Since I am very interested in human potential and in personal growth,
I recently attended a motivational lecture given by George Foreman, the former
heavyweight champion of the world.

Many years ago, I wrote a few articles about George Foreman’s fight with
Muhammad Ali, so I was quite curious to hear what he had to say in his
inspirational talk.

George Foreman is a truly remarkable fellow. His boxing accomplishments
are legendary. He won the gold medal at the Olympics and he went on to become
the oldest man to hold the heavyweight championship title after he was out of
boxing for quite some time.

He has also had a successful career as a broadcaster, an ordained minister and
as a wildly successful entrepreneur. His grills are in millions of homes around the
world as are his cook books and self-help guides.

George Foreman has a simple, but inspiring message. He encourages people to
push themselves to get up off life’s canvas when they feel defeated. He has done
this successfully in the ring and in his own life. He spoke about being broke and
being quite down on himself. But, he forced himself to not give up, not be counted out
and “get up.”

George has a wonderful sense of humor and a great way of presenting his
motivating and inspiring story.
Many patients who come to see me are at a low point in their lives. They
are having financial problems, relationship problems and work problems. They
are doubting themselves and they are quitting or giving up on themselves.

When I counsel people who are feeling defeated or frustrated, I try to give
them inspirational pep talks that will encourage them to “get up and push on”
in their struggles and in their lives.

A person who has been a boxer, minister and successful businessman
is well-suited to communicate messages about not quitting and about succeeding
in life. George Foreman is not only a great fighter, a fine speaker and a successful
entrepreneur; his simple and inspiring message points out that he is an excellent
psychologist.

And remember, when you’re feeling down, find a way to “get up” and get hold of
your life.

Jay P. Granat, Ph.D. is a Psychotherapist in River Edge, NJ. He is the founder of
www.StayInTheZone.com.
His Stay In The Zone program teaches athletes and non athletes how to stay
motivated, focused, confident and optimistic. Dr. Granat has counseled boxers
and other athletes. Here is the link to get this program. http://www.stayinthezone.com/get_stay.htm