Do you remember your first job?

When I was in grade school, I earned money shoveling snow, mowing people's lawns, washing cars and picking up dog poop for neighbors. I still carry with me the lessons I learned back then. I learned to be willing and eager to work hard. I learned that if you care about people and do a great job, people will hire you again. I learned that if people like you, they will recommend you to their friends and peers.

People forget sometimes that every great achievement began with a goal and was backed by commitment, hard work, persistence and gradual improvement. To illustrate this, I started to keep a list of first jobs that famous people have worked. When you look at them now, you cannot imagine they ever did anything other then what they do now.

But we all start somewhere. Here is a list of some famous people and their first jobs:

Madeline Albright, former US Sec of State
first job: Dept Store Bra Sales Clerk

Alan Dershowitz, Author, Attorney
first job: Deli Factory Worker

Michael Eisner, former CEO Disney
first job: Camp Counselor

Nancy Grace, CNN Host, Attorney
first job: Sears Candy Clerk

Jay Leno, Comedian, Host of The Tonight Show
first job: McDonalds

Cal Ripken, jr, Former Major League Baseball player
first job: Errand Boy in Minor League Clubhouse

Tony Robbins, Author, Motivational Speaker
first job: Janitor

Gene Simmons, KISS Rock Star
first job: Paper Boy

Russell Simmons, Founder Def Jam Records
first job: fast food- Orange Julius

George Steinbrenner, owner NY Yankees
first job: Raising Chickens

Isiah Thomas, Former NBA Basketball Player
first job: Shoe Shine Boy

Donald Trump, Real Estate Investor
first job: Collected Soda Bottles, then Rent Money for father

Oprah Winfrey, Billionaire, Talk Show Host
first job: Radio Station Announcer

Many millionaires started as paper boys or worked in fast food. There were many humble beginnings from people who went on to change the world. These people were born with greatness inside them, just like you have greatness inside you. These people progressed, improved themselves, worked hard and grew into their greatness. These people never gave up on their dreams.

No matter your current occupation, what you do is not who you are. We all have to start somewhere.

The people who rise to greatness in anything follow their bliss. They don't squander their time. They get started and keep on keeping on.

What gift or passion do you posses that you have been yearning to develop or pursue?

What secret dreams do you harbor that you haven't started yet?

What are you waiting for?

Set your goals and get it going.

Make your move.

No one else can do it for you.

Take the next step.

Live Your Dreams,

Jill Koenig