“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” – Carol Burnett
We are excited to start a new series called, “What’s your Life Story?” where we will feature testimonials from satisfied Life Members and customers who have been impacted by Life’s products, services, and entrepreneurship program. Check out our first featured “Life” story, submitted by Amy Pleet-Odle:
I was already a successful professional when I was introduced to Life. Robert and I had combined our prior debt and our small investments when we got married. As two professional consultants with doctorates, we were managing pretty well, but it didn’t look like we would be able to fully retire.
I would have called myself a “leader” after 48 years in education – English teacher, special education teacher, state department specialist, and college professor. After “retirement”, I continued as an educational consultant with contracts in several states. My books were being used across the country. But I was frustrated. The participants in my workshops acknowledged my expertise with comments like, “Amy is so smart; I love learning from her.” And, “I can’t wait to use these new strategies with my students.” However, when my contracts ended and I walked away, their growth slowed. I wondered how I could have more impact on school transformation.
“In the nine months since being involved in the Life Financial Literacy program, I improved both defense and offense. We applied the principles from the Financial Fitness Program to cut back eating out and eliminated unnecessary expenses. We’ve paid off $20,000 in credit card debt so far.” – Amy Pleet-Odle (Life Member)
I reflected on my life’s purpose and dove into Life leadership materials. Although my doctorate was in a program called, “Leadership for Full Participation of Individuals with Disabilities”, I realized that I had never been truly educated about key principles of leadership. I was a Performer, not a Leader. You could count on me to get it done! I organized and coordinated the efforts of many to produce results. But, those I worked with often depended on my guidance. Most weren’t empowered to develop their own leadership, and when I left each position, the momentum usually slowed or stopped.
Associating with Life mentors gave me my new thinking about leading, people skills, effective speaking, and coaching. I redesigned my approach and my consulting contracts have doubled. Last week after a workshop, a teacher wrote, “I see that I have to become a better me if I want my students to become a better them.” Looks like I’m headed in the right direction. Most exciting, using the principles of of the entrepreneurship program and pipeline income, I created two professional development packages that are in field test now. Next fall, I will offer them for licensing, providing materials that teachers can use to fuel their own growth and establish a source of passive income for us. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow into the person who will someday have the life I’ve always wanted!
Thank you, Amy, for sharing your “Life” journey so far in pursuit of the LIFE you’ve always wanted!
If you were inspired by this story, please leave a comment below.
Do you have a “Life” story that we can share with the world? We’d love to hear it! Simply leave a comment below and the administrator of this blog will get in contact with you.
The LIFE You’ve Always Wanted
*The people in this article are not actors nor have they been paid to participate, but are real people that have used the products and services and have signed a Testimonial Verification attesting to the validity of their claims.
Tim Stephens says
Love it Amy! You are truly a ‘Product of the Product’. Great Job!
Leslie Gebhart says
Amy, so proud of the changes you’ve made and blessed by your transparency! Your honesty and humility, coupled with your willingness to serve, will continue to attract others to find the Life They’ve Always Wanted!! You are truly a servant leader!! Thanks for sharing your story with the rest of LIFE!
Judy says
Go, Amy! Thanks for sharing!
Rachel Burwell says
Amy your story is a reminder that all of us can continue to grow and evolve with the right information and a willingness to apply it in our lives. You continue to shine your light and touch lives in the LIFE community and in the world at large. Love your spirit and cherish your friendship and the journey!
Doug DeWitt says
Amy, your story is an example and an inspiration for all. It is a great example that no matter our level of success, we should always be learning and improving. Your story adds an exclamation mark to that fact! We are so very proud of you!!
Chris Brady says
Thanks Amy! And congratulations on all your progress! Rock on!
Yitz Weiss says
“I see that I have to become a better me if I want my students to become a better them.” That’s an AMAZING quote and so true! Great job and thanks for sharing your story!
Josh Melton says
Congrats Amy! And thank you for sharing your story with us so that we can share it with others. You’ve definitely moved from Performer to Leader now!
Roosevelt Jean-Francois says
Thanks Amy for sharing your Life Story. Keep up your good work.
Leanne Mason says
Such a great read, thanks for sharing your heart!
Vicki Lowing, MBA says
Wow! Excellent story. Your testimonial shows how Life develops the person to fulfill their heartfelt passion with the Life financial, professional and personal information. Your story got me excited, thank you Amy!
Brandon Perry says
Thanks for sharing. I enjoy seeing how life also makes a difference in people’s careers.
Melissa says
I love how honest you are. Being vulnerable to admit that you still had more to learn and look at your results. Definitely a great reminder to stay a hungry student.
Jacqueline Corey says
It’s one thing to tell others information about a topic, but providing information that is life changing and helping people see the value in taking responsibility for themselves to become a leader in order to implement it is taking it to a greater level! Thank you for sharing your story Amy!
Troy and Renée Turner says
Thank you for sharing Amy. What a testament of HOPE.
Linda Medrano says
Wonderful!
Sharon Hoffman says
It is a blessing to have a front row seat in your LIFE journey! Thanks for sharing Amy! Incredible testimony of both financial fitness and entrepreneurship!