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Interview with Neil Wood

Written on 04 October 2009 by Mark Lewis. 1 comment.

I met Neil a little over 10 years ago when he asked me to help him discover boating. We have kept in touch ever since those days and I recently had a chance to ask him some questions about his life and how he has gotten to where he is now.

Neil is the author of The Magic of Working Smarter and has motivated thousands in the financial industry with his energetic talks and fire walks.

Thank you Neil for sharing your wisdom and knowledge on how to take on life.

How did your youth define your passion and purpose in life?

My father traveled while he was in the Navy for 20 years, so during my youth, we shared very little time together. However, the time we did share was priceless! He taught what it took to be a successful athlete and encouraged me to practice whenever I could.

I became a student of the sport and excelled at my chosen sports from age 10 to 30. I went from All Stars to the United States Olympic Trials.

The first lesson I learned was simple. If you want to be among the top 10% or 1% - you’ve got to do what most people aren’t willing to do. Have the discipline, a strong work ethic and the goal to be excellent - not mediocre!

The 2nd lesson I learned was of lifestyle. We grew up Poor and it was really embarrassing. I had a few wealthy friends and saw how they lived. When I was about 13, I vowed to work as hard as I needed to in order to become financially successful, while also being a great father and role model.

So my passion and purpose in life came easily. Whether you are playing sports or in business, do something you LOVE and decide to become the very best you can be. The lessons I learned as a young aspiring athlete, fit perfectly when I decided to become a successful father and businessman.

If you want to be among the best, you’ve got to work smart and have big, exciting goals!

What are some big exciting goals that you have achieved?

Mark, one of the most exciting goals I achieved was the realization that I became what I set out to do as a kid:a loving and supporting father, a great provider for my family, a happy marriage and financial success.

Other achievements include: Winning 2 marathons, qualifying for and competing in The US Olympic Trials in 1984, authoring and publishing a book, becoming a professional speaker and living the Dream!

What is your attitude towards your failed goals?

I’ve learned MORE from the setbacks than I have from my accomplishments. It teaches me what does not work, which inspires me to find ways that do work.

Example: my first marathon was in Athens Greece in 1980. Not knowing how to pace myself, I went flying through the first 15 miles like my pants were on fire. Then I hit the “wall” and jogged/walked the last 11 miles. Not fun, very painful and a time of 3 1/2 hours. My next marathon was Boston in 1983, where I trained correctly, then paced myself and ran 2 hours and 25 minutes. 6 months later I set the NH record of 2:17.

Some people just wilt when they don’t accomplish a goal. I just figure out what went wrong, how to correct and try it again. That same philosophy works with babies trying to learn how to walk. They just keep trying again and again.

I never consider myself a failure because of a goal not accomplished. I know I’m a winner and will succeed if I continue trying.

Earlier you had mentioned you competed in the US Olympic Trials for running. What kept you from trying out for the US Olympic Team again?

I did try to qualify again in 1988 but did not run fast enough to meet the standard. I needed a 2hr 22 minute race and ran 2hr 24 minutes. Part of the reason was that I started a new career in financial services in 1987, and most of my work days (including a commute from and to NH) were 15 hours long.

At least I gave it a shot and trained 10-20 miles daily. No regrets. My wife said it was time to grow up and get a real job. That ended that dream!

C’est la vie. I’ve made a lot of money since and I still stay very fit.

Do you think money can buy happiness?

Happiness comes from the inside. I know very wealthy people who are lonely and miserable. I know people with very little money who enjoy every day. I was a happy person when I was broke and happy when I was a millionaire.

Having said that, I’ve been “with money and without,” and it’s so much sweeter to have a lot of money. You can do so much more and I always feel more independent.

In your book, you talk about life coaches. What role have life coaches played in your success?

The coaches I’ve employed have helped me succeed faster and better than most in: Business, marathon racing, golf, professional speaking/presentations, Life balance, health and wellness and even how to guide a Grady White into the dock!

Coaches simply have more experience and can help the student/client make progress quickly - as long as the student is willing to give the effort and trust the coach.

Example: I know many guys who have golfed for 30 years and are still terrible. When they proudly tell me they’ve never taken a lesson, my mind goes in two directions: 1. That’s obvious and 2. Why NOT?? You’ll spend $550 on a new driver but not 50 bucks to hit your 13 other clubs more effectively? Duh? Thanks to my coach and effort: My handicap went from a 13 to a 7 in one season. That’s phenomenal progress!

The same is true with my marathon success. My coach helped me realize that running 20 miles a day does not make a great runner. Most elite runners can do that. But add flexibility training, weight training and rest days, then see how your body responds. That was amazing!

Coaches help you get on the faster track to success and are worth the money they charge for their services.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take on life?

My advice to someone who wants to take on LIFE is to follow your heart and do something YOU love. It is true, the money will follow - IF you provide a service or product that is valuable to others.

Also set a goal to be the very best that you can be in your chosen field. There is too much mediocrity in the workplace. Aim for excellence and you will shine like the beacon at the lighthouse. Surround yourself with other people with real positive attitudes. You will all bring each other up, when needed.

Tell yourself a positive message everyday. Few others if any will do that for you - so do it for yourself. Never give up hope - no matter how desperate things look. This is when we grow the most.

I never met the man but I like his quote.

Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by things you didn’t try than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover”

Give it your best and have fun in life as you Take on life!

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