Leave YOUR Legacy: The Power to Unleash Your Greatness

by Ben Newman, Jon Gordon (Foreword by)

Overview

Learn to live a truly exceptional life with the help of author, speaker, and performance coach Ben Newman. In Leave YOUR Legacy, you will see firsthand how to drive impact by changing your perspective and connecting to your life’s purpose. 

Newman shows you how to be your best self with this touching story that clearly illuminates the steps needed to create major change in your life by following the ups and downs of the protagonist, Pierce. Join Pierce on his journey to greatness—from the humble beginnings of enacting change and resisting old behaviors to the reframing of his thoughts and actions and eventually understanding his legacy. 

Experience for yourself the ripple effect of leaving YOUR legacy. Pierce’s story will inspire you to go do great things. And, as you strive for excellence, you will inspire excellence in others. Are you ready to unleash your full potential? It’s time to uncover your drive, your passion, and your purpose—leave YOUR legacy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626341678
Publisher:	Greenleaf Book Group Press
Publication date:	03/03/2015
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 18 Years

About the Author

Ben Newman is a bestselling author, international speaker, and highly regarded performance coach whose clients include Fortune 500 companies, business executives, high performing salespeople, and professional athletes in the NFL and PGA, as well as the NCAA. The Napoleon Hill Foundation & Nightingale-Conant selected Ben as a top thought leader and author in the world to help produce their latest audio book Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles of Success.

His corporate speaking events have included financial firms, religious groups, health care groups, charitable organizations, national sales organizations, sports teams, and communication companies.

Ben lives in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, with the true measure of his success, his wife, Ami, and their children, J. Isaac and Kennedy Rose.

Read an Excerpt

Leave Your Legacy

The Power to Unleash Your Greatness

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By Ben Newman

Greenleaf Book Group Press

Copyright © 2015 Ben Newman
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-62634-167-8

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CHAPTER 1

Pierce Returns

Most people live life on a path that was set for them, too afraid to live on any other. But once in a while people will break down barriers and obstacles to fight to be the person they were destined to be.

—Anonymous

Rounding the corner of the massive stone home, Pierce felt like the little red caboose. His gnarly cane chanting, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can ..." each time it made contact with the soft, pebbly gravel. One limp leg lugging behind an eager heart that raced ahead, dragging him inside, to where—he hoped—he would find Sarah and the kids. Pulling him toward his future. I think I can. I think I can. I think ...

Stopping shy of the back door that led to the kitchen, Pierce caught his breath. Eleven days he had been gone. He had covered so much ground in just eleven days. And now, as keen as his heart was to see his beloved family and embark on implementing all he had learned into his life, he felt ... something ... Fear? Trepidation? Excitement? Exhilaration? All four mixed together, a fancy emotional cocktail designed by a master mixologist? He could not quite put his finger on exactly what he felt, but whatever it was, it made him want to linger with his injured leg and not rush through that door with the rest of his body. Inhaling a sharp burst of cool October air, Pierce searched his mind for an answer. Exhaling with a sigh, he shrugged off the uneasy feeling, deciding it was mere butterflies—a combination of lack of food and the excitement of seeing his beautiful wife and two children. Nothing could hold him back. He was a changed man. Fearless. I think I can. I think I can. I think ...

"Daddy!" Max was the first to spot Pierce, clumsily maneuvering his cane and luggage across the threshold. Sarah slowly shifted her gaze from the stovetop where she prepared dinner; a gently spiced aroma tickled Pierce's nose, causing his mouth to water and stomach to gurgle simultaneously, as Sarah's mouth collapsed into a surprised "o" shape.

"Pierce!" She remained frozen by the stove, eyes shining at the sight of her husband. Max had already hurled himself into his father's arms, as Lila slowly, gingerly approached, eventually wrapping herself around Pierce's good leg. Max wiggled in his arms excitedly, a mop of dark brown hair flailing as he chatted animatedly about how much he missed him. Lila quietly squeezed Pierce's leg, her own special way of telling him she had missed him too. Kissing the top of her strawberry-blonde hair, he marveled at how different, yet equally perfect, each of his two children was.

"Pierce! Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Wiping both hands on the back of her jeans before taking Pierce's unshaven face in both hands, she kissed him tenderly. Wrapping herself around him and Max, she nestled against his chest as Lila entwined her tiny fingers around her mother's slender thigh—a perfect family, neatly packaged together and tied up with a dainty strawberry-blonde bow. It felt so good to be home.

* * *

Wrapped in a soft, camel-colored cashmere shawl, Sarah tucked her feet under her hips and watched Pierce intently as he made his way down the stairs. "All down for the night." He smiled goofily, uncertain what to make of his wife's expression. It was warm, for sure, yet he felt like her eyes were boring right through him. He felt ... naked, exposed. Then her face broke into that familiar smile. The very smile he had fallen in love with back in college, perfectly white teeth flanked by soft, full pink lips and huge dimples. Honest eyes shining, hiding nothing. Sarah. It had only been eleven days, but he ached at the sight of her.

Collapsing on the couch beside her, he took her in his arms inhaling the faint grapefruit scent of her shampoo. "What were you just thinking?" Pierce asked the shiny crown of Sarah's honey-blonde head.

"When?" She pulled away from his grip, looking directly into his eyes. Eyes boring through me, Pierce thought once again. What do you see? he wondered.

"When I was coming down the stairs," he said, searching her, trying to glimpse a reaction, only to find the same shining green pools of openness and honesty he always did when he looked at her.

Sarah burst out laughing. "I was hoping you wouldn't fall! I had no idea how I would get you up and to the hospital."

Pierce couldn't help but laugh; he feared she read his mind and saw through his façade of bravado, yet all she felt was concern, and, as usual, her concern was for him. His happiness. His health. His well- being. For him. "Things are going to be better. I promise you."

Sarah responded by planting a tender kiss on Pierce's tanned forehead. Unraveling her legs from under her, she stood, cocking her head to one side. "Scotch?" she offered.

Pierce thought for a moment, "How about tea?" he asked.

"Tea?" Sarah raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow.

Pierce smiled broadly, affirming his request with a nod. "Tea." Reaching a hand to Sarah, she pulled him off the couch and he trailed behind, across the sprawling family room and into kitchen.

"On the wagon?" Sarah teased as she handed Pierce a steaming mug of Earl Grey tea.

"Noooo ... I still like a scotch. I just felt like tea." He shrugged with a wink. Sarah watched Pierce closely, a be-mused expression coloring her face. Smiling at her, he carefully wrapped each finger around the ceramic mug, closed his eyes and inhaled the slightly bitter aroma. Steam curled up around his nostrils, waking them as the warmth spread across his face. Popping one eye open after about one minute of this he grinned at Sarah.

"What are you doing?" She could not help but laugh at his odd behavior.

"Showing you the number one thing I learned on my journey."

"Number one?"

"Number one."

"Pierce Edwards, you did not travel across the country for eleven days, meeting with four exceptional and inspiring people only to return with a lesson in the art of drinking tea!"

"Try it," he urged. "You will be amazed how centering it is!" Sighing, Sarah reluctantly reached for her mug, snaked her fingers around it and closed her eyes. She had to admit, time appeared to stand still, just for that moment.

"Okay," she said, smiling warmly, long lashes fluttering her green eyes open. "Not bad ... but, seriously, this is the number one thing you learned? This is what has you so fired up and inspired?" Indicating the two ceramic mugs sitting on the granite island, she said, "This is your BIG change?"

"Noooo ... this is literally the first—number one—thing that I learned on my journey ... from Jon." He laughed as Sarah playfully dug her fingers into his side, a well-known weak spot.

"Okay, stinker. So, speaking of Jon, we need to send him something. He saved your life."

"He did so much more than save my life, Sarah—the guy was amazing! I learned so much from each person I encountered on my journey, but Jon—well, correction, YOU got the ball rolling by sending me on the journey. Yet I still felt resistant to it—was just going through the motions to please you, you know?" He smiled earnestly at her, hoping not to hurt her feelings. "I didn't expect any more than a brief vacation and to get you and Josh off my back, to be honest. Jon cracked me open and showed me just how much I had to learn. Jon made me hungry, unleashing my desire and willingness to grow and change."

Sarah smiled at Pierce. She had never heard him admit to learning anything from another person before. Not that he was a know-it-all, per se; Pierce simply seemed to have an answer for everything and was genuinely never wrong. Hearing him talk this way, she swelled with pride ... and relief. Sending him off on this journey really had been the right thing to do.

"Scotch?" she asked again.

"Sure." He smiled, proud that he had shared his—Jon's— tea trick with somebody. Sarah shook her head. She knew that look, recognized a similar goofy pride on Max's face when he scored a goal at soccer or on Lila's when she got a gold star from her teacher for good work, which was often. As mature, accomplished, and successful as Pierce was, a vulnerable inner child remained within, looking for approval, and she loved him for it. Loved him for letting his guard down around her and showing it every now and then. And she suspected she loved him even more in this moment, for coming home to her and the kids so inspired and eager to make changes ... changes that would benefit them all.

"Actually, I meditate twenty minutes a day now." Sarah stopped mid-pour, gob-smacked ... her husband meditating? Daily? She started to speak, but merely shook her head and smiled, pouring the liquid amber in two stout rocks glasses filled with ice. "I am hoping to take it to thirty minutes by the end of next week." He was bragging now.

"Really?" She plopped onto the barstool beside him, clinked the lip of her glass to his and took a long, cold sip of Oban. Closing her eyes, she followed the smoky fluid tracing its way down her throat; a pleasant flush radiated through her body, melting each and every muscle. Popping one eye open, she looked at Pierce, "You know, it kind of works with scotch too!" Laughter filled the kitchen, and was followed by love sealed with a kiss.

"I'd carry you upstairs, but I don't think it would be very romantic—or easy—using my cane." Sarah pressed herself hard against him and kissed him again. Silently picking up both scotch glasses, she made her way toward the stairs, glancing over her shoulder to be sure Pierce was following her. And he was. As fast as his good leg and cane could hurtle him, he followed his wife up the stairs to their bedroom.

CHAPTER 2

Humble Beginnings: Change at Home

One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

—Unknown

Sleepily rolling toward Pierce's side of the bed, a hungry smile drawing across her lips, Sarah reached for him. Feeling the cold empty space where his warm body should have been startled her awake. Flinching at the blinding sun shamelessly invading their bedroom, she shielded her eyes with one hand as the other searched for her watch. The sun was so bright ... What time was it?

"Oh my gosh!" Sarah swung both legs out of bed. Reaching for her robe, she slipped it over her shoulders, hastily tying it at the waist as she hurled herself toward the door. Sarah NEVER overslept, she had to get the kids off to school and Pierce to work ... where the heck was Pierce anyway? Heading for the stairs, her mind running at a mile a minute, a sound stopped her in her tracks. It was coming from downstairs. Peals of laughter, rolling, high-pitched squeals of delight filled the air around her. Children's laughter, her children's laughter; there was nothing in the world quite like that sound. Descending the stairs one by one, she wanted this joyous symphony to last forever. Lingering at the bottom step, she remained out of sight for a few moments, savoring each delighted squeal as it flew from the kitchen straight to her heart.

Rounding the corner, she found two perfectly dressed children sitting at the kitchen island. Lila's hair trailed down her back in neat braids tied with blue satin ribbon. She had no idea Pierce knew how to braid hair. "Mommy!" Max spoke excitedly, chunks of pancake falling from his mouth, "Daddy is making us breakfast!" He kicked his highly polished black lace-up shoes rhythmically against the island.

"I can see that!" She smiled at her husband, clean-shaven and handsome, wearing her floral apron over his crisp white shirt and grey trousers.

"And here she is kids, the lady of the house." Placing a kitchen towel over his arm with flair, he clumsily ushered Sarah to the empty place next to Lila.

"Be careful, silly ... where's your cane?" Pierce shrugged dramatically as she surrendered to the moment and sank down onto a barstool.

Lila looked up at Sarah, her wide eyes glistening with joy. "Mommy, do you want blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes?" Sarah leaned down to kiss her daughter's head.

"Good morning!" She ruffled Max's hair as he happily stuffed more pancake into an already full mouth. "I think," she looked at directly at Pierce, "I'll take blueberry, please."

"Blueberry it is!" Flipping the handle of the pan, he twirled it in the air, expertly catching it behind his back, much to the delight of Lila and Max, who squealed and roared all over again, Max sending tiny chunks of pancake, chocolate chip, and spittle all over the floor. Taking in the scene, Sarah wished it were Saturday ... or even Sunday, saddened by the notion that she'd soon be running out the door, ferrying the kids to school. Pierce would be at work and she would be home alone in the big empty house, remnants of pancake batter and Max's chunks on the floor a ghostly reminder that the house had been filled with joy and laughter.

Checking her watch she went to stand. "I should get dressed, the kids need to be at school by 8:45."

Pierce placed a firm hand on her arm, urging her to take her seat. "Not before breakfast is served, milady!" Lila and Max giggled. "Besides, I am dropping the kids at school this morning."

"But you nev—"

Pierce held up a hand caked in batter. "Last night I emailed my company executives calling a mandatory meeting for 9:30 this morning. I don't have to be at the office much before then, allowing plenty of time to drop the kids off en route. I plan to pick them up after school, too." Lila and Max swung their heads in unison, looking up at their mother in shocked disbelief. Did they really just hear their father say that? Did Sarah?

"Pierce, you've just gotten back, I am sure you have a lot to take care of at work. I can pick the kids up—they get out at 3:30 you know?"

"I know," he said with a wink, sliding a perfectly browned pancake onto the plate in front of her.

"Who are you, and what have you done with my husband?" Sarah jested.

Placing his hand on hers, he whispered, "Go get a massage today, relax, have lunch with Belinda, go shopping. Whatever takes your fancy, but do not worry about the kids; I've got it under control."

"Me-laaaady!" Max sang out, causing them all to burst into laughter.

Sarah tucked into her pancake, happy yet cautious; how long would this last? How long could it last? She was thrilled Pierce was making such an extraordinary effort and wanted to offer him nothing but her love and support. On the other hand, she needed to shield her children—and Pierce—from disappointment. If he messed up, Max would bounce back, but Lila would never forgive him. Sarah knew she would have to remain vigilant ... vigilant yet hopeful.

"Why don't you two go upstairs and wash breakfast off your face and hands before school?" She picked a crumb off Max's cheek and popped it into his mouth. Pierce and Sarah silently watched as Lila guided Max upstairs. "Brush your teeth, too," Sarah called after them.

Stacking the breakfast dishes neatly in the sink, Sarah turned to Pierce. "I'm hoping we get some more alone time tonight."

He smiled suggestively, "Really, last night wasn't enough?"

"No!" She laughed. "Well, yes ... and no!" A rush of pink rinsed over her cheeks. "I meant that I was hoping to learn more about these people who have you so fired up. Beyond the Zen art of tea drinking, that is." She smiled.

"The Zen art of tea drinking?" Pierce hugged her from behind, nuzzling his face into her soft neck. "How you mock me!" Turning to face him, she straightened his tie. "You do not need to hear about these people, Sarah. You are going to see them. In me, in the changes I make. BIG changes. Starting today ... you will see each and every one of them. I promise you."

She smiled, swallowing the urge to express her fears. Not wanting to discourage him when he was so clearly fired up. "Thank you," she said. "For breakfast, it was a real treat. Especially for Lila and Max."

Pierce's eyes lit up, "Did you see how talkative she was, how open?"

Sarah nodded, uttering a silent prayer of hope that it would last. "So, BIG changes at the office too?" Fearing she might crack, she changed the subject to something less emotional to her.

"Oh, yeah." He nodded enthusiastically. Raising his eyebrows for emphasis, he added, "HUGE changes."

"Any doubts creeping in?" She could not imagine Pierce changing a thing at work. He had worked his ass off, building the company from scratch; it was his baby.

"Nope." He folded his arms across his chest, smug, defiant.

"None?" She arched her brow; a familiar and knowing expression. He shook his head, ignoring the uneasy feeling gurgling within. He was going to be fine. Change was going to be easy. Look how much he had changed already!

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Leave Your Legacy by Ben Newman. Copyright © 2015 Ben Newman. Excerpted by permission of Greenleaf Book Group Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Foreword Jon Gordon xiii

Acknowledgments xvii

A note from the author xix

1 Pierce Returns 1

2 Humble Beginnings: Change at Home 9

3 Humble Beginnings: Change at Work 17

4 Humble Beginnings: Old Behaviors Return 27

5 Chaos 51

6 Resisting the Truth 59

7 Facing the Truth 67

8 Changing Habits, Changing THINKING 75

9 Review, Reframe, Renew: Sessions with Dr. J. 87

10 Effort and Results 103

11 Leaps and Bounds: Sessions with Dr. J. 115

12 Exploring Legacy: Sessions with Dr. J. 123

13 Understanding YOUR Legacy 129

14 Inspiring Legacy and Greatness in Others 139

Exercises for YOUR Path to Greatness 147

Five Key Factors for Attaining Belief in YOURSELF 149

Create YOUR Prizefighter Day 151

YOUR Legacy Statement 155

About the Author 157