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Motivational speaker Greg Smith teaches 'inner strength.'  His winning attitude, built from his disability experience and his sports coaching and sportscasting background are symbolized in the red and black Strength Coach logo.


'Slanted copy of Greg's memoir, 'On A Roll.'

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Discussion Group Study Guide

Contact:
Greg Smith, On A Roll Communications
http://www.OnARollBook.com
877-331-7563

ON A ROLL:
REFLECTIONS FROM AMERICA’S
WHEELCHAIR DUDE
WITH THE WINNING ATTITUDE

(On a Roll Communications, October 2005)

CHAPTER 1: Beating the Bottle Cap
Greg describes a situation in his life in which he became determined and fixated on solving a problem. Can you remember a time in your life when you were faced with a challenge and became determined to solve it? Is there a particular obstacle or limitation in your life right now that is holding you back? What would it feel like to move past that barrier? What resources would you need to overcome this limitation? How might it empower you to be skeptical of the word "can't?"

CHAPTER 2: “I’ve Never Felt Sorry for Myself a Day in My Life.”
Greg talks about his early childhood and the people and influences that established the foundation for his personal development. Who were the people in your life in your early childhood? What experiences led to your successes and your failures? Is there anything in your developmental years which either empowered you for successes, or created self-limiting beliefs? If you had bad experiences as a young child, how have you resolved to move beyond them, rather than allowing them to negatively impact your life now?

CHAPTER 3: The Walking Stops
Greg endures spinal fusion surgery and an eight-week hospital stay to deal with his scoliosis. Have you ever been through a major medical crisis? Have you ever been in a situation where you had to make a life or death medical decision? Have you ever been through rehabilitation? If you got through that, can you get through the daily challenges of life with more confidence? Why or why not?

CHAPTER 4: Rolling with the Band
In high school, Greg was involved in several extra-curricular activities at the same time. How do you think this impacted his social development despite the fact that he was in a wheelchair? Do you think forcing yourself to be around other people in organized settings builds social skills? Do you belong to a team, club or group? Does being a part of this reading group make you feel connected? What are some of the groups you belong to, and what is the value of your membership?

CHAPTER 5: The Need for Speed
Greg expresses the liberation he felt upon receiving his first power wheelchair. When in your life have you felt the most free? Visualize how you looked during your greatest liberation. What did you feel capable of achieving at that moment? What would it take now to feel a similar release?

CHAPTER 6: “The Voice of the Mustangs”
Greg describes his first moments on the radio when he knew he would have a career in broadcasting. Can you remember when you first began doing something that you’re passionate about? Is that your career focus today? If yes, how has your career met or exceeded your expectations? If no, what is the first action you need to take to work toward your passion again? What words of encouragement have kept you enthused about pursuing your passion?

CHAPTER 7: Rolling into the Valley of the Sun
Greg experiences his first true independence as he begins his college education on the campus of Arizona State University. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, how would you rate your current level of self-esteem? What would make your self-esteem higher? What forces are limiting your self-esteem? Consider the people in your inner circle and evaluate whether they uplift you or draw on your strength. Name three specific incidents in the past month where you have motivated someone.

CHAPTER 8: Sweetness
Greg savors the memory of capturing an exclusive recording of Chicago Bears player Walter Payton. Who is someone you have yet-to-meet with whom you strongly identify? What parallel characteristics do you have with that person? What five questions would you most like to ask your role model? Write a letter conveying your appreciation to your mentor.

CHAPTER 9: The Misunderstood Brother
Greg joins the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and embraces his African-American culture. What attributes does your culture value? How connected do you feel to your culture? Ask your local librarian bookstore to suggest some reading material to help you appreciate your culture. Note on your calendar/daily planner each time you celebrate your culture and see if the number of notations surprises you.

CHAPTER 10: Working for a Living
Greg transitions from being a college student to earning an income and living in his own house. What was most significant about your first employment? What is the current status of your resume? Update your resume if you haven’t done so in the past year. Role-play an interview for your dream job…be sure to convey how you credentials and experience qualify you for the position? What was most significant about your first home? How would you design your dream home…what features would it have? Browse current real estate listings to see what is currently on the market.

CHAPTER 11: A Woman, a Vehicle, and a Break
Greg’s relationships with women evolve and become serious. How fulfilling is the main relationship in your life? How does your partner/spouse help you to be a better person? How do you help your partner/spouse? What is your idea of a romantic getaway? How comfortable do you feel spending time alone?

CHAPTER 12: “I got the job!”
Greg becomes one of the KTAR team when he is hired to be the radio station’s research director. Consider some instances when you have been a part of a team. What assets did each member contribute to your effort? How did your contributions help to achieve the ultimate outcome? List the reasons why you think teamwork is important. How could a team help you accomplish your next major goal? Of all the people you know, who would you assemble to accomplish your mission?

CHAPTER 13: Greg Jr.
Greg celebrates the birth of his first son Greg Jr. Compile your list of top 10 life milestones and find as many pictures as you can of how you celebrated these occasions. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? What would you like your legacy to be? Fill in the blanks of the following sentence: I am incredibly proud of _______________, because _______________. What is your main wish for your child/children?

CHAPTER 14: “On a Roll!”
Greg develops the idea for his On A Roll radio program and turns it into reality. How successful are you about working toward long-term goals? How are others reacting to the goals you have set for yourself? What is an example of a time when a conflict has led you to making a move in a positive direction? Outline the steps you would have to take to accomplish your next major feat. When did you first realize your life purpose? Assess how close you are to reaching your goal and rate your progress. What are the top three factors limiting your success now? How can you surmount these challenges?

CHAPTER 15: On the Air
Greg listens to the advice of others as his radio program and family grows. How receptive are you to other people’s opinions? What is your general reaction when someone offers a suggestion? When was the last time someone gave you advice that was helpful? Consider the reasons why multiple perspectives of an idea are beneficial. Who would have valuable information about your current goal?

CHAPTER 16: Using my Clout
Greg realizes the power of reputation. How do others view you? When have you been instrumental in resolving a conflict? What opportunities have you had in the past month to interact with people in your field who have clout? How objectively are you able to analyze situations where you have mixed feelings? When have you experienced transitional times in your life? What enabled you to make it through the transition and reach the next level of achievement?

CHAPTER 17: Moving Forward
Greg continues to push his radio program in spite of problems in his personal life. What percentage of your time do you devote to your career and your family? What forces in your life are diminishing your energy? When was the last time you spent a full 30 minutes networking to grow closer to your goal…if it was more than one month ago, devote an hour to networking within the next 10 days. What are the five most positive aspects of your life right now? Consider what makes you productive…is it being well-rested, bouncing ideas of another person, putting your ideas in writing? Whatever it is, brainstorm a plan to increase your productivity.

CHAPTER 18: Syndication at Last
Greg’s “On A Roll” radio program is syndicated because he chose to reject naysayers. How do you counteract disappointments? What is your level of tenacity? Make note of the number of times you say, “I can’t…” When you tally five “I can’t!” statements, list 10 tasks on a sheet of paper that you can do well. Spend time with a child and read him/her the book, “The Little Engine Who Could.” The next time you find yourself listless, make a spontaneous decision.

CHAPTER 19: Spreading my Wings
Greg regains control of his life after ending his marriage. Evaluate the relationships in your life…are they helpful or hurtful? If they are hurtful, think of exit routes. What is preventing you from getting out of the abusive situation? How long does it typically take you to heal after you have been hurt emotionally? Who have you struggled to forgive…why have you been so intent on blaming this person? What have been the benefits of looking to the future as opposed to reflecting on your past?

CHAPTER 20: The Web Master
Greg takes his career highs and lows as they come. What could you do to improve your image? What cause/group would you be proud to represent and serve? What experiences have you tried that have become more meaningful in retrospect? Complete the following sentence: I will consider myself successful when ____________________. How do you typically react to disappointment? What are the next three milestones in your life that you are eagerly anticipating?

CHAPTER 21: Fighting Through Tough Times
Greg transitions from a world traveler to a home prisoner in a matter of two weeks. When in your life have you felt trapped? What helps you release yourself emotionally? How capable are you of stretching your imagination? Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? How did that tragic day impact your life? What experiences from your childhood have significantly impacted you later in life? What blessings are you grateful to have? Describe a time when you communicated a need that generated action.

CHAPTER 22: A Dream Realized at Wrigley
Greg searches his soul and finds contentment. Review the inspirational questions Greg used and ask them of yourself. What resources in your own community could you be using more effectively? What area of your life could be better organized? Search through family photos and pull out your favorite pictures. Share the best pictures with others. Then, visualize the next five photos you want to capture on film. Complete the following sentence: When I am 100 years old, I will always be grateful I ________________.

CHAPTER 23: Our 11-Year Roll
Greg realizes that some aspect of his life remains unfulfilled. What life lessons have you learned that you would like to convey to others? What kind of people could you mentor? How could you make a positive impact in another person’s life? To what extent do you reveal your emotions? How closely does what you feel on the inside match the attitude you exude?

CHAPTER 24: The Strength Coach
Greg risks making a change and transitions his “On A Roll” program into a more mainstream endeavor. What risk, if you took it, could substantially improve the quality of your life? What are the possible outcomes if you take the risk? Role play a scenario where you and a friend are weighing the virtues of taking your risk. What plan do you have in place to ensure that your risk-taking will get off to a good start? What is your back-up plan? How much star potential do you have?

CHAPTER 25: The Ramp to Stardom
Greg defines his ultimate mission and invites readers to internalize his inner strength. How excited are you each morning to get your day started? What is your personal mission statement? What tangible proof do you have that your goals are developing? Complete the following sentence: If I could be the first at something, I would be the first ____________________. What keeps you going when you feel confined by your limits?

EPILOGUE: Dive into Your Dreams
Greg experiences the thrill of scuba diving. When your life is coming to a close, in your last minutes, what scenes do you expect to flash through your mind? Describe cases where you have been rewarded for confronting a fear. What is your next big dream?

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