Those committed to making a difference.

IN THE BOOK TITLED What Kids Need to Succeed, the author discusses four foundations for adult achievement: refusing to fail, working hard, developing discipline, and giving back. All of these traits, developed at a young age, are ways that many adults would proudly describe themselves today.

* Refusing to Fail -- Learning how to overcome adversity and dealing with consequences. Persistence and determination are looked upon with favor.

* Working Hard -- Working for what you want. A strong work ethic can produce amazing results.

* Developing Discipline -- Obtaining something worth having means something else may have to be sacrificed. Rules and behavior are consistent with what you hope to achieve.

* Giving Back -- We all have something to be thankful for. If nothing else, another day to get up, enjoy and spend in the door and hardware industry. We all have some responsibility to give of our time, talents and financial means, when we can.

Recently, I listened to a former college baseball player speaking to a group of middle-school ball players. During the course of his talk, he mentioned some of these four traits, but he specifically zeroed in on developing discipline and giving back.

He noted that the reason he went on to play college baseball was not because he was the best athlete, but because he wanted it more than others. He worked harder. He sacrificed. He developed a discipline that compensated for what may have been perceived as "lesser talent." He gave up things he loved to do in order to get better at his craft. When he went out onto that field, he left no doubt in the coach's mind that he should be playing every day.

And now, after having played at a high level, he is giving back by helping younger kids get one step closer to realizing the dream he has already achieved.

Now, what does any of this have to do with doors, hardware, safety and security?

How many of us have something to offer to those who don't even know what this industry is about? What message could any one of us share on refusing to fail, developing discipline and giving back to an industry that provides so many good things to so many of us.

One can easily look around and see everything that is wrong with the world. The question to each of us becomes, "What can I do about the challenges that we face each and every day?"

I think it is fair to say that each of us, in our own way, have an opportunity to take action every day.

Maybe it is attending that chapter meeting that you would rather not go to next Tuesday night. Maybe it's attending a PTA meeting as a concerned parent who can explain why the proposal for additional security in your child's elementary school is a good thing.

The Foundation continues to take action every day to further the advancement of life safety and security in the built environment. Our work would not be possible without the traits that many of you have shown that have allowed you to donate your time and financial resources to our success.

Your hard work, and the belief in what we are doing, has translated into the Foundation being able to educate, create awareness and provide goodwill activities that promote the door and hardware industry in a very favorable way.

The traits that many of you had instilled in you as children have now lead to your success later in life--a position which provides you with the opportunity to make a real difference each and every day. As Director of the Foundation, I'd just like to thank you for your dedication and sacrifices that are helping us make a difference as well.

By Bill Johnson, Managing Director, Foundation for the Advancement of Life Safety and Security

Bill Johnson can be reached at bjohnson@dhi.org or (703) 766-7039. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.lifesafetysecurity.org.