John Baumann’s self improvement book details twelve action steps for those who want, or need, to reach success, whatever that may be. It’s also his continuing story of triumph in coming to terms with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at age 41. Now after beating the odds for eleven years, he is still seeking new challenges and inspiring others with his message.
Parkinson’s has limited his ability to play many sports and even have facial expressions among other things. He recognized these weaknesses in himself and in the first of twelve steps he asks readers to begin their journey by listing their weaknesses. The Mapping Phase gives the reader a chance to reflect and take positive actions to make an honest assessment of their current state and to identify their “End-vision.”
Citing movie plots, inspirational books and his own life experiences the author breaks the steps into five phases he calls; The Mapping Phase, The Work Phase, The Active Phase, The Expansion Phase and the Legacy Phase. Following the exercises the author provides examples of how his principles can work together for success in business or a child’s life threatening medical condition.
The strength of the book is in his story and how he is making the most of his abilities, and his life, to help others. Baumann is not only an author but a successful and inspiring motivational speaker. He earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Cornell Law School after graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts School of Management. He is a practicing attorney, is on the faculty at the University of Louisville, has been a successful corporate attorney, is on the board of Make-A-Wish of Kentucky, and is as he states: a “proud person with Parkinson’s.”
Ben Franklin wrote in his almanac “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.” John Baumann has succeeded on both counts.
Share his journey and learn from his motivating story of perseverance, dedication and faith. The book, “Decide Success – You Ain’t Dead Yet” is available at Amazon.com and is recommended for those wanting to make the most out of what you have and where you are in life right now.
What a wonderful presentation, John! You were wonderful and I am so grateful you shared your story. We were receiving excellent feedback in the chat too:
That was fantastic information, thank you for your candor and humor! Awesome 🤩 talk and info ! Thanks much. It’s hard, thanks for sharing. Thank you for sharing your story and for your positive attitude. It’s important to hear this message. This was just what I needed. Thank you so much. you are an inspiration, thank you!
As we stated, we hit 100 participants at 3:09!
Thank you again,
Eden Feldman, LCSWAssociate Director, Community
I do not have the words to thank you enough for making the trip to Dallas to do two presentations for us at CC young. You truly are special and a rockstar and clearly touched many lives today. It is a victory! I was able to run all over campus and welcome guests and host you. It was a victory. Thanks to you for helping me think that way. We will catch you on the next round. Get some rest my friend. Safe travels. And know we love you from CC Young and Dallas!
PattyCC Young and Dallas
“After two years of not being able to hear speakers in person , I was thrilled to have John Bauman as a speaker at our “ Living Well With Parkinson’s’ Gala!. Not only was John engaging and inspiring to get to know off stage , on stage he truly drove home the theme of empowerment to our audience and left our growing community of attendees with several “ aha “ moments and desire to hear more. He spoke from personal experience as a Parkinson’s patient ,inspiring the audiences motivation to truly wish to make a difference and uniting us all in our humanity. Attendees after listening to John , felt inspired to make a difference in the world and do their part to create change for those living with Parkinson’s. My only regret was not being able to spend more time with John and I look forward to having him speak again to our audience.”
Naomi WongWPP Program Manager
John’s message of hope, inspiration and laughter was ideal for anyone living with PD. He was extremely flexible and a delight to work with.
Leisha Phipps, MSWProgram Director - Dallas Area Parkinson Society
We all felt inspired and enjoyed listening to your presentation. Even though we are not living with Parkinson’s, we felt boost of motivation to continue helping those who are living with this disease. I am motivated to make more personal phone calls to people living with PD and asking how they are doing. Sometimes that “extra” bit of kindness truly makes a difference to someone. I am also motivated to research program ideas and partner with other organizations that may have similar values.
I learned that life is unexpected and that you cannot control it. What matters is your attitude!
-Great way to end the day, brave man, thank you very much!
-Good, excellent, great, outstanding speaker, very moving!
-Inspirational who just “gets it”
-Positive thinker and very funny!
-Honest speaker but also humorous!
Parkinson’s Society of Southwest Ontario, Canada, Symposium Keynote Presentation
“whatever hand life deals you, whatever life changing adversity you have to endure, you still have some control over it.” “You don’t have to just to live well,” he advises,” but live an Amazing Life.” The formula he proposes: Faith in yourself, discipline, determination, desire, intensity, and inner strength.
MARY SPREMULLIVOICE AEROBICS
Yes, you touched every person at our conference, who will in turn change and impact so many others. The feedback from our participants was overwhelmingly positive. You are the only speaker to ever receive a standing ovation. Thank you for taking time to share, motivate and inspire. We are blessed to know you.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETINGREHABILITATION HOSPITAL
I will be honest. During the first 10 minutes of your presentation, I started reading work related material on my laptop. For surely, I had watched your You-Tube and seen your videos and knew what to expect. Surely, as a therapist I had studied this disease, the pathological components, the psychological components, the treatment alternatives……..Surely, I understand it.
Not so much. You caught my attention and I was enthralled. You were able to couple the impairments you experience with the emotions felt. You walked us through your life with the disease through “your eyes”. A perspective that a therapist/nurse rarely has the chance to hear. We get so busy telling patients how to deal with x, y and z, but our eyes are blurred by the science of it all most of the time.
You did it through truth, Through your humor, humility and determination to tell your story. One that most deservedly needs to be shared.
I will advocate to have you share your story. I appreciate your determination, diligence and dedication.
