“If you shoot for the stars, even if you only hit the moon, you will be extremely successful!”      Marshall Papier

Today marks the 25th anniversary of my Dad’s passing back in 1988.  Dad died relatively young at the age of 56, but he was a fireball of energy and did more in one day than most people did in two weeks.  He lived an incredible life full of drive, passion, enthusiasm and achieved the American Dream. 

From poor beginnings and with a teacher’s education, Marshall Papier became a stock broker on Wall Street, an Investment Banker and entrepreneur.  He raised millions of dollars for companies enabling others to achieve their dreams and make a difference.  He traveled the world, and lived a magnificent lifestyle.  My Dad was very generous and helped others, donated to schools and worthy causes and never forgot where he started from.  He didn’t just give his money, he gave his time and experience to help others.

Most importantly, he met a wonderful woman at college who believed in him and they fell in love.  Mom gave him the key ingredient he needed to achieve his tremendous success and achieve his dream.  Her unconditional love was the foundation for his greatest triumphs to come.  They were married for 34 years and had four sons.  Although Dad grew up without the love of a family, he did his best to give us what he never had.  My parents never missed a school meeting, sent us to great schools and summer camps and sacrificed the way loving parents do for the best of their family.  Dad took us to the park and we flew kites and played ball.  He took us fishing to beautiful lakes and we traveled to many places together.  By his late 40’s, Dad had achieved every goal.  He was a self made success story.   He lived a very full and intense life.

What adds more interest to this story was that  Marshall Papier was born during the Great Depression.  His father ran out on his mom and brother when they were very young.  His mom was unable to properly care for her boys so she sent them away to an orphanage when they were eight and ten years old.  Marshall and his brother, Jay, grew up without the love and security of a caring family or a home.  They went to school but also received a more powerful education from life.  Marshall had to be tough to survive.  He made extra money trapping muskrats and worked his way through Cortland State Teacher’s College as a waiter in the Catskills of NY. 

Marshall proved that you don’t have to come from a wealthy family, a special background, have an Ivy League degree, connections or experience to succeed and achieve your dreams.  It takes a burning desire, persistence, hard work and enthusiasm.  No one can resist an enthusiastic person.  The definition of enthusiasm is “inspired by God.”  Anyone who knew my Dad can easily remember his passion and zest for life.  He had fun and when faced with life challenges he gave it everything he had.  His smile lit up the room.  When you faced a problem that seemed insurmountable, Marshall Papier was the one you went to for help because he somehow found a solution that no one else could.

Looking at his limitations and challenges it would have been easy to settle for something less, but Marshall Papier had a dream and he was not going to stop until he achieved it.  Thank God he did!

So the question is, what is your dream?
What is your burning desire?
Why is it so important?
Do you have a written plan?
Are you doing everything you can to achieve it?
Are you moving forward as much as possible right now?

Anything is possible, there is GOLD DUST in the air!
You can achieve your dream too!

prosperously yours,
🙂 Lee
The MEGA Coach