I learned of the great Muhammad Ali passing in the final days of my team preparing to relaunch Algenoncash.com, and I suddenly realized I had to tell this story …
Many people have asked, “What happened to Algenoncash.com?” the popular website created several years ago to spread personal commentary on a wide range of issues – economy, politics, energy, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and much more.
For those of you who remember, I also shared regular content with inspirational messages that ranged from personal leadership, how strengthening relationships will lead to success and of course the importance of “Locking In” your purpose, values and vision.
A friend had encouraged me to share this content on Algenoncash.com as a strategic way to build awareness and develop a network to grow Wharton Gladden, our boutique investment banking firm. Initially I resisted the idea but eventually posts were being picked up by other media channels, speaking requests started flowing in and things were clicking in my professional life. Even my personal life seemed to be doing well, around that same time; I had fallen deeply in love with a “pretty lady.” After years of sacrificing my personal relationships for the sake of being “Locked In,” I thought I had found the one.
Now I can look back and admit that my own emotional immaturity got in the way when we started growing apart; I didn’t respect or embrace her individuality. All I could see was the vision God gave me and I wanted the love of my life along for the ride. In the end, we went our separate ways so she could pursue a better job, live in a bigger city and exist “outside the shadow of Algenon Cash.”
I share this today because of Ali’s powerful story. I want people to understand that being “Locked In” isn’t about being invincible. Being “Locked In” is about what happens after you feel like you’ve been knocked down. I truly believe Ali exemplified this philosophy.
As a three-time heavyweight champion with a professional record of 56 wins (37 knockouts, 19 decisions), Ali didn’t have many losses nor did he have the most wins in history, but the world still considers him the greatest. But if you really think about it, even when Ali won – the battle wasn’t easy. Just take a look at the footage from October 1, 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” when Ali and Joe Frazier went 14 brutal rounds in the stifling heat of the Philippines. Frazier was said to be washed up by the media, yet Ali later refuted saying “someone lied.” The champ struggled to remain upright after Frazier landed several dangerous blows to his head. When Ali found the strength to land a series of powerful punches, he rendered Frazier’s face almost unrecognizable. At that point, Smokin’ Joe’s trainer mercifully signaled an end to the fight. Ali almost collapsed when he went back to his corner, but despite the bruises and the blood, he was still ready to keep fighting. His determination in the ring and out is what we have come to recognize as greatness.
Memorializing the great life of Ali gave me the courage to tell this story; I couldn’t let my pride get in the way of helping someone out there. In the words of Ali, “Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win.” In 1984, when the champ was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremors, he and his wife Lonnie faced that battle by founding the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Arizona to help find a cure. Even in his last days Ali was in the public eye helping the charity raise $118 million for Parkinson’s research. Listening to stories memorializing Ali made me realize that even when Parkinson’s stripped him of the gifts of speed, agility and the ability to lift his own arms or utilize the “Lousiville Lip” – the champ kept fighting.
This made me think back to those days when I didn’t want to get out of bed – days when I’ve cried – when I felt too “beat up” to keep going. After losing that special relationship, it felt as if I was lying on the ground and the referee was about to reach the ten count at any moment. But I always heard my grandfather’s voice shouting in my corner, “people do not drown by falling into the water; they drown by staying there – get up!” Wherever there is adversity and pain, there lies an opportunity to choose to be great.
Thankfully, being “Locked In” began with my grandparents instilling in me the concept I had a deep purpose despite my circumstances. Their lessons compelled me to keep fighting during some of the most challenging moments in my life – whether it was almost dropping out of high school at the age of 16 or closing multi-million dollar business deals. Not fulfilling my purpose or achieving my vision was never an option for me, because I have this unexplainable burning desire to win.
Now I routinely work 16-hours a day to accomplish my goals. I tolerate the stress, the hardships and the shortcomings so that one day I can experience the incomparable high that accompanies achievement. I love the value I create for others through my various endeavors and am blessed with the opportunity to share the lessons I have learned throughout the years.
My grandparents’ inspiration helped me find the strength to stay “Locked In” again, so I could go back in the ring and even tell others out there to keep fighting.
I now know why it was so important to relaunch Algenoncash.com. We’re back to expand the “Locked In” movement with valuable content to influence, inspire and improve upon the many lives out there. Are you inspired by Ali’s passion? Are you ready to do what it takes to become the “greatest?”
This website will be used to encourage those of you who have felt knocked down … and inspire someone who is searching for his or her own level of greatness … whether it means starting that business, going back to school or releasing yourself from an abusive situation.
Being “Locked In” can help you discover the extra ounce of internal power to #keepfighting!
