Rico Sharp went from nineteen arrests and homelessness to becoming a global speaker and mentor. In his third prison stint, he realized his own worth and decided to change. He tells leaders not to write off anyone who looks lost, because investing in them can create world-changers.
Chapters
Change the world one life at a time. You see that guy in that blue outfit? He's 19 years old. He's in prison. That is his prison photo. He was being from the age of 13 to the age of 19 on drugs, homeless, addicted to cocaine, and living a criminal life. How old are you? Having been rejected by his family, not knowing who he would be or if he has anything worth living. He would go to jail 19 times, that guy right there, and then he would go to prison 3 times, that same guy right there in that blue. But on the— on the 19th time of being incarcerated, 3rd time of being in prison, he began to discover something about himself that he did not know for the first 19 years of his life. What? And that is that he is somebody special, that he can live, that he can turn his life around, that he can make a difference in this world, that he has something to offer humanity, that he can be a productive citizen in society, that he's a world changer, that he himself is a lifesaver. And the moment he discovered that, the moment he discovered that I don't have to bow to my mental illness, The moment he just helped me out, there is help for me. The moment he started seeking for tools to help him build his life, he did just that, ladies and gentlemen. And that picture on the right, that's that same guy years later traveling around the world, speaking to millions, helping people to bring out the best in them. That's the same guy on the right who has written books, who goes into jails and prisons and hospitals and churches and Federal government agencies and state agencies and city and county agencies. That's the same guy who is now standing before you right now. I am that guy. So I say to you in closing, do not ever give up on somebody who is sitting in your office Even if they look like that they're never going to get it, they're never going to learn, they're never going to catch on, they're never going to measure up, keep working on them, keep pouring into them because not only are you bringing out the best in you but you're bringing out the best in them and one day they themselves will be a world changer and you will be the reason that they will be able to pour life into so many other people around the world. Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Rico Sharp. Thank you so much for allowing me to have this time to talk to you. I want to leave you with this. Always reach for the moon, because even if you miss, you will land among the stars. Always be willing to aim high and hit nothing instead of aiming low and hitting everything. Most people fail in life not because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit. So always strive to be on top, because it's the bottom that's overcrowded. Thank Your you. attitude toward life determines your altitude toward life. Always understand that other people's opinions of you matters not to the determination of your potential nor the dictation of your destiny. Understand that do not walk in the shadows of those you admire, but discover your own passion and dare to aspire, for then you will realize your greatness and live a life that inspires. For life is what you make it. When the opportunity comes, you take it. You be sharp and maximize your life and make yourself a great life. And think sharp, talk sharp, walk sharp, dress sharp, plan sharp, live sharp, and you'll be sharp. Take it from me, I'm Rico Sharp. I know. God bless you. God bless you.
