Blog #194~ Firestarters
What is the difference between those bold enough to pursue their dreams and others who never get comfortable enough to ignite their lives? The doers are “Firestarters” and, because of them, the world is a much different, and often, better place.
Recently, one of the co-authors of a new and powerfully motivating book, Paul Eder reached out to me to do an exclusive interview about Firestarters- How Innovators, Instigators and Initiators Can Inspire You To Ignite Your Life.
There is a big difference between people who MAKE things happen and those who only THINK about making an impact. So many people have dreams, yet few are willing to take action. The authors of Firestarters set out to find the “secret sauce” providing pragmatic advice for readers to ignite the qualities from successful entrepreneurs, CEO’s, organizational leaders, advocates and forward thinkers from a variety of professions. Co-Authors Raoul Davis JR., Kathy Palokoff and Paul Eder did extensive research interviewing and studying hundreds of people who have all been a catalyst for change.
In my interview with co-author Paul Eder, he states that a Firestarter is someone who makes an impact, someone who presses forward in the face of challenges that would cause others to run the other way.
There are 3 types of Firestarters in the book:
*Innovators create things.
*Instigators disrupt things.
*Initiators start things.
All three types are bonded together by the great impact they have on other people and the world by creating, disrupting and starting things. So, how do you know if you’re an Innovator, Instigator, or an Initiator? The book provides a quiz that you can take, but the short answer is to investigate both what motivates you and how you interact with others.
*Do you like to explore new ideas for the sake of exploring them? Do you come up with your own pet theories of how the world works? You may be an Innovator.
*Do others always call you out for debating too much? Do you strive to be different and do things in a way no one has done? You may an Instigator.
*Are you constantly moving? Do you have the energy of 10 thoroughbreds and need to sleep only 4 hours a night to be fully effective? You may be an Initiator.
Firestarters aren’t constrained to one type. Different situations may require you to act more like an Innovator. Others require you to be an Initiator and just get things done. Firestarters are amazing in that they are flexible to tap into all three types as needed – when most people would be more likely to stick to their default type, according to Paul.
From early on, Paul Eder wanted the book to be inclusive. He has a 6-year old son, Brady who has Down syndrome and believes his potential is limitless. The Firestarters concept applies to CEOs of mega corporations as well as PTA moms. There are interviews John Sculley, a former CEO of Apple and present his profile at a similar level of prominence of David Egan, who has Down syndrome and is a self-advocate who has single-handedly re-defined the perceived capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities.
David Egan is the first person with an intellectual disability to be awarded a Joseph P. Kennedy JR. Public Policy Fellowship, he made history by working on Capitol Hill with the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee.
In my interview with David Egan, he showed great passion about being an advocate with an ongoing commitment that never ends. His dream is to help people with intellectual disabilities. All of his jobs and activities have been very important. However, being selected as the first person with intellectual disabilities to serve as a JP Kennedy JR. Public Policy fellow was an honor and a breakthrough. Previous fellows were doctors, professors, parents, educators or with physical disabilities but David made history and is proud to follow in the vision of Eunice Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics. She believed that we belong and we have the same rights as any other citizen.
Paul Eder feels his 6-year old son Brady, who has Down syndrome will follow the path forged by David Egan, in not allowing a label to define his future. A diagnosis is not a destiny. Down syndrome isn’t a determinant of his son’s potential. This is a powerful message on never setting limits! This message has resonated with me for the past 23 years in raising my son, Nick- who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism.
Next week, I will share more of my interviews with Paul and David with their great insights on being a Firestarter. Here is a review of this book from Forbes magazine: https://goo.gl/eznjQx If you are looking for a way to set your goals in motion and take action for 2018, I highly suggest reading Firestarters!
This book will be released tomorrow, January 9th, click here to learn more:
Is this the year you are going to MAKE things happen, or just think about it? What things or people threaten to extinguish your fire? Set your goals and be a Firestarter, that’s what is in my noggin this week.
~Teresa
Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 