As the 2010 TTDA Convention came to a conclusion I was reminded of the great benefits and value a convention can provide. As one attendee said to me, “I was not sure I could spare the time to come this year, but made a last minute decision to attend and I am glad I did. I learned so much this year that I can use in my tire business. Plus I had a nice break from the routine”.

The 2010 TTDA Convention was very successful as you can see from the pictures found in the center of this issue. My thanks to all those who attended; to the Board members who helped with the program and especially to all our sponsors. You can see a list of the sponsors in this issue and I encourage you to support these companies who support TTDA. The TTDA convention provided an opportunity for the paths of very successful tire dealers to cross once again. This allows us to connect or reconnect with those who have similar goals and priorities. I believe that success breeds success. That is why I want to be around other successful business owners. I learn by listening and by sharing. Success is the result of several things and leadership is one element. One of the workshops during this year’s convention emphasized that point to all of us. I want to share some of what we discussed. I believe leadership is all about character and attitude. Leadership is the foundation of success. This includes things like temperament, personality, disposition, energy, stamina, strength, and most importantly, moral fiber. All of these areas require learning, practice and discipline. The following seven negative character traits are listed to help you recognize them and avoid or cure them.

1. Indifference: This is the mild approach to life. Apathy. Brought on by lack of direction. Cure: Get worked up about something! Hang around strong-minded people. Become focused on and committed to your major goal in life.
2. Indecision: This is mental paralysis brought on by vacillating hesitancy. Indecision is the greatest thief of opportunity, time, and happiness. Cure: Learn to make decisions knowing some of them are going to be wrong.
3. Doubt: Doubt is about a chronically negative mind. This is just plain being too skeptical. Self-doubt is the worst kind because it self-limits and robs you of conviction. Cure: Trust God, people, and programs.
4. Worry: Comes from fear and is fed by indecision. Worry is wasted mental energy forged in idleness. It causes health problems, social problems, economic problems, and family problems. Most of what we worry about never happens. Cure: Take action.
5. Over-caution: Timid approach to life and definitely not a leadership quality. Brought on by failing to take risks when an opportunity arises. Cure: Focus on the benefit of the opportunity, not on the risk.
6. Pessimism: Gloomiest possible view of a situation that develops into a false mental image becoming insurmountable and overwhelming. Cure: Focus on the good in every situation. Tell yourself, “This is not a problem; I can do it!”
7. Complaining: Whining, crying, griping, and expressing dissatisfaction and resentment. People who engage in constant complaining are not interested in results and tend to pull themselves and others down emotionally and physically. Cure: Develop a cheerful, happy, positive outlook on life.

There is no immunization for these diseases. We all suffer from them at one time or another, and to some degree or another. Like any disease, the important thing is to recognize it in its early stage and apply the cure. I am working to not let any of these negative attitudes keep me from being successful.

Hope you were able to attend the 2010 TTDA Convention. If not you truly missed an important opportunity and should make plans for Experience TTDA 2011 in Galveston Moody Gardens April 14-16, 2011.