Secrets of Our Success
January 17, 2018So, what have I learned having Parkinson’s disease for over 15 years that can help others live the highest quality of life possible with – or without – PD?
John Baumann
Chair, Patient Mentorship, World Parkinson Program
JohnBaumann.com
My newest presentation is entitled, “Secrets of Our Success” and was the inspiration for my book, Decide Success – You Ain’t Dead Yet. I was practicing law when, at 41, I was diagnosed with PD. I am confident that you will find my presentation to be educational as well as inspirational.
Preview: Secrets of Our Success
Nobody, but nobody, that has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 15 years ago is doing as well as I am.Nobody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i34g9405wM0
Many people have come up to me after my presentations, emailed me or simply called me on the phone and asked me what my secret is. I am not superman. I am not any kind of superhero. I am, however, in the best shape of my life after changing my lifestyle. As a result of this lifestyle change, I have reduced my weight from 215 to 175 pounds and cut my bad cholesterol in half. My wife, Bernadette, and I just do what needs to be done. It takes intensity, tenacity, resilience, persistence, patience, commitment, diligence, and positivity.
Bernadette and I are a team and, as, I believe, the adage goes, there is no “me” in “team.” Wait a second, there are the letters “M” and “E” in “Team.” As there should be. She is not my caregiver, she is my care partner. I have primarily responsible for my own well-being. That said, I rely on my team to support my efforts. That is why the title is “Our Success” not “My Success.”
My team also consists of, among others, Adam and Matt, my boxing fitness trainers; the entire Parkinson’s class (now pushing 30) at Jaco’s Boxing; my doctor, Patrick Madden; and my physical therapist and her assistant, Mary and Judit.
So, my first of eight “Secrets of Our Success” is to get your team together. I am available to provide more information and the other secrets to any organization or group of people, not just People with Parkinson’s or any other chronic illness, but executives, supervisors, and other employee groups.
Everyone has adversity, challenges, and tragedy in their lives whether in the workplace or in their personal lives. These “Secrets” provide a wonderful template for successfully dealing with these things when they occur.
