“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen” — Michael Jordan

JT McCormick has overcome a lot of obstacles. I mean, a LOT of obstacles. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview and develop a relationship with him.

His mother was an orphan. His father was a pimp and drug dealer. Upon being deserted, JT was forced to live with his father’s prostitutes for years, taking care of his younger step-siblings. He was only 8 years old. He received his High School diploma from the janitor during summer school. He was homeless, living on a park bench. Talk about adversity, huh?

JT then got into sales. He was the lowest paid employee and, within 2 years, became the President of the company. He is now the President & CEO of Book in a Box. He is business partners with Tucker Max. How did he do it? How did the overcome the odds and become an inspiration to everyone he comes from?

“Life truly is mindset and choices” — JT McCormick

JT’s mindset has helped him to improve his craft and become a tremendous leader. This mindset helped him become resilient through tough times. It’s also what helps him to display servant leadership.

An example of this is shown when he talks about his co-workers. They aren’t his employees. “We’re a tribe”, he says. “People work with me, not for me”. This type of leadership mentally, highlighted in Simon Sinek’s book Leaders Eat Last, has driven his tribe forward.

Though his mindset is strong, it’s his actions that truly separate JT. He didn’t become this way through luck; it was through old-fashioned hard work. For example, his day starts at 3:45 am. He spends this early morning time reading and studying past entrepreneurs and businesses to learn from their paths. This is all in an effort to maximize his time before his family, and the rest of the world wakes up.

JT says that life is full of choices.

“You have to sacrifice. Don’t run from it — everyone has to sacrifice something”.

Take a page from JT’s book. How can you develop a tougher mindset? And how can you take more action? These are two things that are in your control and can make the ultimate difference in your success.

“I don’t wish. I don’t hope. I don’t get lucky. I believe in myself and execute”.