How to be a Power Player: Life Lessons on Becoming Successful

1 September 2011 One Comment

Eb Reinbergs

By Eb Reinbergs

Life is a game of chess in which each of us plays a role. Some of us are pawns. Some are knights. Regardless of our current station in life, we all share one common drive – to become the king or queen of our respective domain.

But success comes with hard work and proper direction. In order to become a Power Player, you must have the desire and the determination to succeed. There are certain characteristics shared by successful people and if you want to join the club, you’ve got to “Be Like Mike!”

As a corporate and entertainment lawyer I have had the opportunity to represent hundreds of people. Only a few of these individuals meet my definition of “Power Player”. Of the few, no matter where they began their journey in life – be it in the “hood” or Forest Hill- they have excelled in their chosen profession, and they all share one thing in common – Passion! It is the key to their success. Celebrity chef, professional athlete or financial whiz, successful people share a love and passion for the substance of their career.

Just think of any of the world’s “most successful” people. Close your eyes and place three people into your mind’s eye and you will be hard pressed to separate passion from profession. I speak from experience when I tell you that Sean “P. Diddy” Combs loves music. It courses through his veins. The same way Lebron James breathes basketball and Donald Trump lives property development. The list goes on and on. Each of these individuals has a passion for their field. Their love has propelled them to learn everything about it and their passion fuels them to indulge themselves in it constantly.

It was Confucius who said, “If you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life.” All of my successful clients live and breathe this philosophy. They have discovered success through the pursuit of happiness and in many ways they are already retired.

To discover our passions in life we must simply observe the things that come most natural to us. Given the opportunity, we all gravitate towards the things in which we find enjoyment. The activities you engage in during your “off time” and the books and magazines you read are all indicators of your interests. By seeking a career engaging in these activities, you give yourself an advantage over your colleagues and competition – one that can only propel you to the top of your field.

It should always be remembered that Power Players aren’t born … they are made. And the start of your journey toward success begins with loving your particular field.

Eb Reinbergs is a corporate and entertainment lawyer based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada specializing in the representation of successful, talent, events and entrepreneurs. He is often referred to as the “the man … behind the man … behind the man.” Check out his website www.ebreinbergs.com.