While preparing for a new speech, Million Dollar Mindset, I found myself thinking about the people who influenced how I see success.

One of them was my grandfather.

He was a coal miner in South Wales.

For several years, he was also a Welsh champion pigeon racer.

As a little girl, I grew up hearing stories about him. My mother adored her father and would wake up early to make his breakfast before he left for the day.

However, before sunrise, he had another priority.

His pigeons.

Every morning, while most of the world was still asleep, he would let them fly in the dark, just before daylight. Why? He wanted them accustomed to flying before the light fully appeared.

Preparation before others.

Practice before others.

An advantage before others.

His prize-winning pigeon was called Lily of the Valley, and I heard many stories about her victories.

Without realizing it at the time, I was learning an important lesson:

You do not have to be the smartest, fastest, or even the most naturally gifted to succeed.

Sometimes, success belongs to those willing to get up earlier.

Perhaps that is why I have always loved the early morning.

There is something magical about those quiet hours when the world is still sleeping. Early mornings are not shared with everyone.

Only the ambitious.

Looking back, I wonder how much of my work ethic began with stories about a Welsh coal miner, his pigeons, and the quiet discipline of doing what others were unwilling to do.

Who influenced your mindset about success?

Do you need help with a new speech?

“Great job on the session for the Microsoft Inside Sales team.” Gary Schafer, General Manager, SMS&P Inside Sales, Microsoft