfort zone and start living your dreams and following your passions a whole new world unfolds.
I identify completely with losing everything, when I decided to leave my job in pursuit of my dream in the beginning of last year I also lost everything. But I guess that is the price we have to pay in order to realise our dreams.
I haven’t broken through yet, but slowly but surely I’m getting there. And although things are tough at the moment, going back is not an option!
Stay blessed!
Kevin
Aug 7, 2013 at 5:56 am
This is really inspirational, the best read so far. Thank you for this Sheldon, a story that captures a lot of ingredients of success.
sedikia
Aug 7, 2013 at 2:41 am
tout les jours c,est pareille et pas de chance pour toute ma vie
sedikia
Aug 7, 2013 at 2:36 am
un succée en quoi tout est sombre
Ndyebo Grootboom
Aug 6, 2013 at 11:07 pm
Inspirational Sheldon,trust you pass it on and share that Doctorate in Entrepreneurship with others.
mcaribbean
Sep 8, 2013 at 12:35 am
My goal with my writing is to inspire others, I am happy you found it inspiring. Have a Blessed journey in this Life.
Patrice
Aug 6, 2013 at 8:20 pm
LOVE THIS!!! I recently located from Detroit to Chicago to reach the level of success I see for myself. I don’t recommend everyone to relocate tomorrow. But I will say that I agree with this author that in order to have success, you must surround yourself with those who are successful. Thanks for sharing your experience! Extremely motivational!