AlexShalman.comPractical Personal Development

I’m not going to lie, I’m thrilled and humbled about my inclusion in SUCCESS magazine‘s December issue. It is a pleasant surprise because of the way that it came to fruition. I shouldn’t even say fruition, because it’s not like I had a strategy to this happening.

Right after the first semester of dental school, in December of 2009, Marina and I were at the airport on our way to a cruise in the Caribbean. A little getaway after what was undisputedly the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life. At the airport I was perusing one of the bookstores/magazine shops, and to both my shock and amazement I discovered SUCCESS magazine sitting there on the shelf.

As an avid enthusiast and promotor of personal development I heard of most the big name authors and speakers in the field, so I was shocked at myself for not learning about this magazine earlier… newbie mistake. However, I was still amazed at the style and content of the magazine, a gem in a world of negative news and sensationalism.

I read the thing over on the plane as if I was going to be given an oral exam on it when we landed. Seriously, I really wore the thing out. I remember turning to Marina and saying “This is great! I want to be in SUCCESS magazine one day!” Being my number one advocate, she said “you will be.”

The actual story about how it happened is simple. I started following the magazine on Facebook. They often post up their articles, and inspirational messages. I started taking the time to read them, and because I really enjoyed them and found them thought provoking, I left comments that I put some time into. I guess enough people hit the ‘like’ button on the comments that an editor who was writing a related piece decided to interview me about what I said for an article she way writing.

Could this all be coincidence, law of attraction in action, or benefit of leaving detailed thoughts as feedback? I don’t now, but I like it. Makes you think, what can happen to you in just one year if you put some positive energy into it.

Now mind you, I thought I’d be on the cover with Oprah and the Queen, but I guess I’ll just have to wait until I do something a bit more world shaking with my life, lol!

Anyway, don’t try to find the magazine in local stores, chances are I’ve been there, bought up all the copies so that I can display it in my dental office, for the next 45 years. Just kidding, go out there a get a copy!?