Back in January, I had a big idea.

There were so many fantastic lessons I’d had the chance to learn along the way, even while I was struggling. I wrote the book Possess Your Success because I wanted to reach more people and help others take control of their success and it’s already started to maximize my impact.

Most of the people I work with are trying to find their direction as adults. They finished high school or college but want more out of life. I knew this information would be invaluable to teenagers who need to understand how they can take control of their future before they graduate. So I thought having a huge book giveaway to students in high school would help them learn how to achieve their dreams before they started to strike out into the world. I could maximize the impact by donating 1,000 books.

Before, it was just an idea in my head. Now, it’s becoming a reality.

There are so many pitfalls in school. Growing up is full of choices, obstacles, and completely uncertain situations. At that age, their resources are limited to parents, peers, and any readily available adults. They don’t have the same opportunities to network, reach out, and find other people to give them real world tools for success.

In disadvantaged communities, this is doubly reinforced. The schools are usually underfunded and understaffed. There are negative influences and opportunities to fall into a bad life without stability or a future. Many of these kids just need one person to believe in them or one great opportunity to show what they can do.

I’ve always been passionate about service and as I try to find success for myself, I want to make sure I’m also finding ways to help others. A huge part of the Possess Your Success mission and the growth of my career has come from an overwhelming desire to help other people get ahead in life.

Earlier this year, I found the right inspiration for my book giveaway in EOFire’s John Lee Dumas. He created a Kickstarter campaign to launch his idea—The Freedom Journal. He raised over $450,000 from thousands of backers to make his vision a reality. Since the product launched at the end of February, he’s sold over 11,000 copies to different dreamers and believers across the globe to help them take charge of their goals. He also partnered his idea with Pencils of Promise, a non-profit that builds schools and provides supplies in developing countries like Laos, Ghana, and Guatemala, so that others can benefit from the success of his idea.

With a portion of each of those 11,000 sales going back to the organization, his impact has already been tremendous.

His Kickstarter campaign was an excellent example of “crowdfunding”, a fundraising platform that’s grown exponentially over the last 5 years. Before, money is loaned or invested in larger sums, which can be difficult to get in the early stages of any career. Plenty of entrepreneurs still handle all of their business this way without issue.

Now, with a few clicks and a lot of courage, you personally have the opportunity to find backers all over the world. This is like the candy bar and wrapping paper fundraisers back in the day—only these customers are buying your idea, not just chocolate. People who normally don’t have the money to invest in ideas can put in just a few dollars to see something come to life down the road. Individual contributions are often small but they add up fast. Fans have been able to raise funds for new video games, music albums, and even feature-length films. It’s leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs and artists everywhere. Crowdfunding has also been a huge part of success for a variety of charitable projects, sometimes partnered like Pencils of Promise but often independent.

With this picture in mind, I started taking major steps towards fulfilling my January dream—giving away 1,000 copies of my book to youths in disadvantaged communities. But, a massive book giveaway is no easy task. This was a challenging goal with a lot of different pieces so I had to start a timeline. I’ve also had to reach out and find the best resources for the project. There are fortunately many people who want to see more successful young adults coming out of high school and into the workforce. I’ve also begun a working relationship with an awesome campaign manager who is on fire and raring to start the book giveaway. We’re working closely to put together a manageable timeline to execute this dream. The possibility seems endless.

On May 16, 2016, I’ll be launching the crowdfunding campaign to give away 1,000 books! I’ve already started working with potential partner schools and connecting with programs that help disadvantaged youth. But, having my network and a team of supporters like you is what’s truly going to bring this change to life! To keep track this project as it grows, click here and enter your email address. You’ll receive updates on the project’s fundraising and our major milestone.

 

How Can You Help?

At its heart, Possess Your Success is a grassroots movement driven by parents, teachers, friends, and any loving soul who cares about our youth and young adults taking ownership of their success. Although we are a for-profit company and not a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, I believe all companies have a responsibility to improve lives within the communities in which they operate.

Whether or not you donate to our campaign, you can still help us make history with this book giveaway. Anyone anywhere can help spread the word and help us connect with the neediest U.S. school districts should get involved.

1. Financial donations–anything you can spare will help me and my team inspire these high school students to succeed. Every dollar counts.

2. Beyond money–I need your help spreading the word!

 

Here are some ways you can do just that:

1. Do you know someone who works at one of our nation’s neediest schools? A dedicated teacher, principal, or board member? Share my contact form. so they can request a manuscript copy of Possess Your Success. 

2. Recruit a local group to get involved by donating time or energy to our work. This opportunity is great for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and any other similar organization–we’ll find really awesome ways for them to get involved! 

3. If you know a business or organization who would love to be our sponsoring donor–featuring a full page dedicated to them both in digital and print copies for an entire year–connect us to them! Share my contact form here.

4. Spread the word about #PossessYourSuccess on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on our movement.

 

I’m incredibly excited to see this future and I hope you’ll join me in changing lives.