Two decades ago I gave motivational talks. Following 911 several of my presentations were cancelled thus ending my word-of-mouth marketing. A busy psychiatric practice and hospital duties drained the enthusiasm for rebooting. I was soon forgotten by meeting planners.

Somewhere along the way I lost a fourteen page booklet, The 3% Solution: Proven Techniques for Rising to the Top During Times of Change, containing pearls of wisdom that I had labored over for many an hour. I couldn’t find the computer disk either. I combed the filing cabinets and storage bins, the closets and book shelves. No joy.

Heartbroken is too strong a word. Devastated–too melodramatic. Frustrated, perhaps, is the best word to explain my disappointment in losing valued material much of which hadn’t been duplicated in other booklets or handouts I had developed.

Then Vance Proctor called. He had heard me speak 25 years ago, we figured. In rummaging through some old files he can across The 3% Solution and decided to look me up and call.

• Character Builders: Those Characteristics that Enable You to Love, Work and Enjoy life:
• Altruism––earning your neighbor’s love by inspiring good will, gratitude, respect and happiness through service to others.
• Suppression––solving problems instead of ruminating about them.
• Sublimation––channeling frustration and anger into productive work.
• Anticipation––goal directed planning.
• Humor––a twinkle-in-the-eye kindness to yourself and others.
• Wisdom––by studying the scriptures and reading the classics we learn the consequences of bad behavior and the blessings of virtuous living. 
• Integrity––the answers to three questions asked of you (from Lou Holtz):
• Can I trust you?: Always do what is right.
• Do you care about me?: Follow the Golden Rule.
• Are you committed to excellence?: Always do the best you can in all that you do.

After receiving the package from Vance I wrote back, concluding with these words: