I no longer am the only person in my family to have earned a Master’s degree. As of yesterday, I’m proud to report that my brother Michael Schubert has joined me as a graduate with this illustrious degree. He was awarded his MBA in Finance from my alma mater Georgia State University. You may think this entry has nothing to do with voice-over, but the lesson it conveys should be helpful to everyone.

While we dined at one of Atlanta’s historical and celebrated institutions for unique cuisine to commemorate his latest achievement, I discussed with Mike the steps he took to accomplish this goal. Not surprisingly, he told me that he had followed the time-proven steps used by athletes, rock stars, voice-over actors (!), corporate CEOs or anyone working on a large and seemingly unattainable dream.

In the words of William Jennings Bryan:

Destiny is no matter of chance; it is a matter of choice.
It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.

1. Mike has accomplished and continues to accomplish many wonderful things in his life because his goals are written down.

2. He never has any doubt about the outcome or his ability to attain the desired goal. He believes in himself.

3. In addition, he surrounds himself with people who believe in him. Mike’s wife Tammy is his greatest supporter. Don’t waste your time or energy discussing your dreams and goals to the naysayers. Mike’s signature line on his e-mail is Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by someone who is doing it.

4. Mike visualized his success. He thought about what it would feel like to earn his Master’s degree and the benefits that reaching this goal would bring to him.

5. Most importantly, my brother consistently took action on a daily basis. He could always see the goal in reach and becoming closer in his sight.

My sister-in-law Tammy, meanwhile, has goals of her own. She is a romance writer who is working to publish her first novel. She has written an outstanding article about how to write your goals so that you can actually achieve them.

Mike has professional goals that will eventually land him the role as the CEO, CFO or CIO of a Fortune 500 company. His sought-after knowledge and skills will serve him well in any of those positions. I just hope that he remembers when he is in those executive meetings that his sister can perform the radio and TV commercials and corporate e-learning projects for his company!