I'm here to tell you there are proven ways to improve your self-confidence that will drive real, long lasting change in your life.

I have lots of experience being out of work. It happened to me three times in a two-year span. Five times total throughout my career. I'm only 40, so that's a pretty impressive streak. Also - I split up a business partnership. I didn't read the fine print of our contract. I battled my partner for almost a year. I made almost no money.

I'm an avid reader. It's the best way I know to "sharpen my axe"and continuously improve. Last year I read 40 books. Included among them is a favorite that I've read three times already. Carol Dweck's Mindset: "The New Psychology of Success.

Two years ago, my Father had come home from the hospital and was settling in for the evening. Leaving his room that night, I kissed him and told him I loved him. He called to me. "Christopher!" I turned, standing in the doorway and replied: "yeah Dad?" He said, "keep up the good work." I replied, "ok, Dad." I sort of chuckled to myself at the absurdity of the comment. No context. A simple directive. I didn't think much of it and went about my evening. Those would be the last words my Father would ever speak to me. It's difficult to write that sentence. It was two years ago, and as I write this I can feel a deep swell of emotion in my chest. I used to run from that emotion. Dad was ill for six years. I didn't allow myself to feel the terror of his terminal diagnosis of ALS-Lou Gehrig's disease. I drank a scotch to numb the pain. I worked too much to avoid speaking about my pain with my wife. I lost myself.

Exploring how successful people conduct their lives can motivate and guide our own. Sometimes, while seeking deeper understanding, we find ourselves drawn to something other than success.