"THINKING BIG AND LIVING LARGE"
COLORADO-WYOMING PETROLEUM MARKETERS ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
KEYSTONE LODGE, KEYSTONE, COLORADO, AUGUST 2, 2009

Usually people start talking about diets after we're eating. It's never when we're standing in the buffet line. It's after we've eaten. Plates are cleared, we sit back, pat our bellies, and say 'I have to do something about this.'

I'm offering you A PILL to help you think bigger and live larger. You and I have a choice every day about the kind of day you're going to start with.

A - Authenticity

Don't try to be somebody you aren't. It's important to be who you are and not something else. You all know people who spend their day trying to impress you.

Don't show off. It's just going to get you in trouble. All I can be is the best Al Walker I can be. I can't be anyone else.

P - Positive Expectation

We've all heard about the importance of a positive attitude. It is important. But I think there's more to it than that. How many of you know people who are happy but not making much of an effect in life. Positive expectations have to be followed by a solid, positive plan.

I - Ignorant.

There's a big difference between ignorant and stupid. Ignorance is curable. You can't do much with stupid.

Never lose your curiosity. I've never woken up and said 'I know everything I need to know.' But it sneaks in the back door. We don't read as much as we used to. We don't keep learning. When I was 43, I made a resolution to keep learning. I do two things: increase reading; and do one thing a year that was outside of the norm, something I didn't have to do as part of certification, my regular career. For example, I went to fly fishing school. And everything I've done, I've been able to use in my life.

L - Love

People who think about love, people who love their work, love the people they do it with and — not in a narcissistic way — they love themselves. They are able to express love.

Have you ever heard someone say 'People say thanks too much. They appreciate me too much'? You never hear that.

L - Laughter

Scientifically, it is humanly impossible to laugh and worry at the same time. If you're able to laugh, you're worry-free. Hard laughter is internal jogging.

Listen to humor radio. Read books about humor. Hang out with funny friends.

I don't know of any time we need laughter more than right now in troubled times.

I hope you take A PILL every morning.