The journey of self-belief can be a challenging one, especially for those facing seemingly insurmountable odds. In the United States, the transition out of foster care poses significant challenges for approximately 23,000 young adults annually, with 20% facing homelessness and less than 1.2% achieving a college degree. Kason Roberts, the CEO of AR Global, Inc., knows this struggle firsthand after spending 17 years in foster care before aging out of the system. Despite these formidable obstacles, Roberts' unwavering faith and perseverance propelled him to establish a successful roofing company, an achievement he shares in his upcoming book, "Surviving The System," set for release in April 2024. His message is clear: it doesn't matter where you come from; you still have the power to live life on your terms. In essence, bet on yourself.
Roberts offers five transformative tips for changing one's career and life, no matter the current circumstances:
1. Harness the Power of Your Thoughts:
Roberts emphasizes the influence of our thoughts on our well-being, citing neuroscientific findings that link thought patterns to chemical reactions in the brain. Negative thoughts can deplete serotonin levels (the "happy hormone") and elevate cortisol (the stress hormone), impacting mental and physical health. However, Roberts asserts that individuals have the power to alter their thinking through positive affirmations and self-talk. Above all, he advocates belief in oneself, echoing Napolean Hill's words, "Whatever the mind can believe, the mind can achieve."
2. Uphold Strong Morals:
Morals, defined as personal standards of behavior or beliefs, play a pivotal role in shaping our interactions and opportunities. Roberts attributes his fateful encounter that led to owning AR Global to his strong set of morals, believing that like-minded individuals are drawn together. He stresses the importance of maintaining high moral standards, highlighting the impact on personal and professional relationships.
3. Lead by Example:
Leading by example is a core principle for Roberts, who believes in demonstrating the behaviors and work ethic expected from his team. He rejects the notion of asking team members to undertake tasks he wouldn't or hasn't done himself, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with leadership style. Recognizing the various leadership styles, Roberts advocates for autonomy, valued opinions, and an energized work environment as contributors to increased productivity and business success.
4. Embrace Autonomy to Live Your Life:
Roberts encourages individuals to actively pursue their aspirations, urging them to document their goals and relentlessly pursue them. He challenges the notion of being defined by circumstances, instead advocating for using setbacks as opportunities for growth. Believing in oneself, according to Roberts, serves as an act of defiance against adversity, as seen in his own journey from foster care statistics to becoming the CEO of AR Global.
In summary, Roberts' advice centers on the transformative power of positive thoughts, strong morals, leading by example, and embarking on a self-directed life. His own story stands as a testament to the resilience and self-belief that defies circumstances, urging individuals to author their destinies and carve out lives of their own making. Bet on yourself and design your own career and life following these principles.