Dale Collie is a full-time speaker and author, who used to be a U.S. Army Ranger, corporate president and professor at West Point. He was selected by "Fast Company" as one of America's "Fast 50 innovative leaders."

Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
Three elements have contributed significantly to my inner strength:
a. My solid family structure and high expectations
b. Self-confidence fostered by my training as a U.S. Army Ranger where I found I could perform far beyond my expectations
c. Spiritual confidence in discovering Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior

When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
My inner strength was most tested and perhaps most developed during my year-long recovery from combat wounds. In all of this I learned I could make a comeback and more importantly, I could help others at the same time. At Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver, I was among hundreds of other amputees and severely wounded young men. I took on the task of finding gainful employment for each of them during their time at the hospital, and their participation contributed to their own recovery of self-confidence and physical healing.

What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
It is sad when people fail to understand their capabilities. I know what it was like before I understood my own ability and capability, and I've seen what can happen when people believe in themselves.

This is not to suggest that people can achieve everything themselves. We all need the support and encouragement of others, but success for all of us involves three elements.

a. Getting a vision for what can be accomplished
b. Preparing for the journey
c. Perseverance

A lot of people don't get past the vision stage because they don't realize all they have. Others get a vision but fail to get ready to achieve. And the greatest hazard for most people is in the perseverance.

I've developed a list of ways we can achieve these goals and it's free to anyone who wants to e-mail a request for it. Just send for the auto-responder at impossible@couragebuilders.com

If a person is completely without a clue about their inner strength, I suggest they go out and help others in a significant way. Start out at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen. Try helping people at a nursing home. Just visit people at these places. Get to know them.

Move on to volunteering at a museum, a highway cleanup, a children's hospital. Volunteer to work with high school or college students.

You'll be surprised at how much you know and how much you have to offer. You'll be surprised at how much you are appreciated. And in all of this, you'll find that your inner strength is growing.

Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
Around the world I've met people who are on both sides of this subject, some who feel like they can conquer the world and others who can barely get out of bed everyday. Our inner strength is what helps us achieve, to make a contribution to society and the world. It's sad to see people who are only along for the ride when they can contribute so much more to those in need.

What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
My next goals are to use my life-long experiences for the benefit of others. My writing and professional speaking are intended to help others succeed. All I've learned and all I've experienced is available to others so they don't have to repeat the hard-learned lessons that I've been through. And if God wants to use me to help someone gain that inner strength that has been so important to me, I'm available.